Planning a trip to the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone National Park? One of the first questions you’ll ask is: “Where Do You Fly To Go To Yellowstone National Park?”. Getting to Yellowstone efficiently involves choosing the right airport, and luckily, several airports offer convenient access to this natural wonder and its neighbor, Grand Teton National Park. This guide will help you navigate the best airport options depending on which entrance you plan to visit.
Airports Near Yellowstone National Park Entrances
Yellowstone National Park has five entrances: North, West, East, and South Entrances. Knowing which entrance aligns with your itinerary is crucial for choosing the most convenient airport.
Flying to Yellowstone’s North Entrance
For the North Entrance, the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) near Bozeman, Montana, is your ideal gateway. Approximately an hour and a half drive from Gardiner, Montana, and the North Entrance, BZN is a well-serviced airport with numerous airlines, including Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines. This airport is particularly advantageous if you intend to explore both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks as part of a broader trip through Montana and the Rockies. Rental car services are readily available at Bozeman Airport, making it easy to begin your Yellowstone adventure upon arrival.
Airports for Yellowstone’s West Entrance
When heading to the West Entrance of Yellowstone, you have a couple of primary airport choices. The closest, and most aptly named, is Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, Montana. A mere 10-minute drive to the park entrance, WYS offers unparalleled convenience. However, it’s a smaller regional airport, primarily served by seasonal flights and smaller carriers.
For more flight options and potentially better deals, consider Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) again. While it’s a two-hour drive to the West Entrance, BZN is a larger airport with more frequent flights and a wider range of airlines.
Another viable option is Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho Falls, Idaho, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Yellowstone’s West Entrance. IDA can be a good alternative and also provides reasonable access if you plan to visit Grand Teton National Park in conjunction with Yellowstone. Airlines serving IDA include Delta, United, and Allegiant Air, offering a mix of connectivity and potentially budget-friendly fares.
Accessing Yellowstone’s East Entrance by Air
To reach Yellowstone’s East Entrance, Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) near Cody, Wyoming, is the most direct choice. Located less than an hour from the East Entrance, COD is very convenient. Cody itself is a town steeped in Western history, founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, offering attractions like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Airlines serving COD typically include United Express, ensuring connections through Denver.
Airports for Yellowstone’s South Entrance and Grand Teton
For the South Entrance of Yellowstone and for direct access to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is exceptionally located. Remarkably, JAC is situated inside Grand Teton National Park. It’s about an hour’s drive from Yellowstone’s South Entrance and just a short drive to the town of Jackson, Wyoming. Jackson Hole Airport is served by major airlines like American, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines, reflecting its popularity as a gateway to premier outdoor destinations. From JAC, you can easily rent a car or utilize the Jackson Hole Shuttle to reach your final destination.
Planning a Yellowstone Road Trip? Consider These Airports
While flying directly to airports near Yellowstone entrances is ideal for minimizing travel time, some visitors opt for broader road trips, flying into larger airports in neighboring states. Cities like Salt Lake City, Utah, Denver, Colorado, and even Chicago, Illinois, can serve as starting points for memorable road trips to Yellowstone. These cities offer major international airports with potentially more competitive flight prices and rental car options, allowing for a scenic drive through the American West to reach Yellowstone. However, factor in significant driving times when choosing this option.
Choosing the right airport is a crucial first step in planning your Yellowstone National Park adventure. Whether you prioritize proximity to a specific entrance or are embarking on a wider regional road trip, understanding your airport options will contribute significantly to a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
