How Long Does It Take to Drive to Yellowstone?
Quick Answer
4–30 hours depending on the starting city. Salt Lake City is the closest major metro at about 5 hours, while East Coast cities require 30+ hours of driving.
Typical Duration
4 hours30 hours
Quick Answer
Driving to Yellowstone National Park takes 4–30+ hours depending on where you start. The park has five entrances, and choosing the right one can save significant time. The West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, and the South Entrance from Grand Teton National Park are the most popular.
Drive Times from Major US Cities
| Departure City | Distance (miles) | Drive Time | Best Entrance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | 320 | 4h 45m–5h 15m | West Entrance |
| Bozeman, MT | 90 | 1h 30m–2h | West or North Entrance |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 110 | 1h 45m–2h | West Entrance |
| Jackson, WY | 60 | 1h–1h 15m | South Entrance |
| Billings, MT | 170 | 2h 45m–3h 15m | Northeast Entrance |
| Denver, CO | 560 | 8h–8h 30m | South Entrance |
| Seattle, WA | 830 | 12h–13h | West Entrance |
| Portland, OR | 830 | 12h–13h | West Entrance |
| Phoenix, AZ | 980 | 14h–15h | South Entrance |
| San Francisco, CA | 990 | 14h–15h | West Entrance |
| Los Angeles, CA | 1,070 | 15h–16h | West Entrance |
| Minneapolis, MN | 1,020 | 14h 30m–15h 30m | Northeast Entrance |
| Dallas, TX | 1,550 | 21h–22h | South Entrance |
| Chicago, IL | 1,450 | 20h–21h | Northeast Entrance |
| New York, NY | 2,250 | 32h–34h | Northeast Entrance |
| Atlanta, GA | 2,000 | 28h–30h | South Entrance |
Yellowstone Entrance Options
| Entrance | Location | Nearest City | Open Year-Round? |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Gardiner, MT | Bozeman, MT (90 mi) | Yes |
| Northeast | Cooke City, MT | Billings, MT (170 mi) | Partial (Beartooth Hwy seasonal) |
| East | Cody, WY | Cody, WY (53 mi) | Seasonal (May–Nov) |
| South | Grand Teton NP | Jackson, WY (60 mi) | Seasonal (May–Nov) |
| West | West Yellowstone, MT | Idaho Falls, ID (110 mi) | Seasonal (Apr–Nov) |
Recommended Road Trip Routes
From Denver (Most Popular)
- Route: I-25 N to I-80 W to US-191 N through Grand Teton
- Distance: 560 miles
- Time: 8–8.5 hours
- Highlights: Pass through Laramie, Rock Springs, and Jackson Hole
From Salt Lake City (Shortest Major Metro)
- Route: I-15 N to US-20 E to West Yellowstone
- Distance: 320 miles
- Time: 4.75–5.25 hours
- Highlights: Idaho Falls makes a good midway stop
From Seattle (Pacific Northwest)
- Route: I-90 E to I-15 S to West Yellowstone
- Distance: 830 miles
- Time: 12–13 hours (recommend splitting over 2 days)
- Highlights: Missoula and Butte for overnight stops
Factors That Affect Drive Time
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Season | Winter closures limit access to North Entrance only; summer traffic adds 30–60 minutes |
| Entrance lines | Peak season (July–August) entrance waits can exceed 30 minutes |
| Construction | Seasonal road projects are common; check NPS.gov for alerts |
| Wildlife jams | Bison and bear sightings cause unpredictable traffic stops |
| Weather | Mountain passes can add 1–2 hours in rain or snow |
Tips for the Drive
- Fill up before entering the park – Gas stations inside Yellowstone are limited and more expensive.
- Arrive early – Entering before 9 AM significantly reduces entrance gate wait times.
- Check road conditions – Visit the NPS Yellowstone road status page before departure, especially in spring and fall.
- Consider two-day drives – For distances over 10 hours, splitting the drive makes for a safer, more enjoyable trip.
Key Takeaway
Salt Lake City, Bozeman, and Jackson are the closest major starting points at 1–5 hours away. From most other US cities, plan for a full-day or multi-day road trip to reach Yellowstone.