The 3 Closest Airports to yellowstone state park

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The 3 Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park

Planning a trip to the vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park often starts with figuring out how to get there. Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel time and convenience. Here’s a look at the three airports closest to the park’s entrances.

1. Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

This small airport is located just outside the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. It offers the absolute closest access to any park entrance but operates only seasonally.

  • 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, very convenient for stays in West Yellowstone. Cons: Seasonal operation (roughly early May/June to mid-September/October), limited flight options, often higher fares, small facility.

  • Airlines: Typically served by Delta Connection (operated by SkyWest), sometimes United Express (operated by SkyWest) – seasonal basis.

  • Car Rental: Limited options usually available seasonally on-site (e.g., Avis, Budget). Advance booking is crucial.

  • Official Website: yellowstoneairport.mdt.mt.gov

  • Phone: (406) 646-7631

  • Rating: Approx. 4.2 Stars (Google Reviews – can vary)

2. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

Situated within Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Airport offers stunning arrival views and is the closest option for accessing Yellowstone’s South Entrance.

  • Distance to Yellowstone National Park: Approximately 50 miles to the South Entrance.

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

  • Pros: Beautiful location inside Grand Teton NP, convenient for visiting both parks, good range of services for its size. Cons: Flights can be expensive, weather delays possible (especially in winter), located south of Yellowstone requiring travel through Grand Teton.

  • Airlines: Served by Alaska, American, Delta, United, and sometimes others seasonally.

  • Car Rental: Most major agencies available (e.g., Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, National/Alamo).

  • Official Website: www.jacksonholeairport.com

  • Phone: (307) 733-7682

  • Rating: Approx. 4.7 Stars (Google Reviews – can vary)

3. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Located in Belgrade, Montana (near Bozeman), this is the busiest airport in Montana and often considered the closest major airport serving Yellowstone. It provides year-round service and good access to the North and West entrances.

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

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

  • Pros: Most flight options and airlines year-round, generally competitive fares, largest airport serving the area, good road access. Cons: Furthest drive of these three airports (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours), requires significant driving to reach the park.

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

  • Car Rental: All major agencies available (e.g., Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National).

  • Official Website: www.bozemanairport.com

  • Phone: (406) 388-8321

  • Rating: Approx. 4.4 Stars (Google Reviews – can vary)

Conclusion:

The physically closest airport to Yellowstone National Park is Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, MT, but it’s only open seasonally (summer/early fall) and has limited flights. The closest major airport with the most extensive flight options and year-round service is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) offers a good balance, especially if visiting Grand Teton National Park as well. Your best choice depends on the time of year you travel, your budget, and which parts of the park you plan to visit first.

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