Yellowstone National Park travel guide

Yellowstone National Park travel guide

National Airports

The closest airports to Yellowstone National Park are:

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) located in Cody, Wyoming (approximately 53 miles from the East Entrance of the park)

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) located in Jackson, Wyoming (approximately 58 miles from the South Entrance of the park)

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) located in Bozeman, Montana (approximately 90 miles from the North Entrance of the park)

All of these airports have car rental options available.

Trains in Yellowstone National Park

There are no trains that go directly to Yellowstone National Park. However, Amtrak operates the Empire Builder train that stops in several cities near the park, including Spokane, WA, and Bozeman, MT. From these cities, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach the park.

Buses in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has a public bus transportation system called the Yellowstone National Park Lodges Transportation. This system offers several tours, shuttle services, and charters to various locations within the park. There are also private bus tours and shuttle services available from nearby towns, such as Jackson, Cody, and Bozeman. Additionally, many visitors choose to explore the park on foot or by car.

How to get to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is located in the western United States and spans across the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. There are several ways to get to Yellowstone National Park, including:

By Air: The closest airports to Yellowstone National Park are Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana, and Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) in Idaho. From these airports, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.

By Car: Yellowstone National Park is easily accessible by car. The park has five entrance gates: North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana), Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana), East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming), South Entrance (Jackson, Wyoming), and West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana).

By Bus: There are several tour companies that offer bus tours to Yellowstone National Park from nearby cities.

By Train: While there is no direct train service to Yellowstone National Park, Amtrak’s Empire Builder train stops in several nearby towns, including Whitefish, Montana, and Sandpoint, Idaho. From these towns, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.

What is the best time to travel to Yellowstone National Park

The best time to travel to Yellowstone National Park depends on your interests and what activities you want to do.

Summer (June-August) is the busiest time, with the warmest weather and the most activities available, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, it can be crowded, and some areas of the park may have limited accessibility due to heavy snow during the winter months.

Fall (September-November) is a quieter time in the park, with mild temperatures and fall foliage. Many of the facilities and services begin to close in late September, but some areas of the park remain open until early November.

Winter (December-March) is a unique time to visit the park, with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching. The park is much less crowded during this time, and you may have the chance to see the park’s iconic geysers and hot springs surrounded by snow and ice. However, many of the park’s facilities and roads are closed during the winter months, and travel in the park can be more difficult.

Spring (April-May) is a time of renewal in the park, with wildlife returning and the first wildflowers blooming. The weather can be unpredictable, with snow still on the ground in some areas, but the park is generally less crowded than in the summer months. Some roads and facilities may still be closed until mid-April or later.

How to get around Yellowstone National Park

There are several ways to get around Yellowstone National Park:

Private vehicle: The most common way to get around Yellowstone is by private vehicle. The park has a network of paved roads that provide easy access to all major attractions.

Shuttle buses: The park operates a shuttle bus system that provides transportation between major points of interest, including Old Faithful, Canyon Village, and Mammoth Hot Springs. The shuttle buses run from mid-June through early September.

Bike: Biking is allowed on all park roads except for a few restricted areas. Bikes can be rented at several locations within the park.

Hiking: Yellowstone has over 1,000 miles of hiking trails that provide access to remote areas of the park.

Boating: Yellowstone Lake offers opportunities for boating and fishing.

Horseback riding: Several companies offer guided horseback rides within the park.

It’s important to note that some areas of the park may be closed or have restricted access during certain times of the year, so it’s always a good idea to check the park website or visitor center for up-to-date information before planning your transportation within the park.

Accommodations in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park offers various types of accommodations for visitors. Some of the options include:

Lodges: There are nine lodges in Yellowstone National Park, operated by Xanterra Travel Collection. These lodges offer a range of accommodations from rustic cabins to luxurious rooms.

Campgrounds: Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds, with over 2,000 campsites. Most campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but some can be reserved in advance.

RV Parks: Yellowstone has five RV parks with full hookups for water, electricity, and sewage. Advance reservations are recommended, as these parks tend to fill up quickly.

Backcountry Camping: For those who prefer a more primitive camping experience, backcountry camping is available in Yellowstone. Permits are required and can be obtained at any visitor center.

Hotels and Motels: There are several hotels and motels located just outside of Yellowstone National Park, in the towns of West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cody.

Vacation Rentals: There are a variety of vacation rentals available in the surrounding areas of Yellowstone National Park. These can be found through rental websites or local property management companies.