Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, USA Travel Guide
Yellowstone Airport (WYS) near West Yellowstone, MT, operates seasonally (June to early September). Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the largest and busiest, located 90 miles north of Mammoth Hot Springs. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is inside Grand Teton National Park, 50 miles south of Yellowstone's South Entrance.
BZN, JAC, and IDA serve major airlines. Direct international flights remain limited; connect via major US hubs like Denver (DEN), Salt Lake City (SLC), or Chicago (ORD). Book flights well in advance for summer, ideally six months or more, for best rates. All airports grant car rental agencies, ground transportation (taxis, shuttles), and basic services.
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Closest to the park, located just outside the West Entrance. It operates seasonally, typically from June to early September. WYS is a very small airport with limited flights.
The largest and busiest airport near the park. It sits approximately 90 miles north of Mammoth Hot Springs. BZN offers year-round flights and a broader range of airline options.
Located inside Grand Teton National Park, this airport is about 50 miles south of Yellowstone's South Entrance. It permits year-round flights and a scenic drive through Grand Teton to reach Yellowstone.
A personal vehicle or rental car remains by far the most practical way to explore Yellowstone. The park's sheer size and the distances between attractions make driving almost a requirement for independent travel. Roads are generally well-maintained during the summer season. However, they are often two-lane and can encounter significant congestion, especially with "bear jams" (traffic stopping for wildlife sightings).
Gas stations exist within the park at several locations (e.g., Old Faithful, Canyon, Grant Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower-Roosevelt). All gateway towns also have gas stations. Prices may be higher inside the park. Keep your tank at least half full, as distances between stations can be significant. Park speed limits are strictly enforced. They are typically 45 mph (73 km/h) or lower on most park roads and 25 mph (40 km/h) in developed areas and villages.
No passenger rail service goes directly to Yellowstone. Closest Amtrak stations are in Whitefish, MT (north) or Salt Lake City, UT (south). From these points, you need significant additional travel by bus or car. Long-distance bus options remain very limited; regional bus services connect to larger towns like Bozeman or Idaho Falls. No public long-distance buses operate directly into Yellowstone National Park itself. Motorcycle and scooter rentals exist in some gateway towns.
Park roads are generally two-lane and can be winding with blind curves. Expect slow speeds due to scenic overlooks, wildlife on the road, and traffic congestion. Seasonal closures for most interior roads occur from early November to late April or early May. Always check the official National Park Service website for current road status. Road construction projects are common during summer and may cause delays. Sudden changes in weather, including snow, heavy rain, or fog, may affect driving conditions. Remain vigilant.
Yellowstone National Park is a landlocked destination, far from any ocean. Therefore, sea arrivals for general tourism are not applicable to this region. Visitors will need to consider air or land transportation methods to reach the park.
Yellowstone does not have major navigable rivers that would support large-scale river arrivals for general tourism. While rivers flow through the park (e.g., Yellowstone River, Snake River), they are not designed for public transportation access into the park's interior via large vessels.
Yellowstone National Park is a landlocked destination. No ocean access.
No major navigable rivers support sea or river arrivals for general tourism.
Yellowstone Lake permits boating with a permit. This is not for arrival into the park.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing the US from an airport or land border. Your airline ticket includes standard federal taxes. Plan your departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
Factor in time to return your rental car. This includes driving to the airport, fueling if needed, and taking a shuttle from the rental car center to the terminal. Many rental car agencies are off-site. All listed airports grant restrooms, dining options ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals, and retail shops for last-minute souvenirs or travel necessities.
All boats, including kayaks and canoes, need a permit for use on Yellowstone Lake and other designated waters. Obtain this permit at park entrance stations or visitor centers.
Boating is restricted to specific areas of Yellowstone Lake. Check with park rangers for current regulations and maps of permitted zones. Adhere to all posted signs and guidelines.
Yellowstone Lake is large and can be prone to sudden weather changes and high waves. Always wear a life jacket, check weather forecasts, and inform someone of your itinerary. Water temperatures remain cold.
Consider flying into Bozeman (BZN) or Jackson Hole (JAC) for the broadest flight options. Book rental cars well in advance, especially for summer travel, as demand runs high. Always account for traffic congestion around popular areas and wildlife sightings.
