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Yellowstone Airport

Welcome to Yellowstone Airport, located just north of West Yellowstone, Montana. This state-owned airport serves as a gateway to the stunning Yellowstone National Park. It operates from June to September, offering commercial passenger service during these months. The airport receives support from the federal Essential Air Service program, ensuring travelers can reach this beautiful area. In recent years, it has seen a steady number of passengers, with over 4,400 boardings in 2010. Remember, Yellowstone Airport is not the same as other airports with similar names in Wyoming and Montana. It is your perfect starting point for exploring the wonders of Yellowstone.

Live Air Traffic

Yellowstone Airport (IATA: WYS) is a public-use airport in Montana. It sits just north of West Yellowstone, near U.S. 191/U.S. 287. The airport operates from June to September. During these months, it offers commercial passenger service. This service is supported by the federal Essential Air Service program. In recent years, the airport has seen around 4,000 passenger boardings each year. Yellowstone Airport is close to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It is important to note that it is not the same as Yellowstone Regional Airport or Yellowstone International Airport. These airports are located much farther away. Yellowstone Airport provides a convenient option for travelers heading to the park.

air Arrivals
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Basic information about airport

Airport code: KWYS
Type: medium
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City West
IATA: WYS
Longitude: -111.1179962
Latitude: 44.68840027

Yellowstone Airport on Google Maps

metkaWest Yellowstone
Today 12 °C / 53.6 °F
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  • humidityHumidity: 37
  • WindWind: 4.78 m/sec
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1 C / 33.8 °F

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3 C / 37.4 °F

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3 C / 37.4 °F

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4 C / 39.2 °F

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Yellowstone Airport is the Gateway to Yellowstone National Park

Introduction

West Yellowstone, Montana airport (also known as "Yellowstone Airport") (IATA: WYS) [field code=hand_bold_white;ICAO: KWYS / FAA LID: WYS) is a state-owned public-use airport located one mile north of West Yellowstone's central business district on U.S. 191/U.S. 287 in Gallatin County, Montana, United States. Commercial passenger service is available during those months, but the park itself is only open from June through September. The EAS program is a subsidy worth millions of tax dollars each year.

Airlines and Destinations

Two major airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, serve the Yellowstone Airport. Direct airline service is available from Salt Lake City (SLC) and Denver (DEN) to SLC, which connect the cities with more than 200 destinations around the globe via these partners.

Passengers and Flights

FAA records say the airport had 4,186 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2008, with another 4,331 enplanements in 2009 and up to around at least an average of some additional increases, according to UNC officials. As per the 2011-2015 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, it is classified as a non-primary commercial service airport (between 2,500 and 10,000 enplanements every year).

How to Get Here

The nearest airport is about 137 miles away from Yellowstone National Park's West Entrance. The airport is accessible by car on the Garrison entrance to Highway 191, which winds its way through the Gallatin Canyon and over scenic mountain passes. Aside from photography tours, visitors can also book shuttle services at the airport or private transfers and car rentals at most airports.

Parking

Onsite parking is available at Yellowstone Airport. Easy access for passengers — the parking facilities are located right outside of the terminal.

Transportation Price

Shuttle services and private transfers are usually between $50-$100 per person, while car rentals cost just a bit more yet offer far greater freedom.

Terminal Layout

Yellowstone Airport has one terminal building, which is easy to reach. Departures and check-in take place entirely on the upper level, while at ground level, passengers arrive with their baggage.

Navigate the Airport

The airport is easy to navigate because of its uncomplicated design and helpful signage. This way, travelers are able to easily find the check-in counters, the security screening, and their departure gates, giving them an easier meandering experience.

Getting Between Terminals

If we are talking only of the terminal in Yellowstone Airport, you will not waste time looking for another one. Passengers can transfer between the arrival and departure levels within a single building.

Services and Amenities

To satisfy passengers, there are several services and amenities that visitors will find in the airport. These include car rental companies and a few shuttle services, as well as limited food and beverage facilities.

Restaurants and Shops

There are only a handful of places to eat and shop at Yellowstone Airport, as the terminal houses just some local eateries and gift shops. These give a bit of the flavor, along with mementos people can collect before or after they visit Yellowstone.

Security and Customs

The airport has standard TSA procedures for domestic flights within the US. Passengers should plan to be at the airport early enough to get through security and check in if they need.

Accessibility

The terminal and facilities have been designed to provide convenience for physically challenged passengers in order to enable them a barrier-free environment.

Travel Tips

If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, the shortest distance is to fly directly into Yellowstone Airport (WYS). The airport in Bozeman (BZN) is another great travel hub that you may want to utilize, and offers quick access from the north entrance of the park. If you arrive by car, bus, or train, plan your trip transportation and the itinerary at Yellowstone according to your packing.