How to Get to Glacier National Park. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports Near Glacier

Glacier National Park is served by a few airports, offering varying levels of convenience and flight options.

Main Airports

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA): Kalispell, MT, ~30 miles (48 km) from West Entrance. Closest and most convenient.
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO): Missoula, MT, ~130 miles (210 km) south. Often more flight options, potentially lower fares.
Calgary International Airport (YYC): Calgary, Alberta, Canada, ~200 miles (320 km) north. For international travelers, requires border crossing.

Flight Connectivity & Pricing

Airlines & Hubs

Airlines: FCA and MSO are served by major U.S. Airlines (Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country, United). Discover deals on Dollar Flight Club.
Typical Routes: Direct flights to FCA are seasonal, connecting through U.S. hubs like Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis. MSO has more year-round service.
International Flights: No direct flights from global hubs to FCA/MSO. Connect through major U.S. gateway cities (SEA, DEN, MSP, ORD, LAX). Find great connections via Skyscanner.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Most frequent during peak summer (July-August) with highest fares. Lower fares and fewer direct options in shoulder seasons (June, September).

Airport Facilities

FCA (Kalispell) is smaller with basic facilities (car rentals, cafe, gift shop). MSO (Missoula) is larger with more dining and retail choices.

Airport Transfers

Rental cars are the most common transfer. Limited private shuttles/taxis from FCA. Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) is unreliable inside the park due to limited cell service.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Options

Amtrak: Historic Empire Builder stops at West Glacier (Belton) and East Glacier Park Village. Offers a scenic journey, but exploring the park still depends on shuttle or other transport.
Long-Distance Bus: Limited direct service to Glacier. Greyhound serves larger cities like Missoula and Kalispell, needing onward travel to the park. Not practical for direct park access.
Border Crossing (if from YYC): Present passport and visa/ESTA. Factor in time for processing and customs.
Self-Driving: Most popular option for flexibility. Requires valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Car rentals are available, find options at DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Safety

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Narrow, winding, steep. Not for large RVs/trailers on steep sections. Seasonal closures (late June/early July to mid-Oct). Check NPS website for status.
Other Park Roads: Generally paved and well-maintained. North Fork Road is mostly unpaved and can be rough.
Wildlife on Roads: Watch for animals, especially at dawn/dusk/night.
Cell Service: Spotty to non-existent within much of the park. Download offline maps and carry a physical map.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or departure taxes for leaving the U.S., beyond what is included in your airline ticket.

Departure Timing

For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure (FCA/MSO). For international connections from an U.S. Gateway, allow 2.5-3 hours for security and check-in at larger airports. For Amtrak, arrive 30 minutes before.

Airport/Station Facilities

FCA has basic facilities (cafe, gift shop). MSO offers more extensive dining and retail. Amtrak stations are basic platforms with limited amenities.

Getting Around

Public Transportation

Public transportation within and immediately around Glacier National Park is limited but helpful in areas.

Glacier Park Shuttle

Free Shuttle: Operates along Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak summer (July 1 to early September, dates vary).
Route: Between Apgar Village (West Side) and St. Mary Visitor Center (East Side), with stops at major trailheads.
Hours/Frequency: Typically 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, every 15-30 minutes. First-come, first-served.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer limited but sometimes useful options for getting around outside the immediate park area.

Availability & Limitations

Taxis: Very limited in immediate park areas. More available in Kalispell/Whitefish. Pre-book advisable.
Uber/Lyft: Operate in Kalispell/Whitefish but are generally not a reliable option for transport into or within Glacier National Park.
Why limited: Spotty cell service, scarcity of drivers in remote park areas, and commercial vehicle restrictions.

Rental Options

Renting a vehicle is the most practical and flexible way to explore Glacier National Park and its surrounding region.

Car Rentals

Essential for Flexibility: Access various park entrances, towns, and trailheads.
Requirements: Valid driver's license (International Driving Permit for non-English licenses), major credit card. Minimum age 21 (surcharge under 25).
Companies: All major companies at FCA and MSO. Book well in advance for peak season.

Walking & Cycling

Glacier National Park is a place for those who enjoy exploring on foot or by bicycle, offering varying levels of accessibility and adventure.

Pedestrian & Bike Information

Walkable Areas: Visitor centers, Apgar Village, Lake McDonald shore, Trail of the Cedars (boardwalk).
Walking Tours: Ranger-led walks (seasonal) and numerous self-guided hiking trails.
Cycling: Permitted on park roads. Going-to-the-Sun Road has specific seasonal/daily restrictions. Bicycles are generally not permitted on hiking trails.

Important Driving & Parking Notes

Driving Laws: Standard U.S. traffic laws apply. Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory.
Road Conditions: Vary significantly by season. Many roads (e.g., Going-to-the-Sun) close in winter. Check NPS website for current status.
Parking: Extremely limited at popular trailheads (Logan Pass, Avalanche Lake) during peak season. Often fills by early morning (before 8 AM).

Parking Strategy: Consider parking at main shuttle hubs (Apgar Transit Center, St. Mary Visitor Center) and using the free park shuttle.
Vehicle Restrictions: Going-to-the-Sun Road is not suitable for large RVs or vehicles pulling trailers on its steepest sections.
Wildlife on Roads: Remain vigilant for animals crossing roads, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Water Taxis

Glacier National Park has several unique and specialized transportation experiences that contribute to your visit.

Unique Park Tours

Red Bus Tours: Iconic historic coaches offering narrated tours along Going-to-the-Sun Road and other areas. Book in advance.
Glacier Park Boat Company: Historic boat tours on major lakes (McDonald, Swiftcurrent, St. Mary, Two Medicine). Often include ranger-guided walks.
Boat Taxis: Shuttle services across some lakes (e.g., Swiftcurrent) shorten hiking distances to remote trailheads.

Accessibility Services

Glacier National Park tries to be welcoming to all visitors, including those with mobility needs.

Services for Mobility Needs

Accessible Facilities: Some visitor centers (Apgar, St. Mary, Logan Pass), lodges, and trails (Trail of the Cedars) are wheelchair accessible.
Park Shuttle: Generally has accessible buses. Inquire at visitor centers for specific routes and vehicle availability.
Red Bus Tours: Some historic Red Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Book accessible tours well in advance.

Easy Access Trails

Discover paths with gentle slopes and paved surfaces, suitable for all mobility levels. These trails often feature interpretive signage, enriching your experience of the park's natural and historical narratives.

Visitor Center Access

Major visitor centers offer accessible pathways around their facilities, with direct access to exhibits, restrooms, and basic services. These spots are excellent starting points for park exploration.

NPS Resources

The official NPS Glacier National Park website offers detailed accessibility information. Direct contact with park staff facilitates arranging specific needs for your visit.

Additional Notes

Motorcycle and Scooter Rentals

Limited motorcycle and scooter rentals are available in the Flathead Valley outside the park. These are not practical for extensive park exploration.

Considerations

Terrain: Park terrain, variable weather, and restrictions on certain roads make extensive use challenging.
Road Restrictions: Going-to-the-Sun Road has sections not recommended for larger vehicles or trailers.
Weather: Rapid changes can make riding uncomfortable or hazardous.

Bicycle Sharing Programs & Rentals

Bicycle rentals are available in West Glacier and from some outdoor shops in Whitefish.

Usage Guidelines

Permitted Areas: Bicycles are allowed on park roads but generally not on hiking trails in wilderness areas.
Safety: Always wear a Helmet. Be aware of vehicle traffic, especially on narrow roads with limited shoulders.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Cycling: Popular but has specific restrictions during peak summer. Cyclists often prefer riding in spring/fall when the road is closed to vehicles or early mornings in summer.

No Sea/River Arrivals

Landlocked Park

Glacier National Park is a landlocked national park, situated within the Rocky Mountains.

No Coastal Access

There are no sea or river arrival points that would be relevant for travel directly to or from the park by large vessels.

Internal Waterways Only

While the park has numerous lakes and rivers, these are internal waterways used for recreational activities like boating and kayaking, not for transportation access to the park.

Takeaway

A rental car typically affords the most freedom, while the park's shuttle system and specialized tours enhance the experience within specific areas.

How to Get to Glacier National Park