Which Airport Should You Fly Into for Yellowstone?
Key Takeaways:
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park, just 3 miles from the West Entrance.
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) offers the most flight options and amenities, making it ideal for flexible trip planning.
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is located near Grand Teton National Park and provides a scenic drive but can be more expensive.
- Cody Regional Airport (COD) offers a unique Old West experience and is the closest airport to the East Entrance of Yellowstone.
- Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is the furthest from the park but provides access to the scenic Beartooth Highway.
Table of Contents:
- 1. The Closest Airport: Yellowstone Airport (WYS) – West Entrance
- 2. Major International Option: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
- 3. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – South Entrance
- Nearby recommendations
- 4. Yellowstone Regional Airport (Cody, COD) – East Entrance
- 5. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
- 6. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
- Choosing the Right Airport for Your Trip
- Airport Gateways at a Glance
- Final Recommendation
Whether you’re chasing geysers, photographing bison, or heading out on a backcountry hike, choosing the right airport can make your trip much easier.
With six nearby airports—each with its own advantages—this guide breaks down your options so you can choose the one that works best for your Yellowstone trip.
More of a visual person? Check out our quick comparison chart below.
1. The Closest Airport: Yellowstone Airport (WYS) – West Entrance
Location & Distance
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Distance from West Entrance
Yellowstone Airport is just 3 miles from the West Entrance—less than a 5-minute drive to Yellowstone National Park.
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Travel time by car
From the terminal, it’s a smooth and scenic 5-minute drive down US-191 right into the park.
Facilities & Services
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Car rentals & transport options
On-site rental options include Avis, Budget, and Big Sky Car Rentals. Taxis and summer-season shuttle services are available into town and nearby lodges.
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On-site amenities
The airport is small and seasonal (May–October), with minimal amenities—just vending machines, restrooms, and a cozy waiting area. It’s efficient and rarely crowded.
Nearby recommendations
- Rent bikes or bear spray at Freeheel & Wheel.
- Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center next door.
- Grab lunch or coffee at Ernie’s Bakery before heading into the park.
2. Major International Option: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
Location & Distance
- Distance from Park Entrances
Bozeman is 90 miles from the North Entrance (Gardiner) and 100 miles from the West Entrance (West Yellowstone).
- Travel time by car
Expect about 1.5 hours to Gardiner and 2 hours to West Yellowstone, depending on traffic and conditions.
Facilities & Services
- Car rentals & transport options
Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, Budget, and National all operate on-site, with easy access from the terminal.
- On-site amenities
Montana’s busiest airport features restaurants, lounges, live music, gift shops, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi. It also supports international flights and Customs.
Nearby recommendations
- Stop at the Museum of the Rockies to see world-class dinosaur fossils.
- Stay overnight or enjoy hot springs at Chico Hot Springs Resort.
- Rent outdoor gear or bikes in Big Sky, a perfect detour on your way to Yellowstone.
Regional Airports
3. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – South Entrance
Location & Distance
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Distance from South Entrance
JAC is about 72 miles from Yellowstone’s South Entrance and sits inside Grand Teton National Park.
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Travel time by car
Plan for a 1.5-hour scenic drive through Grand Teton on US-89/191.
Facilities & Services
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Car rentals & transport options
On-site rentals include Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Teton-based providers. Taxis and resort shuttles serve Jackson and nearby lodges.
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On-site amenities
The terminal blends modern service with rustic charm. Expect art displays, a café, short lines, and spectacular mountain views right from the tarmac.
Nearby recommendations
- Rent bear spray or gear from Teton Backcountry Rentals.
- Stroll Jackson Town Square or visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
- Eat breakfast at Persephone Bakery before your park drive.
4. Yellowstone Regional Airport (Cody, COD) – East Entrance
Location & Distance
- Distance from East Entrance
COD is located 53 miles from Yellowstone’s East Entrance—a beautiful one-hour drive through Wapiti Valley.
- Travel time by car
The hour-long drive on US-14/16/20 is one of the most scenic approaches to the park.
Facilities & Services
- Car rentals & transport options
Hertz and Budget have on-site counters, with advanced reservations recommended during peak season.
- On-site amenities
The small regional airport offers a café, gift shop, and friendly local staff—simple, but smooth and efficient.
Nearby recommendations
- Spend a half-day at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
- Watch the nightly Cody Rodeo during the summer months.
- Stock up at Recreation Hub, a gear outfitter near downtown.
Other Regional Options
5. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
Location & Distance
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Distance from West Entrance
IDA is about 110 miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance.
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Travel time by car
Expect a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours via US-20 North.
Facilities & Services
- Car rentals & transport options
Most major rental car brands are on-site. Shuttle options are limited, so plan to drive.
- On-site amenities
Modest amenities: a café, seating areas, and short TSA lines. Easy in and out.
Nearby recommendations
- Walk the Snake River Greenbelt downtown.
- Stock up on gear or food at REI Co-op or Sportsman’s Warehouse.
6. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Location & Distance
- Distance from Northeast Entrance
BIL is about 130 miles from the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone via the stunning Beartooth Highway.
- Travel time by car
The drive is 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions. The Beartooth route is open seasonally (late May–early October).
Facilities & Services
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Car rentals & transport options
Billings offers full-service rentals (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise) with quick terminal access.
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On-site amenities
Restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, and short wait times make this a smooth entry point. It’s a solid regional hub with national connections.
Nearby recommendations
- Take a scenic stop in Red Lodge, gateway to Beartooth Pass.
- Hit up ZooMontana or Pictograph Cave State Park if you’re staying in Billings.
Choosing the Right Airport for Your Trip
What matters most: proximity vs flight options
- WYS wins for location. Flight availability is limited there.
- Bozeman (BZN) is best for flexible schedules and lower fares.
- Jackson (JAC) is ideal if you plan to explore both Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
Seasonal timing & availability
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS) and Beartooth Highway (from BIL) are seasonal.
- Jackson and Cody may see winter weather delays.
- Bozeman, Idaho Falls, and Billings operate reliably year-round.
Cost & convenience
- WYS and JAC can be pricey due to limited carriers.
- BZN, IDA, and BIL tend to have better airfare deals and rental availability, but with longer drive times.
Scenic drives and adding nearby parks or towns
Each airport offers different side adventures:
- JAC: Grand Teton and alpine lakes.
- COD: Old West museums and rodeos.
- BIL: Beartooth Highway and Red Lodge.
- BZN: Big Sky and the Gallatin River.
- IDA: Small-town charm and gear supply stops.
Airport Gateways at a Glance
| Airport | Distance to Park | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| WYS (Yellowstone) | 3 miles | Closest entrance | Limited flights, seasonal |
| BZN (Bozeman) | 90–100 miles | Most flights, full service | Longer drive |
| JAC (Jackson) | 72 miles | Scenic drive, near Grand Teton | Higher cost, weather delays |
| COD (Cody) | 53 miles | Historic town, scenic drive | Fewer flights |
| IDA (Idaho Falls) | 110 miles | Affordable, solid access | Least scenic approach |
| BIL (Billings) | 130 miles | Beartooth Highway drive | Longest drive to park |
Final Recommendation
Best overall pick for most travelers
Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) offers the best balance for travelers. It’s affordable, open year-round, and has many flight options and rental cars. It’s also perfect for flexible trip planning, with easy access to both the West and North Entrances of Yellowstone.
Writer’s choice
My personal preference is the Cody, Wyoming, airport. It’s small, uncrowded, and easy to navigate. The drive into the park from Cody is my absolute favorite, by far.
When to pick a smaller gateway
- Choose WYS for direct park access in summer.
- Jackson Hole (JAC) is ideal for dual-park trips.
- Cody (COD) offers an Old West vibe and proximity to the East Entrance.
- If scenic drives are your thing, fly into Billings (BIL) for the legendary Beartooth Highway.
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Written By:
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our 7-Day Yellowstone Itinerary, 3-Day Yellowstone Itinerary, and Know Before You Go article.
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