Are you trying to decide on the best airport for your trip to Glacier National Park?
Look no further! This article will provide you with all the essential information to consider when choosing the best airport for your trip.
Situated in the scenic wilderness area where the Canadian border meets Western Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park stretches over 1,600 miles of pristine terrain.
It features beautiful alpine forests, picturesque waterfalls that run into blue lakes, and stunning glaciers – making it a travel hotspot for visitors from around the globe.
Intrigued? Let us introduce you to the airports near Glacier National Park, which have expanded rapidly over the past few years to handle the flood of visitors.
In this article, we will look at:
- Airports near Glacier National Park
- What to expect when traveling to Glacier National Park.
Let’s get started!
Let’s begin! You can find all of the airports mentioned below in our curated map.
1. Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
- Best For: Travelers wanting to minimize travel time by choosing the closest airport to Glacier National Park; those traveling from CA, OR, WA;
- Airlines Operate: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines
- Transportation Option: Car rental services are available, along with taxi and shuttle services. Uber and Lyft also operate out of GPIA.
- Distance to Glacier National Park: 25 miles to the West Entrance
- Time Take to Reach Park: About 30 minutes via car to West Entrance
- Route to Take: Take the US-2 E from GPIA to reach the park’s entrance
- Website
Among all the airports mentioned here, this one is closest to Glacier National Park.
With many connecting flights from Chicago, Seattle, Portland, and Houston, this airport also connects to twenty other cities.
While some of the other airports on this list may occasionally offer cheaper flights, this one is by far the most convenient!
The land route to Glacier National Park can be intricate and difficult, but the airport offers a selection of rental cars and shuttles to take you to your desired destination.
There also are numerous other car rental options just a short distance from the airport in Northwestern Montana.
Airports offering direct flights to GPIA:
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, Colorado
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Salt Lake City, Utah
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Seattle, Washington
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Portland International Airport (PDX) – Portland, Oregon
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles, California.
2. Glacier Jet Center (FCA)
- Best For: Those wanting to fly private to Glacier National Park
- Airlines Operate: N/A
- Transportation Option: Glacier Jet Center offers a courtesy transportation service, helicopter charters are also available
- Distance to Glacier National Park: 24 miles to the West Entrance
- Time Take to Reach Park: About 30 mins to the West Entrance
- Route to Take: Take the US-2 E to reach the park’s entrances
- Website
If you’re planning to fly private into Glacier Park International Airport, the well-known fixed-base operator Glacier Jet Center is located at the Glacier Park International Airport. The main runway at the airport is 9,007 feet long making it accessible by the largest of private jets.
It provides a service to match the majestic beauty of Montana and an experience comparable to a five-star resort. This private aircraft rental service has a Charter Team made up of aviation professionals dedicated to providing effective solutions for domestic and international flights.
From the Glacier Park International Airport, it takes less than 35 minutes to reach Glacier National Park via the Glacier Jet Center service. These include aircraft rentals, aircraft charters, courtesy transportation, internet access, and many other services that will guarantee a memorable and luxurious experience for your vacation getaway.
As this is largely a private jet center, it is up to the individual to organize their flight to Glacier Jet Center.
3. Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)
- Best For: Great for international and domestic travelers, especially those wanting a scenic drive to Glacier National Park.
- Airlines Operate: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines
- Transportation Option: Car rental services are available, along with taxi and shuttle services. Uber and Lyft also operate.
- Distance to Glacier National Park: 132 miles to the West Entrance
- Time Take to Reach Park: 2 hours and 30 minutes to the West Entrance
- Route to Take: Take the US-93 N from Missoula Montana Airport and turn into Montana Hwy 35 W just before Flathead Lake, before turning right onto US-2 E to the park’s West Entrance
- Website
Missoula Montana Airport is a great alternative to Glacier Park International Airport as it is only a few hours away from Glacier National Park. Much like the Lethbridge alternative, this gateway offers the treat of a scenic drive to travelers on their way from the airport to their destination.
The Missoula Montana Airport also gives non-stop service to tourists from multiple different cities in the United States, including Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Salt Lake, Las Vegas, Denver, San Diego, Palm Springs, etc.
Airports offering direct flights to Missoula Montana Airport:
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, Colorado
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Seattle, Washington
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Salt Lake City, Utah
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles, California
- Portland International Airport (PDX) – Portland, Oregon
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – Phoenix, Arizona
4. Lethbridge County Airport (YQL)
- Best For: Visitors traveling from Canada, or those wishing to visit East Glacier
- Airlines Operate: Westjet
- Transportation Option: Car rental services are available, however, direct shuttle services are not available to GNP. A bus service runs from Pincher Creek to Glacier National Park.
- Distance to Glacier National Park: 77 miles (124 km) to the Saint Mary Entrance
- Time Take to Reach Park: 1 hour and 20 minutes to the Saint Mary Entrance
- Route to Take: Take the AB-5 W to Magrath, then the AB-2 S to the border. Continue south along US-89 S, which should take you directly to Saint Mary and close to the Saint Mary Entrance.
- Website
Lethbridge County Airport is a great starting point for Canadian visitors, as it sits just across the border from Glacier National Park.
This airport connects Western Montana through three other cities: Vancouver, Calgary, and Cranbrook. It is an adventurous getaway, featuring beautiful scenery throughout your journey.
Consider booking your motels or rental cars in advance to achieve the best out of your trip. You can make use of a travel guide to find all options for your trip from the airport to the park, including date schedules, route maps, and estimated fares from relevant transport operators.
Airports offering direct flights to Missoula Montana Airport:
- Calgary International Airport (YYC) – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG) – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
5. Spokane International Airport (GEG)
- Best For: Domestic or international travelers – especially those from Denver, CO and Phoenix, AZ, or those wanting a scenic train ride to Glacier National Park
- Airlines Operate: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
- Transportation Option: Car rental services are available, along with Uber and Lyft also operate out of GPIA. Taking a train is also possible.
- Distance to Glacier National Park: 280 miles to the West Entrance
- Time Take to Reach Park: About 4 hours and 40 minutes to the West Entrance
- Route to Take: Take the I-90 E to St Regis, before taking the MT-135 W. Just before the Flathead River, turn left onto the MT-200 W, eventually turning right onto the Mt Hwy 28 near Plains. Then, take the US-93 N at Elmo and continue up to Somers. Then, take the MT-82 E, turn left and take Montana Hwy 35 W, then Montana Hwy 206, and finally to US-2 E.
- Website
Spokane International Airport is a commercial airport located in downtown Spokane Washington, United States. Served by six airlines with 24/7 service to several airports, this is the second busiest airport in Washington.
You can grab a taxi or a bus from SIA Concourse C and make your way to Empire Builder where you can grab the Spokane train, making the trip to Glacier National Park in just over 5 hours.
Airports offering direct flights to Spokane International Airport:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Seattle, Washington
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, Colorado
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Salt Lake City, Utah
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – San Francisco, California
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – Phoenix, Arizona
6. Great Falls International Airport (GTF)
- Best For: Domestic travelers wanting to explore East Glacier Park, those wanting to explore National Forests en route to GNP
- Airlines Operate: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Allegiant Air, United Airlines
- Transportation Option: Car rental services are available, along with taxi and shuttle services
- Distance to Glacier National Park: 146 miles to the Cut Bank Entrance
- Time Take to Reach Park: About 3 hours and 10 mins to the Cut Back Entrance
- Route to Take: Head north on the I-15 N past Conrad, before turning left onto MT-44 W. Follow the US-89 N, before taking the Starr School Road, and finally to Cut Bank Creek Road.
- Website
With connections to more than twenty cities, Great Falls International Airport is located 4.8 km southwest of Central Great Falls.
This region of Montana is unparalleled in its scenic beauty, especially given GFIA’s positioning halfway between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The trip to Glacier National Park offers the chance to take in a landscape of pristine wilderness and water.
Airports offering direct flights to Spokane International Airport:
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, Colorado
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Seattle, Washington
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Salt Lake City, Utah
7. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- Best For: Visitors traveling from Canada, Europe, South & Central America, and Asia.
- Airlines Operate: Air Canada, Air North, Air Transat, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Central Mountain Air, Delta Air Lines, Edelweiss, Eurowings Discover, Flair Airlines, Lynx Air, KLM, Sunwing, United Airlines, Westjet.
- Transportation Option: Car rental services are available, along with taxi and shuttle services. A public bus service runs from Calgary to GNP.
- Distance to Glacier National Park: 188 miles (302 km) to the Saint Mary Entrance
- Time Take to Reach Park: About 3 hours and 15 minutes to the Saint Mary Entrance
- Route to Take: Take the AB-2 S to the border. Continue along US-89 S to Saint Mary.
- Website
The Calgary International Airport is located in Alberta, Canada, and has access to Vancouver, Lethbridge, Calgary, Kelowna, and four other cities.
Being the busiest airport in the region, it offers a play area, ATMs, spa, pharmacies, info center, and many more facilities to make your trip as easy and as enjoyable as possible.
Airports offering direct flights to Calgary International Airport:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) – Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG) – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Seattle, Washington, USA
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles, California, USA
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, Colorado, USA
More About Transportation Options
The table below shows the travel options from each of the airports to Glacier National Park.
We hope that it will provide you with enough information to choose which airport is most suitable for you!
| Airport | Distance (to nearest entrance) | Transportation Options (Cost) | Convenience |
| Glacier Park International Airport | 25 Miles to West Glacier | 1. Car rental: from $75 per day
2. Shuttle service: from $85 for a sedan |
1. Freedom to explore, no schedule to keep
2. No need to return vehicle |
| Glacier Jet Center | 25 Miles to West Glacier | 1. Courtesy service: free!
2. Car rental: from around $75 per day |
1. No need to return the vehicle, assistance handling baggage.
2. Freedom to explore, more room for baggage |
| Missoula Montana Airport | 132 Miles to West Glacier | 1. Car rental: from $50 per day
2. Rideshare option: from $238 |
1. Cost-effective and easy to book in advance
2. No need to book in advance or return the car |
| Lethbridge County Airport | 105 Miles to East Glacier | 1. Car rental: from 80 CAD per day
2. Bus service: from $60 one way |
1. Freedom to explore, less travel time
2. Cost-effective, no need to return vehicle |
| Spokane International Airport | 280 Miles to West Glacier | 1. Train ticket: from $60 one way
2. Car rental: from $50 per day |
1. No need to return vehicle, scenic landscapes
2. Cost-effective, freedom to explore |
| Great Falls International Airport | 140 Miles to East Glacier | 1. Car rental: from $50 per day | 1. Only feasible transport option to Glacier National Park |
| Calgary International Airport | 227 Miles to East Glacier | 1. Car rental: from $27 per day
2. Bus service: from $87 one way |
1. Cost-effective, freedom to explore
2. No need to return the car, easily booked in advance |
Choosing the Best Airport for Your Trip
Depending on where you’re traveling from, your budget, and how you plan to get to Glacier National Park once you’ve touched down, any one of these airports might be the most suitable.
In order to extend your budget, it might be useful to utilize a search engine like Google Flights to help you find the best flight deals.
For US travelers on a tight budget, flying directly to Glacier Park International Airport will help you reduce transfer costs!
Those looking for a scenic train ride to Glacier National Park might like to land at Spokane International Airport.
Finally, visitors traveling from Canada might like to utilize Lethbridge County Airport or Calgary International Airport.
Summary
We hope the information in this article has helped you make an informed decision as to the best airport for your trip to Glacier National Park!
If you are looking for additional information, travel guides are a great place to start when picking which airport to fly to.
Glacier National Park has six entrances, which makes it easy for visitors to access.
Visitor entrance passes can be purchased from West Glacier Entrance, Polebridge Entrance, Many Glaciers Entrance, and St. Mary Entrance.
Once you have decided which entrance you plan to access the park through, it should be easy to choose which the airport that is most convenient!