The mountains are calling, and you must go! We’re so excited for you to visit Glacier National Park and experience this adventurer's paradise. Covering over one million acres with two mountain ranges, over 130 lakes, and 700 miles of trails, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers seeking awe-inspiring wilderness.

Discover for yourself why this incredible ecosystem is called the Crown Jewel of the Continent. With endless activities like biking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, skiing and more, we’re positive you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.

But first, how will you get here? We’ll help you find the best way to get to Glacier National Park with options by plane, train, and automobile. Plus, we’ve included some helpful tips for visiting and how to get around the park once you’re inside. Read on, intrepid traveler, your adventures await!

What We'll Cover In This Guide:

• Where is Glacier National Park?
• How to Get to Glacier National Park
• Where is the Nearest Airport to Glacier National Park?
• Driving to Glacier National Park
• The Best Scenic Drives & Roadside Photo Ops in Glacier
• Renting a Car Near Glacier National Park
• Getting to Glacier by Train
• Getting Around Glacier on Foot, by Bike, or on Horseback
• Glacier Access & Navigation FAQs

Where is Glacier National Park?

North America’s Glacier National Park is located in the northwest corner of Montana, bordering Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park. Together, these two parks form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Glacier’s main entrance is located in West Glacier, Montana, 26 miles east of the ski-resort town of Whitefish and 24 miles from the region's main airport, Glacier International Airport (FCA).

The Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains runs through Glacier National Park, marking the line between the east and west sides. While the east and west sides both offer unique scenery and attractions, most activities are found in West Glacier. This area is the jumping-off point for fun things to do in Glacier like river rafting, helicopter tours, guided backcountry trips, snowmobiling, and more. It’s also home to several popular points of interest like Apgar Village and Lake McDonald.

In total, there are seven entrances to the park, three on the west side and four on the east.

To keep things simple, we’ll stick to the main entrances on each side: West Glacier Entrance on the west and St. Mary Entrance on the east.

The east side of the park where the mountains transition to prairie lands is on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Check out their shops and activities in this area! They enjoy hosting thousands of visitors who pass through their reservation and offer tours where guests can learn about their history and culture.

How to Get to Glacier National Park

There are several ways to get to Glacier and different modes of transportation available; planes, trains, and automobiles are the most popular. The closest airport is just 24 miles from West Glacier and rental cars are available or you can take a shuttle from the airport to the park. This small but mighty airport continues to expand with more direct flights and routes. Check out all of the airlines and service routes at the Glacier Park International Airport.

Local Expert Tip: Flying into Glacier in the summer can get pretty expensive. Check out travel hacker Nomadic Matt’s guide to finding cheap flights to help pad the budget for your trip to Montana! Budget airlines here include Frontier and Allegiant, which offer twice-weekly direct routes to Las Vegas and Phoenix, and seasonal service through San Diego, Oakland, and Los Angeles.

Train - Turn your travel to Glacier National Park into a grand adventure with a historic and stunning train ride! Amtrak’s Empire Builder train journeys from Portland/Seattle to Chicago and stops year-round at West Glacier as well as seasonally at East Glacier. This is a wonderful option for folks interested in scenic and leisurely travel. The duration from Seattle to West Glacier is 14 ½ hours and costs around $83 one way. Load up your podcasts and audiobooks and enjoy the views!

Automobile - If you plan to drive to Glacier, you'll likely be getting to Glacier and the greater Flathead Valley region by one of two major highway systems. Running east to west is Hwy 2, which runs from Seattle to Chicago and much of it parallels the train route. If you are coming from north or south you'll most likely be on Hwy 93, which comes down from Alberta, Canada, and runs up from Idaho and through Missoula, Montana.

Where is the Nearest Airport to Glacier National Park?

Conveniently located just 24 miles from the West entrance of the park is the Glacier Park International Airport (FCA). This growing airport provides an increasing number of direct flights from major airlines including United, Delta, Alaska, American, and Allegiant. Flight routes vary from seasonal to year-round, but generally, passengers can fly here from most US cities with just one stop.

Image source: https://iflyglacier.com/

Other regional airports include Missoula International Airport (MSO) which is 150 miles from the west entrance and Great Falls International Airport (GTF), approximately 150 miles from the east entrance.

For Canadian visitors, the Lethbridge County Airport (YQL) is just across the border and about a 2 ½ hour drive to the east side entrances of the park. Make sure to check up-to-date information about crossing the border here.

All of these airports have rental car companies so you can drive to the park. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle from the Glacier airport into the park. Or, if you are looking for the opposite of Spirit Airlines budget travel, the Glacier Jet Center is located at the Glacier airport and offers private air taxi services and helicopter charters!

Driving to Glacier National Park

As mentioned before, Glacier Park has entrances on the west and east sides. For simplicity and convenience, we recommend the main west side entrance of West Glacier and the east side entrance of St. Mary. Always use extra caution when driving in the park! Animals often cross the road unexpectedly and blind corners are common.

West Glacier Entrance:

Coming from Kalispell to Glacier Park, you’ll take Hwy 206 to Hwy 2 East to the West Glacier entrance, approximately 33 miles away. If you’re driving from the nearby ski resort town of Whitefish to Glacier, take Hwy 40 East to Hwy 2 East for approximately 25 miles to the main entrance of West Glacier. For those driving up from Missoula to Glacier National Park, your journey is about 137 miles and roughly 2.5 hours of driving. Head north on Hwy 93, around Flathead Lake on Hwy 35, and finally to Hwy 2.

East Glacier Entrance:

You can travel year-round from the West Glacier to the East Glacier entrance by car. This 1 hour drive begins heading east along Hwy 2 which takes you up and over the continental divide at Mariah’s Pass. You’ll continue along the southern boundary of the park for a total of 55 miles until you reach East Glacier.

The main entrance on the east side is the St. Mary Entrance, about 35 miles north of East Glacier. To access this entrance, travel north on Hwy 89 from Great Falls through the town of Browning for approximately 125 miles. Follow the signs from here to the town of St. Mary. The entrance to the park is located just west of the town itself.

Image: ​​https://www.nps.gov/carto/hfc/carto/media/GLACmap1.jpg

Both of these entrances are open year-round, however, the St. Mary Entrance is closed to vehicles in the winter season. Check out current conditions and road closures before your visit. Looking to travel the entire 50 miles of the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road? It connects the St. Mary Entrance to the West Glacier Entrance and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and stops.

Local Expert Tip: Glacier National Park has become extremely popular! June through September is the busiest part of the year, with about three million people visiting. Parking lots begin filling up before sunrise and you’re likely to encounter traffic and long wait times. We recommend having a backup plan or two so that if you can’t find parking at your first destination of choice then you can move on to the next. The best way to enjoy your day at the park is to start early, expect crowds, and have a plan B in case you can’t get parking where you need it.

The Best Scenic Drives & Roadside Photo Ops in Glacier

Glacier National Park is home to some of the most iconic and dramatic road trip scenery in North America. The crown jewel of scenic drives is the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel that cuts through the heart of the park. From the lush cedar forests near Lake McDonald to the alpine splendor of Logan Pass, this road offers nonstop vistas of waterfalls, glacial valleys, and jagged mountain peaks. Key photo ops along the route include Wild Goose Island Overlook on St. Mary Lake, the dramatic Jackson Glacier Overlook, and the iconic Weeping Wall, where spring runoff pours down a sheer cliff beside the road.

For a quieter but equally stunning drive, consider Many Glacier Road, which winds through one of the most wildlife-rich and photogenic areas of the park. Along the way, you'll have excellent chances to photograph glacial lakes, towering granite peaks, and possibly even bears, moose, or mountain goats from the safety of your car. Another gem is the Two Medicine Road, a less-traveled route that offers panoramic views of Two Medicine Lake framed by majestic peaks—perfect for sunset shots with fewer crowds.

Local Expert Tip: Don’t overlook the scenic beauty just outside the park’s borders. The North Fork Road leading to Polebridge offers a rugged, off-the-grid experience with views of the Livingston Range and access to hidden gems like Bowman Lake. 

Renting a Car Near Glacier National Park

If your itinerary includes exploring different areas of the park during the summer season, renting a car is definitely recommended over using the glacier shuttles. If you are planning on exploring the areas primarily based out of West Glacier or taking mostly guided tours then you should be just fine without a rental car.

Local Expert Tip: Remember that finding a parking spot at popular trailheads can be a headache, so you might want to opt for a guided tour or the shuttle service instead!

Car rentals are available at all nearby airports, the Whitefish train station, as well as the surrounding communities. Companies include Alamo/National, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, and Avis. Alternatively, check out listings on Turo, the Airbnb of car rentals. And, if you’re traveling with little ones and need to rent a car seat or other gear, take a look at BabyQuip! Book early as the rental cars go quickly in summertime.

If you opt not to rent a car and you’re staying outside of the park, there are a few local taxi services as well as Uber. Glacier Taxi (406-250-3603) serves nearby areas in Flathead County. Mountain Shuttle provides transportation to and from the airport in Kalispell to the Flathead Valley. Wild Horse Limousine (406-756-2290) provides luxury transportation to Whitefish and locations throughout Glacier National Park. If you have a large group, Rocky Mountain Transportation (406-863-1200) provides charter services.

Can You Drive to Glacier National Park in Winter?

In short, yes, but your options will be limited. The West Glacier Entrance is open year-round, but the majority of the roads within the park are only open from late spring through early fall. When roads open and close is dependent on weather and road conditions. Winter weather dictates when most visitor centers, trails, roads, and activities open and close for the season. July through September is typically considered our summer season when most activities are accessible and roads are open.

When is Going to the Sun Road Open to Cars?

Going-To-The-Sun Road opens to cars in stages with the completion of snow removal. The entire road is usually open at the end of June with the alpine sections typically closing in mid-October, depending on weather conditions. Visit the National Park Service website for up-to-date information on conditions and road closures. Don’t worry if portions of the road are closed when you visit, there are still plenty of other scenic drives in and around Glacier National Park.

While Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to vehicle traffic in the off-season, many fun winter activities still take place including snowmobiling and skiing. In Spring early spring, the road opens to bikes before vehicles, providing a truly unique and safe bike adventure experience.

Image: https://www.nps.gov/carto/hfc/carto/media/GLACmap3.jpg

Want a free tour? Check out the NPS’s Going-to-the-Sun Road audio tour to follow along as you drive through the spectacular mountain scenery. Alternatively, consider joining a guided tour on the Going-To-The-Sun Road! Options include the Blackfeet Interpretive Tour and the Red Bus Tour.

Should You Visit Glacier without a Car? 

While Glacier National Park is best explored by car, it is possible to visit without one—especially during the summer season—but it requires planning and flexibility. If you're arriving by Amtrak, stations in West Glacier, Whitefish, and East Glacier Park provide direct or nearby access to the park. From there, you can rely on a combination of the Glacier National Park shuttle system, seasonal tour buses (like the historic Red Bus Tours), and private shuttles offered by local lodges or outfitters to explore the park's main corridors, including Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The free park shuttle, which runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road from Apgar Visitor Center to St. Mary Visitor Center, is a great way to hop between trailheads without worrying about parking (see more below). However, the shuttle doesn't cover all areas of the park (like Many Glacier or Two Medicine), and service can be infrequent or limited during shoulder seasons. To get the most out of a car-free visit, consider booking accommodations near West Glacier, Apgar, or St. Mary, and focus your activities on areas serviced by shuttle routes or guided tours.

That said, Glacier’s vastness and relatively limited public transportation make car access a major advantage—especially if you want to explore less-visited areas like North Fork, Cut Bank, or Many Glacier at your own pace. If you're flying into Glacier Park International Airport, consider renting a car for at least part of your stay to maximize flexibility and access. In short: you can visit without a car, but to fully experience the park’s depth and variety, having your own vehicle (or a rental) is highly recommended.

If you are coming to Glacier without a car, the following sections should help you make the most of your trip. 

Getting to Glacier by Train

Whether you’re traveling from another state or coming from the nearby town of Whitefish, a train ride to Glacier National Park is a stunningly scenic adventure! Amtrak’s Empire Builder train travels across the northern United States from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. This train stops year-round at West Glacier (WGL) and from mid-spring to mid-fall in East Glacier (GPK).

Staying in Whitefish? Consider ditching the car (and the traffic) and taking the train into Glacier for a relaxing and beautiful journey! The train departs Whitefish (WFH) every morning for a thirty-minute ride to West Glacier and a two-hour ride to East Glacier, with a return trip every evening. A roundtrip ticket will cost between $16 and $26. Once you arrive at either station the shuttle service can provide easy access into the park.

Check out the route and stopping points of Amtrak’s Empire Builder train below:

Image source: https://www.amtrak.com/empire-builder-train

Getting Around Glacier on Foot, by Bike, or on Horseback

How you get around in the park depends on what you want to do! There are accessible trails and activities right near the entrances that could easily occupy days of fun. Other more remote trailheads in the backcountry will require at least one form of transportation. Luckily, there are several options!

Shuttle Service

Shuttles can take you to trailheads, lakes, or even a campground where you can hop back on the shuttle the next day. Glacier's shuttle system provides two-way service along Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Apgar (West Glacier) and St. Mary Visitor Centers. You’ll need to purchase a Ticket-to-Ride through recreation.gov and make sure to reserve your ticket for the Apgar Visitor Center if entering through West Glacier or the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east. Learn more about the Glacier shuttle and check out the shuttle stop map! Lastly, the hiker’s shuttle is another option with select routes on the east and west sides.

Hiking

Ready to hit the trail? Several beautiful hiking areas are not far from the West Glacier Entrance and are perfect for easily accessible day hikes. These include the popular Lake McDonald Trail and the Trail of the Cedars at Avalanche Campground. Once you’ve driven to the top of Going-To-The-Sun Road, try heading out to the Hidden Lake Overlook or, for the hardcore hiker, take the out-and-back Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet.

Glacier has over 700 miles of gorgeous trails with tons of options from short day hikes to extended backpacking trips. Join a guided hike and experience this pristine wilderness through the eyes of a local!

Make sure to check the trail status report before heading out and thoroughly read these hiking safety and planning tips. Don’t forget to download/print the trail map!

Image: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/upload/McDonald-Valley-2.pdf

Biking

Biking in Glacier National Park is a real treat. Cover more ground than with a hike and take in the sights and sounds you’d miss if you were driving! These are paved and dirt roads, so if you are looking for mountain biking you’ll want to be sure to make a stop at nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort or one of the many other amazing trails around Whitefish!

You can ride trails right from the main entrances on either side, hop on the shuttle with your bike to a trailhead, or join a guided tour. In Spring, portions of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are open for hiking and biking beyond the vehicle closure. During this “hiker-biker” season, shuttles are typically available to transport riders and their gear from the Apgar Visitor Center in West Glacier to the point where the road is restricted to vehicles. This is a remarkable adventure for any bicycle enthusiast. Catch a glimpse of what to expect in this short video, and learn more about biking safety, regulations, and trails in GNP.

Remember to always check the current road status before you hit the trail.

Horseback Riding

Looking for a fun and quintessential Montana way to explore the backcountry? Take a guided horseback ride with expert wranglers! A variety of trails makes this experience accessible for beginners as well as advanced riders. Added bonus: No need to worry about bears while on this tour! You may still encounter them, but horses are your best defense and your guides are all trained in bear safety.

Glacier Access & Navigation FAQs

Is there ADA Access to popular activities and locations in Glacier?

Glacier National Park is making steady progress in improving accessibility, offering a range of ADA-compliant facilities, trails, and services to ensure visitors of all abilities can experience its natural beauty. Visitor centers like Apgar, Logan Pass, and St. Mary are equipped with accessible restrooms, parking, and paved walkways. Interpretive exhibits are designed to be navigable for wheelchair users, and many ranger-led programs during the summer are ADA-accessible as well. The park also offers a free shuttle system along Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season, with several shuttles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.

When it comes to enjoying the outdoors, Glacier has several scenic stops and short hikes that are ADA-friendly. The Trail of the Cedars near Avalanche Creek is one of the best-known accessible trails in the park—a serene loop with a wide, level boardwalk through an old-growth cedar and hemlock forest. Swiftcurrent Lake in the Many Glacier area offers a mostly level shoreline trail with gorgeous views and wildlife-watching opportunities. At lower elevations, areas around Lake McDonald, including Apgar Village, provide paved paths with lakefront vistas that are accessible and peaceful.

Local Expert Tip: The National Park Service’s Accessibility Guide for Glacier (available online and at visitor centers) offers detailed information about accessible trails, lodging, campgrounds, and services. With thoughtful planning and awareness of seasonal conditions, visitors with disabilities can enjoy a memorable and fulfilling experience in one of America’s most spectacular parks.

Can I Visit Glacier & Yellowstone in One Trip?

Yes—you can visit both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks in a single trip, and many travelers do! These two crown jewels of the American West are roughly 400 miles apart, with some of the most scenic driving in the Rocky Mountain region connecting them. While it's a lot of ground to cover, a weeklong itinerary gives you just enough time to experience the highlights of both parks—especially if you're comfortable with a bit of driving and want to focus on key areas rather than deep exploration.

The best route is typically southbound from Glacier to Yellowstone via U.S. Highway 89 or Interstate 15, depending on your starting point and weather. Renting a car is essential, as public transportation between the parks is limited. The ideal time for this trip is between late June and early October, when all park roads are open and weather conditions are favorable.

Sample 7-Day Glacier–Yellowstone Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Glacier
Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (Kalispell), drive to West Glacier, and settle in. Explore Lake McDonaldor take a sunset walk on the Trail of the Cedars.

Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road & Logan Pass
Spend the day driving Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at key overlooks like Jackson Glacier, Wild Goose Island, and Logan Pass. End the day in St. Mary or East Glacier.

Day 3: Many Glacier or Two Medicine
Choose either area for epic hiking or a scenic boat tour. Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, or Running Eagle Falls are great options depending on fitness and interest.

Day 4: Travel Day – Glacier to Yellowstone (6.5–8 hours)
Drive south through Montana, stopping for breaks in towns like Helena or Bozeman. Overnight in Gardiner, MT or West Yellowstone.

Day 5: Yellowstone – Mammoth & Lamar Valley
Enter through North Entrance, explore Mammoth Hot Springs, and drive into Lamar Valley for premier wildlife watching (especially in early morning or evening).

Day 6: Yellowstone – Old Faithful & Grand Prismatic
Head south through Norris Geyser Basin and Midway Geyser Basin, stopping to see Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. Optional hike to Fairy Falls.

Day 7: Yellowstone – Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Depart
Catch sunrise at Artist Point, then explore Lower Falls and the Yellowstone River Canyon before departing via Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport or heading home by road.

How Can I Visit Glacier from Canada?

Visiting Glacier National Park from Canada is not only possible—it’s a popular and scenic route, especially for travelers from Alberta. The closest major city is Calgary, about 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car from Glacier’s east-side entrances. The most direct border crossing is at Chief Mountain Port of Entry, which connects Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta with Glacier’s Many Glacier area. This crossing is only open seasonally, typically from mid-May through early October, and is one of the most beautiful international border transitions in North America. Alternative crossings include Carway (to Babb, MT) and Roosville (to Whitefish/West Glacier via Highway 93), both of which are open year-round.

Average border crossing times are relatively short—typically under 20 minutes, even during summer—but delays can occur during long weekends or midday on peak travel days. It's best to cross early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid waits. Always check real-time border conditions on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) websites before your trip.

For Canadian citizens, entering the U.S. for tourism generally requires just a valid passport. No visa is needed for stays under 180 days. However, if you're traveling with children, ensure you have a notarized letter of consent if only one parent is present. If you're driving a rental car from Canada into the U.S., confirm with your rental agency that cross-border travel is permitted, and have proper documentation (registration, insurance, etc.) ready.

Local Expert Tip: Some visitors overlook the fact that Glacier and Waterton together make up an International Peace Park, so combining both parks into one trip is highly recommended. Waterton Lakes National Park offers its own stunning scenery and complements Glacier beautifully. Many of our geusts cross into Glacier at Chief Mountain, explore Many Glacier, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and then return to Canada via West Glacier and Roosville, completing a full scenic loop through the Rockies.

What Are Some Common Glacier Navigation & Transportation Mistakes to Avoid?

Glacier National Park covers over 1 million acres with very few roads, and its rugged terrain can be deceptive—so poor planning can cost you precious time. One of the most common mistakes visitors make is underestimating travel timesbetween park regions. For example, driving from West Glacier to Many Glacier can take 2.5 to 3 hours, even though they appear close on a map. Slow speed limits, winding mountain roads, and wildlife crossings all affect timing—so always plan extra buffer into your itinerary. 

Another mistake: assuming you can rely on cell service or GPS. Most of the park has no cell coverage, so be sure to download offline maps and pick up a paper park map at any entrance station or visitor center.

Another major pitfall is not understanding the Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservation system. During peak season (typically late May through early September), entry to key areas like Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork often requires advance reservations, in addition to the park entry fee. 

Local Expert Tip: Many visitors are turned away or delayed because they didn’t secure the right passes. Also, parking at popular trailheads fills by 7 a.m., so if you plan to drive yourself, get an early start or consider using the free park shuttle system, which services major stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. For more of our Going-to-the-Sun tips, see our ultimate guide to Going-to-the-Sun Road. 

Finally, some travelers overlook the importance of filling up on gas and supplies before entering the park. There are no gas stations within Glacier’s boundaries, and amenities are sparse once you're inside. Small towns like West Glacier, St. Mary, and Babb are your best bets for snacks, water, and fuel. Avoiding these common missteps can make the difference between a stressful scramble and a smooth, memorable Glacier adventure.

Travel Responsibly

Now you know the best way to get to Glacier National Park, and you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime! We can’t wait for you to experience this incredible wilderness for yourself.

To keep this pristine land and diverse ecosystem thriving, we all need to do our part to ensure that we don’t negatively impact it. Follow the Leave No Trace principles, some of which include:

• Staying on established trails
• Disposing of waste properly
• Leaving what we find
• Minimizing campfire impacts
• Respecting wildlife
• Being considerate of others

Glacier National Park was established in 1910 on the following principles:

• Provide opportunities to experience, understand, appreciate, and enjoy Glacier National Park consistent with the preservation of resources "in the state of nature"
• Preserve and protect natural and cultural resources unimpaired for future generations
• Celebrate the ongoing peace, friendship, and goodwill among nations, recognizing the need for cooperation in a world of shared resources (1932 International Peace Park Legislation)

And off to the mountains, we go!