Directions & Transportation

GPS May Not Be Up-To-Date

GPS or internet-based mapping services may not reflect the most current road status. When planning your drive to Yellowstone, always check the park roads page before leaving for your trip.

 

 

 

Directions

Yellowstone National Park covers nearly 3,500 square miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming (3% of the park is in Montana and 1% is in Idaho). Yellowstone has five entrance stations, and several are closed to regular vehicles during winter. It takes many hours to drive between these entrances, so be sure to check the status of roads at the entrance you intend to use while planning your trip and before you arrive. We also recommend checking traveler information websites maintained by Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. For anyone relying on GPS, we offer GPS coordinates (and some travel advice) for many destinations in the park.

Airports

Commercial airlines serve the following airports near Yellowstone National Park all year: Cody and Jackson, WY; Bozeman and Billings, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID. The West Yellowstone, MT airport is serviced from early May to mid-October from Salt Lake City, UT.

Bus Stations

Bus service from Bozeman, MT to West Yellowstone, MT via Highway 191 is available all year. Bus service directly from Idaho to West Yellowstone is limited to the summer months. Commercial transportation from Bozeman, MT to Gardiner, MT is available during the winter and summer seasons. Commercial transportation to the park from Cody and Jackson, WY is available during the summer season. Contact nearby cities for specific carriers and schedules.

Train Stations

Train service is not available to Yellowstone National Park. The nearest train depots are in southeast Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah and northern Montana. Contact Amtrak for specific schedules.

Getting Around

Around 50 miles (80 km) of road separates popular destinations like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: a vehicle is generally required to visit the park. Public transportation is not available in Yellowstone, but many companies provide shuttle services and tours.

Construction

Road construction occurs every year as soon as roads are cleared of snow. Check the roads page to see if any projects will affect your visit.

Speed Limits

The speed limit in Yellowstone is 45 mph unless posted otherwise. Expect longer than usual driving times in Yellowstone. When watching wildlife, help keep traffic flowing by pulling over and parking in designated areas.

Drive Times

Average drive times listed below may be significantly longer due to wildlife on the roadway, weather, or infrastructure improvement projects. Check the roads page for the most up-to-date information on construction delays.

Road Segment	Average Drive Time (in minutes)
West Entrance to Madison Junction	30
Madison Junction to Old Faithful	35-45
Old Faithful to Grant Village	40
South Entrance to Grant Village	50
Grant Village to Lake Village	45
East Entrance to Lake Village	60
Lake Village to Canyon Village	35
Canyon Village to Norris Junction	30
Canyon Village to Tower Junction	50-60
Northeast Entrance to Tower Junction	60
Tower Junction to Mammoth Hot Springs	40
North Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs	15
Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Junction	45
Norris Junction to Madison Junction	30

 

Tire Chains

If conditions in Yellowstone are bad enough to require tire chains, we generally close the roads until it’s safe to travel.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Do you plan to travel to the park in an alternative fuel vehicle? If so, good for you! Your actions help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce petroleum use. Plan your trip with the Alternative Fueling Station Locator from the Department of Energy (search on zip code 82190).

Commercial Vehicles

Anyone traveling through the park for business or commercial purposes needs a commercial travel permit.

Length Limits

Many roads in Yellowstone wind their way over mountain passes: drivers may encounter inclement weather, sharp curves, and steep grades. The maximum length for recreation vehicles is 75 feet.