Missoula travel guide

Missoula travel guide

National Airports

Missoula International Airport (MSO) is the main airport serving the city of Missoula in Montana.

Trains in Missoula

Missoula is served by Amtrak’s “Empire Builder” route, which runs daily between Chicago and Seattle/Portland. The Missoula Amtrak station is located at 200 West Railroad Street.

Buses in Missoula

Missoula has a local bus service called Mountain Line, which serves the city and surrounding areas. They have regular routes and a fare-free system, so passengers can ride without paying a fee. Greyhound bus service also provides intercity transportation to Missoula. Additionally, there are several shuttle services that transport visitors from Missoula to nearby attractions, such as the airport or Glacier National Park.

How to get to Missoula

Missoula is well-connected to other cities in Montana and the rest of the country, making it easy to reach by various modes of transportation.

By plane: Missoula International Airport (MSO) is the primary airport serving the city, located about 7 miles northwest of downtown. Several major airlines offer daily flights to and from destinations across the US.

By car: Missoula is located at the intersection of Interstate 90 and Interstate 15, making it easily accessible by car. If you are driving from other parts of Montana, you can take one of the several scenic routes such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

By bus: Greyhound and Jefferson Lines operate bus services to Missoula, with connections to other cities in Montana and neighboring states.

By train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder train service stops in Missoula, connecting the city to Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Minneapolis, and Chicago.

By bike: Missoula is a popular destination for cyclists, with several bike trails and lanes in the city and surrounding areas.

By foot: Downtown Missoula is compact and easily walkable, so once you’re in the city, you can get around on foot.

What is the best time to travel to Missoula

The best time to travel to Missoula depends on personal preferences and what you plan to do. Summers are generally warm and dry, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. The peak tourist season is from June through August, so expect higher prices and more crowds during these months.

Spring and fall can also be pleasant times to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. However, it’s worth noting that spring can bring rain and mud, and fall can bring snow in higher elevations.

Winter in Missoula is cold and snowy, but it can be a great time to visit for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities in the nearby mountains, and there are also opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Overall, the best time to travel to Missoula depends on your interests and what you plan to do during your trip.

How to get around Missoula

Missoula is a relatively small city, and many of the popular attractions are located within walking distance of each other. If you prefer not to walk, you can get around Missoula using the following modes of transportation:

Buses: The Missoula Urban Transportation District (Mountain Line) operates several bus routes throughout the city. Fares are affordable, and the buses are equipped with bike racks.

Taxis: Taxis are available in Missoula, and several companies operate in the city. You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

Bicycles: Missoula is a bike-friendly city, and there are several bike rental companies in the area. Many of the streets in Missoula have bike lanes, and there are several bike trails in the area.

Rental cars: Several rental car companies operate in Missoula, and you can rent a car to get around the city and surrounding areas.

Accommodations in Missoula

Missoula offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Here are a few popular options:

The Wilma: The Wilma is a historic theater turned hotel located in the heart of downtown Missoula. It offers luxurious rooms, on-site dining, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The DoubleTree by Hilton: The DoubleTree by Hilton is a modern hotel located near the University of Montana. It offers comfortable rooms, a pool, a fitness center, and on-site dining.

Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast: The Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast is a charming Victorian mansion located in a quiet residential neighborhood. It offers comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and easy access to downtown Missoula.

The Mercantile Hotel: The Mercantile Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the renovated historic Missoula Mercantile building. It offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and easy access to downtown Missoula.

Airbnb: Airbnb offers a variety of vacation rental options in Missoula, including apartments, houses, and cabins. This can be a great option for those looking for a home away from home experience.