The 3 Closest Airports to yellowstone national park west entrance

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The 3 Closest Airports to yellowstone national park west entrance

Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park via its popular West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana? Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel time and budget. Here’s a look at the three airports geographically closest to the West Entrance.

  1. West Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

    This small airport is, by far, the closest option to the West Entrance, located just outside the town of West Yellowstone itself. However, its service is seasonal, typically operating only during the peak summer months, and flight options are very limited.

    • Distance to Yellowstone West Entrance: Approximately 2 miles (less than 5 minutes drive).

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

    • Pros: Unbeatable proximity to the West Entrance, incredibly short transfer time.

    • Cons: Only operates seasonally (roughly June to late Sept/early Oct), very limited flight schedules and destinations, often higher fares, fewer rental car options.

    • Airlines: Primarily Delta Connection (operated by SkyWest), sometimes United Express (operated by SkyWest) – Seasonally.

    • Car Rental: Limited onsite options, typically Avis/Budget available seasonally. Booking ahead is crucial.

    • Official Website: https://www.yellowstoneairport.org/

    • Phone: (406) 646-7631

    • Rating: Generally well-regarded for its convenience when operational (Approx. 4.0/5 stars).

  2. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

    Located in Belgrade, just outside Bozeman, Montana, BZN is the busiest airport in Montana and the closest major airport to Yellowstone’s West Entrance. It offers year-round service with significantly more flight options, airlines, and amenities compared to WYS.

    • Distance to Yellowstone West Entrance: Approximately 90 miles (around 1.5 – 2 hours drive).

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

    • Pros: Year-round service, largest selection of airlines and flights in the region, more competitive fares generally, ample car rental options, good airport facilities.

    • Cons: Requires a 1.5-2 hour scenic drive to West Yellowstone.

    • Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, United (subject to change).

    • Car Rental: Wide selection including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and others.

    • Official Website: https://bozemanairport.com/

    • Phone: (406) 388-8321

    • Rating: Generally highly rated for a regional airport (Approx. 4.5/5 stars).

  3. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

    Situated south of the West Entrance in Idaho, IDA is another viable year-round option. The drive is slightly longer than from Bozeman but can sometimes offer different flight availability or pricing depending on your origin city.

    • Distance to Yellowstone West Entrance: Approximately 110 miles (around 2 – 2.5 hours drive).

    • Address: 2140 N Skyline Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 83402

    • Pros: Year-round service, generally good flight options (though fewer than BZN), can sometimes offer lower fares, decent car rental availability.

    • Cons: Requires a longer drive (2+ hours) compared to BZN, potentially less direct flight routes depending on origin.

    • Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, United (subject to change).

    • Car Rental: Good selection including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo.

    • Official Website: https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/181/Airport-IDA

    • Phone: (208) 612-8221

    • Rating: Generally considered a convenient and efficient regional airport (Approx. 4.2/5 stars).

Conclusion:

The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance is undeniably West Yellowstone Airport (WYS), located just minutes away. However, its seasonal operation and limited flights make it practical only for some summer travelers.

The closest major airport with year-round service and the most flight options is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), offering a good balance between proximity (around a 90-minute drive) and travel choices. Idaho Falls (IDA) serves as a solid alternative, especially if flight schedules or prices are more favorable.

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