Explore Montana United States

Explore Montana United States

What is the best time to travel to Montana

The best time to visit Montana depends on your preferences and what activities you plan on doing. Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and numerous outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. However, it can also be crowded and more expensive. Fall (September to November) is a great time to visit for those who enjoy autumn foliage and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, with excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Spring (March to May) is less crowded than summer and has beautiful wildflowers, although weather can be unpredictable. Overall, the best time to visit Montana is during the season that best suits your interests and needs.

How to get to Montana

Montana can be accessed by air, road, and rail.

The main airports in Montana are:

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)

Helena Regional Airport (HLN)

Great Falls International Airport (GTF)

Bert Mooney Airport (BTM)

Greyhound and Jefferson Lines are two major bus companies that serve Montana. Amtrak’s Empire Builder train also serves several cities in Montana, including Whitefish, West Glacier, Essex, East Glacier Park, Browning, Cut Bank, Shelby, Havre, Malta, Glasgow, Wolf Point, and Wolf Point.

If you plan to drive, Montana has several major highways, including I-15, I-90, US 2, and US 93, that can be accessed from neighboring states.

How to get around Montana

Montana has several options for transportation, including:

Car rental: Renting a car is a popular option for tourists as it allows you to explore the state at your own pace. Most major car rental companies have locations at airports and in major cities.

Bus: Greyhound and Jefferson Lines both provide bus service to various cities in Montana.

Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder line runs through Montana, stopping at several cities, including Whitefish, Havre, and Glasgow.

Air: Montana has several small airports scattered throughout the state, but the largest airport is the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Bozeman. Other major airports include Missoula International Airport, Billings Logan International Airport, and Great Falls International Airport.

Taxis and Ride-sharing services: Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in some of the major cities in Montana.

Bicycle: Biking is a popular way to explore Montana’s scenic routes and trails. You can bring your own bike or rent one at various rental shops throughout the state.

Walking: Exploring the cities on foot is also an option, especially in the downtown areas.

National Airports

Montana has several national airports that are served by major airlines. These airports include:

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell

Great Falls International Airport (GTF)

Helena Regional Airport (HLN)

There are also smaller regional airports throughout the state.

Trains in Montana

There are two Amtrak trains that run through Montana: the Empire Builder and the Pioneer. The Empire Builder runs from Chicago to Seattle with stops in many Montana cities including Havre, Shelby, Whitefish, and Libby. The Pioneer runs from Seattle to Chicago with stops in Missoula, Billings, and other cities in Montana. Both trains offer a comfortable and scenic way to explore Montana.

In addition to Amtrak, Montana also has several tourist trains, including the historic Red Lodge & Cooke City Railway and the Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train. These trains offer unique experiences for travelers looking for a more specialized train ride.

However, it’s worth noting that train travel in Montana may not be the most convenient or efficient option, as many parts of the state are quite rural and the train routes may not connect all the destinations you wish to visit.

Buses in Montana

Montana has several bus transportation options for travelers:

Greyhound: Greyhound is a national bus company that offers service to several cities in Montana, including Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula.

Jefferson Lines: Jefferson Lines is a regional bus company that provides service to several cities in Montana, including Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City, and Missoula.

Rimrock Stages: Rimrock Stages is a Montana-based bus company that offers service throughout the state, including to cities such as Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, and Missoula.

Karst Stage: Karst Stage is another Montana-based bus company that provides service to several cities in the state, including Bozeman, Butte, Dillon, Helena, and Missoula.

Montana Adventure Shuttle: Montana Adventure Shuttle provides transportation for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers to various trailheads and outdoor destinations throughout the state.

Blackfeet Transit: Blackfeet Transit is a tribal transit system that provides transportation to and from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana.

Flathead County Eagle Transit: Flathead County Eagle Transit is a public transit system that provides transportation in and around the Flathead Valley in northwestern Montana.

These bus services can be a great option for travelers who don’t have access to a car or who prefer not to drive.

Accommodations in Montana

Montana offers a variety of accommodations ranging from luxurious lodges to budget-friendly hotels, motels, and campgrounds. Some of the popular options for accommodations in Montana are:

Guest Ranches: Montana is known for its guest ranches, which offer a unique experience of staying on a working ranch, enjoying outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, and fishing, and soaking in the scenic beauty of the state.

Lodges: Montana has several luxury lodges that offer a comfortable stay with world-class amenities, fine dining, and breathtaking views.

Hotels and Motels: Montana has a range of hotels and motels that cater to all budgets, from economy to luxury.

Campgrounds: Montana has many state and national park campgrounds, as well as private campgrounds, where you can enjoy camping, RVing, and other outdoor activities.

Vacation Rentals: Montana has a variety of vacation rentals, including cabins, cottages, and condos, which are ideal for families and groups.

Some of the popular websites to book accommodations in Montana are Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, and VRBO.