Plan Your Trip
GETTING HERE AND GETTING AROUND

Your Helena Journey Made Easy…

Getting here is simple—and getting around is part of the adventure. Whether you’re arriving by car, bus, bike, plane, or even on foot, Helena offers a variety of transportation options to help you explore with ease. From scenic byways and walkable downtown streets to bike-friendly routes and local shuttles, it’s easy to connect with the places, people, and experiences that make Helena unforgettable and a little unrefined. Whether you’re heading to a trailhead, a taproom, or a historic landmark, your next stop is always just a short ride—or stroll—away.

Listen, Helena is no secret… but it certainly feels like one. Add us to your Northwest America journey or Southwest Montana adventure and see why many folks say, “If we would’ve known we would’ve stayed longer!”

Be sure to stop in or contact our Visitor Center before or during your stay!

DRIVING

Travelers exploring Big Sky Country will discover that Montana’s backroads lead to a town filled with charming western history, Helena. National Park enthusiasts will find themselves along the Rocky Mountain Front while traveling between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Helena’s central location in the state makes it a natural starting point for those wanting to discover true Montana culture.

From Helena, explore the vast landscape that Montana has to offer. Travel to Glacier, Yellowstone, or find yourself traveling to smaller less discovered towns while venturing to Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, or Kalispell.

 

Guide Your Ride to Helena
PARKING

There are many attractions and businesses all around Helena with free parking. Once downtown, there are a variety of parking options.

You will primarily find Pay Parking signs and kiosks scattered around the streets.
These will require your license plate when you pay for parking, so have an image of it saved on your phone for quick reference if paying at a kiosk. You can always add more time at any kiosk or… the app!
We recommend the app, and if you are just running in to a business just know the first 15 minutes are free (when you register your car after you park).

  1. Download the Passport Parking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
  2. Create an account with your mobile phone number or email address.
  3. Park anywhere you see Passport Parking app signs & decals.
  4. Pay for your parking session from your phone.
  5. Extend your time remotely if you’d like to stay longer!

2 Hour Parking sections are a great way to park. However, all 2 Hour Parking sections are considered the same area in Downtown Helena. After 2 hours we encourage paid parking.

Paid parking for visitors is relatively cheap. Plus, parking is FREE after 5PM on weekdays, holidays and all weekend long!

For parking questions or inquiries:
– Call the City of Helena: 406-447-8368
– Email: [email protected],
– Downtown Office: 316 N. Park Avenue, Room 151, Helena MT 59601
– Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

AIR

Air Travel Made Simple

Whether you’re flying directly into town or landing nearby, several airports within two hours offer convenient connections to major hubs.

Airports Serving Helena and Surrounding Areas

Looking at starting your trip at Glacier National Park?

Great! Fly into Kalispell, rent a car to experience Glacier Country and all the beautiful sites as you make your way to Helena.

  • Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) – 3 hr 20 min to 4 hr (depending on traffic and construction)
    Airlines: Delta (Salt Lake City), United (Denver), Alaska (Seattle)
    ***FCA will be temporarily closed July 2026 for construction
BUS

Traveling by bus is a budget-friendly and scenic way to reach Helena. Greyhound and FlixBus connect Helena to major Montana cities and beyond, offering comfortable amenities like Wi-Fi and reclining seats.

Connecting Cities Include:

  • Billings, MT
  • Bozeman, MT
  • Butte, MT
  • Missoula, MT
  • Great Falls, MT
  • Spokane, WA
  • Seattle, WA
  • Portland, OR
    …and more long-distance destinations like Denver and Salt Lake City.

Even with limited schedules, bus travel provides a stress-free, eco-friendly alternative for visitors who want to sit back and enjoy Montana’s landscapes.

HIKE & BIKE

Traveling to Helena by heels or wheels?

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

Helena offers two easy access points to the CDT, each 20 miles or less from downtown.

From MacDonald Pass
From town take US-12W for 15 miles. At the top of the pass turn left onto Vista Point Rd and continue to the parking area. The trailhead has a bathroom, picnic tables, fire rings, and informational kiosks. Overnight parking is permitted.

From Priest Pass
Follow US-12W out of town for 9.2 miles. Turn right onto Rimini Rd and follow it for 0.2 miles before turning left onto Priest Pass Rd. Follow Priest Pass Rd for 3.2 miles until you reach the pass where the CDT crosses. Parking is limited.

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

Helena is right on the path between Whitefish and Butte. Stop in for food, gear and repairs, or to simply to stay and relax before continuing on.

LOCAL TRANSIT

Once you’re here, Helena makes exploration unfussy: