Do You Need a Car in Yellowstone? How to Get Around Without One in 2025
Short answer: a car makes Yellowstone far easier. But you can go car-free with tours, shuttles, and smart planning. Here’s how to choose, plan, and budget in 2025.
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Getting Around Yellowstone: Your Easy Travel Guide
Yellowstone is huge, and figuring out how to see the main sights without wasting time can feel tricky. The good news is the park has a handful of clear options that work for most visitors. Whether you’re driving your own car, hopping on a shuttle, or renting a bike, you can move around efficiently with a little planning.
Shuttle Services & Public Transport
The park runs free shuttle buses in the most visited areas, like Old Faithful, Canyon, and the Mammoth Hot Springs loop. Buses run every 30‑45 minutes in peak season and less often in the shoulder months, so check the schedule ahead of time. Grab a stop‑sheet at the visitor center, board the bus, and you’ll be dropped off right at the major geyser basins and trailheads. No parking fees, no traffic, and you get to sit back and watch the scenery roll by.
If you prefer a private ride, local tour companies offer hop‑on‑hop‑off services that cover farther points such as the West Thumb and the Lamar Valley. These tours usually include a guide who points out wildlife and explains the geology, adding extra value to your ride. Prices are moderate, and many companies let you buy tickets online to avoid lines at the gate.
Driving, Parking & Road Rules
Driving your own vehicle gives you full control over where you stop, but you need to follow a few simple rules. The main loops—Grand Loop Road’s Upper and Lower sections—are paved and well signed. Speed limits are low (usually 15‑25 mph) because animals cross often. Keep an eye on the road and be ready to pull over for elk, bears, or bison.
Parking is free at most major attractions, but spots fill up quickly in summer. Arrive early (before 9 am) to snag a space near Old Faithful or the Norris Geyser Basin. If you miss a spot, use the shuttle to get to the same area without circling the lot.
For those who love biking, the park allows bicycles on most paved roads and some gravel paths. Pack a lock, wear a helmet, and stay on the road—off‑road riding is prohibited to protect fragile ecosystems.
Finally, keep a hard copy or offline map of the park’s road network. Cell service can be spotty, and the GPS on your phone may not show all the little turn‑offs that lead to trailheads.
With these basics—using the free shuttles, planning your drive, and knowing parking tricks—you’ll spend less time in lines and more time soaking in geysers, wildlife, and wild landscapes. Ready to hit the road? Pack a snack, grab your map, and enjoy the ride through America’s first national park.