Trying to figure out the best airport to Yellowstone National Park – the one that makes the most sense for your trip?
This is a quick guide to the closest airport to Yellowstone National Park.
‼️ It’s worth noting that although this is my pick for the best airport, there are five entrances and depending on where you stay, when you go and your full itinerary, another airport may be better for your trip. Flight prices, rental car availability, seasonal access, and drive times can all completely change your experience before you even enter the park.
For more detailed information about other nearby airports, read my Guide to all the Airports Near Yellowstone National Park. ‼️
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Table of Contents
What’s the best airport for Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located in West Yellowstone, Montana. It’s not only the closest airport to West Yellowstone (it’s literally right on the edge of the small town), it’s also the airport closest to Yellowstone National Park.
It’s a small regional and seasonal airport, so options are limited. It only operates from late May to late September and only has flights with two airlines from two connecting cities. However, it’s the best airport if you’re looking to minimize your drive to the national park and you’re traveling in those months.
Closest entrance(s)
West Entrance
Drive time from West Yellowstone Airport to Yellowstone
⌚ It’s just 6 minutes/ 3 miles to the West Entrance
Airlines that fly into there / Airports that connect to there
✈️ Delta – Salt Lake City
✈️ United – Denver
➡️ Find the cheapest flight on Skyscanner
Rental car options
🚘 Onsite: Avis and Budget
➡️ Book a car through Discover Cars
Pros
- Yellowstone closest airport
- West Yellowstone is the most popular place to stay outside the park. It’s central to the park’s attractions and has a range of accommodations.
Cons
- Only has two airlines
- Only has flights from Salt Lake City and Denver
- Only operates during the peak tourist season
- It’s not the cheapest airport to fly into for Yellowstone
Nearest Airport: Yellowstone National Park Map
Choosing the best airport for your trip and booking flights is a very important step in planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park, and I hope this guide is helping.
However, as I’m sure you’re very aware, this is just one thing of many to decide and do. The thing that most people ask me about is how to put it all together into an itinerary that actually makes sense. They decide which airport to fly into, but still worry about how to minimize the crowds, what to do – and when – and how to coordinate it all.
To help take away the overwhelm of planning a trip to Yellowstone, I’ve created several super detailed itineraries.
Without them, people often feel stressed about planning their trip. With them, they have the confidence of getting all the info they need in one spot. Plus, there’s flexibility built in, so they can easily adapt them to their own interests and activity levels.
There are 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4- day options for Yellowstone National Park: all with detailed hour-by-hour schedules, including alternatives for different activity and fitness levels, plus trail maps and descriptions, driving instructions, important information, essential tips, and everything else you need to make the most of your time in Yellowstone National Park.
Travel Insurance for Yellowstone National Park
When you’ve booked your flights, consider getting travel insurance too. Make sure it includes trip cancellation, in case you need to cancel your flight before your travel, so that you can get a refund.
➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Have a great trip to Yellowstone! I hope this guide has helped you decide where to fly to Yellowstone National Park.
More Planning Resources for Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Yellowstone National Park Guide
⭐ Yellowstone Itineraries
⭐ 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ How Many Days in Yellowstone National Park?
⭐ Guide To Camping In Yellowstone National Park
⭐ How to Visit Yellowstone in Winter
⭐ Best Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
⭐ The Best Yellowstone Scenic Drives
⭐ Lamar Valley Scenic Drive
⭐ Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail Guide
⭐ Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Visiting Yellowstone Throughout the Year
⭐ How To Get To Yellowstone National Park
⭐ All The Airports Near Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Tips For Visiting Yellowstone National Park
⭐ 10 Fun Facts about Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Best Books about Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Vacation Rentals Near Yellowstone National Park
⭐ Yellowstone Packing List
➡️ If you’re also planning to visit the Grand Tetons, read my Guide to Grand Teton National Park and get a detailed Grand Teton itinerary.
Do you have any questions about the best airport for Yellowstone Park? Please ask. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know your question(s) (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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Best Airport for Yellowstone
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💡 Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
‼️ Are you looking for helpful tips for visiting US national parks? Read articles that share useful tips on a range of national-park related issues
💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Read my Guide to Yellowstone National Park
📋 Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Yellowstone? Get a detailed 1 – 4-day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
🛏️ Are you looking for a place to stay in or near Yellowstone National Park? Find a vacation rental near Yellowstone National Park or ⛺ Find a campground inside Yellowstone National Park
💲 Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
📖 Do you want to read a book about Yellowstone National Park? Check out my Recommended Reading List for Yellowstone National Park
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.