The 3 Closest Airports to yellowstone southwest airlines

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The 3 Closest Airports to Yellowstone Served by Southwest Airlines

Planning a trip to the magnificent Yellowstone National Park and prefer flying Southwest Airlines? While Southwest doesn’t fly into the airports immediately adjacent to the park (like West Yellowstone or Jackson Hole), several airports within a reasonable driving distance offer Southwest service. Here are the three closest options to consider.

1. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Bozeman is the busiest airport in Montana and the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park that is served by Southwest Airlines. It offers the most convenient access, particularly to the North and West entrances of the park. The drive itself is quite scenic.

  • Distance to Yellowstone Entrance (Approx.): ~90 miles (1.5 – 2 hours) to West Entrance; ~80 miles (1.5 – 2 hours) to North Entrance (Gardiner).

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

  • Pros: Closest airport with Southwest service, relatively easy and scenic drive to West/North entrances, good range of services for its size.

  • Cons: Can be more expensive to fly into than larger hubs, rental cars can be pricey/sell out in peak season, fewer flight options than major airports.

  • Airlines: Southwest, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country, United.

  • Car Rentals: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty/Dollar (off-airport shuttle may be required for some).

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

  • Phone: (406) 388-8321

  • Rating: ~4.5/5 (Google Rating)

2. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

Located east of Bozeman, Billings is Montana’s largest city. While further than Bozeman, it provides Southwest service and offers good access to the park’s Northeast Entrance via the scenic Beartooth Highway (typically open Memorial Day to mid-October, weather permitting).

  • Distance to Yellowstone Entrance (Approx.): ~130 miles (3+ hours) to Northeast Entrance (Cooke City – via seasonal Beartooth Hwy); ~170 miles (3 – 3.5 hours) to North Entrance (Gardiner). Significantly further to West/South entrances.

  • Address: 1901 Terminal Cir, Billings, MT 59105

  • Pros: Offers Southwest service, gateway to the scenic Beartooth Highway (seasonal), potentially cheaper flights/rentals than BZN sometimes.

  • Cons: Longer drive to the most popular West/South entrances, Beartooth Highway route is seasonal and winding.

  • Airlines: Southwest, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Cape Air, Delta, United.

  • Car Rentals: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National.

  • Official Website: https://www.flybillings.com/

  • Phone: (406) 247-8609

  • Rating: ~4.2/5 (Google Rating)

3. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City International is a major hub airport located south of Yellowstone. While it involves the longest drive of these three options, it offers the most extensive Southwest flight schedules and often the most competitive fares. It’s the closest major airport to Yellowstone served by Southwest. The drive takes you north through Utah and Idaho or Wyoming, potentially allowing a visit to Grand Teton National Park on the way via the South Entrance.

  • Distance to Yellowstone Entrance (Approx.): ~320 miles (5 – 6 hours) to West Entrance; ~300 miles (5 – 6 hours) to South Entrance (via Jackson).

  • Address: 776 N Terminal Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84122

  • Pros: Major airport/Southwest hub with many flight options, often most affordable fares, large selection of rental cars, modern facilities, drive allows access via Grand Teton NP.

  • Cons: Longest drive to Yellowstone (5+ hours), potential for traffic delays leaving SLC area.

  • Airlines: Southwest (Hub), Delta (Hub), Alaska, American, Frontier, JetBlue, SkyWest, United, and international carriers.

  • Car Rentals: Extensive options including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty.

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

  • Phone: (801) 575-2400

  • Rating: ~4.0/5 (Google Rating – Note: Ratings often impacted by construction/size)

Conclusion

  • The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park served by Southwest Airlines is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).

  • The closest major airport to Yellowstone National Park served by Southwest Airlines is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), though it requires a significantly longer drive than Bozeman.

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