Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park and wondering about the best airport to fly into? You’re not alone! Yellowstone’s vast landscape and multiple entrances can make choosing the right airport crucial for a smooth and enjoyable vacation. This guide breaks down the best airport options depending on which entrance you plan to visit and what else you want to explore in the region.
For Yellowstone National Park, your airport choice largely depends on which entrance you plan to use as your gateway to this natural wonderland:
Yellowstone North Entrance Airports
If your Yellowstone adventure begins at the North Entrance, the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Bozeman, Montana, is your most convenient option. Expect about a 1.5-hour drive to the North Entrance from BZN. This airport is a popular choice, especially if you’re combining your Yellowstone trip with a visit to Glacier National Park, as it provides good access to both.
Yellowstone West Entrance Airports
For those heading to Yellowstone’s West Entrance, you have several airport options:
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS): Located right in West Yellowstone, Montana, this small airport is incredibly convenient, just a 10-minute drive to the park entrance. However, it’s a smaller regional airport, so flight options might be more limited and potentially pricier.
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA): About a 2.5-hour drive from the West Entrance, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport offers a broader range of flight options and can sometimes be more economical. IDA also provides good access if you plan to visit Grand Teton National Park in addition to Yellowstone.
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): While mentioned for the North Entrance, BZN is also a viable, though slightly longer, option for the West Entrance, approximately a 2-hour drive. As a larger airport, it often has more competitive fares and flight availability.
Yellowstone East Entrance Airports
Planning to enter Yellowstone through the East Entrance? The Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, Wyoming, is your best bet. It’s conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from the East Entrance. Cody itself is a town steeped in Western history, founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, and offers attractions worth exploring before or after your park visit.
Yellowstone South Entrance and Grand Teton National Park Airports
If you’re aiming for the South Entrance of Yellowstone or primarily visiting Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is ideal. Uniquely situated inside Grand Teton National Park, JAC is about an hour’s drive from Yellowstone’s South Entrance. It’s also incredibly close to the town of Jackson (about 9 miles), with shuttle and car rental services readily available.
Airports for a Yellowstone Road Trip
For those looking to extend their journey and enjoy a scenic road trip to Yellowstone, flying into major hubs a bit further away can be a great strategy. Popular starting points for Yellowstone road trips include:
- Chicago, Illinois: While a longer drive, Chicago offers major flight connections and the start of an epic cross-country adventure.
- Salt Lake City, Utah: A more moderate drive to Yellowstone, Salt Lake City is a well-connected airport and a gateway to various national parks in the region.
- Denver, Colorado: Denver provides another excellent starting point for a scenic drive to Yellowstone, passing through stunning landscapes.
Choosing the right airport is your first step towards an unforgettable Yellowstone experience. Consider your Yellowstone entrance point, budget, and any additional destinations you plan to visit when making your decision. Happy travels!
