Public Transportation: Jackson Hole

Comprehensive Overview of Public Transit

START Bus (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) is the main public transportation system. It serves Jackson, Teton Village, and some surrounding areas within Teton County.

The START Bus hub in downtown Jackson (Jackson Hole and Cache Street) serves as a central transfer point for most routes.

Routes and Hubs

Town Shuttle: Operates within the town of Jackson, connecting lodging, downtown, and points of interest.
Commuter Routes: Connect Jackson to Teton Village, Wilson, and other residential areas. Popular for reaching the ski resort.
Seasonal Routes: Specific routes activate for the winter ski season (e.g., direct to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort) and summer.
Main Hub: Downtown Jackson (Jackson Hole and Cache Street) is the central transfer point.

Ticketing & Fares

Fares vary by route ($1-3 for town, $3-8 for commuter). Pay with cash (exact change preferred) or pre-purchased passes. Daily, weekly, and monthly passes are available.

Hours & Frequency

Service hours and frequency vary significantly by route and season. Peak season sees more frequent service and extended hours. Off-season service reduces. Check the official START Bus website for current schedules.

Accessibility

START Buses are generally wheelchair accessible, with ramps or lifts for boarding. This supports travelers with mobility needs.

Tips for Navigating Public Transit

Preparation for Boarding

Download the START Bus app for real-time bus tracking. This aids in planning your arrival at stops and avoids long waits.
Have exact change ready or purchase a pass in advance to speed up boarding.
Plan your routes and schedules using the START Bus website before travel. This saves time and aids in selecting the correct bus.

General Advice

Allow extra time during peak hours as buses might run slightly behind schedule.
Information kiosks at major stops display route maps and schedules.
Be mindful of local commuters, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

Quick Glance: START Bus Services

Town Shuttle

Connects spots in Jackson.

Teton Village Route

Goes directly to the ski resort base.

Affordable Fares

A cost-effective way to get around.

Wheelchair Accessible

Inclusive for all travelers.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient, on-demand transportation, especially for direct trips or when public transit is unavailable.

Licensed Taxi Services

Identification: Taxis are typically marked with company names, like Snake River Taxi or Jackson Hole Taxi.
Hailing Procedures: Taxis cannot be hailed on the street in Jackson Hole. Find them at the airport, major hotels, or by calling a dispatch service.
Pre-booking: Pre-booking a taxi is a good idea during busy times.
Fares: Taxi fares are generally expensive, especially for longer distances. Rates are typically metered or a flat-rate for common routes.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Recommended Apps: Uber and Lyft both operate in Jackson Hole.
Availability: While available, the number of drivers can be limited, especially during non-peak hours or in less populated areas. Wait times are longer than in major cities.
Safety: Follow standard safety advice. Verify the driver and vehicle match the app information. Share your trip details with a trusted contact.
Airport Arrangements: Taxis and ride-share pick-up zones are designated at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC).

Safety Considerations for Different Options

Licensed Taxis: Generally safe and regulated.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Offer transparency through driver and vehicle verification within the app.
For any ride, confirm the destination and route with the driver before starting.

Consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member for added security.
Secure your belongings and never leave valuables visible in parked vehicles.
During peak times, plan for potential longer wait times for ride-share services.

Typical Fares and Payment Methods

Taxi Fares

Generally expensive. Airport to Teton Village can exceed $70.

Ride-Share Pricing

Varies based on demand (surge pricing) and distance.

Payment

Cash and credit cards generally accepted. Confirm with driver for taxis.

Rental Options

Different vehicle types cater to various adventures, giving you flexibility to explore Jackson Hole.

Car Rental Information

Requirements: Minimum age 21 (surcharges for under 25), valid driver's license (or IDP), major credit card.
Major Companies: Hertz, Avis, National, Budget, Enterprise, and Alamo have locations at JAC and some in town.
Booking: Book well in advance, especially for peak seasons (summer and winter). Inventory limits exist, and prices are higher.
Vehicle Type: Consider a 4WD or AWD vehicle, especially for winter travel, for better snow and ice handling.

Specialty & Two-Wheeled Rentals

Motorcycle/Scooter: Availability is limited, mainly through specialized tour operators for specific experiences.
Bicycle Rentals: Numerous shops in Jackson and Teton Village offer rentals, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes. Prices range from $30-$100+ per day.
Snowmobile Rentals: Popular in winter for designated trails or guided tours (e.g., Yellowstone's Old Faithful).
ATV/UTV Rentals: Available in summer for off-road trails in surrounding national forests, allowing exploration of rugged terrain.

Driving Laws, Road Conditions, and Parking

Driving Laws

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory. Adhere to posted speed limits.

Always follow local traffic signs.

Road Conditions

Conditions vary by season (see Section 4.2). Wildlife poses a constant hazard on all roads. Drive defensively, especially at dawn and dusk.

Check WYDOT 511 for current updates.

Parking Information

Downtown Jackson has metered parking and paid parking lots during peak season. Free parking may exist further from the town square. National Park lots fill quickly.

Arrive early for popular park locations.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Points

Factors for Renting

Reduces luggage bulk and associated airline fees.
Access the latest models or specialized gear for local conditions.
Cost-effective for short-term use of expensive equipment.

Factors for Bringing Your Own

Ensures perfect fit and comfort for personal items like hiking boots.
Familiarity with your own gear improves performance and experience.
Avoids rental costs, which accumulate for longer trips.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: The town of Jackson (Town Square) and surrounding streets are very walkable.
Walking Routes: The extensive Jackson Hole Pathway System features paved multi-use paths.
These paths connect Jackson to Teton Village, Wilson, and Grand Teton National Park access points.
Bicycle Infrastructure: Over 56 miles of paved, separated pathways offer a safe cycling experience.

Cycling Safety: Always wear a helmet. Be aware of pedestrians and other cyclists on shared paths.
In areas without dedicated paths, cycle on the right side of the road and stay visible to vehicles.
No-Go Areas: Avoid walking or cycling on busy highways (US-191/89/26), especially at night. High speeds and wildlife pose dangers.
Stick to marked trails in wilderness areas; off-trail travel is discouraged without proper knowledge.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard options, Jackson Hole presents unique modes of transport, often tied to specific activities or attractions.

Tour Buses & Water Transport

Tour Buses: Numerous companies offer guided bus tours to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. These provide convenient transportation and expert commentary.
Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat: In Grand Teton NP, this offers a scenic way to cross Jenny Lake, accessing popular hiking trails without hiking the entire lake. It operates seasonally (late May to early October).
Scenic Floats/Whitewater Rafting: Companies offer guided trips on the Snake River, primarily for recreational purposes rather than direct transport.
Hop-on-hop-off services are not available in the traditional sense; START Bus serves destinations but without continuous loops.

Aerial & Accessibility Transport

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram (Big Red): Presents panoramic views of the Tetons and Jackson Hole from Rendezvous Mountain. Operates year-round with maintenance closures.
Bridger Gondola: At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, it accesses mid-mountain dining and activities.
Snow King Mountain Scenic Gondola & Cowboy Coaster: Offers scenic views and adventure activities directly in town.
Accessibility Services: National Park visitor centers, accessible trails (e.g., Jenny Lake Discovery Trail), and accessible restrooms are available. START Bus is wheelchair accessible. Adaptive ski programs exist at resorts.

Guided Tours

Explore national parks with expert-led bus tours.

Scenic Aerial Rides

Tram and gondola rides for panoramic mountain views.

Accessible Travel

Dedicated services for travelers with mobility needs.

Accessibility Highlights

National Parks

Visitor centers and some overlooks are accessible.
Accessible trails include Jenny Lake Discovery Trail section and String Lake loop.
Accessible restrooms are available throughout the parks.

Local Services

All START buses are wheelchair accessible.
Many hotels offer accessible rooms. Inquire when booking.
Adaptive ski programs are available at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain.

Important Note on Park Access

During peak seasons, national park roads and trails experience high traffic. Plan to arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds at popular viewpoints and trailheads.

Road closures occur due to weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance, especially outside of summer. Always check current conditions before heading into the parks.

Public Transportation