The Best AIRPORTS NEAR YELLOWSTONE (An Expert Guide + Tips)

Article Overview: Airports Near Yellowstone

If you’re looking into airports near Yellowstone that means some exciting times are in store! Yellowstone National Park is the oldest park in America and one of the most breathtaking places on the planet.

Planning a trip to Yellowstone is terribly exciting but can be somewhat daunting as well. Crowds are definitely on the rise at Yellowstone hitting new records every year.

Whether you’re flying from a nearby state or internationally from across the world, there are a surprising number of airports to choose from near Yellowstone.

In this post we’ll detail each of the most convenient airports close to Yellowstone. We’ll also cover the best airport for each of the park entrances and what to expect.

Here’s a few of the basics – more details on each of these options below.

• Closest Airport to Yellowstone: Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
• Best Airport Near West Yellowstone: Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
• Best Airport Near East Yellowstone: Yellowstone Regional Airport (YRA)
• Closest International Airport Near Yellowstone: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
• Closest Major Airport Near Yellowstone: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Most Affordable Airport Near Yellowstone: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Let’s get started!

Things to Know Before Visiting Yellowstone

Entrance Fees

$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at any national park) and gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

Yellowstone Map

The best map for the park: We like this map the best.

Best Guide Book

The best guide book for Yellowstone: This is our favorite guide for Yellowstone.

Mosquitoes

During the months of June and July expect to find mosquitoes at varying levels. I recommend this bug spray which has worked for me in the park and is environmentally friendly.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park

The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park is in Spring and Fall to take advantage of lesser crowds and beautiful scenery. Summer is a great time to visit as well but it will be crowded.

Leave No Trace

We’re big fans of Leave No Trace, here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

Bear Spray

Bear Spray: It’s a good thing to have on lots of the trails here. We like this one.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on trails in most national parks due to their potentially disruptive presence with the natural ecosystem. The basic rule is they are allowed where cars can go so be sure to check the rules before bringing along your furry friend.

Where to Stay

Visiting Yellowstone National Park? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on visiting Yellowstone National Park for tips. Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in Yellowstone.

Flying to Yellowstone + Nearby Airports

1. Closest Airport to Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park is Yellowstone Airport (YWS). Yellowstone airport is located just 3 miles from the West Entrance to the park and represents the fastest option at 5 minutes driving.

• Location: West Yellowstone, Wyoming
• Distance from Yellowstone: 3 miles
• Driving Time: 5 minutes
• Major Airlines: Delta, United
• Rental Car: Avis
• Price: $$$

However, one major caveat for Yellowstone Airport is that it closes during the Winter. So, if winter is your desired travel time this is not the airport for you.

According to the airport’s website, “Due to heavy snows, flight operations at Yellowstone Airport cease during the winter unless the flight operator receives prior written consent from airport management.”

On top of the limited seasonal availability this airport is typically the priciest option with flights ranging from mid $400s (great deal) to over $1000 for economy fare. Seasonal deals are available so keep an eye out!

2. Most Scenic & Beautiful Airport Near Yellowstone: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

The second closest airport to Yellowstone National Park is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) which is basically located inside of Grand Teton National Park.

This is a great option, especially if you are keen on seeing Grand Teton National Park while you’re there.

• Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming (in Grand Teton National Park)
• Distance from Yellowstone: 49 miles to South Entrance
• Driving Time: 1 hour
• Major Airlines: Delta, American, Alaska, United
• Rental Car: National, Alamo, Enterprise
• Price: $$$

While this airport is convenient, it’s typically a pricier option with flights ranging anywhere from the mid 400s into the thousands for economy fares. There are routinely great deals to be found here so I recommend keeping an eye out!

Interested in visiting Grand Teton National Park? Watch our video below and read our full guide here.

3. Best East Yellowstone Nearby Airport Option: Yellowstone Regional Airport (YRA)

On the East Yellowstone side the best nearby airport option is going to be Yellowstone Regional Airport located in Cody, Wyoming.

This airport is another good option for folks interested in traveling to the park and focused on activities on the east side.

• Location: Cody, Wyoming
• Distance from Yellowstone: 54 miles to East Entrance
• Driving Time: 1 hour
• Major Airlines: Delta, United
• Rental Car: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty
• Price: $$$

According to the airport’s website, “Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming is served year round by United Express offering service to Denver and by Delta Connection providing summer seasonal service to Salt Lake City. Both airlines offer connection from virtually every point in the United States making convenient travel to Yellowstone National Park.”

Interested in visiting the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest? Watch our 3 minute video below!

4. Best North Yellowstone Nearby Airport Option: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

On the north side of Yellowstone National Park the best airport option is going to be Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. This is the first international airport to make the list which means more airlines, more flights, cheaper flights, and more rental car options.

• Location: Bozeman, Montana
• Distance from Yellowstone: 88 miles to North Entrance
• Driving Time: 90 mins
• Major Airlines: Delta, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country
• Rental Car: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Alamo, National, more
• Price: $$

The good news here is that flights go year-round with all of the major domestic airlines into Bozeman and there are a wide selection of rental car companies to choose from. At about 90 minutes from the park it is a close-enough option that also represents an affordable one.

5. Most Affordable Airport Near Yellowstone: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City can be an attractive option to consider when flying into Yellowstone for one reason, price. SLC International Airport is quite a distance from the park but the prices are sometimes worth it as savings can be in the thousands.

• Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Distance from Yellowstone: 360 miles to South Entrance
• Driving Time: 6 hours
• Major Airlines: Delta, Alaska, American, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, more
• Rental Car: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Alamo, National, more
• Price: $

Rental cars are more prevalent in Salt Lake City and thereby more affordable with prices typically 2 – 5 times less expensive here. The drive is a bit brutal though and basically adds a travel day (or two) to the trip.

6. Affordable Airports Near Yellowstone: Denver International Airport (DEN)

Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned American road trip? The Denver to Yellowstone route is basically road trip territory with a drive time of 8.5 hours meaning 2 full days of the trip will be consumed by driving.

• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Distance from Yellowstone: 549 miles to East Entrance
• Driving Time: 8.5 hours
• Major Airlines: All of them – Delta, Alaska, American, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, more
• Rental Car: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Alamo, National, more
• Price: $

With that being said, Denver does have some of the most affordable flight and rental car options in the region. Savings here, especially for families could be well into the thousands so it’s definitely worth considering.

About Yellowstone National Park

Score: 39.5/50 (#12 – see full results)

Ah, Yellowstone National Park, the national park that started it all. Seeing the original national park rank outside of our list of the top 10 national parks in America is sure to raise some eyebrows, but hear us out.

Yellowstone is an absolutely spectacular and magical national park.

A landscape dotted with otherworldly thermal works, bison holdouts from a time when they ruled the prairie, a thriving wolf population, and an encapsulation of the great American west.

The Discovery of Yellowstone National Park

Before it became America’s first national park, people explored this fantastic place. They told tales of its magnificent beauty and amazing natural wonders. Few believed them however.

Then, in 1869, C.W. Cook saw some of Yellowstone’s incredible geysers with two traveling companions. Cook was so moved by his experience that he submitted an article to Lippincott’s magazine.

He received a curt reply from them which read as follows: “Thank-you, but we do not print fiction.” Aren’t publishers wonderful.

The Washburn Party

It was left to the Washburn Party, led by Henry Washburn and Nathaniel Pitt Langford, to convince a skeptical public that this place was as magnificent as people were describing it.

Members of the party made detailed maps and observations of the region, explored numerous lakes, climbed mountains, and observed an incredible array of wildlife.

The Washburn Party traveled to the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. They were so fascinated by the regular eruptions of one geyser in particular that they decided to name it Old Faithful. And, needless to stay, the name stuck.

The official report of the Washburn Party was written by Lieutenant Gustavus C. Doane. He described, day by day, what the party saw in Yellowstone.

As Freeman Tilden writes, “He [Doane] climbed the peak now known as Mount Washburn on a day when the pure air of the country revealed everything with crystal clarity.

He saw the snowy summits above the Gallatin Valley, and from them traced almost an unbroken circle of mountains, of which he thought the Tetons were a part.”

Doane’s report authenticated earlier descriptions of Yellowstone. A skeptical public finally began to believe these fantastic tales of this wilderness wonderland.

Wouldn’t it have been incredible to have been there? Of course, you can travel there now and the amenities are much better.

Map of Airports Near Yellowstone

List of Airports Near Yellowstone

1. Yellowstone Airport (YWS)
2. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
3. Yellowstone Regional Airport (YRA)
4. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
5. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
7. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
8. Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF)

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Helpful Articles

Things to Do Yellowstone: 15 Best Things to Do Yellowstone National Park

The Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley: A Trip to Yellowstone’s Best Wildlife Viewing Spot

Yellowstone Facts: 10 Amazing Yellowstone National Park Facts

Best Airports Near Yellowstone: The Best Airports Near Yellowstone National Park

Where to Stay in Yellowstone: Where to Stay in Yellowstone – Best Hotels + Helpful Guide

The Wyoming National Parks: 10 Epic Wyoming National Parks: The Complete Guide (+ Photos)

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone: Driving Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip

Grand Teton Hikes: 18 Epic Grand Teton National Park Hikes (Photos + Guide)

Grand Teton Guide: Grand Teton National Park Ultimate Guide

Things to Do Grand Teton: 17 Epic Things to Do Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton Maps: The Best Maps for Grand Teton National Park

Why Trust Us About Airports Near Yellowstone?

I’m Will Pattiz and along with my brother Jim, we make up the film-making duo known as the Pattiz Brothers.

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.

Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

And a bonus! Tips for Visiting a National Park Responsibly

Permit Systems and Reservations

Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.

Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.

Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!

Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.

For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.

Practice Safety, Seriously

National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:

• Sticking to trails
• Checking the weather before going out on a hike
• Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
• Avoid ledges with steep drop offs

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