5 Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park (+Tips)

Yellowstone National Park is ideal for adventurers who enjoy flora, fauna, and the magic of nature’s beauty. Having a guide through the closest airports to Yellowstone would greatly help those planning their vacation in the first national park in the world.

Below is a complete breakdown of the information about the airports near Yellowstone National Park, other suitable options, tips while booking flights and traveling, and the top-rated activities to do here.

5 Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park

The airports near Yellowstone are Yellowstone Airport, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Jackson Hole Airport, Yellowstone Regional Airport, and Idaho Falls Regional Airport.

1. Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

This is the closest airport to Yellowstone. However, this airport does not function in winter due to heavy snow. So, this option is useful for travelers visiting from May to mid-October.

• Distance from Yellowstone: 3 miles (5 minutes)
• Taxi: An Uber would approximately cost 121 dollars.
• Car Rentals: A car can be rented from Avis for about 50 dollars a day.

2. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

Jackson Hole Airport is the nearest airport to Yellowstone that is functional all year round. This airport is also located inside the Grand Teton National Park, so flyers of this airport can enjoy the diverse landscapes of this park as well.

• Distance from Yellowstone: 49 miles (1 hour)
• Car Rentals: This option would cost 23 dollars per day. A few popular rentals include Enterprise and Alamo.
• Shuttle: Private shuttles are available for about 295 dollars per person.

3. Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)

Yellowstone Regional Airport is the nearest airport to Yellowstone on its east side. This airport provides service all year round and is located in the nearest settlement to the east of Yellowstone. Visitors should opt for this airport if they plan to visit Mount Rushmore as well.

• Distance from Yellowstone: 54 miles from East entrance (1 hour)
• Car rentals: Avis, Budget, and Dollar offer rentals from 67 dollars per day.

4. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest international airport to Yellowstone. This airport is best for those traveling in winter because it is closest to the Northern entrance of the park which is the only operational one in the season.

• Distance from Yellowstone: 88 miles (North Entrance)
• Car Rentals: Brands like National. Alamo, Budget, and many more offer rentals from 23 dollars a day.
• Shuttle: Private shuttles cost about 295 dollars per person.

5. Idaho Falls Regional Airport

The last airport on the list, Idaho Falls Regional Airport is one of the affordable options when visiting Yellowstone National Park. This airport provides many connecting flights and also provides access to Grand Teton National Park, at a lower cost as compared to Jackson Hole Airport.

• Distance from Yellowstone: 110 miles (2 hours)
• Taxi: Brands like Uber will be available from 400-500 dollars
• Car rentals: Avis, Alamo, and National allow car rentals from 35 dollars a day

These were all the airports closest to Yellowstone that provide good connectivity and facilities. In the next section, readers will be provided with some additional tips to make their trip smoother.

Travel Tips for Yellowstone National Park

Knowing the closest airport to Yellowstone is the first step to planning a trip to this destination. Travelers will also need some tips for booking tickets, the best times to visit and enjoy their stay to the fullest. Below are a few tips:

• Summer is the best time to visit Yellowstone as all the amenities and activities will be available.
• To avoid crowds, consider visiting in September or October.
• Always compare flight fares through different travel-related search engines to find the cheapest and best option.
• Visitors are advised to book their in-city transport in advance to prevent any issues.
• Tourists can also buy the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. This $80 pass is valid for 12 months to allow access to all national park sites, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
• Keep handy the local currency in case visiting from abroad. 
• The closest airports to Yellowstone’s North Entrance are Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the South Entrance to Jackson Hole Airport, and the East Entrance to Yellowstone Regional Airport. Travelers can choose entrances from the airport that is closest to them.

Tourist Attractions Near Yellowstone National Park

This section of the article will touch upon the popular activities at Yellowstone National Park. Tourists can go through them and choose the ones that would enhance their experience of this raw beauty.

• Witness the diverse wildlife: The best time for this is early morning or late afternoon when the heat is gone. The best spots for the same are Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley.
• Horse riding: Tourists can visit to take the experience of horseriding through the meadows. This 1 to 2-hour guided trip is offered by multiple private license holders such as Yellowstone National Park Lodges. 
• Experience the glory of Geyser Old Faithful: This ever-erupting geyser is a must-see in Yellowstone National Park.
• Hiking: There are many spots to hike at Mount Washburn and Tower Fall. Reaching atop Mount Washburn gives a scenic view of the whole of Yellowstone National Park, and Tower Fall’s waterfall is an enchanting sight to treasure for a lifetime.
• Fishing: After getting a permit, fishing enthusiasts can fish in special spots. In the northwest, there is the Firehole River or Gallatin River. In the northeast, Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek are worth trying, while the southwest and southeast have the Bechler River and Snake River.

Also Read:

• 4 Closest Airports to Disneyland, CA
• 3 Closest Airports to Gatlinburg, TN
• 4 Closest Airports to Rosemary Beach
• 4 Closest Airports to St. Augustine

Yellowstone National Park is home to many captivating scenes of nature. To summarise, this article provided insight into the closest airport to Yellowstone, tips for tourists, and major attractions of Yellowstone. During the visit, tourists are urged to maintain cleanliness, stick to trails, and ensure the safety of themselves and their co-travellers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)