Airports Near Yellowstone: 8 Best and Closest Flight Options

Yellowstone National Park is one of the biggest and most visited national parks in the United States. Each year, millions of people flock to this remote park. But despite its popularity, Yellowstone’s remote location makes it hard to reach. 

There are eight airports near Yellowstone National Park, ranging from small, regional airports to major international hubs, but which one is best for your trip?

This guide covers everything you need to know about flying to Yellowstone National Park, including all the essential details about the eight best airports for Yellowstone, plus exclusive tips on finding the best prices and the best airports for visiting different areas of this massive park.

Are you looking for more ideas for your trip to Yellowstone National Park? Don’t miss these posts!

Looking for more ideas for your national park bucket list? Don’t miss this Ultimate National Park Checklist, complete with the best things to do in all 63 USA National Parks!

Where is Yellowstone National Park located?

Before diving into the best airports for flying to Yellowstone, it’s essential to understand precisely where this park is and how it is laid out. 

Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, with small portions of the park crossing over into neighboring Idaho and Montana. 

Covering over 2 million acres, Yellowstone is one of the largest national parks in the United States. The park’s massive lands are connected through the Grand Loop Road. This famous scenic highway forms a “Figure 8” and is the primary route for most activities in Yellowstone. 

Read More: 22 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

The Grand Loop Road also connects the park’s five entrances. You’ll want to pick the entrance closest to the main activities on your itinerary. For most visitors, that’s the West Entrance or the South Entrance.

• West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana – best all around as it’s only minutes outside West Yellowstone, Montana and closest to Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic
• North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana – best for visiting Mammoth Hot Springs
• Northeast Entrance in Cooke City, Montana – best for visiting Lamar Valley
• East Entrance near Wapiti, Wyoming – best for visiting Yellowstone Lake
• South Entrance near Moran, Wyoming – best for those also visiting Grand Teton

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After determining the best way to access this massive park, you can decide on the best place to fly into for your trip.

Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park

The airports nearest to Yellowstone are a combination of regional and international airports.

Generally, the regional airports will require connecting through larger airports like Salt Lake City or Denver but provide shorter drives. 

International airports are typically less expensive and don’t require connecting but need a long drive to the park.

The closest regional airports to Yellowstone are:

• Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, Montana
• Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, Wyoming
• Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming
• Bozeman Yellowstonel Airport (BZN) in Bozeman, Montana
• Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho Falls, Idaho
• Billings-Logan Aiport (BIL) in Billings, Montana

The closest international airports to Yellowstone are:

• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Denver International Airport (DEN) in Denver, Colorado

The map below shows the regional airports in orange, the international airports in purple, and the park entrances in green. You can find an interactive version of this map here.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of flying into each of these airports, plus the airlines, amenities, rental car companies, drive time, and more for each airport. 

The airports below are ordered by proximity to the park.

What is the cheapest airport to fly into Yellowstone?

The cheapest airports will depend on where you’re flying from and the dates for your trip. Generally, the larger airports like Salt Lake City and Denver will provide cheaper options but will require more driving.

My favorite tool to find the cheapest flights to Yellowstone is Skyscanner. 

This flight search tool allows you to search flight prices and times across multiple airlines. If you find a flight you’re interested in booking, Skyscanner redirects you to the airline’s check-out page, where you can log in with any frequent flier information.

Rest assured, you’re getting the best price!

For your Yellowstone trip, I recommend using Skyscanner to search prices from your home airport to each of these regional and international airports. You can find the best combination of price and driving distance from the park, making the perfect informed decision for you and your itinerary.

You’ll also need a rental car to get to and around the park if you’re flying. I like to use to Rentalcars.com find the best deals on rental cars. It allows you to search across multiple rental companies to find the lowest price. You’ll find all the major retailers like Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise, plus budget companies like Budget, Sixt, Dollar, Thrifty, and more. Search rental car prices with Rentalcars.com now.

1. Closest Airport to Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

• Best For: Those staying in West Yellowstone or those looking to minimize driving time on short trips
• Location: West Yellowstone, MT
• Closest Yellowstone Entrance: 5 minutes from the West Entrance
• Airlines: Delta, United
• Rental Cars: Avis, Budget
• Airport Services: On-site restaurant
• Website: www.yellowstoneairport.org

Located just over 5 minutes from the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone, Montana, is your closest option and the closest airport to Old Faithful. This regional airport only has one gate and is incredibly small. 

Yellowstone Airport is my favorite option for flying to Yellowstone National Park with a few flights a day. It is serviced by two major airlines, Delta Connection and United Express, making it easy to connect from your home base through their hubs to West Yellowstone.

It’s important to note that the Yellowstone Airport is only open from May to mid-October during Yellowstone’s peak season. Still, the operating season may be expanding thanks to increased park visitation soon.

Airports Flying into Yellowstone Airport:

• Denver (via United)
• Salt Lake City (via Delta)

Yellowstone Airport to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

• Distance: 3.0 miles
• Drive Time: 5 to 10 minutes
• Route: US-191 S

Read More: Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park

2. Closest Airport to Grand Teton: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

• Best For: Those visiting both Yellowstone and Grand Teton
• Location: Jackson, WY
• Closest Yellowstone Entrance: 1 hour to South Entrance
• Airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, Sun Country (Limited), United
• Rental Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar (Off-Site), Enterprise, Hertz (Off-Site), National, Thrifty (Off-Site)
• Airport Services: Pre-Security Coffe Shop, Post-Security Restaurant, Gift Shops, Free WiFi, Shuttle Service, Bear Spray Rental by Teton Backcountry Rental
• Website: www.jacksonholeairport.com

The Jackson Hole Airport is located one hour south of Yellowstone’s South Entrance inside Grand Teton National Park. Interestingly, it’s the only airport in the United States located inside a national park! As you might expect, the views of the Tetons as you land in Jackson Hole are incredible.

Flying into Jackson provides an excellent gateway for visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. This airport is larger than West Yellowstone and provides access to the decently sized town of Jackson, Wyoming.

That said, Jackson also tends to be a more luxury destination, particularly during the winter ski season, so flights into Jackson Hole Airport can be pricey. However, if you value finding the nearest airport to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is an excellent option for you.

Airports Flying into Jackson Hole:

• Chicago O’Hare (via American and United)
• Dallas Fort Worth (via American)
• Denver (via United)
• Houston (via United)
• Los Angeles (via Alaska, American, and United)
• Minneapolis/St.Paul (via Sun Country Airlines, limited flights)
• Salt Lake City (via Delta)
• San Francisco (via Alaska and United)
• Seattle (via Alaska)

Jackson Hole Airport to Yellowstone South Entrance:

• Distance: 49.1 miles
• Drive Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Route: US-191 N

3. Best Airport Near Yellowstone National Park East Entrance: Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)

• Best For: Those looking for a cheaper flight connecting from airline hubs in Denver and Salt Lake City
• Location: Cody, WY
• Closest Yellowstone Entrance: 1 hour 10 minutes from the East Entrance
• Airlines: Delta, United
• Rental Cars: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty
• Airport Services: On-Site Restaurant, Free WiFi
• Website: flyyra.com

If you plan to spend most of your time in the eastern part of the Yellowstone, like Yellowstone Lake or Fishing Bridge, flying into Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody could make sense. It’s also an excellent option for those looking to visit Mount Rushmore on their road trip.

While further away from the Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone and the Jackson Hole Airport, the Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody can be a more affordable option.

Airports Flying into Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody:

• Denver (via United)
• Salt Lake City (via Delta)

Yellowstone Regional Airport to Yellowstone’s East Entrance:

• Distance: 54.5 miles
• Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Route: US-14 W

4. Best Airport Near Yellowstone North Entrance: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

• Best For: Those also visiting Glacier National Park
• Location: Bozeman, MT
• Closest Yellowstone Entrance: 1 hour 40 minutes to North Entrance
• Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant Air, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United
• Rental Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty
• Airport Services: Several Post-Security Restaurants, Gift Shops, Free WiFi
• Website: bozemanairport.com

The Bozeman Airport is the closest airport to Yellowstone’s North Park Entrance, serving many major airports. Although it’s labeled an international airport, it does not operate any international destinations anymore.

Located in one of Montana’s most populated cities, Bozeman provides an excellent option for visiting multiple national parks on one trip.

If you plan to visit Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, I highly recommend flying in and out of Bozeman, Montana. From here, you’re only 1.5 hours to Yellowstone’s North Entrance and 4.5 hours from Glacier’s East Entrance in St. Mary. 

Bozeman is also the best option when visiting Yellowstone in the winter as it is closest to the North Entrance, the only one open in the winter.

Flying into Bozeman is also a more budget-friendly alternative than the regional airports. Since more cities and more airlines service it, you’ll have better luck finding cheaper flights.

Airports Flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport:

• Austin (via Alaska and Allegiant, limited availability)
• Boston (via JetBlue, limited availability)
• Chicago O’Hare (via Alaska, American, JetBlue, and United)
• Dallas Fort Worth (via Alaska and American)
• Denver (via Alaska and United)
• Las Vegas (via Alaska and Southwest)
• Los Angeles (via United)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul (via Delta)
• Nashville (via Allegiant, limited availability) 
• Newark (via United)
• Phoenix (via Allegiant, limited availability)
• Portland (via Alaska)
• Salt Lake City (via Delta)
• San Francisco (via Alaska and United)
• Seattle (via Alaska)
• Washington Dulles (via United)

Bozeman Airport to Yellowstone North Entrance:

• Distance: 88.4 miles
• Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Route: I-90E to US-89 S

Read More: Best Time to Visit Yellowstone (and How to Avoid Crowds)

5. Closets Idaho Airport to Yellowstone: Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

• Best For: Those looking for a more budget-friendly regional airport instead of West Yellowstone or Jackson Hole
• Location: Idaho Falls, ID
• Closest Yellowstone Entrance: 2 hours to West Entrance
• Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, United
• Rental Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National
• Airport Services: On-site Restaurant, Free WiFi
• Website: www.idahofallsidaho.gov/181/airport

Idaho Falls Regional Airport is an additional regional airport near both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. While most visitors choose to fly into one of the closer regional airports, it’s worth looking into prices at Idaho Falls (you might find it is more affordable than West Yellowstone!).

Airports Flying into Idaho Falls Regional Airport:

• Boise (via Alaska)
• Dallas Fort Worth (via American)
• Denver (via United)
• Las Vegas (via Allegiant, limited availability)
• Oakland (via Allegiant, limited availability)
• Phoenix (via Allegiant and American)
• Portland (via Allegiant, limited availability)
• Salt Lake City (via Delta)
• San Diego (via Allegiant, limited availability)
• Seattle (via Alaska)

Idaho Falls Regional Airport to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

• Distance: 109 miles
• Drive Time: 2 hours
• Route: US-20 E

6. Closest Airport to Yellowstone Northeast Entrance: Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

• Best For: Those looking for a more budget-friendly option closest to Beartooth Highway and Lamar Valley
• Location: Billings, Montana
• Closest Yellowstone Entrance: 3 hours to Northeast Entrance
• Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, America, Delta, United
• Rental Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty
• Airport Services: On-site Restaurant, Gift Shop, Free WiFi
• Website: www.flybillings.com

Billings is Montana’s biggest city and home to a decent size airport connecting to many major airports in the western United States. Like Bozeman, Billings Airport is listed as an international airport but doesn’t currently service any international destinations.

I wouldn’t recommend flying into Billings unless you get a great deal on flight prices and don’t mind a bit of extra driving. As the furthest regional airport to Yellowstone, expect to drive nearly 5 hours to reach the park’s main attractions like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

However, if your Yellowstone itinerary also includes visiting national parks in North Dakota, Billings can be a good option.

Airports Flying into Billings-Logan Airport:

• Chicago O’Hare (via American)
• Dallas Fort Worth (via Alaska and American)
• Denver (via United)
• Las Vegas (via Allegiant, limited availability)
• Minneapolis St. Paul (via Delta)
• Phoenix (via Allegiant, limited availability)
• Portland (via Alaska)
• Salt Lake City (via Delta)
• Seattle (via Alaska)

Billings Airport to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance:

• Distance: 130 miles
• Drive Time: 3 hours
• Route: US-212 W

Read More: Ultimate Yellowstone Itinerary (for 1 to 5 Days!)

7. Closest International Airport to Yellowstone: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

• Best For: Those looking for budget-friendly, direct flights and international travelers
• Location: Salt Lake City, UT
• Closest Yellowstone Entrance: 4 hours 50 minutes from West Entrance
• Airlines: Aeromexico, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, United
• Rental Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty
• Airport Services: Endless Dining and Shopping Options, Delta Sky Club, Free WiFi
• Website: slcairport.com

If you’re looking to save money and avoid connecting to a smaller regional airport, I highly recommend flying into Salt Lake City International Airport. Located just under 5 hours away from Yellowstone’s West Entrance, this is by far the most cost-effective airport on this list.

Salt Lake City is a hub for Delta Airlines. From here, you can find direct flights to nearly every major airport in the country (as well as most small airport locations in the western US). The drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is lengthy but makes for an excellent national park road trip.

Airports Flying into Salt Lake City International Airport:

Many domestic airports serve Salt Lake City, including direct flights on Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. You’ll find the most Delta flights here as it is a Delta hub.

SLC also offers several international flights serviced by Delta Airlines and their international SkyTeam partners, including:

• Canada: Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver
• Mexico: Cancun, Guadalajara, San Jose Cabo, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta
• Netherlands: Amsterdam
• France: Paris

Lufthansa Airlines also offers limited flights to and from Frankfurt, Germany, out of Salt Lake.

Salt Lake City Airport to Yellowstone National Park:

• Distance: 324 miles
• Drive Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Route: I-15 N to US-20 E

8. Biggest Airport Near Yellowstone National Park: Denver International Airport (DEN)

• Best For: Those looking for a budget-friendly domestic airport or international travelers that don’t want to connect
• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Closest Yellowstone Entrance: 8 hours to East Entrance
• Airlines: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska, Allegiant, American, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa, Delta, Edelweiss, Frontier, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, United, Volaris, WestJet
• Rental Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty
• Airport Services: Endless Dining and Shopping Options, Free WiFi, American Airlines Admirals Club, British Airways Executive Club, Delta Sky Club, United Club
• Website: www.flydenver.com

Denver International Airport in Colorado is the busiest and biggest airport within driving distance to Yellowstone National Park. It’s the 5th busiest airport in the United States!

Compared to Salt Lake City, Denver is a much longer drive, clocking in at 8 hours to Yellowstone’s East Entrance. That said, if you’re an international traveler or want to road trip to America’s first national park, Denver may be the right option for you.

The Denver Airport is a hub for United Airlines, so you’ll find no shortage of budget-friendly flights on United and nearly every other popular US airline. Denver also offers several international flights, so if you’re traveling internationally and want to avoid connecting, this airport may be an excellent option for you.

Airports Flying into Denver International Airport:

Denver has direct flights on nearly every major domestic airline to locations across the United States. You’ll find plenty of United Airlines flights here as Denver is one of their hubs.

The Denver Airport offers numerous international flights, mainly serviced by United Airlines and their international partners, including:

• Canada: Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver
• Mexico: Cancun, Chihuahua, Cozumel, Guadalajara, San Jose Cabo, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta
• Central America: Belize City in Belize, Liberia and San Jose in Costa Rica, Roatan in Honduras, and Panama City in Panama
• Caribbean: Grand Cayman Island, Nassau in the Bahamas
• Europe: Amsterdam, London, Paris, Reykjavik
• Asia: Tokyo

Denver to Yellowstone’s East Entrance:

• Distance: 548 miles
• Drive Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Route: I-25 N to US-20 W

Final Thoughts on the Best Airports Near Yellowstone National Park

Although 8 airports are accessible to Yellowstone, where you choose to fly into will depend on your budget, willingness to drive long distances, and home base.

Overall, I recommend choosing between West Yellowstone Airport (the closest), Jackson Hole Airport (best for Yellowstone & Grand Teton), and Salt Lake City (best for those on a budget).

You can use Skyscanner to search flights to each of these airports and find the best price for your trip dates!

Are you looking for more ideas for your trip to Yellowstone National Park? Don’t miss these posts!

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