What City Is Closest to Yellowstone National Park? Top Gateway Towns for Your Visit
When you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, the first real question isn’t about geysers or grizzlies-it’s where to stay. You can’t camp inside the park every night, and driving 200 miles after a long day of hiking isn’t practical. So, what city is closest to Yellowstone? The answer isn’t one town. It’s five, each with its own vibe, price point, and access route.
West Yellowstone, Montana - The Most Popular Gateway
West Yellowstone is the closest town to the park’s West Entrance, just 1 mile away. It’s the most convenient spot for first-timers. You can walk to the entrance in under 10 minutes. Most hotels, restaurants, and gear shops here cater to park visitors. You’ll find everything from budget motels to upscale lodges, and grocery stores that stock trail snacks and bear spray.
The town is built around tourism. In summer, it’s packed. In winter, it’s quiet but still open-perfect for snowmobile tours and cross-country skiing near the park boundary. Many people book lodging here because it’s the only town with direct access to the Grand Loop Road from the west. If you want to see Old Faithful by 8 a.m., staying in West Yellowstone means you’re already on the road before sunrise.
Moab, Utah? No. Cody, Wyoming? Not even close. But Jackson, Wyoming? Yes.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, sits about 57 miles from the South Entrance of Yellowstone. It’s a longer drive than West Yellowstone, but the scenery makes it worth it. Jackson is a stylish mountain town with high-end restaurants, art galleries, and a famous elk antler arch in the town square. The drive from Jackson to Yellowstone takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes through Grand Teton National Park, which you can easily combine into one trip.
Many travelers split their stay between Jackson and Yellowstone. Stay in Jackson for the nightlife and dining, then head into the park during the day. Lodging here is pricier than West Yellowstone, but if you want a mix of wilderness and luxury, Jackson is the pick.
Cody, Wyoming - The Eastern Gateway
If you’re coming from the east-maybe you flew into Billings or Denver-Cody is your best bet. It’s 52 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone. The town has a Wild West feel, thanks to its founder, Buffalo Bill Cody. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum is one of the best in the country, with artifacts from the Old West and Native American history.
Accommodations here are more affordable than Jackson or West Yellowstone. You’ll find chain hotels, motels, and cozy B&Bs. The drive into the park is scenic, passing through the Shoshone River canyon. If you want to avoid crowds and get into the park’s less-visited northeast section, Cody gives you direct access to the Lamar Valley, one of the best places in the world to see wolves and bison in the wild.
Idaho Falls, Idaho - The Quiet Option
Idaho Falls is 110 miles from the West Entrance. It’s not the closest, but it’s the most practical if you’re flying into Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The drive is longer-about 2 hours-but you’ll find lower hotel rates and fewer tourists. Many families and multi-generational groups choose this option because it’s easier to find large vacation rentals with kitchens.
Idaho Falls has a good hospital, pharmacies, and big-box stores. If you’re traveling with kids or elderly relatives who need medical services or specific supplies, this town gives you peace of mind. You can still get into Yellowstone early and leave late, since the West Entrance opens at 7 a.m. year-round.
Bozeman, Montana - For the Long-Term Visitor
Bozeman is 90 miles from the North Entrance. It’s not the closest, but it’s the most connected. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) has direct flights from major U.S. cities. If you’re planning a week-long stay, or renting a car for multiple parks, Bozeman is the smart hub.
The town has a college vibe, with great coffee shops, breweries, and outdoor gear stores. You’ll find everything from Airbnb cabins to boutique hotels. The drive into Yellowstone takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but you’ll pass through the Gallatin National Forest and the Paradise Valley-both stunning. Many visitors use Bozeman as a base for multi-day trips into Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and even Glacier National Park.
Which Town Should You Choose?
There’s no single “best” town. It depends on your priorities.
- For convenience: West Yellowstone. Walk to the park. No driving needed.
- For luxury and scenery: Jackson, Wyoming. Combine Yellowstone with Grand Teton.
- For affordability and fewer crowds: Cody, Wyoming. Best for wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley.
- For flights and supplies: Idaho Falls. Best if you’re flying in or need medical services.
- For extended stays and airport access: Bozeman. Best if you’re staying more than 3 days or renting a car.
Most people who visit Yellowstone stay in West Yellowstone or Jackson. But if you’ve been before, or you want to avoid the tourist crush, Cody and Idaho Falls offer quieter, cheaper alternatives with equal access.
When to Book Lodging
Don’t wait. Yellowstone gateway towns fill up fast. Hotels and cabins book out 6 to 12 months in advance for summer. Even in shoulder seasons-May and September-many places require 3-night minimum stays. If you’re planning a trip for July or August, book by last December. Winter lodging (December-March) is more flexible, but some towns reduce services. Always check opening dates before you go.
What About Inside the Park?
Yellowstone has nine lodges inside the park, like Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel. They’re historic, beautiful, and expensive. Rooms start at $300 a night and go up to $1,000. Reservations open 13 months in advance. If you want to stay inside, you need to plan early. Most visitors don’t stay inside because of the cost and limited availability. That’s why gateway towns are so important.
What to Pack for Your Gateway Town Stay
Even if you’re staying in a town, you’ll spend most of your day in the park. Pack:
- Layered clothing (temperatures drop fast after sunset)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Reusable water bottle
- Binoculars for wildlife
- Portable phone charger
- Bear spray (available in all gateway towns)
- Park pass (buy online in advance to skip lines)
Don’t rely on cell service in the park. Download offline maps from the National Park Service app before you leave town. GPS doesn’t work well in Yellowstone’s canyons and valleys.
Final Tip: Avoid the Traffic
Yellowstone’s roads get backed up by 10 a.m. in summer. If you want to see Old Faithful without waiting in a 2-mile line of cars, leave your hotel by 7 a.m. Most people arrive after 9 a.m.-you’ll beat the rush if you go early. The park is quieter in the morning, and wildlife is more active. Sunrise at Mammoth Hot Springs or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is worth waking up for.
Is there a city directly inside Yellowstone National Park?
No, there are no cities inside Yellowstone National Park. The park is protected federal land, and no permanent towns or cities exist within its boundaries. However, there are nine historic lodges and service centers like Mammoth Hot Springs and Canyon Village that offer lodging, food, and visitor services-but they’re not towns, and they’re not open year-round.
Which gateway town has the cheapest lodging?
Cody, Wyoming, typically has the most affordable lodging options near Yellowstone. Motels and vacation rentals here cost 20-40% less than in West Yellowstone or Jackson during peak season. Idaho Falls also offers lower prices, especially if you book a condo or cabin with a kitchen.
Can you stay in Yellowstone without a car?
You can stay inside the park without a car, but you’ll be limited. The park’s internal shuttle system runs between major areas like Old Faithful, Canyon, and Lake during summer. But if you want to explore remote areas like Lamar Valley or the Norris Geyser Basin, you need a car. Gateway towns like West Yellowstone and Cody are walkable, but you’ll still need a car to get into the park unless you book a guided tour.
What’s the best time of year to visit Yellowstone?
Late May to early June and mid-September to early October are the best times. Crowds are smaller, lodging is cheaper, and wildlife is more active. Summer (July-August) is busiest but has the most services open. Winter visits are possible but require snowmobiles or snowcoaches-only a few lodges stay open.
How far is Yellowstone from Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is about 330 miles from the South Entrance of Yellowstone. The drive takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on weather and traffic. Most travelers use this route if they’re combining a trip to Grand Teton or if they’re flying into SLC. It’s not a practical daily commute, but it’s a common starting point for multi-day itineraries.
Just got back from West Yellowstone last week-walked to the entrance in 7 minutes with my coffee in hand. No driving, no stress. The bear spray aisle at the grocery store had a line longer than Old Faithful’s wait. I bought two cans. Just in case. Also, the dude at the gas station told me wolves howled right outside his cabin last night. Wild.
OMG I went to Jackson and it was SOOOOO expensive!! Like $40 for a burrito??!! I cried in the parking lot 😭 But the elk were cute!! 😍