best airport to fly into for glacier national park

2 min read 17-12-2024

best airport to fly into for glacier national park

Glacier National Park, a breathtaking expanse of pristine wilderness, draws visitors from around the globe. Choosing the right airport to fly into significantly impacts your overall travel experience. This guide outlines the best options, helping you seamlessly begin your Glacier adventure.

Choosing Your Gateway: Key Airport Considerations

Several airports serve as potential gateways to Glacier National Park. The ideal choice depends on factors like:

Flight availability and cost: Prices and flight options vary considerably depending on your origin and the time of year.
Rental car access: Exploring Glacier requires a car, so convenient rental car availability is crucial.
Driving distance to the park: Minimizing driving time after a long flight is always a plus.

Top Airport Options for Glacier National Park

Let's explore the best airports for reaching Glacier, weighing their pros and cons:

1. Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) – Kalispell, Montana

Pros: Closest airport to Glacier National Park's West Entrance, offering the shortest driving time. Typically has a good selection of rental car companies.
Cons: May have fewer flight options and potentially higher airfares compared to larger hubs.

Distance to West Entrance: ~30 minutes

2. Missoula International Airport (MSO) – Missoula, Montana

Pros: A larger airport with more flight options and potentially lower fares than FCA. Offers convenient rental car options.
Cons: Significantly longer drive to Glacier National Park (2-3 hours), especially to the West Entrance. Consider this if you plan to explore the more remote areas of the park.

Distance to West Entrance: ~2-3 hours

3. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Seattle, Washington

Pros: Major international airport with numerous flights and competitive prices, particularly from the East Coast.
Cons: A very long drive to Glacier National Park (6-7 hours or more), making it a less convenient option unless you plan to explore other parts of Washington or are comfortable with a lengthy road trip. Traffic can also be a factor, adding to travel time.

Distance to West Entrance: ~6-7 hours

4. Spokane International Airport (GEG) – Spokane, Washington

Pros: Another larger airport with potentially more affordable flights than FCA. A shorter driving time compared to Seattle.
Cons: Still a considerable drive to Glacier National Park (4-5 hours), adding to travel time.

Distance to West Entrance: ~4-5 hours

Which Airport is Right for You?

For the shortest drive and most convenient access: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is the clear winner. It's perfect for travelers prioritizing minimal travel time after landing.
For more flight options and potentially lower fares: Missoula International Airport (MSO) is a good compromise. The longer drive is worth considering if budget is a significant factor.
For travelers starting from the East Coast or international locations: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) offers more flight choices, though the significant driving time must be factored into your itinerary. This option is better suited for those with more flexible travel schedules or planning a broader Pacific Northwest road trip.
A middle ground between MSO and SEA: Spokane International Airport (GEG) could be a better option than SEA if you are coming from the Pacific Northwest. It offers a shorter drive to Glacier than Seattle while still providing more flight choices compared to Kalispell.

Remember to book flights and rental cars well in advance, especially during peak season (June-August). Happy travels to Glacier National Park!