How to Get to Glacier National Park: Airports, Driving and Amtrak (2026)

The closest airport to Glacier National Park is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana — just 30 miles and roughly 40 minutes from the West Entrance. If you prefer not to fly, Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops directly at West Glacier and East Glacier stations year-round, and drivers can reach the park via US-2 from the west or US-89 from the south.

Glacier sits in northwest Montana near the Canadian border, so your best route depends heavily on which side of the park you’re visiting. The west side has more lodging and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road; the east side (Many Glacier, St. Mary) is less crowded and closer to Great Falls. This guide walks you through every realistic option step by step.

Step 1: Choose Your Entry Point — West Side or East Side

Glacier has two distinct halves separated by the Continental Divide. The west side (Apgar, Lake McDonald, Going-to-the-Sun Road west entrance) is closest to Kalispell Airport and has the most amenities. The east side (St. Mary, Many Glacier, Two Medicine) is more remote, quieter, and closer to the Canadian border town of Waterton.

West side — Choose this if you want the widest lodging selection, access to Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, and want to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west. Main gateway: West Glacier (also called Belton), accessible from US-2.

East side — Choose this if you want fewer crowds, Many Glacier area hikes like Grinnell Glacier, or if flying into Great Falls (GTF) is cheaper. Main gateways: St. Mary on US-89 North, or Browning on US-2.

Step 2: Fly In — Nearest Airports to Glacier National Park

Three airports serve Glacier National Park visitors. Glacier Park International Airport is by far the most convenient for the west side — but July 2026 travelers should read the alert above carefully.

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Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) — Kalispell, MT

Distance to West Glacier: 30 miles / ~40 minutes. The closest commercial airport to the park, FCA offers daily non-stop flights from Seattle (SEA), Salt Lake City (SLC), Denver (DEN), and Las Vegas (LAS), with seasonal routes from other hubs per Visit Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Car rental agencies (Budget, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National) have desks inside the terminal at baggage claim.

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Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) — Missoula, MT

Distance to West Glacier: 132 miles / ~2.5 hours. MSO offers year-round service from American Airlines, Delta, Alaska, United, Frontier, and Allegiant. It’s the best July 2026 alternative to FCA for west-side visitors. Rental cars and shuttles are available at the terminal. Drive north on US-93 to Flathead Valley, then east on US-2 to West Glacier.

Great Falls International Airport (GTF) — Great Falls, MT

Distance to St. Mary Entrance: 157 miles / ~2.75 hours. The best option if you’re visiting the east side (Many Glacier, St. Mary, Two Medicine). GTF operates year-round with service from Delta and United connecting through Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and Denver. The drive follows US-89 north through Choteau and Browning.

Step 3: Take Amtrak’s Empire Builder (No Car Needed)

Amtrak’s Empire Builder is one of the most scenic train routes in the United States, running from Chicago or Portland/Seattle straight through the southern boundary of Glacier National Park. It stops at three stations with direct park access per Amtrak.

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Empire Builder Stops Near Glacier

The Empire Builder runs daily year-round. Westbound trains depart Chicago at 2:15 pm and arrive in the Glacier region 2 days later. Eastbound trains depart Seattle (4:40 pm) or Portland (4:45 pm). Book early — sleeper cars sell out months in advance for summer travel.

Step 4: Drive to Glacier National Park

Driving is the most flexible option and gives you full control over timing, gear, and exploring the region. The main approach roads are US-2 from the west (enters at West Glacier) and US-89 from the south (enters at St. Mary on the east side). Both roads are paved and open year-round per NPS.gov.

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Driving Distances from Major Cities

Rental Cars

Rental cars are available at all three airports. At FCA (Kalispell), Budget, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and National all have desks in the terminal. Off-site agencies like Dollar and Whitefish Car Rentals offer pickup at both the airport and Whitefish Amtrak station. Book rental cars at least 6–8 weeks in advance for July–August visits — Flathead Valley inventory sells out fast per Visit Western Montana’s Glacier Country.

Step 5: Navigate Inside the Park — Shuttles and Parking

Once you’re at Glacier, a free park shuttle system covers Going-to-the-Sun Road from July through September. In 2026, the park is also piloting a ticketed express shuttle to Logan Pass — the main new planning item this year.

Free Park Shuttle (GTSR)

The free Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle runs from late June through mid-September, weather permitting. West-side routes depart from Apgar Transit Center (near West Glacier entrance) and Lake McDonald Lodge. East-side routes depart from St. Mary Visitor Center and Rising Sun. You can transfer between east and west routes at Logan Pass per NPS.gov. Note: Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars are not accessible by the free shuttle in 2026.

2026 Logan Pass Express Shuttle (Ticketed)

New for 2026: express shuttle service to Logan Pass requires advance tickets purchased through Recreation.gov ($1 processing fee per ticket). A portion of tickets opens 60 days in advance starting May 2, 2026. Remaining tickets are released at 7 pm MDT for next-day access starting June 30, 2026. These express shuttles will not stop at Avalanche. For hikers targeting Highline Trail or Hidden Lake, book a Logan Pass express ticket.

Parking at Logan Pass (2026)

Beginning July 1, private vehicle parking at Logan Pass is limited to 3 hours. This is enough time to hike to Hidden Lake Overlook (~2.8 miles round trip), visit the visitor center, or attend a ranger program. Arrive before 9 am for the best chance at a spot.

Red Bus Tours

Glacier National Park Lodges operates the historic Red Buses — open-top vintage vehicles running interpretive tours on GTSR from late spring through fall. Tickets sell out early; book at Glacier National Park Lodges.

Step 6: Pay Your Entrance Fee

All visitors need a valid entrance pass. The standard 7-day pass for a private vehicle is $35, covering all passengers in one vehicle. Motorcycles pay $30. Pedestrians, cyclists, and Amtrak arrivals walking into the park pay $20 per person per NPS.gov.

If you plan to visit more than one national park in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) pays for itself after 2–3 park visits. Non-U.S. residents age 16+ must pay an additional $100 nonresident fee unless entering with an annual or America the Beautiful pass.