Yellowstone National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the United States. With its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, it’s a unique natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world. One of the best ways to get to Yellowstone National Park is by driving from Billings, Montana. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the distance, drive hours, stops, and best driving route for this trip.
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Billings to Yellowstone National Park Drive
The distance from Billings to Yellowstone National Park is approximately 172.3 miles (277.2 km), and the drive takes around 2 hours and 41 minutes. The best route to take is via I-90 W and US-89 S/US Hwy 89 S, which will take you through beautiful scenic routes and get you to your destination in the shortest amount of time.
Billings to Yellowstone National Park: How far is Billings from Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with some parts extending into Montana and Idaho. The distance between Billings, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park is approximately 172.3 miles (277.2 km), which takes about 2 hours and 41 minutes by car.
How far is Billings to Yellowstone National Park by plane?
It’s important to note that we don’t recommend on taking a flight as the nearest airport to Yellowstone National Park is the Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming, which is approximately 52 miles away from the park’s east entrance.
From Billings, Montana, you can take a flight to the Yellowstone Regional Airport, which takes approximately 45 minutes. However, it’s important to note that you’ll still need to rent a car to get to Yellowstone National Park from the airport.
What is the time difference between Billings and Yellowstone National Park?
There is no time difference between Billings and Yellowstone National Park.
The fact that Yellowstone National Park and Billings, Montana, are both in the Mountain Time Zone means that visitors traveling between the two locations don’t need to worry about adjusting to a new time zone. This can be a relief for travelers who may experience jet lag or have difficulty adjusting to a different time zone. Additionally, it can make planning your trip much easier, as you won’t need to factor in any time changes when scheduling activities or making travel arrangements. Whether you’re driving from Billings to Yellowstone or flying into the nearby airport, the lack of a time difference between the two locations is a small but helpful convenience that can make your trip all the more enjoyable.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Billings to Yellowstone National Park
The cheapest way to get from Billings to Yellowstone National Park is to drive. If you have a car, this would be the most economical way to travel. You can save on the cost of renting a car and airfare. Furthermore, you’ll have the flexibility to make stops along the way, and you won’t be restricted by flight schedules.
Billings to Yellowstone National Park Drive – Rent A Car In Billings
Here are some car rental companies to rent a car from in Billings:
- Alamo: starts at $60 per day
- Avis: starts at $68 per day
- Budget: starts at $60 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $72 per day
- Hertz: starts at $72 per day
- National: starts at $70 per day
Gas prices in Billings are around $3.195 per gallon, and you can expect to spend approximately $48 on gas each way. Make sure to check for gas stations before leaving Billings as there are some long stretches of road without any services.
Billings to Yellowstone National Park – Driving Stops Along The Way
Here are some stops you can make along the way:
Red Lodge, Montana
Red Lodge is a charming town that offers visitors a wide range of attractions and activities. Nestled at the base of the stunning Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The town’s historic downtown area is filled with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, making it a great place to explore and grab a bite to eat. From Red Lodge, visitors can also take the breathtaking Beartooth Highway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This scenic drive has been dubbed as one of the most spectacular in the United States and offers plenty of opportunities for photo stops and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch break or a full day of adventure, Red Lodge is an excellent stop on your journey from Billings to Yellowstone National Park.
Beartooth Pass
The Beartooth Pass is not only a scenic drive, but it’s also one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. This drive is a winding road that takes you through the stunning Beartooth Mountains, which are a part of the Rocky Mountains. The Beartooth Pass has an elevation of 10,947 feet, which makes it one of the highest drivable passes in the country. As you make your way through the pass, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, including snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine tundra. In addition to the stunning scenery, you can also take advantage of several pull-offs and viewpoints to take pictures and enjoy the beauty of the area. The Beartooth Pass is an essential stop on your journey from Billings to Yellowstone National Park, and it’s open from late May through mid-October, weather permitting.
Cooke City, Montana
Cooke City is a small town located at the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It’s a great place to stop for a break and grab a bite to eat. You can also explore the nearby trails and lakes, such as the Soda Butte Creek Trail and the Lamar Valley.
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley is a stunning natural area situated in the remote northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park. This breathtaking valley is surrounded by towering peaks and is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including bison, elk, wolves, and bears. It’s an ideal location for visitors to stop and take in the natural beauty of the park. The valley is particularly famous for its wildlife watching opportunities, as it’s one of the few places in the park where visitors are almost guaranteed to see large herds of bison grazing. In addition to the wildlife, Lamar Valley is also known for its scenic views, with the Lamar River winding its way through the valley, providing stunning vistas at every turn. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful place to relax and take in the stunning scenery, Lamar Valley is not to be missed when visiting Yellowstone National Park.
Best Route from Billings to Yellowstone National Park
I-90 W is the most popular and recommended route to take from Billings to Yellowstone National Park. This route not only takes you to your destination in the shortest time possible but also provides a scenic and enjoyable drive. Along the way, you will pass through the picturesque Beartooth Mountains, where you can stop to take in the stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The route is well-paved and maintained, providing a smooth and comfortable drive. As you make your way towards the park, you will come across several small towns and historic sites, where you can make stops and learn about the history and culture of the area. The journey from Billings to Yellowstone National Park via US-212 E is an experience in itself, making it a perfect way to kick-start your adventure.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, driving from Billings to Yellowstone National Park is a great way to experience some of the best that the American West has to offer. With a distance of approximately 172.3 miles (277.2 km) and a drive time of around 2 hours and 41 minutes, this trip is easily manageable for most travelers. The route via I-90 W offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery, including the Beartooth Mountains and the Beartooth Pass. While there are other ways to get to Yellowstone National Park, such as flying to the nearest airport and renting a car, driving from Billings offers the most flexibility and is also the most economical option. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for an adventure, a road trip from Billings to Yellowstone National Park is definitely worth considering