How to Get to Glacier National Park: Airports, Access & Transportation

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Glacier

The closest airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, about 31 miles from the park's West Glacier entrance. During peak season, allow 45 minutes to drive from the terminal. No regular bus service reaches the park, so a rental car is practically essential.

Airports around the park (5)

• Airport Glacier Park International Airport FCA · 33 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
• Airport Lethbridge County Airport YQL · 80 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
• Airport Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport YXC · 110 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
• Airport Missoula Montana Airport MSO · 123 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
• Airport Great Falls International Airport GTF · 140 miles from the park · international Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Where to Fly: Which Airport for Glacier National Park

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA, Kalispell)

The best-positioned regional airport is, unsurprisingly, Glacier Park International Airport. It serves the city of Kalispell, about 31 miles from the West Glacier entrance. In summer, major U.S. airlines offer nonstop flights from Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and Chicago. Service drops off sharply in the off-season, so check schedules before locking in your dates.

Major International Hubs

If your itinerary doesn't allow a direct connection to Kalispell, the most convenient hubs are Seattle (SEA, about a 7-hour drive), Denver (DEN, about 8 hours), and Minneapolis (MSP, about 8 hours). A domestic flight from one of these hubs to FCA cuts the rest of the journey to less than an hour. Calgary, Canada, is also worth considering. The airport has good connections to Europe, and the park's north entrance is only about a 2-hour drive away.

Getting to Glacier from France: Nonstop or Connecting Flight

There are no nonstop flights from Paris to Kalispell. The most common route goes from Paris-CDG (or Lyon–Saint-Exupéry) to Seattle or Denver, followed by a domestic connection to FCA. Plan on 15 to 18 hours door to door, including layovers. Another option that can sometimes cost less is flying to Calgary with a connection, renting a car, and driving down into Montana through the Roosville border crossing, which is open year-round, or Chief Mountain, which is seasonal. See below.

Our When to Go page breaks down when airfare is typically more affordable.

By Car: Distances and Drive Times from Gateway Towns

A car remains the all-purpose way to reach Glacier. U.S. Highway 2 follows the park's southern boundary and stays open year-round. It provides the natural access route to the West Glacier entrance. To reach the east side, US-89 through St. Mary is the most direct route.

In July and August, allow an extra hour for lines at the entrances and along Going-to-the-Sun Road. The entrance fee is $35 per private vehicle (2025 rate), and an annual park pass is available for $70. Our Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and passes.

Glacier's Entrances

The park has six entrance stations spread across the west and east sides of the range. Not all of them are open year-round.

West Entrance (West Glacier). This is the busiest entrance. Accessible from US-2, it's open year-round and provides access to Apgar Village and the start of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

St. Mary Entrance (east). The natural entry point from Great Falls or Calgary via US-89. It's open from late May through the fall, depending on weather conditions.

Many Glacier Entrance (northeast). Popular with experienced hikers, it provides access to some of the park's wildest areas. Seasonal opening runs roughly from late May to early October.

Two Medicine Entrance (southeast). Quieter and popular with families and visitors who prefer to avoid the crowds. Its opening schedule is similar to Many Glacier.

Chief Mountain Border Crossing (north). This international Canada–U.S. entry is open roughly from late May to early September. Don't rely on it as your only crossing option if your trip falls outside that window.

Polebridge (northwest). Accessible only by a gravel road. Recommended for drivers comfortable with unpaved roads and using a suitable vehicle. This is the choice for those seeking complete solitude.

Our Map page helps you see where each entrance is in relation to your lodging base.

What to Know About Going-to-the-Sun Road Before You Arrive

Going-to-the-Sun Road, the main route across the range from west to east, is generally open all the way from mid-June to mid-September, depending on snow conditions. Keep this in mind when choosing your rental car. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet are prohibited on the central section between Avalanche Creek and Sun Point. RVs and trailers are not allowed there.

For everything else, including free shuttles, parking management, and area-specific restrictions, our guide to getting around Glacier covers your options.

Other Options: Organized Tours and Public Transportation

There is no regular bus network from a major city to the park entrances. Several local operators based in Kalispell or Whitefish do offer guided day trips, and some area hotels arrange transfers from FCA. These options can be expensive, so booking ahead is essential during peak season.

In Summary: Which Route to Take Based on Your Starting Point

From France: Fly to Seattle or Denver, connect to Kalispell (FCA), rent a car at the airport, and enter through West Glacier (45 min). Spending a night in Kalispell or Whitefish before entering the park makes it easier to adjust to the time change.

On a road trip from the American West: US-2 from Spokane (5 hours) leads directly to the West Glacier entrance. From Salt Lake City, US-89 via Great Falls naturally leads to St. Mary.

From Canada: Calgary is about 2 hours away via the Trans-Canada Highway and Alberta Highway 2, with a border crossing at Chief Mountain, which is seasonal, or Roosville, which is open year-round and a little farther west.

Frequently Asked Questions