Locals' Guide: Airports Close to Yellowstone
Island Park is a beautiful road trip for its many visitors from neighboring states, as well as within the state of Idaho. But for many, flying is the best option. Some of the most common questions travelers have is about airports. What is the best airport in the area? Which one is closest to Yellowstone National Park? We want to make your trip to Island Park and West Yellowstone as enjoyable and effortless as possible. Here’s a guide to all of your airport questions in the Greater Yellowstone area.
Airports Close to West Yellowstone and Island Park, Idaho (in order of proximity from nearest to farthest to Island Park):
Yellowstone Airport (WYS), approx. 30 minutes
Idaho Falls Regional Airport 75 minutes
Pocatello Regional Airport 120 minutes
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, just 120 minutes
Jackson Hole Airport, just over 120 minutes
Bert Mooney Airport, 150 minutes
Salt Lake City International Airport, 5 hours
Boise Airport, 5 hours
Best Overall Airports Near Yellowstone
If you want to get to Island Park and the Greater Yellowstone area in the quickest time possible, the best choice is Yellowstone (WYS) airport. But if you want to experience a bit of a scenic road trip or want some better options (cheaper, non-stop flights), the winner is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. A beautiful scenic drive through the Gallatin Range, just over two hours from Island Park.
What do the locals say?
Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
A favorite for many locals. Closest to Yellowstone and Island Park, getting more flights, and flights to connectors in SLC may be cheaper. Is often pricier than Idaho Falls or Bozeman. Not ideal if you’re wanting a direct flight.
Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located at West Yellowstone, Montana just two miles from Yellowstone National Park and close to Big Sky, Island Park, Gallatin and Madison Rivers, Ennis, and Virginia City. From the site: “Numerous airlines transfer in Salt Lake City to Delta Airlines flights. This means you can leave home in the morning and be catching fish or watching Old Faithful Geyser by early afternoon!”
Idaho Falls Regional Airport
Close to Island Park and Yellowstone, great deals through United.
Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho this airport is the second closest to Island Park just an hour and a half away from the gateway to Yellowstone.
Pocatello Regional Airport
Flights are usually cheaper than Idaho Falls and it’s only 45 minutes farther. Free parking is a plus.
According to the site, the Pocatello airport is “fast, friendly, and convenient” and locals tend to agree. It’s only an extra half hour from Idaho Falls airport, and close to Lava Hot Springs (approx. 40 min.) if you have time for a fun and relaxing day trip.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
Cheaper fares, nonstop flights, and a beautiful two hour drive to Island Park and Yellowstone through the Gallatin Valley.
This beautiful Montana airport is a local favorite, providing the only year-round service for two Yellowstone National Park entrances. According to the site: “Located in the heart of beautiful Gallatin Valley, we provide non-stop flights to 30 markets in the United States with connections all over the world.”
Jackson Hole
Some say the cheapest fares are here. And love that it’s only two hours from Island Park.
And if you have time to stop in the Grand Teton national park- we recommend it. maybe even add on a couple of nights to your stay so you can enjoy it a couple of days. image COURTESY of Teara Galbraith
The site says it best: “The Jackson Hole Airport is located at the base of the spectacular Teton mountain range. Located entirely within Grand Teton National Park, flying into the Jackson Hole Airport is an amazing way to begin your journey to Jackson Hole.” And being only two hours from Island Park (2 and ½ to West Yellowstone), it’s a great way to begin your journey into the Greater Yellowstone. And you get a bonus visit to Grand Teton National Park!
Bert Mooney Airport
Free parking, but not typically recommended.
“Located in the heart of Southwest Montana, Bert Mooney Airport is your gateway to adventure. Whether you are departing on that trip of a lifetime or arriving for that much needed retreat, departing to the trip of a lifetime, Bert Mooney Airport can help you reach your travel destination with ease,” according to the site. Possibly because it’s smaller, and farther than Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Yellowstone, and Bozeman, this airport is not heavily used by visitors to Island Park and Yellowstone.
Salt Lake International Airport
Cheap fares and nonstop flights, and a five hours drive. But, it could be a fun day trip on the road through Salt Lake to Ogden and southern Idaho if you have the time.
The Salt Lake City airport just completed phase one of a $4 billion redevelopment project, making it one of the most beautiful and enjoyable airports for travel.
Boise Airport
Most locals use Salt Lake City airport over Boise airport, but out-of-state visitors will enjoy the city of Boise and the five hour road trip with a little extra time to spare.
Nonstop flights and in one of Idaho’s most bustling and beautiful cities, this may be worth the five hour drive to Island Park.
Further reading about Yellowstone-area airports:
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/airports-near-clarksville-tennessee-55462.html
https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/airports/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60999-i481-k2303100-Closest_airport_to_Yellowstone-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html