How to Easily Get to Yellowstone: Closest Airports and Driving Routes

Trying to figure out how to get to Yellowstone National Park without the stress? I get it. With five entrances across three states and a range of airports to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. When I first planned my trip, I found myself searching for the best route, trying to avoid long drives and make the most of my time in the park.

But after visiting Yellowstone, I’ve discovered some tips and tricks to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

No matter where you’re starting from, this guide will walk you through the best airports, scenic driving routes, and my personal recommendations for getting to Yellowstone with ease. Let’s dive in!

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Where is Yellowstone National Park Located?

Yellowstone National Park sits primarily in the northwest corner of Wyoming, but its vast 2.2 million acres also stretch into Montana and Idaho. It’s one of the rare national parks that spans three states, which can make planning your trip feel a bit more complex. 

The closest gateway towns are West Yellowstone, Montana, and Jackson, Wyoming—both popular hubs for travelers. Cody, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana, are also great nearby cities with their own unique charm, perfect for day trips or exploring on your way in or out of the park.

Yellowstone has five main entrances, depending on where you’re coming from and what you want to see:

• West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT): The busiest and most popular entrance, closest to the main attractions.
• North Entrance (Gardiner, MT): The closest to Bozeman and home to Mammoth Hot Springs, this entrance is open year-round.
• Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT): The least traveled entrance, this is the gateway to the Lamar Valley, known for wildlife viewing.
• East Entrance (Cody, WY): Best for accessing Yellowstone Lake and scenic routes through the Absaroka Mountains.
• South Entrance (Jackson, WY): Perfect if you’re also visiting Grand Teton National Park—one of my favorite routes for combining both parks into one trip.

Flying to Yellowstone National Park

Choosing the right airport can make or break your trip to Yellowstone, especially if you want to minimize travel time and make the most of your days in the park.

There are several airport options near Yellowstone, each with its pros and cons, depending on your priorities. Some are closer but smaller, with fewer flights, while others are farther but offer more connections and better amenities. 

Here’s what you need to know to choose the best airport for your trip.

Closest Airports to Yellowstone

Here’s a breakdown of the closest airports to Yellowstone, from regional hubs to major international airports:

The map below shows the regional airports in orange, the international airports in purple, and the park entrances in green.

Best Transportation Options from the Airport

Once you’ve landed, you’ll need to plan how to get to Yellowstone. Based on my experience, renting a car is your best bet for flexibility and ease, but there are a few other options worth considering.

• Rental Car: This is hands-down my top recommendation. With a car, you have the freedom to explore Yellowstone at your own pace, stop for photos, and take scenic detours. However, rental cars can get pricey during peak season, so book as early as possible for the best deals.
• Shuttle Services: If you’re flying into Jackson (JAC) or Bozeman (BZN), you might be able to catch a shuttle to a nearby gateway town, but options are very limited. Shuttles will typically only take you to the park entrance, and you’ll need a plan from there, whether that’s booking a local tour or renting a bike. I’ve found shuttles to be more trouble than they’re worth.
• Connecting Flights: If you plan to fly internationally into Salt Lake City or Denver but want to reduce drive time, you can book a connecting flight to a closer regional airport like West Yellowstone (WYS), Bozeman (BZN), or Jackson Hole (JAC). Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the convenience.

Easily Plan Your Perfect Yellowstone Trip with My 87-Page Guide

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• Detailed, hour-by-hour itineraries for all must-see sights.
• Insider tips to help you skip the crowds and find hidden gems.
• Easy-to-follow maps and regional guides.
• Trusted advice from my years of exploring the national parks.

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Which Airport is Best for You?

If it’s your first time visiting Yellowstone, I recommend flying into West Yellowstone (WYS), Jackson Hole (JAC), or Bozeman (BZN). These airports offer the best balance between proximity to the park and flight availability.

• West Yellowstone (WYS) is ideal if you want the shortest drive to the park, but flights are limited.
• Jackson Hole (JAC) is a great choice if you’re also planning to visit Grand Teton National Park.
• Bozeman (BZN) is your best bet for flight availability and is closest to the North Entrance.

For more flight options or cheaper airfare, Salt Lake City (SLC) and Denver (DEN) are good alternatives, but keep in mind the longer drive times. But on the plus side, renting a car at either of these airports gives you a scenic road trip experience through some of the West’s most beautiful landscapes.

Driving to Yellowstone National Park

Driving to Yellowstone gives you the incredible opportunity to experience the changing landscapes and vast open spaces that make this part of the country so special. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip from a nearby city or driving in from further away, you’ll encounter scenic highways, charming small towns, and plenty of wildlife along the way. 

Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road, including my personal recommendations for making your drive smoother and more enjoyable.

Driving Directions from Nearby Places

No matter where you’re starting from, there’s a route that will get you to Yellowstone with some unforgettable stops along the way.

• From Bozeman, MT (North Entrance): Take I-90 East to US-89 South for a 90-mile (~1.5 hours) drive. Be sure to stop in Livingston, MT, for its historic downtown and mountain views—a charming detour if you have time.
• From Jackson, WY (South Entrance): Drive along US-191 North for 57 miles (~1 hour), passing through Grand Teton National Park. This is one of my favorite drives, with breathtaking views of the Tetons that are especially stunning at sunrise.

• From Cody, WY (East Entrance): Take US-14 West for 53 miles (~1 hour) through the scenic Shoshone National Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—this is one of the best spots to spot bison and elk before even entering the park.
• From Idaho Falls, ID (West Entrance): Follow US-20 East for 110 miles (~2 hours). This route is more direct and often less crowded than the entrances on the Wyoming side.
• From Billings, MT (Northeast Entrance): Take I-90 West to US-212 West for 121 miles (~2.5 hours). The Beartooth Highway, part of this route, is a must-drive during the summer. Its dramatic alpine scenery is often called one of the most beautiful drives in America.
• From Salt Lake City, UT (West Entrance): Take I-15 North to US-20 East for 320 miles (~5 hours). This is the most popular and fastest route from Salt Lake City, passing through Idaho Falls. 

• From Denver, CO (East Entrance): Follow I-25 North to Casper, then US-20 West for 510 miles (~8 hours). While it’s a long drive, the vast open plains of Wyoming are stunning with plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs at small-town stops.
• From Mount Rushmore, SD (East Entrance): Take I-90 West to US-16 West for 450 miles (~7 hours). You’ll pass through the Black Hills National Forest and Rapid City, making this route ideal for both history buffs and nature lovers.
• From Glacier National Park, MT (North Entrance): Drive US-2 East to US-89 South for 380 miles (~6 hours). The rural backroads of Montana are peaceful and scenic, with wide-open vistas and rolling hills.

Parking in Yellowstone National Park

Parking in Yellowstone can be a challenge, especially during peak season when the park gets millions of visitors. However, with a bit of planning and a few tips from my own experiences, you can avoid the most common parking headaches.

• Popular Parking Areas: The busiest lots are near Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Canyon Village. To find parking, arrive early (before 9 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 4 PM), when crowds thin out.
• Overflow Parking: Popular spots like Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin have overflow lots nearby, but even these fill up quickly during summer, so be prepared to walk a bit.
• RV and Trailer Parking: Yellowstone has designated parking areas for RVs, trailers, and buses at most major sites. If you’re driving an oversized vehicle, you may need to park further away and walk. Some smaller trailheads do not accommodate RV parking.
• Parking Accessibility: Most major attractions have accessible parking spaces. However, even these fill up during peak hours, so plan to arrive early or visit less crowded areas of the park.

Driving Tips and Considerations

Driving in Yellowstone is part of the adventure, but there are a few things you should be aware of to make your trip smoother and safer.

• Seasonal Road Closures: Many roads inside the park, as well as some scenic routes outside, like the Beartooth Highway, close for winter due to snow. Always check the road status on Yellowstone’s official website before your trip, especially if you’re visiting in early spring or late fall.
• Wildlife on the Roads: Bison, elk, and even bears frequently cross the roads in Yellowstone. Traffic often stops to watch wildlife, so be prepared for sudden delays. Always follow posted speed limits and give animals plenty of space.

• Fuel Stops: Gas stations are available at Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithful, but fuel is pricier inside the park. It’s cheaper to fill up in gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Cody, or Gardiner before you enter.
• Cell Service: Cell coverage is extremely limited in the park, so download maps and reservations before you arrive. I recommend carrying a paper map as a backup—you’ll thank me later! Offline GPS apps are also great for navigating in areas without service.
• Rest Stops: There are restrooms and picnic areas throughout the park, but they can be spread far apart. Plan your stops ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a larger group.

Public Transportation and Alternative Options

Reaching Yellowstone without your own vehicle can be quite a challenge. While a few public transportation options exist, they’re often slow and inconvenient. In my experience, having your own car or booking a guided tour is by far the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore the park. 

Here’s an honest breakdown of what’s available for those seeking alternative methods to get to Yellowstone.

Public Transportation to Yellowstone

Unfortunately, public transportation options to Yellowstone are limited, and the logistics often don’t align well with exploring such a large park.

• Bus Services: While there are a few bus services that can get you near Yellowstone, they generally require multiple connections and transfers, making for a long, frustrating day.
  • Salt Lake Express connects Salt Lake City to Idaho Falls, but you’ll still need to rent a car to enter the park from there.
  • Greyhound operates buses to Bozeman and Cody, but again, a rental car is needed to actually enter Yellowstone. There’s limited bus service between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, but it requires transfers.
• Train Services: There are no direct train routes to Yellowstone, which makes train travel impractical if you’re trying to get to the park. The closest Amtrak station is in Salt Lake City, about 320 miles from the West Entrance. From there, you’ll need to transfer to a bus or rent a car. Amtrak does offer vacation packages that include transportation, so if you’re interested in an all-inclusive experience, this might be an option worth exploring.

Alternative Travel Methods

If public transportation isn’t for you, there are a few alternative ways to get to Yellowstone, but they come with some caveats.

• Rideshares: While services like Uber and Lyft are available in some of the nearby gateway towns, they are extremely limited. It’s not something you can rely on as your main form of transportation, especially outside of peak season. And even if you manage to get a ride into the park, finding a return ride is highly unlikely.
• Guided Tours: If you prefer not to drive at all, guided tours from cities like Jackson can be a good option. These tours often include transportation, meals, and a fully planned itinerary, but they do limit your flexibility and come at a higher cost. In my experience, if you like to explore at your own pace, a rental car is a better option, but guided tours can be helpful if you want a stress-free, hands-off experience. Just be sure to review the authorized tour operators beforehand to find one that fits your schedule and budget.

Shuttle Services

Unlike some other national parks, Yellowstone does not operate a shuttle service within the park, which can make exploring without your own vehicle difficult. Once you’re inside, the only way to get around is by car or bike, making it essential to have your own transportation. 

While private companies do offer guided tours with transportation, these tend to be limited and pricey, especially during the peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Yellowstone

Final Thoughts on Getting to Yellowstone National Park

Now that you know the best ways to get to Yellowstone—from choosing the closest airports to mapping out scenic driving routes—you can focus on planning the rest of your trip. Whether you’re flying into Jackson Hole, Bozeman, or taking a scenic road trip from a nearby city, having a solid plan will make your trip to the park smooth and stress-free.

Remember, renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the park’s top attractions, and arriving early will help you secure parking at popular spots like Old Faithful or Grand Prismatic Spring.

Easily Plan Your Perfect Yellowstone Trip with My 87-Page Guide

Join hundreds of travelers who’ve used this guide to plan a stress-free, unforgettable trip.

• Detailed, hour-by-hour itineraries for all must-see sights.
• Insider tips to help you skip the crowds and find hidden gems.
• Easy-to-follow maps and regional guides.
• Trusted advice from my years of exploring the national parks.

Get Instant Access

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