Yellowstone National Park, a natural wonder spanning three states, attracts millions of visitors annually. While there are no airports within the park itself, several nearby airports serve as gateways for travelers. Delta Connection and United Express operate seasonal flights to West Yellowstone Airport (WYS), the closest airport to the park. Other nearby options include Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) and Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), served by major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Which Airlines Fly Directly to Yellowstone Airport (WYS)?
Two airlines provide direct seasonal service to West Yellowstone Airport (WYS):
- Delta Connection (operated by SkyWest Airlines)
- Route: Salt Lake City (SLC) to West Yellowstone (WYS)
- Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jets
- Frequency: Multiple flights per week during summer months
-
Flight duration: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
-
United Express (operated by SkyWest Airlines)
- Route: Denver (DEN) to West Yellowstone (WYS)
- Aircraft: Canadair CRJ-200 regional jets
- Frequency: Weekend flights during summer months
- Flight duration: Approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes
What Are the Average Ticket Prices for Flights to Yellowstone?
Ticket prices can vary based on factors such as seasonality, demand, and booking time. Here’s a general price range for round-trip flights:
- Salt Lake City (SLC) to West Yellowstone (WYS): $200 – $400
- Denver (DEN) to West Yellowstone (WYS): $200 – $400
It’s important to note that these prices are estimates and can fluctuate significantly.
Which Airlines Serve Other Nearby Airports?
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Several major airlines offer flights to Jackson Hole Airport, located about 60 miles from the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Sun Country Airlines
Routes are available from various U.S. cities, including:
| Airline | Origin Cities |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX) |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC) |
| United Airlines | Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO) |
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
Located approximately 90 miles from the north entrance of Yellowstone, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is served by multiple airlines:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- Frontier Airlines
What Are the Flight Durations and Layover Options?
Flight durations vary depending on the origin city and whether the flight is direct or includes layovers:
- Direct Flights:
- Denver (DEN) to Jackson Hole (JAC): Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
-
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Jackson Hole (JAC): Approximately 1 hour
-
Flights with Layovers:
- Duration varies widely depending on the route and layover length
- Common layover cities include Denver, Salt Lake City, and Chicago
How Far Are the Airports from Yellowstone National Park?
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS):
- Distance: Adjacent to West Yellowstone, Montana
-
Location: A few miles from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park
-
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC):
- Distance: Approximately 60 miles from the south entrance
-
Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
-
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN):
- Distance: Approximately 90 miles from the north entrance
- Location: Belgrade, Montana
What Transportation Options Are Available from the Airports?
Each airport offers various transportation options to reach Yellowstone National Park:
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS):
- Rental cars
- Taxis
-
Shuttle services
-
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC):
- Rental cars
- Taxis
- Shuttle services
-
Public transportation options
-
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN):
- Rental cars
- Taxis
- Shuttle services
- Public transportation options
Are There Any Unique Travel Packages Available?
Many airlines and travel websites offer package deals that include flights, accommodations, and car rentals for Yellowstone National Park visits. For example:
- Expedia provides packages with flights to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) or Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), along with hotel stays and car rentals.
These packages can offer convenience and potential cost savings for travelers planning their Yellowstone adventure.
How Do Costs and Schedules Vary Throughout the Year?
Costs and flight schedules for airlines flying to Yellowstone National Park vary significantly based on several factors:
- Costs:
- Round-trip flights: Range from $200 to over $500
-
Package deals: Additional costs for hotels and car rentals
-
Schedules:
- Year-round flights: Available to nearby airports like BZN and JAC
- Seasonal flights: West Yellowstone Airport (WYS) only operates from June through September
- Peak season: Increased frequencies and availability during summer months
It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially for peak season travel, to secure better rates and availability.
What Should Travelers Consider When Choosing an Airline and Airport?
When planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park, consider the following factors:
- Proximity to desired park entrance
- Available transportation options from the airport
- Flight schedules and frequencies
- Overall travel time, including layovers
- Cost of flights and ground transportation
- Seasonal availability of flights (especially for West Yellowstone Airport)
- Potential for weather-related delays or cancellations
By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose the most suitable airline and airport for your Yellowstone adventure.
References:
1. Cheap Flights to West Yellowstone – Expedia.com
2. Yellowstone Airport – Wikipedia
3. Flights to West Yellowstone (WYS) – Flight Connections