The 3 Closest Airports to yellowstone east entrance

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The 3 Closest Airports to Yellowstone East Entrance

Choosing the right airport is crucial for optimizing your travel time and convenience when visiting Yellowstone National Park, especially if you plan to use the East Entrance near Cody, Wyoming. While several airports serve the greater Yellowstone region, proximity to the East Entrance varies significantly. This guide details the three airports closest to that specific gateway.

1. Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)

Located in Cody, Wyoming, Yellowstone Regional Airport is by far the closest airport to the park’s East Entrance. It’s a smaller regional airport primarily serving the local community and tourists heading to the east side of Yellowstone.

  • Distance to Yellowstone East Entrance: Approximately 53 miles (about 1 – 1.5 hours drive)

  • Address: 2101 Roger Sedam Drive, Cody, WY 82414

  • Pros: Unbeatable proximity to East Entrance, scenic drive. | Cons: Fewer flight options, potentially higher fares, limited direct flights, smaller aircraft. | Airlines: United Express (year-round), Delta Connection (seasonal). | Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise.

  • Official Website: flycody.com

  • Phone: (307) 587-5096

  • Rating: ~4.5 / 5 stars (user reviews vary)

2. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

Situated in Billings, Montana, BIL is the closest major airport offering more extensive flight options and potentially lower fares than Cody. While further than COD, it’s a common choice for visitors accessing the East Entrance, often involving a drive via Cody.

  • Distance to Yellowstone East Entrance: Approximately 130 miles (about 2.5 – 3 hours drive, via Cody)

  • Address: 1901 Terminal Cir, Billings, MT 59105

  • Pros: More airlines and flight choices, often lower fares than COD, larger city amenities. | Cons: Significantly longer drive than from COD. | Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, United, Cape Air, Sun Country (seasonal). | Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo.

  • Official Website: flybillings.com

  • Phone: (406) 247-8609

  • Rating: ~4.2 / 5 stars (user reviews vary)

3. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

Located near Jackson, Wyoming, and uniquely situated inside Grand Teton National Park, JAC primarily serves Yellowstone’s South Entrance. While technically the third closest airport geographically speaking to the East Entrance boundary point than some others, the practical driving route requires entering via the South Entrance and traveling through a large portion of the park, making it less convenient specifically for the East Entrance compared to Billings.

  • Distance to Yellowstone East Entrance: Approximately 165 miles (about 4+ hours drive, requires driving through the park via the South Entrance)

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

  • Pros: Scenic airport location, convenient for Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone’s South/West side. | Cons: Indirect and long drive to East Entrance (requires park entry fee and travel through park), often expensive flights, very busy seasonally. | Airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, United (often seasonal dominance). | Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo.

  • Official Website: jacksonholeairport.com

  • Phone: (307) 733-7682

  • Rating: ~4.6 / 5 stars (user reviews vary)

Conclusion

For accessing Yellowstone’s East Entrance, Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, WY, is unequivocally the closest airport. However, due to its limited service and potentially higher costs, many travelers opt for Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, MT, which is the closest major airport offering more flight flexibility, despite the longer drive. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is geographically close to the park but is poorly positioned for accessing the East Entrance directly.

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