Planning a trip to the majestic Yellowstone National Park? One of the first and most crucial steps is deciding Where To Fly Into For Yellowstone. Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel time and overall experience, whether you’re aiming for the North, South, East, or West Entrance, or even planning a visit to the neighboring Grand Teton National Park. This guide will break down the best airport options to kickstart your Yellowstone adventure efficiently.
Best Airports Near Yellowstone National Park Entrances
Yellowstone is vast, and the ideal airport depends heavily on which entrance you plan to use as your gateway to the park. Here’s a breakdown by entrance:
For Yellowstone’s North Entrance: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana is your prime choice for accessing Yellowstone’s North Entrance. Located approximately 1.5 hours from the North Entrance, BZN is a well-serviced airport offering flights from major carriers. Its strategic location also makes it an excellent entry point if you intend to explore both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, offering a fantastic two-park itinerary.
For Yellowstone’s West Entrance: Multiple Options for Convenience
When heading to the West Entrance, you have a few excellent airport options, balancing proximity and airport size:
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Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, Montana: For unparalleled proximity, the Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is unbeatable. A mere 10-minute drive to the West Entrance, this smaller airport offers ultimate convenience. However, flight options might be more limited compared to larger airports.
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Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho Falls, Idaho: About 2.5 hours from the West Entrance, the Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) provides a good balance of accessibility to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. IDA is a larger regional airport with more flight options than WYS and can be a cost-effective alternative.
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Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): While a 2-hour drive to the West Entrance, BZN remains a viable option, especially if you find better flight deals or are combining your Yellowstone trip with other destinations in Montana. Its larger size means more flight availability and potentially better car rental options.
For Yellowstone’s East Entrance: Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)
The Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) near Cody, Wyoming, is specifically tailored for visitors targeting the East Entrance. Less than an hour’s drive to the park, COD provides easy access and immerses you in the Western charm of Cody, a town steeped in the history of Buffalo Bill Cody and offering unique Western-themed attractions.
For Yellowstone’s South Entrance: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
For those aiming for the South Entrance and proximity to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the gold standard. Uniquely situated inside Grand Teton National Park, JAC is about an hour’s drive from Yellowstone’s South Entrance. This stunning airport offers breathtaking views upon arrival and puts you right in the heart of the action for exploring both parks.
Airports for Grand Teton National Park
If Grand Teton National Park is your primary focus, or you’re splitting your time between both parks, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is overwhelmingly the best choice. Located within Grand Teton, near the Moose Entrance, it’s incredibly convenient. The town of Jackson is just a short 9-mile shuttle or car rental trip away, making JAC ideal for exploring the Tetons.
Launching Your Yellowstone Road Trip: Major Airport Hubs
For visitors looking to extend their adventure and enjoy a scenic road trip to Yellowstone, flying into larger airport hubs in neighboring states can be a great strategy. Consider these options for launching your Yellowstone road trip:
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Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah: A popular choice for road trippers, Salt Lake City offers a major international airport with competitive flight deals. The drive to Yellowstone is a beautiful journey through Utah and Idaho, taking approximately 5-6 hours to West Yellowstone.
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Denver International Airport (DEN) in Colorado: Denver serves as another major hub and a fantastic starting point for a longer road trip to Yellowstone. The drive is more extensive, around 8-9 hours to the park’s entrances, but offers diverse scenery and the opportunity to explore other attractions along the way.
Choosing the right airport is a pivotal step in planning your Yellowstone National Park vacation. Whether you prioritize proximity to a specific entrance or prefer a broader road trip experience, understanding your airport options is key to a smooth and unforgettable journey to this natural wonder.
