The 3 Closest Airports to yellow national park

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The 3 Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, a vast wilderness spanning parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, attracts millions of visitors each year. While driving to the park is popular, flying is often more practical for those coming from afar. Choosing the right airport depends on your budget, preferred park entrance, time of year, and tolerance for driving. Here’s a look at the three airports closest to the park boundaries.

  1. Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

    This small airport offers the absolute closest access to Yellowstone, located just outside the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana. However, its service is seasonal, typically operating only during the peak summer months. It is not a major airport.

    • Distance to Yellowstone National Park: Approximately 2 miles to the West Entrance.

    • Address: 721 Yellowstone Airport Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758

    • Pros: Unbeatable proximity to West Entrance | Cons: Seasonal (summer only), very limited flights/airlines, typically expensive fares, limited rental car availability | Airlines: Primarily Delta Connection (operated by SkyWest) | Car Rental: Avis, Budget (often limited inventory)

    • Official Website: yellowstoneairport.mdt.mt.gov

    • Phone: (406) 646-7351

    • Rating: Highly convenient for location (when open), but very basic services.

  2. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

    Located just outside the town of Jackson, Wyoming, and uniquely situated inside Grand Teton National Park, JAC offers stunning views upon arrival. It provides good access to Yellowstone’s South Entrance after a scenic drive through Grand Teton NP. It has more flight options than WYS but is still considered a regional airport.

    • Distance to Yellowstone National Park: Approximately 50 miles to the South Entrance (requires driving through Grand Teton NP).

    • Address: 1250 E Airport Rd, Jackson, WY 83001

    • Pros: Scenic location inside Grand Teton NP, good access to Jackson Hole amenities and GTNP, more flight options than WYS | Cons: Requires driving through GTNP to reach Yellowstone (potential extra park fee), flights and rentals can be expensive, smaller airport than BZN | Airlines: Major carriers like United, Delta, American, Alaska (some seasonal) | Car Rental: Most major agencies available.

    • Official Website: www.jacksonholeairport.com

    • Phone: (307) 733-7682

    • Rating: Highly rated for scenery and access to Jackson/Grand Teton.

  3. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

    Located in Belgrade, Montana (near Bozeman), BZN is the busiest airport in Montana and serves as the closest major airport to Yellowstone National Park. It offers year-round service with the most flight options and generally more competitive fares, providing convenient access to both the North Entrance (Gardiner) and the West Entrance (West Yellowstone).

    • Distance to Yellowstone National Park: Approximately 90 miles to the North Entrance (Gardiner) or the West Entrance (West Yellowstone).

    • Address: 850 Gallatin Field Rd, Belgrade, MT 59714

    • Pros: Most flight options/airlines, usually best fares, year-round service, largest nearby airport with more amenities, good car rental selection, versatile access to North/West entrances | Cons: Furthest drive of these three options (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours to either entrance) | Airlines: Serviced by most major US carriers (United, Delta, American, Alaska, Southwest, Allegiant, etc.) | Car Rental: All major agencies available, widest selection.

    • Official Website: bozemanairport.com

    • Phone: (406) 388-8321

    • Rating: Well-regarded, Montana’s busiest airport, best overall option for many travelers.

Conclusion:

The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park is Yellowstone Airport (WYS), located just miles from the West Entrance, but it is small and operates seasonally (summer only). The closest major airport offering year-round service, the widest selection of flights, and typically better fares is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), approximately a 90-mile drive to either the North or West entrances.

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