Things to do / Travel Guide
Yellowstone Road Overview
Originally developed as a "motorist's heaven," Yellowstone definitely caters to drivers.
Driving by car is certainly the most convenient and practical means of touring the Yellowstone region, and with so many spectacular roadside views it will also be the most eye-pleasing. There is very little public transportation available within the region – none whatsoever in the national parks and minimal services in gateway towns, so having your own vehicle is essential for independent traveling.
Getting around Yellowstone by Car
U.S. Interstate 90 traverses the Yellowstone region from east to west, serving as a convenient way to access many of the region's primary attractions. The highway is the northern border of the region and passes directly through the Montana towns of Billings, Livingston, Bozeman, and Butte. From I-90, motorists can access U.S. Highway 191 from the town of Bozeman heading south to the town of West Yellowstone. Off of I-90 from Livingston, U.S. Highway 89 feeds straight into the town of Gardiner. Finally, visitors can also access State Highway 120 south toward Cody. This also gives drivers access to U.S. Highway 212 to the scenic Beartooth Highway, Red Lodge, and Cooke City.
From the south, U.S. Highway 287/26 takes visitors into the east entrance of Grand Teton National Park through the town of Dubois. US Highway189/191 takes travelers into the town of Jackson and Jackson Hole and continues north into the southern entrance of Grand Teton.
Grand Loop Road and Yellowstone Park Driving Directions
The region's primary attraction, Yellowstone National Park, can be accessed via five different entrance stations. The West Entrance is located right outside of the town of West Yellowstone on U.S. 20/191/287. The Northwest Entrance Station on U.S. 89 near Gardiner Montana is the only station open year round, while the others are typically open from early May to late October depending on the weather. The park's Northeast entrance is located near Cooke City, Montana on U.S. 212. Yellowstone's East Entrance is located at the head of the Wapati Valley, on U.S. 14/16/20, which is the main thoroughfare for visitors that make the town of Cody their gateway of choice. North of Grand Teton Park, the South Entrance is located on U.S. 89/191/287.
Within Yellowstone National Park, motorists will likely follow the 140-mile figure-eight shaped Grand Loop Road, which will lead visitors past practically all the park's primary attractions. Only the Bechler Corner region, in the far southwest is outside the Grand Loop's route. That the area is only accessible by road from Ashton, Idaho or by 4-day hike from Old Faithful.
Driving around Yellowstone in peak season may also mean getting caught in some traffic, as cars slow to view roadside wildlife or pull off to overviews. Naturally, wildlife always has the right of way. In the park, speed limits are generally around 45 mph, dropping to around 25mph or less in popular areas. Some of Yellowstone's roads are in need of repair and others will be facing reconstruction during your visit, so be sure to get the update on road conditions when you plan your trip. Most roads inside Yellowstone are closed in the winter months, while Jackson Hole remains accessible year round. The 56 miles between Gardiner and Cooke City is the only road within the park that stays open all year long.
Car rentals are available at all major gateway towns and airports, but Jackson, Billings, Bozeman and Cody have some of the best selections.
Driving Distance to Yellowstone
The following are approximate distances and driving times to and from West Yellowstone and Cody to other destinations within the Yellowstone region:
- Jackson Hole/Jackson: West Yellowstone – 125 miles, 3 hours 15 minutes; Cody - 180 miles, 4 hours 15 minutes
- Bozeman: West Yellowstone - 90 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes; Cody – 230 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes
- Red Lodge: West Yellowstone – 240 miles, 4 hours; Cody – 65 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes
- Dubois: West Yellowstone – 150 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes; Cody – 220 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes
- Thermopolis: West Yellowstone – 220 miles, 4 hours 40 minutes; Cody – 85 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes
Public Transportation to Yellowstone from Bozeman, Montana
While there is no public transport system available within Yellowstone National Park, there are several transport options between and within some of the region's gateway towns. Greyhound Bus service is available all year long from Bozeman, Montana to the Western Union office in West Yellowstone, Montana via Highway 191. During the summer months, service from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone is also available.
Public Transportation between Jackson and Teton, Wyoming
Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) runs a free shuttle between Jackson and Teton Village, an affordable public transportation option in the Jackson Hole region. Private bus companies offer shuttle services between the airports, gateway towns and primary attractions, and private companies also offer bus tours of the parks leaving from several gateway towns for tourists without their own vehicles.
Greater Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole in Wyoming and Bozeman, Montana
Getting-Around
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