How to Get to Jackson Hole. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Major Airports & Airlines

Jackson Hole Airport JAC

JAC is the closest and most convenient airport. It sits within Grand Teton National Park, the only commercial airport in the U.S. Located inside a National Park.

Airlines & Routes

Served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
Direct flights seasonally connect JAC to major hubs (Denver, Salt Lake City, Chicago, LAX, etc.).
Peak seasons (summer & winter) see most frequent and expensive flights. Book well in advance.

Alternative Airports

Other airports offer additional choices, often with different price points and travel times.

Options Near Jackson Hole

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA): Approx. 1.5 hours drive west. Often more affordable with broader flight selections. Served by Delta, United, Allegiant, American, and Alaska Airlines.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Approx. 4.5-5 hours drive south. A major hub with many flight options, often the most cost-effective.
Shoulder and off-seasons bring fewer direct flights to JAC; prices may be lower at alternative airports.

Save on Flights

Consider flight deal alerts from Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Prices

Use Skyscanner for broad flight comparisons.

Car Rentals

Major rental companies at JAC. A rental car aids exploring independently.

Airport Facilities & Transfers JAC

JAC Facilities

Jackson Hole Airport is a smaller facility. It has limited dining options, mainly a café/restaurant, and gift shops.
Free Wi-Fi is available.
Car rental desks are on-site, a convenience for arrivals.
Limited public bus service (START Bus) connects JAC to Jackson and Teton Village, mainly during the winter ski season.

Transfer Options from JAC

Rental Cars: Major companies (Hertz, Avis, National, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo) have counters. A rental car helps exploring the parks.
Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal.
Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary services. Arrange these in advance.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft operate but may have limited drivers, especially during off-peak times or late at night.

Transfers from IDA/SLC

Main Option

A rental car is the main and most recommended transfer option from Idaho Falls (IDA) or Salt Lake City (SLC).

Shuttle Services

Shuttle services are available but often carry a higher cost due to the distance.

Travel Time

Factor in additional travel time for these longer drives to Jackson Hole.

Land Transportation

Train and Bus Options

While air travel is common, land transportation provides an alternative, especially for those preferring road trips or coming from nearby states.

Connections and Services

Train Connections: No direct Amtrak passenger train service reaches Jackson Hole. Closest stations: Green River, WY (3 hours drive) or Salt Lake City, UT (4.5-5 hours drive).
Long-Distance Bus: Greyhound does not serve Jackson Hole directly. Nearest Greyhound station is Idaho Falls, ID. Regional shuttle companies, like Salt Lake Express, offer bus services from Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls to Jackson Hole.
These services are useful during peak seasons when direct flights might be more expensive.

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving offers immense flexibility for exploring Jackson Hole and the surrounding national parks.

Requirements & Road Conditions

Requirements: Valid driver's license (or IDP if not English) and credit card for rental car deposit. Minimum rental age 21 or 25, with potential surcharges for younger drivers.
Road Conditions (Summer/Fall): Roads are generally good. Be alert for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Construction delays are possible.
Road Conditions (Winter): Roads can be snow-packed and icy. Teton Pass (WY-22) often calls for 4WD/AWD or chains for two-wheel drive vehicles. Check DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Parking Information

Where to Park

Paid parking is common in downtown Jackson, especially during peak season.
Teton Village offers parking lots, some paid, some free further from the base area.
National Park parking lots fill quickly during peak hours; consider early arrival.

Road Conditions & Safety

Awareness of local road challenges ensures a safer driving experience.

Hazards to Watch For

Wildlife: Large animals (elk, deer, moose, bison) frequently cross roads, especially at dawn/dusk/night. Collisions pose serious risk. Drive cautiously.
Weather: Sudden changes are common, particularly in spring and fall. Be ready for rain, snow, or fog at any time.
Altitude: Drive slower than usual, especially on mountain passes, to account for effects on vehicle performance and driver alertness.

Winter Driving Warning

Many park roads close for the winter season (e.g., inner park loop roads in Grand Teton, all but the north entrance road in Yellowstone).
Teton Pass (WY-22) often calls for 4WD/AWD or chains for two-wheel drive vehicles.
Wildlife collisions increase during winter months as animals use roads for easier travel.

Always check the WYDOT 511 website for current road conditions and closures.
Consider snow tires or chains for enhanced traction if your vehicle is not equipped with 4WD/AWD.
Allow extra travel time during winter due to slower speeds and potential delays.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transportation in Jackson Hole

This section addresses water travel, though it mainly relates to recreational activities rather than direct commercial transportation to Jackson Hole.

Local Waterway Use

The Snake River is a feature for recreational floating and rafting.
No commercial passenger transport by large boats to Jackson Hole.
Guided scenic floats and whitewater rafting trips are popular activities on the Snake River.

Border Crossing Information

This information pertains to entry points, which are not relevant for Jackson Hole as an inland domestic destination.

Domestic Travel Context

This section is not applicable for travel within the U.S.
All travel to Jackson Hole is domestic for U.S. Citizens.
No international border crossings exist directly into Jackson Hole.

Factual Content

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Omit Unknowns

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Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No Additional Fees

No additional fees apply beyond standard airline ticket costs.
This policy simplifies departure logistics for travelers.
Your ticket price generally includes all relevant taxes and fees.

Departure Procedures and Timing

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is a smaller facility. Security lines are generally shorter than at major hubs.

JAC Departure Timing

Arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights during peak times (mid-day in summer, ski season Saturdays).
One hour is sufficient during off-peak periods.
Allow extra time for rental car return, especially if refilling the gas tank or dealing with unexpected issues.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Dining and Shopping

JAC has limited dining and shopping options post-security.

Security Checkpoint

A single security checkpoint streamlines the process.

Document Readiness

Ensure all necessary travel documents are readily available.

Final Departure Check

Double-check flight status and gate information before heading to the airport.

How to Get to Jackson Hole