Major city · United States
West YellowstoneWest Yellowstone, Montana
Stay 2 nights here only if you want the West Entrance at dawn; otherwise sleep in the park or Gardiner and pass through.
West Yellowstone is a small Montana gateway town about 1.6 km (1 mi) from Yellowstone's West Entrance, and its airport is the closest to Old Faithful. It is a supply base, not a sight in itself: one or two nights, a walkable centre, and a car or shuttle for everything else. Prices run high and restaurants queue in July and August.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for park access; Dec–Mar for snowcoach and snowmobile season
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, full hotels, restaurant waits); Nov and Apr (shoulder closures)
- Airports
- WYS · BZN · SLC
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for West Yellowstone911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- West Yellowstone Police (non-emergency)406-646-7600
- Hebgen Lake Ranger District406-823-6961
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about West Yellowstone, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA very safe small town; the real risks are winter driving, wildlife on the roads at dawn and dusk…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 406-646-7600 West Yellowstone Police (non-emergency) · 406-823-6961 Hebgen Lake Ranger District
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportWYS Yellowstone Airport (About 1.6 km (1 mi) north of the town centre; Delta/SkyWest from Salt Lake City (SLC) in the June–September season…WYS Yellowstone Airport (About 1 mi (1.6 km) north of the town centre; Delta/SkyWest from Salt Lake City (SLC) in the June–September season…
- Getting aroundThe centre is small enough to walk: museum, shops and restaurants sit within about 1 km (0.6 mi).The centre is small enough to walk: museum, shops and restaurants sit within about 0.6 mi (1 km).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeUS$3–6
- Sit-down mealDinner main, casual restaurantUS$20–35
- Street or quick mealBreakfast (pancakes and coffee)US$12–20
- BeerDraught beer in a barUS$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekUS$15–30
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum of the Yellowstone entryMid-May to mid-OctoberUS$6
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$40
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$190
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- WYS Yellowstone Airport (About 1.6 km (1 mi) north of the town centre; Delta/SkyWest from Salt Lake City (SLC) in the June–September season — flight frequency check) · BZN Bozeman Yellowstone International (The year-round option; about 145 km (90 mi) north on US-191, roughly 2 h by car) · SLC Salt Lake City International (Long-haul hub; about 500 km (310 mi) south, roughly 5–6 h by car)WYS Yellowstone Airport (About 1 mi (1.6 km) north of the town centre; Delta/SkyWest from Salt Lake City (SLC) in the June–September season — flight frequency check) · BZN Bozeman Yellowstone International (The year-round option; about 90 mi (145 km) north on US-191, roughly 2 h by car) · SLC Salt Lake City International (Long-haul hub; about 310 mi (500 km) south, roughly 5–6 h by car)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Best
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Mar
Best
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Dec
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: Jun, Sep, Dec–Mar. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Apr, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Dec (11 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
West Yellowstone: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
10 rd
Feb
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
8 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
9 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
9 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
8 rd
Nov
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
10 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small enough to walk: museum, shops and restaurants sit within about 1 km. Everything else needs a car, an RV or a tour shuttle. US-20, US-191 and US-287 meet in town and all lead to the West Entrance. Salt Lake Express runs intercity buses from Idaho (check current schedule).
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 45–60 min each way in light traffic; allow 1.5 h+ in summer (check)
Drive US-191/US-20 through the West Entrance, about 48 km (30 mi)Drive US-191/US-20 through the West Entrance, about 30 mi (48 km)
Leave at first light; the main lots fill by mid-morning in summer.
Door to door: 40–50 min each way in light traffic; allow 1 h+ in summer (check)
Drive through the West Entrance, about 40 km (25 mi)Drive through the West Entrance, about 25 mi (40 km)
Pair with the Fairy Falls overlook trail for the view from above.
Door to door: About 1.5–2 h each way
Drive north through the park on US-89, about 90 km (56 mi)Drive north through the park on US-89, about 56 mi (90 km)
A long day; better as an overnight if you also want Lamar Valley.
Big Sky
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive US-191 north, about 75 km (47 mi)Drive US-191 north, about 47 mi (75 km)
Ski and resort town; little reason to go in summer unless you are rafting.
Bozeman
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Drive US-191 north, about 145 km (90 mi)Drive US-191 north, about 90 mi (145 km)
Airport, food and museums; sleep there rather than day-tripping.
Cooke City
skipDoor to door: 3–4 h each way
Drive through the park via Tower Junction and the Northeast Entrance
Too far for a return day from West Yellowstone.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Yellowstone Ave, Madison Ave, Firehole Ave)
Motels, restaurants and the museum within a 10-minute walk; book months ahead for July–August.
Dunraven St and Gibbon St
Quieter side streets a few minutes from the main strip; still walkable to dinner.
Hebgen Lake Road
Cabins and RV resorts 10–20 minutes west of town; cheaper space, but you need a car for everything.
Campgrounds along US-191 and US-20
Forest Service sites from about 5 km (3 mi) to 56 km (35 mi) from the park entrance; no town services.Forest Service sites from about 3 mi (5 km) to 35 mi (56 km) from the park entrance; no town services.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- US$140–230 excl. bed
- High
- US$230+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 2 nights × US$190 | US$380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$160 | US$640 |
| Yellowstone park entry, private vehicle, 7 days1 × US$35 · check | US$35 |
| Rental car, one day, midsize1 × US$90 · check | US$90 |
| Guided snowcoach, winter, per person2 × US$180 · check | US$360 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$155 |
| Trip total≈ US$425 per person per day, bed included | US$1,700 |
check
2026 estimate in US dollars; park entry and flights excluded. Bed and extra figures are estimates — check before booking. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | US$3–6 |
| Breakfast (pancakes and coffee) | US$12–20 |
| Burger or sandwich lunch | US$14–22 |
| Dinner main, casual restaurant | US$20–35 |
| Draught beer in a bar | US$6–9 |
| Museum of the Yellowstone entryMid-May to mid-October | US$6 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | US$15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer hotel rates are the highest in the region and July–August sells out: book early or sleep in the park.
- Restaurant waits of 30–60 minutes are normal at dinner in peak season.
- Stock up here: this is the last full-service town for a long way in any direction, and water refills inside the park are limited.
- Winter access from the West Entrance depends on the season and on commercially guided oversnow transport — check current park rules before booking.
- Cell coverage is patchy between town and the park interior; download offline maps.
- Wildlife on the roads at dawn and dusk: bison and elk cause real collisions.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- West Yellowstone Police (non-emergency)
- 406-646-7600
- Hebgen Lake Ranger District
- 406-823-6961
Pocket card
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West YellowstoneWest Yellowstone, Montana
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- West Yellowstone Police (non-emergency)406-646-7600
- Hebgen Lake Ranger District406-823-6961
Embassy
No embassies here; nearest consulates are in Denver and Salt Lake City (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS) → town centre: about 1.6 km (1 mi); taxi or hotel shuttle, roughly US$10–20 (check)about 1 mi (1.6 km); taxi or hotel shuttle, roughly US$10–20 (check)
- Bozeman (BZN) → West Yellowstone: about 145 km (90 mi), roughly 2 h by carabout 90 mi (145 km), roughly 2 h by car
- Park entry, private vehicle, 7 days: US$35 (check)
Say or show
- Where is the park entrance? — Where is the park entrance?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there a wait? — Is there a wait?
- Where is the nearest gas station? — Where is the nearest gas station?
- Thank you — Thank you
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, US$1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for West Yellowstone. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for park access; Dec–Mar for snowcoach and snowmobile season · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, full hotels, restaurant waits); Nov and Apr (shoulder closures) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for WYS and BZN: seasonal flight windows, transfer times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Yellowstone Ave, Madison Ave, Firehole Ave, Dunraven St.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Museum of the Yellowstone, West Entrance, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.