Welcome to our comprehensive visitor’s guide on how to reach the magnificent Yellowstone National Park! With its stunning landscapes, geothermal features, and abundant wildlife, Yellowstone is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll cover driving directions, nearby airports, and park entrances to help you plan your visit to this incredible national treasure.

Driving Directions to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is located primarily in Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho. The park is well-connected to nearby cities and towns, and driving is one of the most popular ways to reach it. Below are driving distances and basic directions from a few nearby cities.

Driving from Salt Lake City, Utah

Distance: Approximately 320 miles
Estimated driving time: 5 hours
To reach Yellowstone National Park from Salt Lake City, head north on I-15 until you reach Idaho Falls. From Idaho Falls, take US-20 (exit 119) and continue northeast. Along the way, you’ll pass through the towns of Rexburg and Island Park. Be sure to stop in West Yellowstone, Montana, a popular gateway town to the park that offers several restaurants and accommodations. Enter the park through the West Entrance.

Driving from Bozeman, Montana

Distance: Approximately 90 miles
Estimated driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
From Bozeman, take US-191 south, passing through the picturesque Gallatin Canyon. The route offers breathtaking views of the Gallatin River and surrounding mountains. You’ll eventually reach the town of Big Sky, which has several dining options. Continue south to the park and enter through the West Entrance.

Driving from Jackson, Wyoming

Distance: Approximately 60 miles
Estimated driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes
To get to Yellowstone from Jackson, head north on US-89/US-191. You’ll pass through the beautiful Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning views of the Teton Range. Make a stop in Moose or Moran Junction for dining options. Enter Yellowstone through the South Entrance.

Driving from Cody, Wyoming

Distance: Approximately 50 miles
Estimated driving time: 1 hour
From Cody, take US-14/US-16/US-20 (also known as the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway) westward. You’ll pass through the Shoshone National Forest and alongside the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The town of Wapiti offers a few dining options along the way. Enter the park through the East Entrance.

Nearest Airports to Yellowstone National Park

Flying is another convenient way to reach Yellowstone National Park. The following airports are serviced by major airlines and are located within driving distance to the park.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Distance to West Entrance: Approximately 90 miles
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the closest major airport to Yellowstone National Park. It is serviced by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United. BZN offers both domestic and international flights. Car rental facilities are available at the airport, making it easy to drive to the park.

From the airport, take I-90 east to US-191 south, and follow the directions provided earlier in the “Driving from Bozeman, Montana” section.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

Distance to South Entrance: Approximately 60 miles
Located within Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Airport is serviced by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Frontier. JAC primarily offers domestic flights, with seasonal international connections. Car rental facilities are available at the airport, providing a convenient option for reaching Yellowstone National Park.

From the airport, take US-89/US-191 north and follow the directions provided earlier in the “Driving from Jackson, Wyoming” section.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

Distance to West Entrance: Approximately 110 miles
Idaho Falls Regional Airport is another nearby option, serviced by airlines such as Delta, United, and Allegiant. This airport primarily offers domestic flights. Car rental facilities are available on-site, allowing for an easy drive to the park.

From the airport, take US-20 northeast and follow the directions provided earlier in the “Driving from Salt Lake City, Utah” section.

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

Distance to Northeast Entrance: Approximately 150 miles
Billings Logan International Airport, located in Montana, is serviced by major airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United. The airport offers domestic flights and has car rental facilities for visitors planning to drive to the park.

From the airport, take I-90 west to US-212 west (exit 434), which leads to the scenic Beartooth Highway. Continue on US-212 until you reach the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park Entrances

Yellowstone National Park has five main entrances, each with its unique features and proximity to major park attractions. We’ll provide information on the distance from each entrance to a few key park attractions.

North Entrance

Located near the town of Gardiner, Montana, the North Entrance is the only entrance open to vehicles year-round. From here, you can easily access:
– Mammoth Hot Springs: 5 miles
– Tower-Roosevelt Area: 18 miles
– Canyon Village: 38 miles

West Entrance

The West Entrance, situated near West Yellowstone, Montana, is a popular entry point to the park. Notable attractions nearby include:
– Madison Junction: 14 miles
– Old Faithful: 30 miles
– Grand Prismatic Spring: 31 miles

South Entrance

Found near the town of Moran, Wyoming, the South Entrance provides easy access to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Major attractions in proximity include:
– West Thumb Geyser Basin: 22 miles
– Old Faithful: 40 miles
– Grant Village: 20 miles

East Entrance

The East Entrance, close to Cody, Wyoming, offers a scenic drive through the Shoshone National Forest. Nearby attractions consist of:
– Fishing Bridge: 27 miles
– Canyon Village: 37 miles
– Lake Village: 20 miles

Northeast Entrance

Located near Cooke City, Montana, the Northeast Entrance is the gateway to the famous Lamar Valley, known for its wildlife viewing opportunities. Key attractions nearby include:
– Tower-Roosevelt Area: 29 miles
– Canyon Village: 49 miles
– Mammoth Hot Springs: 52 miles
This comprehensive guide should provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the awe-inspiring Yellowstone National Park. With detailed driving directions, nearby airport options, and an overview of park entrances, you’re well-equipped to embark on a memorable adventure. Safe travels and happy exploring!