FLY TO BISHOP
Direct United Airlines flights to Bishop from San Francisco and Denver.
TRIP PLANNER
There is no single best time to visit Inyo County. The region offers year-round recreation across dramatically different elevations and landscapes.
Summer is popular for hiking, camping, fishing, climbing, and exploring the high country as snow melts from the Sierra Nevada. Fall brings cooler temperatures, changing aspens, fewer crowds, and excellent road trip conditions throughout the Eastern Sierra.
Winter is one of the best times to explore lower elevation destinations like Death Valley National Park, the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, and Buttermilk Country while skiing and snowboarding continue nearby in Mammoth Lakes.
Spring brings wildflowers, flowing creeks, fishing season, and the gradual reopening of higher elevation recreation areas throughout the region.
Yes. Rental cars are available in Bishop and at Eastern Sierra Regional Airport:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
RV rental options are also available through:
Bishop RV Rentals
Because Inyo County covers a large geographic area with limited public transportation, having a vehicle is strongly recommended for most visitors.
One of the reasons Inyo County is popular for road trips is its accessibility from several major western cities.
Drive times can vary depending on weather, traffic, and which part of Inyo County you are visiting, but most visitors reach the region by driving Highway 395 through the Eastern Sierra.
Drive from Los Angeles to Inyo County:
≈ 3.5 to Death Valley
≈ 3 hours to Lone Pine
≈ 4 hours to Bishop
Drive from Las Vegas to Inyo County:
≈ 2.5 to Death Valley
≈ 4 hours to Lone Pine
≈ 5.5 hours to Bishpp
Flight from San Francisco to Inyo County:
≈ 4 hours to Lone Pine
≈ 1.15 (flight) to Bishop
Inyo County offers a combination of hotels, motels, campgrounds, RV parks, resorts, and short-term rentals throughout the Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley.
Death Valley
Lone Pine
Independence
Big Pine
Bishop
The closest airport serving much of Inyo County is Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop. United Airlines offers seasonal direct flights between San Francisco and Bishop, with flight times around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Other nearby airports commonly used by visitors include:
BIshop Regional Airport
Mammoth Yosemite Airport
Harry Reid International Airport
Reno–Tahoe International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Many visitors combine flights with scenic Highway 395 road trips through the Eastern Sierra.
Drive times vary depending on destination, weather, and season:
Bishop to Lone Pine: about 1 hour
Las Vegas to Death Valley: about 2.5 to 3 hours
Reno to Bishop: about 4 to 5 hours
Los Angeles to Lone Pine: about 4 to 5 hours
Flight schedules to Eastern Sierra airports may change seasonally depending on weather and airline operations.
Inyo County includes fragile desert ecosystems, alpine environments, cultural sites, and remote public lands that can be heavily impacted by visitation. Visitors are encouraged to stay on established roads and trails, pack out all trash, respect wildlife and cultural resources, follow fire restrictions, and practice Leave No Trace principles throughout the Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley.
BISHOP AIRPORT FAQ’S
Fly Direct from San Francisco & Denver
Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH) is located just east of Bishop in the heart of California’s Eastern Sierra. Sitting at an elevation of 4,124 feet, the airport serves as a convenient gateway to some of the West’s most iconic landscapes, including Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park.
In addition to serving general aviation traffic, BIH offers seasonal commercial air service through United Express with direct flights to San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN). Whether you’re visiting for hiking, climbing, fishing, skiing, or exploring the region’s wide-open spaces, flying into Bishop provides quick and easy access to adventures throughout Inyo County and the Eastern Sierra.
WINTER SERVICE
Daily flights: Now through April 4, 2026
Additional Saturday service: February 14 – April 4, 2026
Two flights operate each Saturday during this period.
SUMMER & FALL SERVICE
May 21 – June 24, 2026
Flights operate 4 days per week.
June 25 – September 1, 2026
Daily flights.
September 2 – October 26, 2026
Flights operate 4 days per week.
For your convenience, there are two United Self Check-In Kiosks.
Additional flights may be added for holiday periods, and all schedules are subject to change. Please check in 1.5 hours prior to the flight. Gate closes 45 minutes before flight time.
WINTER SERVICE
Now – April 27, 2026
Daily flights provide convenient access to the Eastern Sierra throughout the winter season.
Expanded weekend service available now through April 4, 2026:
Additional Friday evening arrival / Saturday morning departure
Additional Saturday evening arrival / Sunday morning departure
These added weekend flights make it even easier to plan a ski trip, winter getaway, or long weekend in the Eastern Sierra.
For your convenience, there are two United Self Check-In Kiosks.
Additional flights may be added for holiday periods, and all schedules are subject to change. Please check in 1.5 hours prior to the flight. Gate closes 45 minutes before flight time.
Outdoor, uncovered parking is available at Eastern Sierra Regional Airport for both short-term and extended stays.
Parking Rates
Day Parking
Free
Passenger Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Free
Overnight Parking
$6 per day
Visitors planning to leave a vehicle overnight should pay in advance at the Airport Operations desk located inside the terminal.
Extended Stays
Overnight and long-term parking are available for travelers departing from Bishop Airport. Parking is conveniently located within walking distance of the terminal.
The Eastern Sierra Regional Airport terminal opens daily at 8:00 a.m. and remains open until the final scheduled flight has arrived and departed, typically around 5:00 p.m. Individual businesses within the terminal may operate on different schedules.
Dining
Thai Thai Restaurant
760-872-2595
Enjoy sit-down dining before or after your flight, featuring a variety of Thai favorites.
Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays
Airport Amenities
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Charging stations (limited availability)
Water bottle filling station located in the gate area
Drinking fountain located in the terminal lobby
Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH) in Bishop offers several transportation options for visitors traveling throughout the Eastern Sierra. Whether you’re heading to Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, a trailhead, or another destination, shuttle services, public transit, rental cars, and taxis are available.
If you’re visiting Mammoth Lakes, a rental car is often unnecessary thanks to the town’s shuttle system and walkable layout. Visitors staying in Bishop or exploring multiple communities may prefer a rental car for added flexibility.
Shuttle Services
Mammoth All Weather Shuttle (MAWS)
Provides scheduled transportation between Bishop Airport and Mammoth Lakes, along with local rides throughout Mammoth and long-distance trips to trailheads and regional destinations.
Reservations: 760-709-2927
Sierra Shuttle Service
Offers private and group transportation between Bishop Airport, Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Mountain lodges, trailheads, and other regional destinations.
Reservations: 760-914-2746
Public Transit
Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA)
ESTA provides bus service throughout Inyo and Mono counties, connecting communities across the Eastern Sierra. Dial-a-Ride services are also available in many areas.
Information: 1-800-922-1930
Rental Cars
Rental cars are available directly at Eastern Sierra Regional Airport and are recommended for visitors staying in Bishop or planning to explore multiple destinations throughout Inyo County.
National Car Rental
760-709-4214
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
909-204-1759
Rental car availability is limited. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Taxi Service
Mammoth Taxi
Provides door-to-door transportation between Bishop Airport and Mammoth Lakes, as well as local transportation services. Reservations are recommended for longer trips.
Reservations: 760-924-8294
Disclaimer
Visit Inyo does not endorse or guarantee the services of any transportation provider listed on this page. Visitors are encouraged to contact providers directly for current schedules, pricing, and availability.
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