Closest Airports to Yellowstone National Park

Airports Near Yellowstone National Park

Reaching Yellowstone National Park, one of America’s most iconic natural treasures, requires careful travel planning due to its remote location spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. While the park itself doesn’t have a major international airport, several regional and international airports surround it, offering convenient access from various directions. Each airport differs in distance, size, and the type of services offered, so choosing the right one depends on where you plan to enter the park and the kind of experience you want to have.

Quick Reference Table: Airports Near Yellowstone

Airport Name	Distance from Yellowstone National Park	Facilities	Visitor Notes
Yellowstone Airport (WYS)	2 miles from West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT)	Seasonal airport (May–Oct), small terminal, car rentals, shuttle service	Closest airport to Yellowstone; ideal for summer travelers entering via the West Entrance.
Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)	53 miles from East Entrance (Cody, WY)	Small terminal, car rentals, parking, flights via Denver	Perfect for visitors exploring Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, or interested in Western history in Cody.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)	55 miles from South Entrance (inside Grand Teton NP)	Modern terminal, direct flights from major cities, car rentals, shuttles	Scenic approach inside Grand Teton National Park; great for combining both parks in one trip.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)	90 miles from North Entrance (Gardiner, MT)	Large airport, year-round flights, car rentals, shops, restaurants	Most popular choice for reliable year-round access; ideal for winter visits and wildlife watching.
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)	110 miles from West Entrance (Idaho Falls, ID)	Medium regional airport, car rentals, restaurants, easy navigation	Good balance of convenience and affordability; scenic drive through Rexburg and Island Park.
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)	130 miles from Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT)	Large airport, full services, shops, restaurants, car rentals	Gateway to the Beartooth Highway—one of America’s most scenic drives to Yellowstone.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)	320 miles from West Entrance (Salt Lake City, UT)	Major international airport, all amenities, extensive flight options	Best option for international or long-distance travelers; offers scenic routes via Idaho and Grand Teton.

1. Yellowstone Airport (WYS)

Yellowstone Airport, located in West Yellowstone, Montana, is the closest airport to the park, sitting just two miles from the West Entrance. It primarily serves travelers heading to the western and central regions of Yellowstone, including the Old Faithful area, Madison Junction, and Norris Geyser Basin. This small seasonal airport operates mainly from late May through early October, catering to the busy summer tourism months. Delta Air Lines provides direct flights to and from Salt Lake City International Airport, connecting visitors to national and international destinations.

Despite its small size, Yellowstone Airport is efficient and traveler-friendly, featuring a cozy terminal, rental car services, and shuttle options to nearby accommodations. It offers a quick and hassle-free gateway for those who wish to maximize their time inside the park rather than spend hours driving. However, since it only operates during the warmer months, visitors planning trips outside of this period need to consider other nearby airports.

2. Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD)

Located just two miles from downtown Cody, Wyoming, and about 53 miles from Yellowstone’s East Entrance, Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport is an excellent option for those who want to combine their park visit with a taste of Old West history. Cody was founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, and the town remains a lively gateway filled with Western museums, rodeos, and cowboy culture.

The airport is small but well-equipped, offering flights primarily through United Airlines, which connects Cody to Denver International Airport year-round. Facilities include car rental agencies, ample parking, and a comfortable terminal. The drive from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance is exceptionally scenic, following the North Fork of the Shoshone River through the rugged and beautiful Wapiti Valley.

Cody’s airport is ideal for travelers seeking fewer crowds, easy access, and a route that’s rich in history and stunning landscapes. It also serves as a convenient entry point for exploring Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, and the Hayden Valley areas once inside the park.

3. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

Jackson Hole Airport is perhaps the most scenic airport in the United States—and the only commercial airport located inside a national park, Grand Teton National Park. Positioned just 55 miles south of Yellowstone’s South Entrance, it provides breathtaking views of the Teton Range right from the runway. This makes it a top choice for travelers looking to visit both Grand Teton and Yellowstone in a single trip.

The airport is modern and offers direct flights to several major cities, including Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta, among others. Airlines such as Delta, United, Alaska, and American operate here, ensuring broad national connectivity.

Facilities at Jackson Hole Airport are upscale yet rustic, reflecting the region’s mountain charm, with local art, wood interiors, and expansive windows framing the surrounding peaks. Rental cars are readily available, and shuttles and taxis serve nearby Jackson town, which offers excellent accommodations, restaurants, and shopping. The drive from Jackson to Yellowstone takes about two hours, winding through Grand Teton National Park and offering some of the most memorable mountain scenery in the Rockies.

4. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, located in Belgrade, Montana, about 90 miles from Yellowstone’s North Entrance at Gardiner, is one of the most popular airports for visitors to the park. It is the busiest airport in Montana and operates year-round, with a wide selection of flights connecting to major cities such as Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York.

The airport’s modern facilities, car rental options, dining, and comfortable lounges make it a convenient choice for both families and solo travelers. From Bozeman, the drive to Yellowstone’s North Entrance takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, following the scenic route through Paradise Valley along the Yellowstone River. This entrance remains open year-round, making Bozeman one of the most reliable options for winter visitors heading to Mammoth Hot Springs or for those interested in wildlife watching during the colder months.

In addition to easy access to Yellowstone, Bozeman serves as a gateway to Montana’s outdoor adventures, including skiing, fishing, hiking, and hot springs. The combination of accessibility, amenities, and natural beauty makes Bozeman a top airport choice for most Yellowstone travelers.

5. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

Idaho Falls Regional Airport, located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is approximately 110 miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. This medium-sized regional airport offers year-round service and connects to major hubs such as Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas through airlines like Delta, United, and Allegiant Air.

For travelers driving to Yellowstone, the route from Idaho Falls to the park is both scenic and convenient, passing through the charming towns of Rexburg and Island Park before reaching West Yellowstone. The airport is known for its ease of navigation, short lines, and friendly service, with all major car rental agencies operating on-site.

Idaho Falls itself is a pleasant stopover, featuring the Snake River Greenbelt, local museums, and dining options that make it a worthwhile starting point for a Yellowstone adventure. This airport offers a good balance between convenience and affordability, especially for visitors coming from the western United States.

6. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

Billings Logan International Airport, located in Billings, Montana, is about 130 miles from Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance near Cooke City and roughly 150 miles from the North Entrance near Gardiner. As the largest airport in Montana, it provides an extensive range of flight options and amenities, including direct flights to major U.S. cities like Denver, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Seattle.

The airport features modern facilities, car rental agencies, restaurants, and ample parking, making it a reliable entry point for those who prefer flying into a larger airport before starting their Yellowstone journey. The drive from Billings to Yellowstone via the Beartooth Highway—one of the most scenic drives in America—is a highlight in itself. This high-altitude route, open seasonally, offers panoramic mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and breathtaking switchbacks before descending into Cooke City and the park’s Northeast Entrance.

Billings is also a great city for stocking up on supplies before entering the park, with numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels. For travelers who want both urban convenience and access to one of the most dramatic approaches to Yellowstone, Billings is an excellent choice.

7. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City International Airport, located in Utah, is the largest and busiest airport for visitors traveling to Yellowstone. It is roughly 320 miles south of the park’s West Entrance, which translates to a 5–6 hour drive through scenic parts of Idaho and Montana. Despite the distance, it is a popular choice because it offers extensive domestic and international flight connections, making it ideal for travelers coming from overseas or from cities without direct service to smaller regional airports.

The airport is modern, efficient, and offers every amenity imaginable—from dining and shopping to hotels and rental car options. Many major airlines, including Delta, United, American, and Southwest, operate here with frequent flights to and from nearly every corner of the United States and beyond.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is a memorable one, with routes passing through picturesque regions like Logan Canyon, Idaho Falls, or Island Park. Many travelers also use this route to explore other national parks and attractions along the way, such as Grand Teton National Park.

Conclusion

Choosing the right airport for your Yellowstone trip depends largely on your travel preferences, time, and the section of the park you plan to explore. For those seeking the closest access and quick entry, Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is ideal. Travelers interested in Western heritage might prefer Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD), while those wanting a combination of luxury, scenery, and proximity often choose Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) provides year-round reliability and the best overall access for most visitors, while Idaho Falls (IDA) and Billings (BIL) balance affordability and flexibility. For international travelers or those needing the most flight options, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) remains the most practical choice.

No matter which airport you choose, the journey to Yellowstone is part of the adventure—offering ever-changing landscapes, small-town charm, and the promise of unforgettable encounters with nature’s raw beauty.