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Bozeman and Billings Airport Distance to Yellowstone National Park

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Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is significantly closer to Yellowstone National Park compared to Billings Logan International Airport (BIL). From Bozeman, the West Entrance is about 97 miles away (2-hour drive), while the North Entrance is approximately 78 miles (1 hour 23 minutes). In contrast, Billings Airport is roughly 215 miles from the West Entrance (4-hour drive) and 196 miles from the North Entrance (3.5-hour drive). This substantial difference in distance and travel time makes Bozeman Airport the preferred choice for many visitors to Yellowstone.

What are the Exact Distances from Each Airport to Yellowstone?

bozeman and billings airport distance to yellowstone national park
Image ‘File:Yellowstone National Park (WY, USA), Red Spouter — 2022 — 2465.jpg’ by Dietmar Rabich

Bozeman Airport (BZN) to Yellowstone:

  • West Entrance: 97 miles (2 hours)
  • North Entrance: 78 miles (1 hour 23 minutes)
  • Canyon Village Lodge: 127 miles (2 hours 31 minutes)

Billings Airport (BIL) to Yellowstone:

  • West Entrance: 215 miles (4 hours)
  • North Entrance: 196 miles (3.5 hours)

How Do Travel Times Vary Between the Two Airports?

bozeman and billings airport distance to yellowstone national park
Image ‘File:Dead trees at Mammoth Hot Springs.jpg’ by Brocken Inaglory, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The travel times from Bozeman and Billings airports to Yellowstone National Park can vary significantly based on several factors:

  1. Traffic conditions
  2. Weather (especially in winter)
  3. Road construction
  4. Chosen route

Here’s a comparison table of estimated travel times:

Route Bozeman Airport Billings Airport
To West Entrance 2 hours 4 hours
To North Entrance 1 hour 23 minutes 3.5 hours

What are the Specific Routes from Each Airport?

From Bozeman Airport:

  1. To West Entrance:
  2. Take US-191 S through Gallatin Canyon
  3. Pass by Big Sky and along the Gallatin River

  4. Notable landmarks: Gallatin Canyon, Big Sky ski resort

  5. To North Entrance:

  6. Take I-90 E to Livingston
  7. Then US-89 S to Gardiner
  8. Notable landmarks: Paradise Valley, Roosevelt Arch, Mammoth Hot Springs

From Billings Airport:

  1. To West Entrance:
  2. Take I-90 W to Butte
  3. Then US-191 S to West Yellowstone

  4. Notable landmarks: Beartooth Mountains, West Yellowstone town

  5. To North Entrance:

  6. Take I-90 W to Livingston
  7. Then US-89 S to Gardiner
  8. Passes through more urban areas compared to Bozeman route

What Transportation Options are Available from Each Airport?

Bozeman Airport:

  • Rental Cars: Available at the airport, including specialty outdoor-specific vehicles
  • Shuttle Services: KARST Stage offers charter services to Yellowstone
  • Bus and van tours
  • Costs:
  • Driving: $23-$35
  • Shuttle/Taxi: $130-$160

Billings Airport:

  • Rental Cars: Various companies available at the airport
  • No direct shuttle services to Yellowstone
  • Private tour services can be booked
  • Costs primarily involve car rental fees and fuel

How Do Weather Conditions Affect Travel Times?

Weather conditions can significantly impact travel times from both airports to Yellowstone National Park:

  1. Winter (November to April):
  2. Snow and ice can slow travel, especially through Gallatin Canyon
  3. Chain requirements may be in effect

  4. Some roads may close due to severe weather

  5. Summer (May to October):

  6. Generally good driving conditions
  7. Increased traffic due to peak tourist season
  8. Potential delays from road construction projects

What are the Advantages of Choosing Bozeman Airport over Billings?

  1. Proximity:
  2. Bozeman is significantly closer to Yellowstone

  3. Shorter drive means more time in the park

  4. Scenic Route:

  5. The drive from Bozeman offers more scenic views

  6. Passes through Gallatin Canyon or Paradise Valley

  7. More Transportation Options:

  8. Greater variety of shuttle services and tours available

  9. Cost-Effective:

  10. Shorter distance means lower fuel costs and potentially cheaper rental car rates

Are There Any Drawbacks to Flying into Billings for Yellowstone?

While Billings Airport is farther from Yellowstone, it does have some advantages:

  1. Potentially cheaper flights
  2. More flight options from major cities
  3. Opportunity to explore eastern Montana before heading to Yellowstone

However, the main drawbacks include:

  1. Significantly longer drive to the park
  2. More time spent on the road rather than in Yellowstone
  3. Higher fuel costs and potentially more expensive car rentals due to longer rental periods

What Should Visitors Consider When Choosing Between Bozeman and Billings Airports?

When deciding between Bozeman and Billings airports for a Yellowstone trip, consider:

  1. Flight costs and availability
  2. Total travel time (including flight and drive to the park)
  3. Desired park entrance (West or North)
  4. Interest in exploring areas outside Yellowstone
  5. Comfort with longer drives
  6. Season of travel and potential weather impacts

By weighing these factors, visitors can make an informed decision that best suits their travel plans and preferences for their Yellowstone National Park adventure.

References:
1. Rome2Rio: Bozeman Airport (BZN) to Yellowstone National Park Canyon Village Lodge
2. Travelmath: Driving Distance from BZN to Yellowstone National Park
3. Bozeman Convention and Visitors Bureau: How Far Is Bozeman from Yellowstone National Park?

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