SF to Yosemite by train or bus?
 

Our family of four, including two teens, are traveling to SF the week of the 20th. Since they have NEVER seen mountains (we live in DC) I want to do a day trip to Yosemite. My question is...bus or train? And does anyone have a favorite tour line? Thanks!

I believe that Grayline has a bus tour that goes to Yosemite. If you took the train, you'd have to catch it in Emeryville since it doesn't go to SF and then transfer to a bus. The Grayline tour is the best option.

Most tour companies put you on a train anyway, so if you want a bus all the way, call them to confirm.

I took a bus - Parlor car tours, and wouldn't recommend this company to anybody. The bus driver was an awful guide. We made only one stop on the way - by Bridal Veil waterfalls. Practically no narration.

So next time I'll go I'll use Amtrak. It's a train-bus combo, and it makes the same stops.

I don't know about other tour buses, they may be better.

There is a train/bus combo to South Tahoe, very nice area with mountains, look into it too. Of course it's a casino area, but you don't have to play.

I hate to dissuade anyone from visiting Yosemite but...a day trip? It's 3.5 hours from SF to Yosemite. That's 7 hours on the road in one day. Are you guys up for that?

If you decide to do it, I would advise a bus tour, as it would probably involve much less effort and be quicker than the train. Though, based on FainAgain's advice, you'll want to verify how long the trip takes and how they get you there.

I also recommend staying in Yosemite overnight.
If you're taking a tour I think a bus might be a better option as it's quicker and no bus/train changes. The train journey on that route is not scenic. One company that comes to mind is www.incadventures.com

There's no way I'd do this as a day trip in July. Yosemite is incredibly crowded in the summer, and you'll spend too much time travelling back and forth. As for spending the night, I seriously doubt you could obtain a reservation at this short notice. Accommodations in the Valley are usually booked months in advance.

How about a walk in the Muir Woods which are just north of San Francisco?