Planning a trip to the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone National Park? One of the first questions that comes to mind is often: “How Do I Fly To Yellowstone National Park?” The good news is, reaching this natural wonder by air is absolutely achievable, with several convenient airport options depending on which entrance you plan to explore or if you’re combining your trip with a visit to Grand Teton National Park. This guide will walk you through the best airports to fly into for your Yellowstone adventure, ensuring a smooth start to your unforgettable journey.
Airports Closest to Yellowstone National Park Entrances
Yellowstone is vast, with five entrances serving different regions of the park. Choosing the right airport depends largely on which entrance aligns best with your itinerary. Here’s a breakdown of airports that offer the quickest access to each entrance:
North Entrance: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
For those aiming to explore Yellowstone’s North Entrance, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana is your ideal gateway. Situated approximately 1.5 hours from the North Entrance, BZN is a well-serviced airport with connections to major cities across the United States.
Alt text: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport terminal showcasing its modern architecture and surrounding Montana landscape, highlighting its role as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
Why choose Bozeman Airport for Yellowstone’s North Entrance?
- Convenience: It’s the closest major airport to the North Entrance.
- Accessibility: BZN is served by multiple airlines, including Delta, United, American, Alaska, and Allegiant, offering a range of flight options and competitive fares.
- Road Trip Potential: Bozeman is perfectly positioned if you plan to extend your trip to Glacier National Park after Yellowstone.
- Car Rentals: All major car rental agencies are available at BZN, allowing for easy pickup and the start of your scenic drive to Yellowstone.
West Entrance: Yellowstone Airport (WYS), Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), and Bozeman (BZN)
The West Entrance of Yellowstone offers several airport options, providing flexibility based on your priorities:
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, Montana: Literally minutes from the West Entrance (around 10 minutes), WYS is the most convenient in terms of proximity. However, it’s a smaller regional airport.
Alt text: A small passenger plane landing at Yellowstone Airport, emphasizing its close proximity to West Yellowstone and its role as a direct access point to the national park.
* **Pros:** Unbeatable closeness to the West Entrance.
* **Cons:** Smaller airport with potentially fewer flight options and generally higher fares due to convenience. Airlines like Delta Connection and United Express serve WYS, often with seasonal flights.- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho Falls, Idaho: Approximately 2.5 hours from the West Entrance, IDA provides a larger airport experience with potentially more flight choices and often more competitive prices.
Alt text: The terminal building of Idaho Falls Regional Airport, showcasing its welcoming facade and accessibility for travelers heading to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
* **Pros:** Larger airport with more airlines (Delta, United, American, Allegiant), good for accessing both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
* **Cons:** Longer drive to Yellowstone's West Entrance compared to WYS.-
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): Also serves as a viable option for the West Entrance, about a 2-hour drive away.
- Pros: Largest airport option for the West Entrance, offering the widest range of flights and potentially better deals.
- Cons: Longest drive among the West Entrance options.
East Entrance: Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)
For exploring Yellowstone’s East Entrance, Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) near Cody, Wyoming, is exceptionally convenient. Located less than an hour from the East Entrance, COD is named after the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody and provides a charming gateway to the park.
Alt text: Yellowstone Regional Airport terminal in Cody, Wyoming, displaying its distinctive Western-style architecture, reflecting the region’s heritage and its role as a gateway to Yellowstone’s East Entrance.
Why fly into Cody for Yellowstone’s East Entrance?
- Proximity: The closest airport to the East Entrance.
- Western Charm: Cody itself is a destination, offering museums and attractions related to Buffalo Bill Cody and Western history.
- Airlines: United Express serves COD, connecting through Denver International Airport (DEN).
South Entrance: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
If your Yellowstone adventure begins at the South Entrance, or if you plan to explore Grand Teton National Park first, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is your premier choice. Uniquely situated inside Grand Teton National Park, JAC is about an hour’s drive from Yellowstone’s South Entrance.
Alt text: Jackson Hole Airport runway and terminal seamlessly integrated into the breathtaking landscape of Grand Teton National Park, emphasizing its stunning location and access to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
Key advantages of Jackson Hole Airport:
- Location, Location, Location: Unparalleled access to Grand Teton and very convenient for Yellowstone’s South Entrance.
- Scenic Arrival: Land amidst the majestic Teton Range, making your arrival an unforgettable experience.
- Airlines: JAC is served by major airlines like Delta, United, American, Alaska, and JetBlue, offering direct flights from numerous US cities, although flights can be pricier due to the airport’s location and popularity.
Airports for Launching a Yellowstone Road Trip
For some visitors, the journey is as important as the destination. Flying into a major airport a bit further away and embarking on a scenic road trip to Yellowstone can be a fantastic way to experience the American West. Popular road trip starting points include:
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah: Approximately a 5-hour drive to Yellowstone, SLC is a major hub with numerous flight options and often more affordable fares. The drive itself is scenic, passing through Idaho and offering various attractions along the way.
- Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado: Around an 8-hour drive to Yellowstone, Denver is another major airport hub. A road trip from Denver allows you to explore Colorado and Wyoming’s landscapes before reaching Yellowstone.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois: A longer road trip option (around 18-20 hours driving), flying into Chicago and driving to Yellowstone offers a cross-country adventure, passing through diverse landscapes and potentially combining visits to other national parks or landmarks in the Midwest and Great Plains.
Choosing the right airport is a crucial first step in planning your Yellowstone National Park adventure. Whether you prioritize convenience and proximity or prefer a scenic road trip, understanding your airport options will help you tailor your travel plans for an optimal experience in this natural wonderland.
