West Yellowstone

Situated at the very gateway to the famous national park, West Yellowstone serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the wildlife of the USA. This welcoming town hosts thousands of travellers annually, offering the atmosphere of the true American West alongside developed infrastructure. You can reach West Yellowstone in various ways: by flying on a local airline, driving along picturesque highways, or taking a bus.

The fastest way to find yourself near the geysers is to take a flight to the local Yellowstone Airport (WYS). It is located just a few minutes' drive from the city and, despite its seasonal operation, is well-connected to the tourist centre. If there are no direct flights, travellers often choose to fly into neighbouring hubs.

The nearest airports are located in the cities of Bozeman (113 km), Idaho Falls (150 km), and Cody (163 km). From there, it is easy to continue your journey to West Yellowstone using ground transport.

There is no railway station in West Yellowstone itself, so it is impossible to get here exclusively by train. Nearby cities, such as Bozeman, Idaho Falls, and Cody, also lack regular passenger rail services.

Rail travel in this region of the USA is not a popular mode of transport for tourists. The nearest stations are at a significant distance, and the final, rather long stretch of the journey will generally have to be covered by rental car or bus.

Bus services are a convenient alternative for those who do not plan to rent a car. A popular option is the route from the city of Idaho Falls, which allows you to reach the destination in comfort.

The bus covers the distance of 152 km in approximately 3.5 hours. A trip to West Yellowstone by bus allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without being distracted by navigation.

Travelling by car is one of the most popular ways to get to West Yellowstone, offering complete freedom of movement. The road from the cities of Bozeman (about 144 km) and Idaho Falls (about 173 km) will take approximately 1.7 hours on high-quality highways.

For those driving from the direction of Cody, the journey will be longer — about 470 km and 4.8 hours on the road. A taxi for such distances can be an expensive luxury, so most tourists prefer to rent a car for their trip across the USA.

A trip to this unique region requires some preparation to ensure your holiday is as comfortable and safe as possible. Here are some practical tips to help you plan the perfect journey to West Yellowstone.

1. Clothing and Equipment. Weather in the mountains is changeable even in summer. Be sure to bring clothes that can be layered: a fleece jacket, a windbreaker, and comfortable trekking shoes.
2. Transport. Car rental is the best way to get around. Public transport inside the park is limited, and having your own car will give you freedom in choosing routes and stops.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash for small souvenirs or tips is always useful.
4. Health and Safety. You are in a wild nature area. Buy bear spray and keep a safe distance from animals. Also, do not forget sunscreen due to the high altitude.
5. Connectivity and Internet. Mobile signal may drop outside the town and deep within the park. Download offline maps to your phone in advance.
6. Etiquette and Rules. In the USA, it is customary to leave tips of 15–20% of the bill. Strictly observe park rules: do not stray from the trails and do not feed the animals.
7. Seasonality. Many roads and establishments close for the winter. Always check the current park schedule before your trip.

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid common issues and fully focus on the beauty of Yellowstone's nature.