Where to Fly Into for Yellowstone: Airports Near the World’s First National Park

Written by Erin Hoppe Updated on 02/19/2026

Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park starts with a crucial decision if you’re arriving by air: where to fly into for Yellowstone. While several airports serve as gateways to America's first national park, your choice can significantly impact your travel experience, budget, and time spent on the road versus exploring geysers and wildlife.

Airport Options for Your Yellowstone Vacation

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): The Closest Option

Located in Belgrade, Montana, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) sits just 90 miles from Yellowstone's North Entrance in Gardiner and 100 miles from the West Entrance in West Yellowstone. This strategic location, combined with excellent flight connectivity, makes it a top choice for visitors seeking convenient access to the park and Montana's authentic mountain culture.

The North Entrance provides the quickest access to Yellowstone's premier wildlife viewing areas in Lamar Valley, along with stunning travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs. The West Entrance puts travelers within easy reach of the park's most famous geothermal features, including Old Faithful and Norris Geyser Basin. The West Entrance is also close to the wildlife hotspot Hayden Valley, and the geologic wonder Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. With both entrances accessible from Belgrade, visitors can experience the best of Yellowstone's wildlife and geothermal wonders in just 1-2 days of exploring. You can easily drive into the North Entrance and out the West Entrance, or vice versa.

The North Entrance is the only entrance open to cars during winter; all other entrances require tours with over-snow vehicles like snowcoaches and snowmobiles from mid-December to mid-March. At just 1.5 hours away, it’s an easy winter day trip from Belgrade, MT if you’d rather drive.

Pros:

• Excellent proximity to Yellowstone with strong flight connectivity (approximately 90 minutes to the North Entrance and two hours to the West Entrance)
• Year-round direct flights from major hubs including Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Phoenix
• Modern terminal decorated with charming Western-style decor that gives the space a welcoming cabin-like atmosphere
• Easy rental car availability from all major providers
• Less crowded than larger metropolitan airports
• Access to Belgrade, Montana, a charming community with lots of things to do, local restaurants, breweries and bars, and authentic Western hospitality
• Gateway to exploring Bozeman's vibrant downtown, just 15 minutes away, featuring shops, restaurants, and museums

Cons:

• Can be slightly more expensive than larger hub airports during peak summer season
• Weather delays possible during winter months due to mountain conditions
• Less international flight options than a major hub

Getting to Yellowstone from BZN: Take I-90 East to Livingston, then follow US-89 South through the scenic Paradise Valley to the North Entrance in Gardiner. The drive showcases stunning mountain vistas and follows the Yellowstone River. To get to the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, drive U.S. Highway 191 South through the Gallatin Canyon (where some of A River Runs Through It was filmed) and Big Sky.

Planning a budget-friendly trip? Learn more strategies for saving money while exploring Yellowstone in this guide about visiting Yellowstone on a budget.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC): Wyoming's Mountain Gateway

Situated inside Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) offers spectacular mountain views and proximity to Yellowstone's South Entrance. The South Entrance is about an hour south of West Thumb Geyser Basin, but further from popular wildlife viewing spots like Lamar Valley.

Pros:

• Scenic location with incredible Teton views
• Direct access to Grand Teton National Park
• Approximately 60 miles to Yellowstone's South Entrance, making it the closest to Yellowstone
• Charming Jackson town with upscale dining and shopping
• Cozy Western-style terminal with mountain lodge aesthetic

Cons:

• Generally the most expensive airport option
• Limited flight availability and higher ticket prices
• Longer drive to Yellowstone's most popular features (Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Lamar Valley)
• Can experience significant weather delays
• Smaller airport with fewer amenities

Getting to Yellowstone from JAC: Approximately 90 minutes to the South Entrance via US-191 and US-89. Scenic drive with views of the Tetons.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA): The Idaho Gateway

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, provides another access point to Yellowstone's West Entrance through the gateway town of West Yellowstone, Montana.

Pros:

• Less crowded terminal with quick security
• Approximately 110 miles to Yellowstone's West Entrance
• Access to the charming town of Idaho Falls and its attractions and dining
• Direct route to West Yellowstone, Montana

Cons:

• Fewer flight options and daily departures
• Longer drive to the park (about 2 hours)
• Limited direct flight routes
• Smaller selection of rental car providers

Getting to Yellowstone from IDA: Take US-20 East through the scenic town of Island Park and to Yellowstone’s West Entrance.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): The Major Hub Option

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is Utah's largest airport. It provides extensive flight options and competitive pricing, though it requires the longest drive to the park.

Pros:

• Abundant flight options from virtually anywhere
• Competitive airfare pricing
• Large selection of rental car companies
• Full-service amenities and dining options
• Reliable year-round service

Cons:

• Approximately 350 miles to Yellowstone (5-6 hour drive)
• Requires either a very long day of driving or an overnight stop
• Urban traffic around Salt Lake City

Getting to Yellowstone from SLC: Take I-15 North to I-84 East, then continue on various state highways through Idaho into Montana or Wyoming.

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL): Montana's Eastern Option

Montana's largest airport, Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is located in Billings and offers another in-state option for reaching Yellowstone.

Pros:

• Good flight connectivity to major US cities
• Approximately 175 miles to Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance
• Drive through rural Montana; although service can be spotty, it is scenic

Cons:

• Longer drive than BZN (about 3 hours)

Getting to Yellowstone from BIL: Take I-90 West to Highway 212/310, then continue through Red Lodge and the beautiful Beartooth Highway (summer only) or via Highway 89.

Making Your Decision: Where to Fly Into for Yellowstone

When deciding where to fly into for Yellowstone, consider these factors:

Choose Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) if: You want one of the shortest drives to the park, excellent flight connectivity from major cities, and the opportunity to experience authentic Montana culture in Belgrade, Montana, and nearby Bozeman.

Choose Jackson Hole (JAC) if: You're combining Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park and don't mind premium pricing for convenience and scenery.

Choose Idaho Falls (IDA) if: You prefer a less crowded airport experience with access to Yellowstone's West Entrance and West Yellowstone, Montana.

Choose Salt Lake City (SLC) if: You need maximum flight flexibility and plan to make the drive part of your adventure with overnight stops.

Choose Billings (BIL) if: You want to explore eastern Montana and approach Yellowstone from a less-traveled direction.

Set on the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport? Book your hotel in Belgrade, Montana today!