Helena, the queen city of the Rockies, is Montana’s capital. Established as a gold camp in the 1800s, Helena is nestled among majestic mountains and crystal clear lakes.
The area has a dense suburban feel, and many young professionals are moving to Helena for a better life.
If you’re planning a trip to one of Montana’s favorite cities, check out the airports near Helena, Montana, and start your adventure!
Planning and Resources for Your Visit to Helena
- Best time to visit: early June to mid-September is the best time to visit Helena, Montana. You can expect warmer weather during the day with chilly conditions at night. December through March is also a popular time to visit for ski season. Check out The Great Divide for pristine skiing (15 miles west of Helena).
- When to book hotels: as a rule of thumb, it’s best to start monitoring prices two months before your flight to see when prices dip. You will most likely find the best deals around the two-week mark before your trip. If you will be in town for a special event, it’s best to book early. Check available bookings here.
- Weather: The weather in Helena fluctuates drastically depending on the season. Winters are frigid with snowy conditions and considerable cloud cover. You can still experience some snow during spring and an increase in rain. Warmer weather will begin in June and last through the end of summer, and falls are chilly with occasional snow.
- Popular attractions: Stroll around the downtown Pedestrian Mall, hike Helena City Park, visit the Montana Historical Society, or trek through the Gates of the Mountain wilderness area (Lewis and Clark traveled this land).
- Pick a guide: Montana is an outdoor lover’s dream, but some may not be familiar with safety precautions. Take advantage of the many trained professionals who can make your trip even better. Take guided tours through national parks or hire a boat service for fishing. Stay safe and have fun!
The 6 Airports Near Helena
While there are no large Helena airports, there are small regional airports and larger international airports within driving distance.
- Helena Regional Airport – Helena, MT
- Bert Mooney Airport – Butte, MT
- Great Falls International Airport – Great Falls, MT
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport – Belgrade, MT
- Missoula Montana Airport – Missoula, MT
- Billings Logan International Airport – Billings, MT
1. Helena Regional Airport
The Helena Regional Airport is the closest airport to Helena, Montana, and is an 11-minute drive (4 miles).
This small airport hosts three airlines with a few direct flights. The view during take-off and landing provides awe-inspiring mountain views, be sure to open the window shade and take pictures.
The small terminal is quaint and comfortable with convenient amenities. You will find a few gift shops, a cafe, Wi-Fi, luggage carts, car rental agencies, and heated sidewalks during the winter months for safety.
Airlines offering direct flights to Helena Regional Airport:
- Alaska Airlines: Seatle/Tacoma
- Delta Airlines: Salt Lake City
- United Airlines: Denver
Landing at Helena Airport is excellent for those near Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Denver or those who don’t mind getting a connected flight to those hubs.
It is a small airport, but it’s the closest option to Helena. Try Bozeman, Great Falls, or Billings if you need an international airport. Helena airport is very accessible, and you can get to your destination quickly (and affordably) with rideshare.
2. Bert Mooney Airport
Bert Mooney Airport is a 1-hour and 8-minute drive (68 miles) to Helena. This small regional airport offers direct flights every day from the hub in Salk Lake City and provides other general aviation services.
Enjoy amenities like onsite car rentals, free Wi-Fi, spacious seating areas, and conveniently located restrooms. You can sit at the restaurant and order a sandwich with a refreshing drink before or after your flight.
Park for free, check your baggage, and get through TSA in record time. The baggage claim is right off the jetway, where you can quickly grab your belongings and be on your way.
Fly with Delta to and from Salt Lake City, Utah. You can find early morning, mid-afternoon, and evening flights every day. Bert Mooney Airport is perfect for those near Salt Lake City or on connecting flights.
3. Great Falls International Airport
Great Falls International Airport is a 1-hour and 22-minute drive (87 miles) to Helena. Great Falls airport is small and offers direct flights to six major cities on four different airlines.
The interior is clean and well-designed with short lines; you could be at your gate in less than 15 minutes once you check your baggage. You will find rental car agencies, a cafe, vending machines, a bar, and a gift shop.
The shops close early, so you may be stuck eating out of vending machines if you have a late flight.
Direct flights from Great Falls International Airport include:
- Denver
- Las Vegas
- Minneapolis
- Phoenix
- Salt Lake City
Book your flight through Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, and United Airlines.
The Great Falls Airport is an excellent option if you need more direct flights or international choices. It’s still not too far from Helena, and a ride with Uber or Lyft would still be reasonable.
Or you could rent a vehicle at the terminal and take a scenic drive. Take a short detour to Lewis and Clark National Park, go camping, and explore the caves.
4. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is a 1-hour and 33-minute drive (91 miles) to Helena. This airport hosts ten airlines with non-stop flights to 30 US markets and connections worldwide.
You can’t beat the atmosphere at Bozeman Airport with its sprawling glass windows with views of snow-capped mountains and cozy fireplaces placed through the terminal.
Dine at several restaurants, including a grill, a cafe, and a taco shop. A grab-and-go kiosk also serves gourmet hot coffee, sandwiches, bagels, and other snacks. Enjoy amenities like nursing rooms, service animal relief areas, local gallery work, and museum displays.
Airlines offering non-stop flights to Bozeman Yellowstone Airport:
- Alaska: Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco
- Allegiant: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Nashville, Austin
- American: Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Austin
- Delta: Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Detroit, New York
- JetBlue: New York, Boston
- Southwest: Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas
- Sun Country: Minneapolis
- United: San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, LA, New York, Houston, D.C.
Booking your flight to Bozeman Airport is perfect for those wanting to take a scenic drive or stop in cities like Three Forks along the way. Spend some time exploring Bozeman before you head out to Helena.
With even more flight options, Bozeman is suitable for those who don’t mind taking an hour or more drive from the airport.
5. Missoula Montana Airport
Missoula Montana Airport is a 1-hour and 50-minute drive (119 miles) to Helena. This small airport offers non-stop flights to and from 14 different markets around the country.
The Missoula airport is under construction until 2022 and will convert to a more modern design and expansion.
The airport offers plenty of amenities, including a restaurant with a full-service bar, a coffee/tea shop, a gift shop, and massage chairs. You will also find free Wi-Fi, charging stations, smart carts, and a mail drop for your convenience.
You can book flights with major airlines offering direct flights from cities across the US.
- Alaska Airlines: Seattle, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco
- Allegiant Air: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Oakland
- American Airlines: Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Los Angeles
- Delta: Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Atlanta
- Frontier: Denver
- United: Denver, Chicago, San Francisco
The Missoula Montana Airport is the best option for those who plan on making stops from Missoula to Helena.
Take a scenic drive through the Bitterroot Wilderness, stop by small towns, and learn about local history. The trip is almost two hours, so it’s best to rent a car, RV, or buy a bus ticket.
6. Billings Logan International Airport
The Billings-Logan International Airport is a 3-hour and 43-minute drive to Helena. This small airport hosts six airlines and more than ten direct flights to hubs across the US.
The Billings Airport has quick check-in and security with plenty of amenities. Stop by the cafe for a drink and a sandwich; hang out at the bar and enjoy a cold beer.
Other convenient airport features include Wi-Fi, gift shop, nursing rooms, lounge areas, and local artwork.
Direct flights into Billings include:
- Minneapolis
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- Phoenix
- Salt Lake City
- Las Vegas
- Portland
- Seattle
- Other cities in Montana
Book your flight with Alaska, Delta, Cape Air, United, American, and Allegiant. It’s also serviced by cargo and mail carrier airlines like FedEx and UPS. Visit their website for a complete list of cities with non-stop flights to Billings.
It’s best to fly into Billings if you can’t find a convenient flight at the closer airports or if you plan on doing some scenic driving.
The route to Helena is beautiful and perfect for a small road trip. Drive past National Forests and hot springs; stop by small cities and towns to shop at boutique stores and dine at country cafes.
Your Onward Journey to Helena
- Rent a car: Most airports have rental car agencies inside the terminal and offer great rates. They make it easy and convenient to book, pay, and pick up your car right from the airport. Pick a vehicle that meets your needs (sedan, SUV, truck, etc.) and hit the road of your own free will.
- Rideshare: If you are flying into an airport close to Helena, you may wish to catch a quick ride to your destination. Use ride apps like Uber and Lyft to get quickly to your hotel. You could also use services like Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental that lets you book local owners’ cars.
- Take a Greyhound: If your airport is further away, consider taking a greyhound bus close to Helena. You can find bus rides from Missoula to Helena for less than $40, cheaper than catching an Uber or renting a car.
- Find an RV rental: Do you have a long drive ahead of you? Are you looking for a fun family adventure? Try renting an RV! Do a quick search to see the closest RV rental places near your airport and book a recreational vehicle for an exciting road trip through Montana.