How to Get to Glacier Country. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Flying is the fastest way to reach Glacier Country, with two main airports serving the region. Direct flights are available from several U.S. Hubs.

Airports & Service

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA): In Kalispell, ~30 miles from The Crown Of the continent's west entrance.
Missoula International Airport (MSO): In Missoula, ~120 miles south of Glacier National Park. Often has more flight options.
Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American, Allegiant Air, Sun Country Airlines serve these airports from various U.S. cities. Find deals with Dollar Flight Club. Compare prices on Skyscanner.

Seasonal Flight Patterns & Transfers

Flight availability and prices fluctuate seasonally. Plan your airport transfers efficiently upon arrival.

Seasonal & Transfer Tips

Summer (July-August): Highest demand, frequent flights, highest prices. Book many months in advance.
Shoulder Seasons: Lower prices, a smaller number of direct routes, but good connectivity.
Rental Cars: Highly recommended for exploring. All major companies at FCA/MSO. Book well in advance via DiscoverCars.com.
Transfer Services: Some hotels/lodges offer shuttles. Private companies also operate.

Airport Amenities

FCA and MSO are smaller regional airports. They offer basic amenities like car rental counters, a few dining options, gift shops, and free Wi-Fi.

International Connections

No direct international flights. International travelers connect through key AMERICAN.S. Hubs (Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth).

Taxi/Ride-sharing

Taxis are available. Uber/Lyft availability can be limited, especially outside peak hours. Pre-booking or checking availability upon arriving is wise.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Services

Amtrak's Empire Builder: Connects Chicago to Seattle/Portland. Stops in Whitefish (WFH), West Glacier (WGL - seasonal), East Glacier Park (EGP - seasonal), and Essex (ESM). Book tickets well in advance.
Greyhound: Limited service to Missoula and Kalispell. Not practical for direct Glacier National Park access.
U.S.-Canada Border: Crossings near Eureka (Roosville) or on the east side of Glacier National Park (Piegan - seasonal). A valid passport is for all travelers. Check wait times.
Sea/River Arrivals: Not applicable as Montana is landlocked. Scenic floats/rafting are for recreation, not transport.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Requirements: Valid driver's license. International Driving Permit is advisable if your license is not in English. Minimum rental age often 21 (surcharge for under 25).
Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained. Gravel roads common in national forests/park (e.g., Polebridge).
Winter Driving: Snow tires/chains sometimes for mountain passes (Nov-March). Check Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) for conditions. Carry an Emergency kit.
Safety Concerns: Watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk. Be aware of logging trucks. Distances are significant; cell service spotty. Fill your fuel tank.

Departure Information

Exit Fees/Taxes

No specific departure tax or exit fee applies for exiting the U.S.

Departure Timing

Air: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights, 2.5-3 hours for international connections. Amtrak: 30 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

FCA and MSO offer basic waiting areas, restrooms, limited food/beverage, and gift shops. Amtrak stations have waiting areas.

Getting Around

Public Transportation

Public transportation is limited, serving specific areas. It is not sufficient for extensive exploration of the entire region.

Transit Options

Mountain Climber (Flathead County): Bus routes in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls. Limited hours, weektime only.
The Crown Of the continent Shuttle: Seasonal service along Going-to-the-Sun Road (West side). Free with park entrance/pass.
Route Maps: Mountain Climber schedules on Flathead County Transit. NPS website for park shuttle maps.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing offer on-demand transportation, mainly in larger towns. Availability can vary.

On-Demand Services

Taxis: In Kalispell, Whitefish, Missoula. Call local companies or find at airports/stations. Pre-booking is often reliable.
Uber & Lyft: Available in Kalispell, Whitefish, Missoula. Availability can be sporadic, especially in less populated areas or off-peak hours.
Costs & Payment methods: Usually metered or flat rates. Cash or credit card. Fares higher than major cities. Confirm estimate before ride.

Car & Bike Rentals

A rental vehicle is commonly the most practical and flexible way to explore Glacier Country. Bicycle rentals are for local exploration.

Rental Options

Car Rental: Major companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo) at FCA/MSO. Book well in advance, particularly for summer. Use DiscoverCars.com.
Motorcycle/Scooter: Motorcycle rentals are from specialized dealers. Scooter rentals are less common for touring.
Bicycle: Rentals are available from shops in Whitefish, West Glacier, and other gateway communities. No major bike-sharing programs.

Driving & Parking Tips

Road Rules & Parking

Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are enforced. Use headlights in fog/rain.
Road Conditions: Main highways are paved. Many national forest/park roads are gravel. Going-to-the-Sun The road is narrow and winding.
Parking: Popular trailheads in Glacier NP fill extremely early in summer. Arrive before 7 IN the morning or use park shuttle. Paid parking in some towns.

Driving Safety

Watch for wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
Be cautious of large trucks (logging trucks are common).
Cell service can be spotty in remote areas; do not rely on it for navigation.

Fill your fuel tank before long drives, as gas stations can be sparse.
Driving in winter requires extreme caution; check road conditions regularly with MDT.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is narrow; drive slowly and use caution.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Glacier Country offers areas ideal for walking, from town strolls to picturesque park trails. Experience the beauty on foot.

Walkable Spots

Towns: Whitefish, Bigfork, and downtown Kalispell feature walkable main streets with sidewalks for enjoyable strolls.
The Crown Of the continent: Numerous hiking trails, from easy strolls to strenuous climbs.
Paved Multi-use Path: An alternative is to walk Glacier National Park's Paved multi-use path around Lake McDonald near Apgar Village.

Walking Tours & Restrictions

Explore with guided or self-guided tours, but observe park guidelines for safety and environmental protection.

Tour & No-Go Areas

Ranger-led Walks: Offered seasonally in Glacier National Park, providing insights into ecology, geology, history. Check park schedule.
Self-guided Tours: Possible in downtown Whitefish or Kalispell using local maps or mobile apps.
No-Go Areas: Avoid walking on busy highways. Off-trail travel in Glacier NP is discouraged due to fragile ecosystems and safety (bears, steep terrain). Stick to marked trails.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Cycling is possible on most paved roads in Glacier National Park, with some restrictions. Whitefish has designated bike paths.

Cycling Safety

Always wear a Helmet and follow traffic laws. Exercise caution on main roads due to vehicle traffic.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Cycling restrictions apply on certain sections during peak summer hours for safety. Check NPS website for current regulations.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Water Transport

Beyond standard options, Glacier Country offers unique ways to feel its landscapes and attractions through guided tours and water activities.

Unique Journeys

Red Bus Tours: Historic, guided tours on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Book well in advance.
Boat Tours: Historic boat tours on Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, St. Mary, Two Medicine lakes. Scenic tours, not taxi services.
Flathead Lake: Boat rental companies and private hire are available, but no public boat taxi system.

Mountain Resort & Accessibility

Whitefish Mountain Resort offers unique transport via ski lifts. Accessibility services cater to travelers with mobility needs.

Resort & Access

Whitefish Mountain Resort: Ski lifts operate for skiing/snowboarding in winter. Summer employ for scenic rides, hiking trails, mountain biking.
Accessible Trails: Glacier National Park offers accessible trails (Trail of the Cedars, Apgar Village parts), visitor centers, restrooms.
Accessible Lodging: Options are in main towns and some park lodges. Rental car companies offer hand-controlled vehicles with advance notice.

Transfer Options Comparison Example: FCA Car Rentals

Avis

Economy, Mid-size, SUV, Minivan. On-site at FCA. Good for loyalty program members.

Enterprise

Economy, Mid-size, SUV, Truck, Van. On-site at FCA. Known for customer service and wide selection.

Hertz

Economy, Mid-size, SUV, Premium. On-site at FCA. Recognizes various international licenses.

Transport Summary

A rental car generally offers the most flexibility for exploring Glacier Country.

How to Get to Glacier Country