Blog

The first time I drove into Montana, I nearly missed my turn because I couldn’t stop staring at the mountains rising from the plains like something out of a dream.

That moment—watching the landscape transform from flat Dakota farmland into rugged, snow-capped peaks—sold me on every future trip to Big Sky Country.

Whether you’re flying into Bozeman, road-tripping across the Hi-Line, or taking the legendary Empire Builder train, getting to Montana is half the adventure. If you’re still in the early stages of your Montana trip planning guide, figuring out your route is the crucial first step.

PIN IT

Why Your Route Into Montana Matters More Than You Think

Here’s something most travel guides won’t tell you: how you get to Montana dramatically shapes your entire trip. Last summer, I flew into Billings and spent my first day exhausted from connections and airport logistics. On a different trip, I drove in from Wyoming through the Beartooth Highway, and those first hours in Montana became the highlight of my whole week.

Montana is massive—the fourth-largest state, covering 147,000 square miles. Where you enter determines what you see first, how tired you’ll be, and whether you’ll have a vehicle for exploration. There are plenty of key reasons to visit Montana, but none of them are easily accessible without planning your arrival strategy.

The state’s geography creates natural corridors that funnel travelers toward specific regions. Understanding these routes helps you avoid backtracking hundreds of miles or missing entire sections of the state you wanted to explore.

Flying to Montana: Airports, Airlines, and What I’ve Learned

Montana has eight commercial airports scattered across the state, but they’re definitely not created equal. After flying into five of them over the years, I’ve developed strong opinions about which ones are worth the potential savings and which will leave you stranded.

Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) — The Main Hub

Bozeman is Montana’s busiest airport, and there’s a good reason for that. During my visit last October, I counted flights from 18 different cities on the departure board—a far cry from what you’ll find at smaller Montana airports.

Direct flights currently operate from major hubs including Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Atlanta. Airlines serving Bozeman include United, Delta, American, Alaska, Allegiant, Southwest, and Frontier.

PIN IT

I typically find round-trip flights ranging from $350-600 from West Coast cities, $400-700 from the Midwest, and $500-900 from the East Coast. These prices fluctuate wildly based on season—I’ve paid $289 in late September and $847 for almost the same itinerary in July.

The airport sits about 8 miles northwest of downtown Bozeman. Rental car counters are inside the terminal, and I’ve never waited more than 15 minutes for my reservation. Uber and Lyft operate here, but availability can be spotty—I once waited 40 minutes for a ride during a busy ski weekend.

Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) — Western Montana’s Gateway

If you’re heading to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, or anywhere in western Montana, flying into Missoula often makes more sense than Bozeman, even if it costs slightly more.

Missoula receives direct flights from Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, and San Francisco. The airport is smaller and calmer than Bozeman—on a recent trip, I walked from the gate to my rental car in under 10 minutes.

Prices typically run $50-100 higher than Bozeman for comparable routes. However, when I calculated the time and fuel savings for a Glacier trip, flying into Missoula saved me nearly 5 hours of driving compared to arriving in Bozeman.

Billings Logan International (BIL) — Eastern Montana Access

Billings is Montana’s largest city and its airport serves as the gateway to the eastern two-thirds of the state. Direct flights come from Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Phoenix.

I flew into Billings last spring specifically to explore the Beartooth Highway and Little Bighorn Battlefield. The airport is efficient but feels dated—don’t expect many food options past security. Prices are often $50-150 cheaper than Bozeman for the same origin cities.

Smaller Regional Airports

Montana’s five smaller commercial airports serve specific purposes:

• Glacier Park International (FCA) in Kalispell — My top choice for Glacier National Park trips. Direct flights from Denver, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and seasonal routes from other cities. Just 30 miles from the park entrance.
• Helena Regional (HLN) — The state capital’s airport with limited service from Denver and Salt Lake City. Useful if Helena is your actual destination.
• Great Falls International (GTF) — Central Montana access with flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas. Great Falls is an underrated base for exploring the Hi-Line and eastern front of the Rockies.
• Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone — Seasonal service (June-September) from Salt Lake City only. Extremely convenient for Yellowstone but limited.
• Bert Mooney Airport (BTM) in Butte — Minimal service from Salt Lake City. Only useful if Butte is your specific destination.

PIN IT

Flight Booking Strategies That Actually Work

After dozens of Montana trips, I’ve identified patterns that consistently save money:

Book 6-8 weeks before summer trips. I track Montana flight prices obsessively, and this window consistently offers the best rates for June-August travel. Waiting until 2-3 weeks out often means paying 40-60% more.

Consider positioning flights. Sometimes flying into Denver or Salt Lake City and connecting the same day saves $200-400 over direct Montana flights. I did this last December—flew from Philadelphia to Denver ($189), then Denver to Bozeman ($79)—saving $340 over the direct connection through Minneapolis.

Check Allegiant and Frontier carefully. These budget carriers serve Bozeman and occasionally Missoula with genuinely cheap fares. I’ve found $99 one-way tickets from Los Angeles on Allegiant. However, add up baggage fees before celebrating—my “cheap” Frontier flight once cost more than United after I added a checked bag and carry-on.

Flexibility matters enormously. Flying Tuesday-Thursday instead of Friday-Sunday can save $150-300 during peak season. I shift my travel days whenever possible.

Driving to Montana: Routes, Conditions, and Road Trip Realities

Driving into Montana remains my preferred method when I have the time. The state’s borders are so beautiful that arriving by car means your trip begins the moment you cross the state line.

Major Highway Corridors Into Montana

Interstate 90 (East-West)

I-90 enters Montana from South Dakota near Wibaux and exits into Idaho near Lookout Pass. This is the primary east-west artery, passing through Billings, Bozeman, Butte, and Missoula.

During my last drive across I-90 in August, I covered the 550-mile Montana stretch in about 8 hours with stops. Speed limits are 80 mph on rural interstate sections, and traffic is generally light outside Billings and Bozeman.

The stretch between Bozeman and Missoula through Butte is particularly stunning—you’re driving through the heart of the Rocky Mountains with peaks rising on both sides.

Interstate 15 (North-South)

I-15 connects Montana to Idaho (and Salt Lake City/Las Vegas beyond) in the south and to Alberta, Canada in the north. The highway passes through Butte, Helena, and Great Falls.

I drove this route from Salt Lake City last winter—about 6 hours to reach Butte, 8 hours to Helena. The Idaho-Montana border crossing near Monida is surprisingly dramatic, with the Continental Divide visible to the east.

Interstate 94 (Eastern Montana)

I-94 splits from I-90 near Billings and heads northeast toward North Dakota and Minneapolis. This route crosses the Montana badlands and high plains—not classically scenic but hauntingly beautiful in its emptiness.

The drive from Minneapolis to Billings via I-94 takes about 12 hours. I made this trip once and appreciated the gradual transition from Midwest farmland to Western rangeland.

PIN IT

Scenic Alternative Routes Worth the Extra Time

If you’re not in a hurry, these alternative routes into Montana offer dramatically better scenery than the interstates:

Beartooth Highway from Wyoming

This is genuinely one of America’s most spectacular drives. US-212 climbs from Red Lodge, Montana (or Cooke City, entering from Wyoming/Yellowstone) over 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass. When I drove this route last July, I stopped at least 15 times for photographs.

The highway is only open from late May through mid-October. Snow can close it temporarily even in summer. Plan 3-4 hours for the 68-mile stretch from Yellowstone’s northeast entrance to Red Lodge.

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway from Wyoming

WY-296 connects Cody, Wyoming to the Beartooth Highway and eventually Montana. The route passes through dramatic canyon country and offers views of the Absaroka Range.

US-93 from Idaho

This route enters Montana near the Bitterroot Valley and continues north through Missoula to Flathead Lake and Glacier. It’s one of the most beautiful north-south drives in the American West. Last summer, I took this route instead of I-15 and added only 90 minutes to my travel time while seeing significantly better scenery.

Going-to-the-Sun Road (Seasonal)

While technically not a route “into” Montana, if you’re entering from Alberta through the Chief Mountain border crossing, you can connect to Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park. This only works when the road is fully open (typically early July through mid-October).

Driving Times and Distances From Major Cities

Origin City	Destination	Distance	Drive Time
Seattle, WA	Missoula	475 miles	7-8 hours
Seattle, WA	Bozeman	690 miles	10-11 hours
Portland, OR	Missoula	500 miles	8-9 hours
Denver, CO	Billings	550 miles	8-9 hours
Denver, CO	Bozeman	695 miles	10-11 hours
Salt Lake City, UT	Butte	385 miles	5.5-6 hours
Salt Lake City, UT	Bozeman	465 miles	6.5-7 hours
Minneapolis, MN	Billings	860 miles	12-13 hours
Minneapolis, MN	Bozeman	1,000 miles	14-15 hours
Phoenix, AZ	Bozeman	1,075 miles	15-16 hours
Los Angeles, CA	Missoula	1,170 miles	17-18 hours

Seasonal Driving Considerations

Montana driving conditions vary dramatically by season, and I’ve learned some lessons the hard way.

Winter (November-March): Interstate highways remain open but can become treacherous quickly. I got caught in a sudden whiteout near Butte one December that reduced visibility to about 20 feet. Mountain passes on secondary routes often close entirely. Always check road conditions at 511mt.net before departing and carry emergency supplies.

Spring (April-May): This is mud season. Some mountain passes remain closed, and unpaved roads can become impassable. The Beartooth Highway typically doesn’t open until late May.

Summer (June-August): Ideal driving conditions, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. Construction season means potential delays on major routes. Checking the Montana public holiday schedule before your trip helps you avoid the worst traffic around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.

Fall (September-October): My favorite time to drive in Montana. Clear skies, moderate temperatures, minimal traffic. However, early snowstorms can close mountain passes with little warning—I’ve seen Beartooth Highway shut down in late September.

PIN IT

Fuel and Costs for Road Trips

Gas prices in Montana typically run $0.20-0.40 below the national average, though remote areas charge premium prices. I’ve paid $4.50/gallon in West Yellowstone when Bozeman stations were selling for $3.20.

Budget approximately $150-300 for fuel depending on your starting point and vehicle efficiency. My Subaru Outback typically uses about 40 gallons getting from Seattle to Bozeman and back—roughly $140-160 in fuel costs.

One crucial tip: fill up before entering remote stretches. The gap between Billings and Bozeman has multiple stations, but sections of US-2 across northern Montana can go 80+ miles between gas stations.

Taking the Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder

The Empire Builder remains one of America’s most scenic train routes, crossing northern Montana from east to west. I took this train from Chicago to Whitefish two years ago, and it was genuinely memorable—not faster or cheaper than flying, but an experience in itself.

Montana Stops Along the Empire Builder

The train makes 12 stops in Montana:

• Wolf Point (2:15 AM westbound / 3:10 AM eastbound)
• Glasgow (3:45 AM / 1:35 AM)
• Malta (5:30 AM / 11:50 PM)
• Havre (7:35 AM / 9:39 PM)
• Shelby (9:27 AM / 7:45 PM)
• Cut Bank (10:10 AM / 7:00 PM)
• Browning (10:45 AM / 6:26 PM)
• East Glacier Park (11:06 AM / 6:04 PM)
• Essex (12:17 PM / 4:55 PM)
• West Glacier (12:56 PM / 4:18 PM)
• Whitefish (1:30 PM / 3:43 PM)
• Libby (3:27 PM / 1:36 PM)

The westbound timing is dramatically better for scenery—you cross the Rocky Mountains in daylight. Eastbound passengers miss much of Montana’s most spectacular landscapes in darkness.

Practical Train Travel Details

Ticket prices range from about $100-250 for coach seats from Minneapolis or Seattle to Montana stops, depending on how far in advance you book. Roomettes (private sleeping compartments) run $400-900 for the same routes.

Coach class means reclining seats, not beds. I managed decent sleep on my Chicago-Whitefish journey, but I wouldn’t call it restful. The observation car with its floor-to-ceiling windows is fantastic for Montana scenery.

The train runs daily but delays are common. My Empire Builder arrived in Whitefish 3 hours late due to freight traffic in North Dakota. Build flexibility into your Montana itinerary if taking the train.

Major origin stations for Montana-bound travelers include Chicago (18-hour journey to East Glacier), Minneapolis-St. Paul (13 hours), Seattle (11 hours to Whitefish), and Portland (12 hours to Whitefish).

PIN IT

Is the Train Worth It?

I recommend the Empire Builder for travelers who:

• Value the journey as part of the experience
• Are heading specifically to Glacier National Park (East Glacier, West Glacier, and Whitefish stops are incredibly convenient)
• Prefer not to drive or fly for environmental or personal reasons
• Have schedule flexibility to handle potential delays

I don’t recommend it for travelers who:

• Are short on time
• Need to reach southern Montana (Bozeman, Billings, Yellowstone)
• Are traveling with significant luggage
• Have tight connecting schedules

Bus Service to Montana: Limited but Existing

Long-distance bus service to Montana is extremely limited compared to other states. Jefferson Lines operates routes connecting Montana to Minneapolis, Denver, and other regional cities, but service is infrequent and slow.

I’ve never taken a bus to Montana and honestly don’t recommend it for most travelers. The routes require multiple transfers, travel times often exceed 24 hours, and the cost savings over flying are minimal once you factor in the time involved.

The one exception: if you’re traveling on an extreme budget from a nearby city like Spokane or Billings, bus service might make financial sense. Jefferson Lines runs daily service from Spokane to Missoula (about 4.5 hours, roughly $45-60).

Entering Montana from Canada

Four border crossings connect Montana to Alberta and British Columbia:

Sweetgrass/Coutts (I-15) — The busiest crossing, connecting to Calgary. Open 24 hours. Last time I crossed here, processing took about 15 minutes on a Thursday afternoon.

Chief Mountain (Highway 17) — Seasonal crossing (mid-May to late September) connecting to Waterton Lakes National Park. Extremely scenic but limited hours. This is the fastest route between Waterton and Glacier National Park.

Carway/Piegan (Highway 89) — Year-round crossing connecting to Glacier’s east side. Shorter hours than Sweetgrass but usually quicker processing.

Roosville (US-93) — Year-round crossing near Eureka, connecting to British Columbia. This is the route from Vancouver to western Montana.

All crossings require valid passports for US and Canadian citizens. Processing times vary wildly—I’ve waited 5 minutes and I’ve waited 2 hours at the same crossing on different trips.

Getting Around Once You Arrive

Here’s the honest truth: Montana has essentially no practical public transportation for tourists. Once you arrive, you need a vehicle.

Rental Cars

All Montana commercial airports have rental car counters from major companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National). I’ve also had good experiences with local agencies.

Rental prices typically run $50-100/day for a standard sedan, $70-130/day for an SUV. During peak summer season, I’ve seen prices spike to $150+/day with limited availability—book early.

Four-wheel drive is unnecessary for most summer trips but essential for winter travel or accessing unpaved roads. I always rent an SUV when visiting between November and April.

Organized Tours and Shuttles

Limited shuttle services connect airports to popular destinations:

• Karst Stage runs scheduled shuttles between Bozeman Airport and Big Sky Resort
• Glacier Park, Inc. operates shuttles between Glacier Park International and park destinations
• Various tour companies offer day trips from gateway cities

These services work if you’re staying in one location, but they’re impractical for exploring multiple areas.

PIN IT

Choosing Your Best Route: Decision Framework

After years of Montana travel, here’s how I decide which route to take:

Fly if:

• You’re coming from more than 800 miles away
• You have limited vacation time
• You found a flight deal under $400 round-trip
• You’re heading to a specific region (choose the nearest airport)

Drive if:

• You’re within 700 miles
• You want the journey to be part of the experience
• You’re traveling with lots of gear (camping, skiing, fishing equipment)
• You plan to explore multiple regions
• Gas prices are low and rental car prices are high

Take the train if:

• Glacier National Park is your primary destination
• You have schedule flexibility
• You want a unique travel experience
• You don’t enjoy flying or driving long distances

Budget Comparison: What Each Route Actually Costs

For a hypothetical traveler from Denver to Bozeman (round-trip):

Method	Cost Range	Time	Notes
Flying	$350-700	2-5 hours (with connections)	Add $200-400 for rental car
Driving (own car)	$150-200 fuel	10-11 hours each way	Add wear on vehicle
Driving (rental)	$350-600 total	10-11 hours each way	Includes fuel estimate

The train isn’t practical from Denver—you’d need to go to Chicago first, making it the most expensive and slowest option.

Planning Resources I Actually Use

Before finalizing your Montana route, I recommend consulting:

Road conditions: 511mt.net provides real-time highway information, construction alerts, and camera feeds. I check this obsessively during winter trips.

Flight prices: Google Flights works well for comparing Montana airports. Set up price alerts for your flexible date range.

Train schedules: Amtrak.com shows current Empire Builder timing and fares. Book roomettes at least 3 weeks ahead for decent prices.

Border wait times: CBP.gov provides estimated wait times at Canadian crossings.

For deeper trip planning, I’ve found that travel guidebooks on Montana provide helpful context about regions you might not have considered, which can influence which airport or route you choose.

Final Thoughts on Getting to Montana

After all these trips, all these routes, and all these calculations, here’s what I’ve concluded: there’s no single “best” way to reach Montana. The right choice depends entirely on where you’re starting, how much time you have, what you want to see, and whether you value the journey or just want to get there.

What I can tell you is this—Montana rewards travelers who put thought into their arrival. Flying into Glacier Park International instead of Bozeman can transform your first day from an exhausting drive into immediate park exploration. Taking the scenic route through Beartooth Pass instead of racing up I-90 can turn transit time into a highlight.

The state’s isolation, which once made it difficult to reach, now makes arrival feel like an achievement. However you get there—stepping off a plane in Bozeman, crossing the state line on I-90, or watching the mountains grow through a train window—you’ll understand why people travel so far to experience Big Sky Country.

Start planning your route, and I’ll see you out there.

PIN IT

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• http://nris.mt.gov/gis/gisdatalib/downloads/hwymapmdt.pdf
• https://www.billingsmt.gov/1900
• https://yellowstoneairport.mdt.mt.gov/
• https://www.mdt.mt.gov/aviation/airports.aspx
• https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/aero/boardings/boardings-2021.pdf