Montana Montana, USA Travel Guide
Public transportation is mainly limited to bus services inside of bigger urban areas like Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, and Great Falls. Specific ski resort shuttles additionally run seasonally. Intercity public transit is minimal, making travel connecting towns without a car challenging.
Missoula (Mountain Line) and Bozeman (Streamline) offer fare-free bus systems, making city travel economical. Billings (MET Transit) has a bus setup with fares. Link Transit serves the Flathead Valley, connecting Whitefish, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls, with seasonal stops to Glacier National Park. Ski hotels like Big Sky and Whitefish Mountain offer free or low-cost shuttles during winter.
Missoula (Mountain Line) and Bozeman (Streamline) offer fare-free bus services for easy city navigation.
Many ski resorts offer free or low-cost shuttles from close by towns to the slopes during winter.
Look online schedules in advance. Public transit does not reach every tourist locations like national park trailheads.
Use reputable companies.
Check driver and vehicle details.
With a trusted contact.
Follow signage for pickup areas.
A hired car is the most useful and recommended way to explore Montana. Consider a SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance, especially if you plan to drive on unpaved roads. Four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) is beneficial in winter or on rougher gravel roads.
National recreational areas have numerous designated walking plus trekking routes. Many cities have scenic paths along rivers, like Missoula's Clark Fork River Greenway.
Tours with a guide are available in larger cities. Self-guided tours can be done using maps or applications; many old towns present brochures with walking tour info.
Dedicated bike lanes are common in Missoula and Bozeman. Always wear a helmet. Obey traffic laws. Share trails with pedestrians.
Montana offers unique transportation experiences often tied to specific attractions or activities.
Pedestrians and cyclists are generally prohibited from U.S. Interstates for safety.
Safety First
Many state highways lack shoulders and could be dangerous for cycling. Choose designated bike routes.
Choose Designated Paths
Unless experienced, avoid venturing off marked trails due to wild animals and navigational challenges.
Stick to Marked Trails
For the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, consider taking a Red Bus Tour.
They handle the driving plus car parking, making it possible to relax and enjoy the views fully.
