Getting Around Yellowstone Montana. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transport & Taxis

Public transportation, like metro, buses, or trams, is limited to non-existent within and around Yellowstone National Park. Not widespread public transit system connects areas inside the park or links gateway towns. Route maps, ticketing systems, fares, and hours of operation are not applicable given this limitation.

Reliance on taxis or ride-sharing services for exploring the park is not practical. Taxis are scarce in gateway towns and virtually non-existent for travel within the park. You typically find them at the airport or in larger cities like Bozeman. Hailing a taxi on the street is uncommon; pre-booking is usually necessary.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing Details

Typical Fares: Fares are high due to long distances. Payment is usually by cash or credit card.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Lyft operate in Bozeman but are generally not reliably available in the Yellowstone gateway towns of West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cooke City.
Safety: Licensed taxis are generally safe. For airport transfers, use pre-booked reputable shuttle services.
Airport/Station Arrangements: You can pre-book taxis from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) to your destination.

Limited Public Transit

Yellowstone National Park and its gateway towns do not have extensive public transit for tourists.

Private Vehicles Preferred

A personal vehicle is the most efficient way to explore the park and surrounding areas.

Efficiency Tip

A private vehicle grants freedom to stop for wildlife, scenic views, and trailheads at your leisure.

Rental Options Overview

Car & Motorcycle Rentals

Car rental: Requires valid driver's license, major credit card, typically 21+ years old. Major companies at BZN, IDA.
Motorcycle/scooter rentals: Can be found in some gateway towns (e.g., West Yellowstone) for seasonal use.
Book your rental vehicle well in advance, especially for summer or winter holiday travel due to high demand.

Bicycle & Specialty Rentals

Bicycle rentals: Available in gateway towns for specific trails. Bicycles are permitted on paved roads, not on boardhikes or most backcountry trails.
Snowmobile rentals: Available in West Yellowstone during winter for designated park roads or groomed trails.
Snow Coach tours: Large, heated vehicles traverse groomed, snow-covered roads in winter, offering unique entry to the park.

Rental Services & Pricing

Car

$70 - $150+ (Seasonal)

Motorcycle

$150 - $250+ (Seasonal)

Bicycle

$30 - $60 (Seasonal)

Snowmobile

$150 - $300+ (Winter)

Driving & Parking

Road conditions vary significantly by season.

Driving Laws & Conditions

Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory.
Speed limits are strictly enforced, often 45 mph (73 km/h) within the park, with lower limits in thermal areas.
Watch for wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Expect "bison jams" or "elk jams."
Many the park's road network close seasonally (Nov-late April/early In may). Check NPS website for current status.

Parking Information

Parking lots at popular attractions (Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Prismatic Spring) fill quickly by mid-morning during peak season.
Arrive early or late in the day to find a site at popular locations.
Overflow parking may necessitate a longer take a walk to the attraction.
Be aware of seasonal closures on specific roads that affect access to parking areas.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-friendly areas: Boardwalks around thermal features are designated for pedestrians only.
Walking routes: Many short, paved trails exist. Gateway villages have sidewalks.
Walking tours: Guided walking tours are available from concessionaires or private companies.

Bicycle infrastructure: Bicycles are permitted on paved roads open to vehicles.
Safety: Helmets advisable for cycling. Share the road safely with vehicles.
No-go areas: No bicycles on boardwalks, backcountry trails, or off-road. Do not go off-trail in thermal areas.

Specialized Transport

Tour Buses

Several private companies conduct guided bus tours from Bozeman or gateway towns. No hop-on-hop-off service operates.

Boat Tours

Limited guided boat tours available on Yellowstone Lake for unique perspectives.

Accessibility Services

Many boardwalks and visitor centers are wheelchair accessible. Accessible lodging and restrooms are available. Check NPS website for details.

Winter Travel Options

Yellowstone transforms into a a magical winter scene, accessible through specialized transportation methods when most roads close to private vehicles. These options present special ways to experience the park's serene, snow-covered landscape and abundant winter wildlife.

Snowmobile Tours & Rentals

Snowmobiles are accessible for rent in West Yellowstone during winter months.
Use them on designated park roads or groomed trails external to the park boundary.
Guided snowmobile tours are a popular and safe choice for exploration.
Riding conditions vary; always check with local outfitters for current information.

Snow Coach Tours

Snow coaches are large, heated vehicles designed to traverse snow-covered roads.
Available from West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs for park access.
These tours present an unique and comfortable way to see the park's interior in winter.
Operated by authorized concessionaires, often with knowledgeable guides.

Walking & Cycling in Winter

Snowshoeing

Explore designated trails and open sections on snowshoes, offering quiet solitude.

Rentals available in the towns leading to.

Cross-Country Skiing

Access groomed trails for cross-country skiing, notably around Mammoth Hot Springs.

Suitable for all skill levels.

Winter Cycling

Fat biking is possible on specific groomed roads before they open to vehicles in spring.

Check park regulations for permitted areas.

Safety & General Tips for Winter Travel

Safety Precautions

Dress in multiple extra warm clothing and insulated, waterproof outer gear for extreme cold.
Carry an emergency kit with extra food, water, and blankets.
Share your itinerary with someone, especially when venturing into the backcountry.

General Winter Tips

Bring extra camera batteries; cold weather drains them quickly.
Gateway towns offer specific winter services and equipment rentals.
Cell service can be very limited, even more so in winter; have offline maps.

Winter Road Closures & Restrictions

Most park roads close to private vehicles from early November until late April/early May.
Only the road from Gardiner (North Entrance) to Do some cookinge City (Northeast Entrance) remains open to vehicles year-round.
This open section requires 4WD or chains during certain winter periods; verify conditions before travel.
Access to other park areas is solely by snowmobile or snow coach tours.

Road opening dates in spring are based on snowmelt plus road quality, and can vary annually.
Unauthorized vehicle access on closed roads results in fines.
Parking is limited even in open areas during winter; plan accordingly.
Always check the official NPS website for the most current road status and alerts.

Winter Travel Tip

If you travel in winter, a snow coach tour has a comfortable and safe way to reach the park'the island's interior thermal basins when most roads are closed to private vehicles.

Book these tours well in advance as availability is limited during the peak winter season.

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