Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park and wondering which airport is best? The closest airport to Yellowstone depends on the entrance you’re targeting and your travel preferences. Options range from the seasonal Yellowstone Airport near the West Entrance to year-round hubs like Bozeman and Jackson Hole. Whether you're after the shortest drive, the best flight deals, or most scenic routes, this guide will help you choose the right gateway to Yellowstone. For more on the nearest airport, check out the nearest airport to Yellowstone, or explore travel options to the closest airport and how to fly to Yellowstone for a broader flight guide.
Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
Yellowstone Airport, located just three miles from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, is the closest airport to the park itself. Situated in West Yellowstone, Montana, this airport is a prime choice for visitors aiming to access the park’s western regions quickly and conveniently.
WYS operates seasonally, typically from late May through early October, coinciding with Yellowstone’s peak visitor period. The airport is served by Delta Air Lines, which offers direct flights from Salt Lake City, providing a convenient and swift connection for travelers. Due to its proximity and ease of access, Yellowstone Airport is ideal for those planning to explore the park’s geyser basins and the Old Faithful area.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
As the busiest airport in Montana, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport serves as a major year-round gateway to the northern and western entrances of Yellowstone. Located approximately 90 miles north of the park in Belgrade, near Bozeman, this airport provides access via U.S. Highway 191 — a scenic route through Gallatin Canyon.
BZN is served by most major U.S. airlines, including Delta, United, American, Alaska, Southwest, and Allegiant, offering nonstop flights to over 20 major cities across the United States. Its year-round operations, combined with a wide range of flight options and rental car services, make it one of the most popular choices for Yellowstone visitors.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Located within Grand Teton National Park and just 60 miles from Yellowstone’s South Entrance, Jackson Hole Airport offers a unique travel experience with stunning views of the Teton Range. It is the only commercial airport situated inside a U.S. national park, providing travelers with an unforgettable arrival and departure setting.
JAC provides seasonal and year-round service from major carriers such as American, Delta, and United, with direct flights from cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, and Chicago. While winter service is available, peak travel times align with summer and early fall, when road access to Yellowstone’s southern entrance is open. This airport is an excellent option for travelers looking to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
Situated about 110 miles west of Yellowstone’s West Entrance, Idaho Falls Regional Airport offers a convenient western access point to the park. Located in southeastern Idaho, IDA is served by Delta, United, and Allegiant, with flights connecting to major hubs such as Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
IDA is a practical choice for visitors seeking a balance between accessibility and travel affordability. Ground transportation options, including rental cars and regional shuttle services, make it feasible to reach Yellowstone’s western gate within a few hours.
Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)
Yellowstone Regional Airport is located in Cody, Wyoming — about 53 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone. This airport serves as the most direct air access point for travelers approaching from the east.
COD is a smaller regional airport offering seasonal service, primarily from Denver via United Express. It caters to travelers looking to explore the eastern section of the park, including Yellowstone Lake and the Yellowstone River corridor. Due to seasonal weather and road closures, access through the East Entrance is generally limited to late spring through early fall.
Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL)
As the largest airport in Montana, Billings-Logan International Airport offers robust year-round flight service and is located approximately 130 miles from Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance. BIL is served by major airlines such as American, Alaska, Delta, and United, with connections to cities including Denver, Minneapolis, and Seattle.
Though further than other airports, BIL is a viable option for visitors entering the park via the scenic Beartooth Highway, one of the most picturesque drives in America. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking to explore less-crowded areas of the park or those planning a broader road trip through Montana and Wyoming.
Alternative Regional Airports
When planning a visit to Yellowstone National Park, travelers have a variety of alternative regional airports to consider beyond the primary gateways. These airports may offer better flight availability, competitive pricing, or convenient access depending on the visitor’s specific itinerary and travel season.
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
Located in southeastern Idaho, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport is approximately 110 miles from the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It serves as a viable alternative for travelers targeting the western or southwestern sections of the park. The airport provides service from regional carriers including Delta Connection, United Express, and Allegiant Air, with flights to major hubs such as Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Ground transportation options from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone include car rentals and tour shuttles. The drive to the park offers scenic views and can be a pleasant part of the journey, especially during the summer months.
Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)
Situated in Cody, Wyoming, the Yellowstone Regional Airport provides direct access to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, which is roughly 53 miles away. This airport is especially convenient for visitors exploring the areas around Yellowstone Lake and the Fishing Bridge.
The airport is served by United Express with seasonal flights to Denver and year-round general aviation services. While smaller in scale, it offers rental cars and shuttle services for park-bound travelers. Seasonal weather can impact flight availability, making it important to check schedules in advance.
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
As the largest airport in Montana, Billings Logan International Airport is a key alternative for visitors entering Yellowstone through the North or Northeast Entrances. Located about 130 miles from the park’s Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, it offers year-round flights from major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines.
Billings is a full-service airport with a wide range of amenities, including numerous car rental agencies and ground transportation options. The route from Billings to the park passes through scenic areas of Montana and Wyoming, making it an attractive road trip for many travelers.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Though not immediately adjacent to Yellowstone, Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah is a major hub offering extensive domestic and international connections. It is roughly 320 miles from the park, making it a practical choice for travelers who prefer flexible flight options and don’t mind a longer drive.
This airport is served by all major U.S. airlines and offers robust rental car services, making it suitable for visitors planning to incorporate Yellowstone into a broader regional tour, including stops in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)
Missoula Montana Airport is another alternative located about 270 miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. While farther than other regional airports, it may be a strategic option for those combining a visit to Glacier National Park with Yellowstone. Airlines serving Missoula include Alaska, American, Delta, and United, with seasonal and year-round flights to regional hubs.
Travelers using this airport often plan extended road trips, taking advantage of Montana’s scenic highways and national forests.
Comparative Considerations
Travelers selecting an alternative regional airport should factor in:
- Distance to desired park entrance: Some airports offer quicker access to specific areas of the park.
- Seasonal operations: Availability of flights can vary greatly by season, especially in smaller regional airports.
- Flight frequency and pricing: Larger airports typically offer more competitive fares and greater scheduling flexibility.
- Ground transportation: Availability of rental cars and shuttle services can influence convenience and total travel time.
- Scenic routes: Driving from some airports, such as Billings or Salt Lake City, allows for exploration of other regional attractions.
Choosing the right alternative airport depends on your travel priorities—whether it's cost, convenience, availability, or the desire to explore more of the surrounding Rocky Mountain region.
Choosing the Right Airport
Selecting the best airport for your visit to Yellowstone National Park depends on several factors, including proximity to specific park entrances, the season of travel, available flight routes, transportation options, and overall travel costs. Understanding these elements can help ensure a smoother and more efficient journey.
Distance to Specific Park Entrances
Yellowstone National Park has five main entrances: North, Northeast, East, South, and West. Each is most conveniently accessed from different airports:
- West Entrance: Closest to Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). The West Entrance leads to popular areas like Old Faithful and Madison Junction.
- South Entrance: Best accessed via Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), particularly if you also plan to visit Grand Teton National Park.
- East Entrance: Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, Wyoming, is the most convenient.
- North and Northeast Entrances: Reachable via Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL). These entrances are ideal for visiting Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
Seasonal Availability
Many of Yellowstone’s nearby airports operate on seasonal schedules:
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS) operates only during the summer months, typically from June through September, due to weather limitations.
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) remains open year-round, but certain flight routes may be seasonal.
- Airports like BZN, BIL, and IDA operate throughout the year, offering consistent access regardless of season.
Visitors should verify airport and park entrance accessibility during their intended travel dates, especially in winter when some park roads may be closed.
Flight Options and Frequencies
Larger airports such as Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) and Billings-Logan International (BIL) offer more flight options, including direct routes from major U.S. cities. These airports are served by major carriers like Delta, American, United, and Alaska Airlines, and often provide competitive pricing and more frequent service.
In contrast, smaller regional airports like WYS and COD may have limited schedules and fewer airline choices, often operated by regional subsidiaries such as Delta Connection or United Express.
Ground Transportation Availability
Ground transportation varies by airport:
- Car rentals are widely available at all major and regional airports.
- Shuttle services operate seasonally from airports such as WYS and JAC to key park locations and nearby towns.
- Public transit is limited, so renting a vehicle is often the most flexible option for exploring Yellowstone.
Travelers should plan ahead, especially during peak season, as rental cars and shuttle services can book up quickly.
Cost Considerations
Flight and transportation costs can vary significantly depending on the airport:
- Larger airports like Bozeman (BZN) and Billings (BIL) often have lower airfare due to more competition and higher passenger volume.
- Regional airports such as WYS or COD may offer the convenience of proximity but at a premium price.
- Ground transportation costs should also be factored in, including rental car fees, gas, and any shuttle or taxi services needed to reach the park.
Balancing convenience with cost is key—sometimes flying into a slightly farther airport can result in significant savings, especially for families or groups.
Summary
When choosing your airport for visiting Yellowstone National Park, consider:
- The proximity of the airport to your preferred park entrance
- Seasonal airport and road accessibility
- Availability and frequency of flights
- Ground transportation options
- Overall travel budget
Careful planning based on these factors can ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free start to your Yellowstone adventure.
Selecting the best airport for your Yellowstone adventure depends on where you want to enter the park, when you plan to go, and how you prefer to travel. From convenient gateways like Bozeman and Jackson Hole to budget options like Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls, there's an airport to fit every itinerary. Use this guide to plan your perfect entry point and make your Yellowstone experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Ready to explore? Start booking your flights and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of America’s most iconic parks.