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How to Get to Wyoming

How to Get to Wyoming

Wyoming Rocky Mountains, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

Flying is a common way to reach Wyoming, specifically for access to national parks.

Closest to Parks

  • Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): Closest to Grand Teton and Yellowstone (southern entrance).
  • Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD): Near the eastern entrance to Yellowstone.
  • Larger Regional Airports: Casper (CPR) and Cheyenne (CYS) serve other parts of the state.

Airlines & Routes

Major U.S. Carriers operate flights, often with seasonal variations. No direct international flights.

Connecting Through Hubs

  • Major Carriers: United, Delta, American, Alaska Airlines.
  • Common Hubs: Denver (DEN) or Salt Lake City (SLC) often serve as major gateway airports, a 4-6 hour drive from parks.
  • Seasonal Travel: Flight frequency and prices increase significantly during summer. Book several months in advance.

Finding Deals

Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are good resources for flight comparison.

Airport Facilities

Wyoming airports are generally smaller, offering basic services like car rental counters and limited dining.

Transfers

Rental cars are the most common transfer. Some hotels offer complimentary shuttles in Jackson Hole.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements & Conditions

  • A valid driver's license from your home country is a must-have. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for foreign visitors with non-English licenses.
  • You are typically 21 or older (sometimes 25 or older) to rent a car, with a valid credit card. DiscoverCars.com is a good option.
  • Roads are generally well-maintained. Roads within national parks are scenic and can be winding.
  • Gas stations can be far apart in rural areas. Plan routes and fill up your tank when opportunities arise.

Winter Driving & Wildlife

  • If traveling in winter, a 4WD or AWD vehicle with appropriate tires is a must-have. Winter tires or chains may become necessary.
  • Blizzards can cause sudden road closures. Check Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) road conditions frequently.
  • Be extremely vigilant for wildlife on roads, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Collisions with large animals are a significant hazard.
  • Cell phone service is unreliable or nonexistent in many national parks and rural areas. Inform others of your itinerary.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

Seasonal Closures

Many mountain passes and national park roads (especially Yellowstone's interior) close from late fall through spring due to snow. Check park websites for exact opening/closing dates.

Remote Area Connectivity

Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent in many national parks and rural areas. Plan ahead with offline maps and communicate your itinerary to others.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are generally high on interstates (75-80 mph), but lower on state highways and within parks. Always follow posted limits for safety.

Land Transportation Alternatives

Train Services

Passenger train service in Wyoming is limited and not a practical way to reach national parks.

Amtrak's California Zephyr

  • Passes through southern Wyoming (Laramie, Cheyenne).
  • Not a main way to access national parks in northwestern Wyoming.
  • Consider other transport methods for park access.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus services are sparse and not ideal for park exploration.

Greyhound Services

  • Greyhound offers limited service to towns like Cheyenne, Laramie, and Casper.
  • Not a main mode for national park visitors; routes are sparse.
  • Connections to tourist areas are minimal.

Sea/River Arrivals

This section is not applicable for Wyoming.

Landlocked State

  • Wyoming is a landlocked state.
  • No sea or major river transportation for arrivals.
  • This section holds no content for Wyoming travel.

Departure Information

Plan your departure from Wyoming for a smooth conclusion to your trip.

Airport Procedures

  • Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights, 2.5-3 hours for international connections.
  • Allow extra time for rental car return procedures and shuttle to the terminal.
  • No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing Wyoming.

Important Travel Alerts

  • Security lines can be unpredictable, especially at Jackson Hole Airport during peak season.
  • Ensure your rental car's gas tank is full upon return to avoid additional charges.
  • Remember cell service limitations in remote areas; rely on offline maps and pre-downloaded info.
  • Mountain passes and national park interior roads close seasonally due to snow. Verify routes before travel.
  • Drive cautiously, notably at dawn and dusk, due to high wildlife activity on roads.
  • Check for wildfire information and potential air quality impacts during late summer/early fall.

General Travel Information

Airport Facilities

Wyoming airports are generally smaller regional airports.

Available Services

  • Rental car counters are available at all airports.
  • Limited dining options can be found.
  • Ground transportation includes shuttles and limited taxis/ride-shares.

Getting to National Parks

Recommended Access

  • Renting a car is the most recommended way to explore the parks for flexibility.
  • Consider flying into Jackson Hole (JAC) or Cody (COD) for closer park access.
  • Tour buses are an option for guided experiences within the parks.

Rental Car

Most flexible way to navigate Wyoming's vast landscapes.

Limited Public Transit

Mainly found in Jackson Hole, not for state-wide tourist access.

Wildlife Driving

Drive cautiously, especially at dawn/dusk, due to animal crossings.

Driving Safety Tips

Rural Driving

Be aware of long distances between services and potential hazards.

Preparation for Open Roads

  • Fill your gas tank frequently, as stations can be scarce in remote areas.
  • Cell phone service is often nonexistent outside of towns and main highways.
  • Carry physical maps or download offline maps before starting your journey.

Wildlife Awareness

Wyoming's roads share space with abundant wildlife.

Safe Encounters

  • Be vigilant for deer, elk, moose, and bison, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
  • Collisions with large animals present a significant hazard. Drive slowly in areas with wildlife crossing signs.
  • Scan the sides of the road for movement.

Road Conditions & Alerts

Winter Weather

Heavy snow and blizzards can cause sudden road closures, especially on mountain passes. Check WYDOT for updates.

National Park Roads

Many park roads, especially those in Yellowstone's interior, close from late fall through spring. Verify opening dates before planning.

Construction Delays

Road construction is common during warmer months. Check for potential delays on major routes.

Travel Planning Insight

For ultimate flexibility and access to Wyoming's natural wonders, renting a car is almost always the preferred mode of transportation.