Planning a trip to Glacier National Park? Choosing the right airport can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. The closest airport, Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), offers quick access, but alternatives like Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) and Great Falls International Airport (GTF) may provide better flight availability and pricing. Depending on your itinerary, you might also consider airports like Spokane International Airport (GEG) or Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) for broader travel options. For those interested in combining their visit with Waterton Lakes National Park, Calgary International Airport (YYC) is another viable gateway.
## Primary Airport Options
When planning a trip to Glacier National Park, choosing the right airport can significantly impact convenience and travel time. Several airports serve as gateways to the park, each with distinct advantages based on location, available flights, and ground transportation options.
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
Location: Kalispell, Montana
Distance to Glacier National Park: Approximately 30 miles (48 km)
Driving Time: About 40–45 minutes to the park’s west entrance
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is the closest major airport to Glacier National Park and the most convenient choice for travelers seeking direct access. It offers year-round commercial service with seasonal increases in flights during peak tourist months. Airlines such as Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines operate routes connecting FCA to major hubs like Seattle, Denver, and Minneapolis.
Transportation Options:
- Rental car services are available at the airport for easy access to the park.
- Shuttle and private transportation companies offer services to Glacier National Park and nearby towns.
- Ride-sharing services operate in the area, though availability may be limited.
Great Falls International Airport (GTF)
Location: Great Falls, Montana
Distance to Glacier National Park: Approximately 160 miles (257 km)
Driving Time: Around 3 hours to the east entrance
Great Falls International Airport (GTF) is a viable option for visitors exploring the eastern side of Glacier National Park. It offers regular flights from major U.S. cities and is served by airlines such as Alaska Airlines, United, Delta, and Allegiant Air. While farther from the park, it can be a good choice for those looking to experience Montana’s scenic landscapes on the drive to Glacier.
Transportation Options:
- Rental cars are readily available for the drive to the park.
- Limited shuttle services may be available, primarily during peak seasons.
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)
Location: Missoula, Montana
Distance to Glacier National Park: Approximately 140 miles (225 km)
Driving Time: Around 2.5–3 hours to the west entrance
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) provides a good balance between accessibility and flight availability. It is a larger airport than FCA, offering more frequent flight options, often at lower costs. Airlines operating at MSO include Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines, with flights from major hubs like Salt Lake City, Denver, and Dallas.
Transportation Options:
- Car rentals are the most common way to reach Glacier National Park from Missoula.
- Bus and shuttle services may be available but require advance arrangements.
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Distance to Glacier National Park: Approximately 200 miles (322 km)
Driving Time: Around 4 hours to the Canadian side of the park (Waterton Lakes National Park)
For international travelers or those looking to explore both Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a strong option. It is a major airport with extensive domestic and international flight connections. Visitors arriving at YYC can enjoy a scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies before entering the park via the Chief Mountain or Carway border crossings.
Transportation Options:
- Rental cars are widely available for cross-border travel.
- Some tour companies offer transportation between Calgary and Glacier National Park.
Other Regional Airports
Several smaller airports provide additional access points to Glacier National Park, though they may have fewer commercial flight options:
- Helena Regional Airport (HLN): Located about 200 miles from the park, with limited direct flights.
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): Located farther away (around 300 miles), but offers a wider selection of flights and airlines.
Each airport option presents different advantages based on flight availability, travel budget, and preferred driving routes. Visitors should consider factors such as flight costs, rental car availability, and desired entry point into Glacier National Park when selecting their arrival airport.
Alternative Airport Choices
When planning a trip to Glacier National Park, selecting the right airport can significantly impact travel time, convenience, and overall experience. While Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell is the closest option, several alternative airports offer competitive flight availability, pricing, and access to the park.
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)
Located approximately 140 miles south of Glacier National Park, Missoula Montana Airport serves as a viable alternative for visitors. The airport offers:
- A broader selection of flights from major U.S. cities
- Car rental services for an easy drive to the park
- Access to additional lodging and amenities in Missoula
The drive from Missoula to Glacier National Park takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, following U.S. Highway 93 and U.S. Highway 2, which provide scenic views along the way.
Great Falls International Airport (GTF)
Great Falls International Airport, located 200 miles southeast of Glacier National Park, is another alternative. Key advantages include:
- Frequent flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, and other hubs
- Lower flight costs compared to Kalispell during peak seasons
- A relatively straightforward drive via U.S. Highway 2
The drive from Great Falls to Glacier National Park takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, making it a good option for those looking to explore Montana along the way.
Spokane International Airport (GEG)
For travelers seeking more flight options, Spokane International Airport in Washington is a solid choice, located approximately 270 miles west of Glacier National Park. Benefits of flying into Spokane include:
- A wide array of domestic and international flights
- Competitive airfare compared to Montana airports
- Access to rental cars, shuttles, and train connections
The drive from Spokane to Glacier National Park takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, primarily along Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 2, passing through scenic landscapes in northern Idaho and western Montana.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
Although Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is farther from Glacier at over 300 miles southeast, it remains an alternative for visitors who plan to explore multiple national parks in one trip. Advantages of flying into Bozeman include:
- A high volume of flights, including budget-friendly options
- Proximity to Yellowstone National Park for a multi-park adventure
- A scenic drive to Glacier via U.S. Highway 287 and U.S. Highway 89
Driving from Bozeman to Glacier National Park takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, making it a longer but rewarding journey through Montana’s stunning landscapes.
Choosing the Best Alternative Airport
When selecting an alternative airport, consider factors such as:
- Flight availability: Larger airports like Spokane and Bozeman offer more frequent flights.
- Budget: Some airports may have lower airfare and rental car rates.
- Scenic routes: Driving from airports like Missoula or Great Falls can provide breathtaking views.
- Travel time: If minimizing drive time is a priority, Missoula or Great Falls may be better choices.
By weighing these considerations, visitors can find the best airport to fit their itinerary and maximize their Glacier National Park experience.
Airport Transfer Services
Nearest Airports to Glacier National Park
When traveling to Glacier National Park by air, visitors typically fly into one of the nearby airports. The closest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located in Kalispell, Montana, approximately 30 miles from the park’s west entrance. Other regional airport options include:
- Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) – About 140 miles south of the park
- Great Falls International Airport (GTF) – Roughly 200 miles east of the park
- Spokane International Airport (GEG) – Located approximately 270 miles west
Each airport offers different advantages depending on flight availability, budget, and preferred travel routes.
Shuttle Services from Airports
Several shuttle and private transfer services operate between the major airports and Glacier National Park, ensuring convenient transportation for visitors without rental cars.
- Glacier Park Shuttle – Provides seasonal transfers from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) to the park’s lodges and trailheads.
- Xanterra Transportation – Offers pre-arranged shuttle services for guests staying at park lodges.
- Express Shuttle Services – Private companies run airport-to-hotel transfers in Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls.
- Hotel and Lodge Transfers – Some accommodations provide complimentary or paid shuttle transfers from the airport.
Rental Car Options
For visitors who prefer flexibility, renting a vehicle upon arrival is a popular choice. Rental car agencies are available at Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), and Great Falls International Airport (GTF). Since Glacier National Park is vast, having a car allows travelers to explore at their own pace.
Popular rental car providers include:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Hertz
- Budget
- Avis
Due to high demand, especially in peak summer months, reserving a rental car in advance is highly recommended.
Ride-Sharing and Taxi Services
While ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate in the Kalispell and Whitefish areas, availability may be limited in remote locations near Glacier National Park. Visitors should plan accordingly, as wait times can be long, and service may not be available in all areas of the park.
Taxi services and private car hires are also available from Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, offering pre-arranged rides for those needing direct transport to their accommodations.
Public Transportation and Train Connections
For those looking for alternative transportation, Amtrak’s Empire Builder route provides train service to Whitefish (WFH) and West Glacier (WGL) stations. From these stations, visitors can take:
- Local hotel shuttles
- Seasonal park transportation
- Rental cars from nearby agencies
The Empire Builder route is a scenic and convenient option for travelers coming from cities like Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
Planning Your Airport Transfer
To ensure a smooth arrival, visitors should consider:
- Booking airport transfers in advance, especially during peak season.
- Confirming shuttle availability with hotels or park services.
- Checking rental car inventory early to avoid limited options.
- Reviewing seasonal transportation schedules, as some services operate only during summer months.
With careful planning, reaching Glacier National Park from the nearest airports can be a seamless and enjoyable part of the journey.
Planning Your Flight
Choosing the Best Airport
When planning a trip to Glacier National Park, selecting the right airport is essential to ensure a smooth and convenient journey. The closest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located in Kalispell, Montana, approximately 30 miles from the park's West Entrance. FCA offers direct flights from several major U.S. cities, making it the most convenient option for travelers seeking quick access to the park.
Other airport options include:
- Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) – Located about 140 miles south of the park, MSO provides more flight options and may offer more affordable airfare.
- Great Falls International Airport (GTF) – Situated approximately 200 miles east, GTF is another viable option, particularly for those planning to explore the eastern side of the park.
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) – Though farther away at 300 miles, BZN offers a larger selection of flights and car rental options.
Booking Your Flight
When booking a flight, consider factors such as:
- Seasonality – Summer is the peak season for Glacier National Park, so flights to FCA tend to be more expensive. Booking several months in advance can help secure better deals.
- Flight Availability – Smaller regional airports like FCA may have fewer direct flights, requiring a layover at a larger hub such as Denver (DEN), Seattle (SEA), or Minneapolis (MSP).
- Alternative Airports – If flights to FCA are costly or unavailable, checking fares to MSO or GTF and renting a car for the remaining drive can be a cost-effective alternative.
Ground Transportation from the Airport
Once you arrive at your chosen airport, you’ll need transportation to Glacier National Park. Options include:
- Car Rentals – Renting a car is the most flexible option for exploring the park and surrounding areas. Major rental companies operate at FCA, MSO, and GTF.
- Shuttle Services – Some hotels and private shuttle services offer transportation from FCA to Glacier National Park.
- Public Transportation – While limited, seasonal bus services may be available from Kalispell or Whitefish to the park's entrances.
Considering Time and Convenience
The best airport for your trip depends on your itinerary and preferred level of convenience. If your goal is quick access to the park, flying into FCA is the best option. However, if you’re looking for cheaper flights or a scenic road trip, arriving at MSO or GTF may be a better choice.
By carefully planning your flight and transportation, you can ensure a stress-free start to your Glacier National Park adventure.
Choosing the best airport for your Glacier National Park trip depends on your preferences. For the fastest access, Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is the best choice. If you need more flight options, Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) or Great Falls International Airport (GTF) are viable options. Budget-conscious travelers may prefer Spokane International Airport (GEG), while those planning a multi-park adventure can fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). International visitors can access the park via Calgary International Airport (YYC). Select the airport that best fits your travel needs for a seamless and enjoyable journey.