Yellowstone National Park, spread across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Planning your visit to this iconic park begins with choosing the right airport. With multiple entrances to Yellowstone and vast surrounding areas, the choice of airport can greatly influence your trip’s convenience. This guide will help you understand the best airport options near Yellowstone and how to plan your travel accordingly.
Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has five major entrances: North, Northeast, South, East, and West. Let’s explore the airports nearest to each entrance to help you plan your trip efficiently.
1. Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
- Location: West Yellowstone, Montana
- Distance: 3 miles from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
- Details: Yellowstone Airport is the closest airport to the park. It is a small, regional airport that operates only seasonally (from May to October) with limited flights, primarily through Delta Airlines connecting from Salt Lake City.
- Best For: Visitors entering through the West Entrance.
2. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
- Location: Bozeman, Montana
- Distance: Approximately 90 miles (2-hour drive) to the North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)
- Details: Bozeman is the busiest airport near Yellowstone, offering numerous flight options from major cities across the United States. It is a great choice for travelers looking for convenience and flexibility.
- Best For: Access to the North Entrance and exploring Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs.
3. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
- Location: Jackson, Wyoming
- Distance: About 57 miles (1.5-hour drive) to the South Entrance
- Details: Located within Grand Teton National Park, this airport provides breathtaking views upon arrival. JAC offers flights from major airlines and serves as the closest airport to Yellowstone’s South Entrance.
- Best For: Visitors combining trips to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone’s South Entrance.
4. Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)
- Location: Cody, Wyoming
- Distance: Around 53 miles (1-hour drive) to the East Entrance
- Details: This small airport is perfect for travelers entering through Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Cody is also home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a great attraction to visit before heading into the park.
- Best For: East Entrance access and exploring Cody, Wyoming.
5. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
- Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Distance: Roughly 110 miles (2-hour drive) to the West Entrance
- Details: IDA is a regional airport with flights connecting from Denver, Salt Lake City, and other hubs. It’s an excellent choice for visitors coming from the west or southwest regions.
- Best For: West Entrance access for those traveling from the west.
Major Airports Serving Yellowstone National Park
While the smaller airports provide closer access to the park, larger airports offer more flight options and are ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
1. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Distance: About 320 miles (5-hour drive) to the West Entrance
- Details: SLC is a major airport with international and domestic flights, making it a convenient choice for travelers flying from distant locations.
- Best For: Affordable flights with a road trip to Yellowstone.
2. Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Distance: Approximately 500 miles (8-hour drive)
- Details: Denver International Airport is another major hub with numerous flight options. While farther from Yellowstone, it’s a great choice for travelers planning to explore other Rocky Mountain destinations.
- Best For: Travelers combining Yellowstone with other destinations in the region.
Closest Airport to the West Entrance
The Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is the closest airport to the West Entrance, located just 3 miles away. For visitors needing more flight options, Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) is another great choice, about 2 hours away.
How to Reach Yellowstone from the Airports
After landing, the next step is getting to the park. Here are your options:
1. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is the most popular way to reach and explore Yellowstone.
- All airports mentioned offer car rental services with a variety of vehicle options.
2. Shuttle Services
- Some airports, like Jackson Hole and Bozeman, have shuttle services to nearby park entrances.
- Local tour companies often include transportation in their packages.
3. Guided Tours
- From airports like Bozeman or Jackson Hole, you can book guided tours that cover transportation, park entry, and sightseeing.
Tips for Choosing the Right Airport
- West Entrance Travelers:
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is ideal for proximity.
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) offers more flight options if WYS isn’t available.
- South Entrance Travelers:
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the best choice.
- North Entrance Travelers:
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) provides the quickest access.
- East Entrance Travelers:
- Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) is the closest option.
- Budget and Flight Availability:
- Consider Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) for more affordable flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park?
The closest airport is Yellowstone Airport (WYS), just 3 miles from the West Entrance.
Q2. Which airport is best for the North Entrance?
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the best choice for the North Entrance.
Q3. Is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) close to Yellowstone?
Yes, Jackson Hole Airport is about 57 miles from Yellowstone’s South Entrance, making it very convenient.
Q4. Can I fly directly into Yellowstone?
No, Yellowstone does not have a major airport within its boundaries. The Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is the closest regional airport.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right airport for your Yellowstone National Park adventure depends on your travel plans, budget, and preferred park entrance.
- Closest Regional Airport: Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
- Best Major Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
- Affordable Option: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
By selecting the right airport, renting a car, and planning your route, you can ensure a smooth and memorable visit to one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
