Traveling to Montana is an epic adventure with rugged landscapes from picturesque dirt roads to scenic roadside wildlife. As travelers flock to Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, those wanderers need the latest travel insight, weather updates, and things to do off the beaten path. Visit Helena’s resource guide from park entrance closures to suggested routes between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park make this a one-stop guide to all those travelers’ needs.  If you need that human interaction, call us at the Helena Visitor Center for the best-kept Montana secrets. In our guide, there are resources on National Park entry, what to expect, and suggested routes along the way.

Section 1. How to Get from Helena to the Yellowstone or Glacier National Park

Helena’s central location in the state makes our community the best launching point for a Montana vacation. The friendly Helena Regional Airport gets visitors off the plane and on the road in no time. No security lines, and direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, and Seattle Helena’s regional Airport make our community hassle-free start or end of a Montana vacation.

The heart of Montana is positioned almost exactly 200 miles from Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Helena’s popular with visitors traveling between the two national treasures as a two-day rest for families, campers, and adventurers.

If you are looking for the best routes between Helena and Glacier National Park here are our suggestions.

Helena to East Glacier (186 Miles, 3 Hours)

Helena to West Glacier (213 miles, 4 hours)

For those travelers heading south from Glacier or looking for the best routes into Yellowstone here is what we suggest. Depending on your final destination, Visit Helena recommends following your passion in the routes we suggest.

Helena to West Yellowstone (176 miles, 3 hours) (Ghost Towns, Hot Springs, Fly Fishing, Wildlife, and Epic Photographs)

Helena to Gardiner (175 miles, 3 hours) (Foodie, Fishing, Epic Photographs, and Maybe Kevin Costner or Drew Barrymore) – North Entrance

Helena to Red Lodge (243 miles, 3.45 hours)  (Ultimate road tripper, photographer, cyclist, foodie)

Section 2. National Park Ticketing & Entry

Odds are, this trip been in the planning stages for a long time and now you need sound advice getting into Glacier National Park. All roads and entrances require a vehicle reservation and a park pass. You can find more information on Vehicle Reservations here.

Trying to see Going to the Sun Road? Book a guided tour at one of the many guides in Columbia Falls or Whitefish, Montana. For more details visit our tourism partners at Glacier Country.

Yellowstone National Park, all of the entrances will be open this season. For more updates visit Yellowstone National Park’s website or call Helena, Montana’s visitor center. We will provide regular updates on our website for major events.