How much does it cost to get into Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park, one of America’s greatest natural treasures, offers an unforgettable experience filled with geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning mountain vistas. But before setting off on your adventure, it’s important to understand the cost of entering this vast wilderness. Entrance fees not only grant visitors access to the park’s 2.2 million acres of pristine land but also contribute directly to its preservation, road maintenance, and visitor facilities.

Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fees – Quick Reference Table

Category	Details
Private Vehicle Pass	$35 per vehicle – Valid for 7 consecutive days. Covers all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle.
Motorcycle Pass	$30 per motorcycle – Valid for 7 consecutive days. Covers both riders.
Individual Pass (Foot, Bicycle, or Ski)	$20 per person – Valid for 7 consecutive days. Perfect for cyclists or hikers entering through any gate.
Annual Yellowstone Pass	$70 – Valid for one year from the month of purchase. Grants unlimited entry to Yellowstone National Park only.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass	$80 – Valid for one year. Provides access to all U.S. National Parks and federal recreation lands.
Senior Lifetime Pass (U.S. citizens age 62+)	$80 one-time fee – Lifetime access to all National Parks and federal lands.
Senior Annual Pass (U.S. citizens age 62+)	$20 per year – Valid for one year at all federal recreation sites.
Military Annual Pass	Free – For current U.S. military members and dependents. Valid for one year.
Access Pass (permanent disability)	Free – Lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with documented disabilities.
Volunteer Pass	Free – Awarded to individuals completing 250 service hours with federal agencies managing recreation lands.
Commercial Tour Vehicles	Fees vary based on seating capacity: 1–6 passengers: $25 + $20 per person 7–15 passengers: $75 16–25 passengers: $100 26+ passengers: $200.
Park Entrance Validity	All entrance passes are valid for 7 days across both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (except annual passes).
Where to Purchase	Passes can be bought at all five park entrances, online through Recreation.gov, or at authorized retailers.
Payment Methods	Credit/debit cards preferred; cash accepted at most gates.
Note for Visitors	Keep your pass visible on your vehicle dashboard or carry it with you for quick verification.

The entrance fee for Yellowstone varies depending on your mode of transportation and the type of pass you choose. For most visitors traveling by private vehicle, the standard entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, which covers all occupants for a seven-day period. This option allows unlimited entry and exit from the park during that time, making it ideal for families or groups traveling together. If you’re entering the park on a motorcycle, the cost is $30 per motorcycle, while individuals arriving on foot, bicycle, or by public transportation can enter for $20 per person. These passes are valid for seven consecutive days, giving travelers ample time to explore everything from Old Faithful to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

For those who visit national parks frequently, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is a smart investment. Priced at $80 per year, this pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States, including all national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges. It covers the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single vehicle, making it one of the most cost-effective options for avid explorers.

Yellowstone also offers special passes that cater to different visitor groups. The Yellowstone Annual Pass, priced at $70, provides unlimited entry to Yellowstone only, valid for one year from the month of purchase. Seniors aged 62 and older can obtain a Senior Annual Pass for $20 or a Lifetime Senior Pass for $80, which grants lifetime access to all national parks. Active-duty military personnel, U.S. veterans, and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free Annual Military Pass, while individuals with permanent disabilities can apply for the Access Pass, which also provides free lifetime admission.

Visitors should note that entrance fees are separate from camping, lodging, or activity costs. If you plan to stay overnight, additional fees will apply for campgrounds, lodges, or backcountry permits. For example, standard campsites typically range from $20 to $40 per night, while more developed campgrounds and hotel-style accommodations cost significantly more.

If you’re planning a group or commercial tour, fees differ based on vehicle capacity and commercial use authorization. Large buses, for instance, may have customized fee structures depending on passenger count. Educational groups, researchers, or nonprofit organizations can often apply for special use permits that offer reduced entry fees.

For budget-conscious travelers, Yellowstone occasionally offers fee-free days, when all national parks waive entrance fees. These days usually coincide with significant national events or conservation celebrations, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Park Week, and Veterans Day. Planning your trip around one of these dates can save you money while still allowing full access to the park’s wonders.

When paying your entrance fee, you can do so at any of Yellowstone’s five main entrances — North (Gardiner, Montana), Northeast (Cooke City, Montana), East (Cody, Wyoming), South (Jackson, Wyoming), and West (West Yellowstone, Montana). Fees can be paid in cash or by credit/debit card, and digital passes are also available for purchase through the official National Park Service website or recreation.gov.

Ultimately, the cost of entering Yellowstone National Park is small compared to the magnitude of the experience it offers. Your entrance fee helps fund conservation projects, maintain roads and trails, and protect the wildlife that makes Yellowstone so unique. Whether you’re exploring geysers, hiking through vast meadows, or gazing at the stars over Yellowstone Lake, every dollar spent contributes to preserving this remarkable landscape for generations to come.