Glacier National Park Itinerary: Best Airports & Stays
Planning your Glacier National Park Itinerary? Whether you're flying in, looking for the best places to stay, or mapping out your adventure, we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down the most convenient airports, top lodging options and campgrounds, and a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. Plus, we’ll walk you through the vehicle reservation system, so you’re prepared for park entry and can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes, scenic drives, and unforgettable outdoor experiences that Glacier has to offer.
Airports Near Glacier National Park
The airport you fly into can set the tone when planning your trip to Glacier National Park. There are several airports near Glacier National Park, and the best one depends on which part of the park you want to explore. The west side is the most popular, with more amenities and easier access, while the east side offers a quieter, more rugged experience. Some airports near Glacier National Park are closer, while others may have better flight availability or a more scenic drive. No matter what you’re looking for, this list will help you find the best option for your trip.
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✈️ Glacier Park Int'l (FCA)
- Closest airport, just 30 miles from the West Entrance.
- Offers rental cars & shuttle services for easy park access.
✈️ Spokane Int'l (GEG)
- Located 4.5 hours from Glacier, but has more flight availability.
- Great for combining your trip with other Northwest destinations.
✈️ Missoula Montana (MSO)
- About 3 hours (140 miles) from Glacier with a scenic drive via Flathead Lake.
✈️ Great Falls Int'l (GTF)
- Best for direct access to Glacier's East Entrance.
- Less crowded with a scenic drive along the Rocky Mountain Front.
✈️ Bozeman Yellowstone (BZN)
- Longer drive (5 hours to Glacier), but often has cheaper flights.
- Ideal if visiting both Glacier & Yellowstone.
Our family did not all fly together at the start of our vacation to Glacier. My husband drove our camper from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Missoula with one of our children. They dubbed it their “Lewis and Clark” trip, having had an unforgettable journey stopping at campground pools and fast food for days. Meanwhile, the rest of us flew into Missoula. This was not quite as historical of an experience going out west as what my husband and child experienced, but arguably much more enjoyable for me and the two younger kids.
The drive from Missoula to Glacier is about 140 miles and takes roughly three hours, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. We found Missoula airport offered the best combination of timing and pricing, making the drive a delightful start to our adventure.
Planning Your Glacier National Park Itinerary: Vehicle Reservations & Access Tips
Visiting Glacier National Park requires some advance planning, especially if you want to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. Since the Glacier reservation system was introduced, many travelers worry about securing access. However, with a little preparation, you can still enjoy all the park has to offer—even if you don’t get a reservation.
Understanding the Glacier Vehicle Reservation System
Reservations Are Required For:
The West side of Going-to-the-Sun Road
North Fork
Alternative Ways to Enter Without a Reservation:
Use the St. Mary’s entrance on the east side
Enter outside reservation hours (before 7 am or after 3 pm)
Booking a Tour Is a Great Backup Plan:
The Red Bus Tours and other guided options let you experience Going-to-the-Sun Road stress-free
No need to drive yourself, so you can fully enjoy the scenery
Many visitors build this into their Glacier itinerary to guarantee access
When & How to Secure a Reservation:
Reservations open 120 days in advance at 8 am Mountain Time
Additional passes are released the day before at 7 pm Mountain Time
Peak season (July & August) sells out fast—log in early to book your spot!
When Does Going-to-the-Sun Road Open?
The road is typically closed until late June or early July due to heavy snowfall
Crews work hard to clear the route, and you can check online for updates
Many families with older kids (16+ years) plan their trips around this to bike Going-to-the-Sun Road before cars are allowed—this is definitely on my bucket list!
If you're mapping out your Glacier NP itinerary, don't stress too much about reservations. There are plenty of ways to experience the park, from entering through different access points to booking a scenic tour. The key is planning ahead and having backup options in place—so no matter what, you'll be able to take in the incredible beauty of Glacier!
Glacier National Park Itinerary: 4 Days of Hiking & Exploration
| Day | Event | Activities & Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the West Side |
|
| Day 2 | Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road |
|
| Day 3 | Explore the East Side |
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| Day 4 | See More of the East side |
|
Where to Stay When Visiting Glacier National Park
When visiting Glacier National Park, choosing the right place to stay is key to making the most of your trip. The best advice? Stay as close to the park as possible to avoid long drives and maximize your time exploring. A well-planned National Park itinerary includes convenient accommodations, whether you prefer campgrounds, lodges, or nearby hotels. From rustic camping to cozy lodges, here’s what you need to know about staying inside and near Glacier.
Where to Stay in Glacier National Park
🏕 Camping in Glacier
Apgar, Many Glacier & St. Mary Campgrounds
Price: $30 per night (Non-electric sites)
Booking Tip: Reservations open 6 months in advance at 8 AM MT. We booked simultaneously to increase our chances.
🏕 Why Apgar? Close to Lake McDonald, great for exploring the west side.
🏕 Why Many Glacier? Located near the best hiking trails and Swiftcurrent Lake.
🏕 Why St. Mary? Largest front-country campground in Glacier, close to St. Mary Lake and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Be the first on the trails—camping means you’re already near the best hikes.
- Stay right in the heart of Glacier’s wilderness, away from crowds.
- More affordable than lodges and hotels, making it a budget-friendly option.
🐻 Bear Safety Tip: Always store food in bear lockers or a hard-sided vehicle.
🏡 Lodging Near & Inside Glacier
Top Places to Stay Near the West Entrance
Price: Ranges from $200 to over $600 per night.
🏠 The Ridge at Glacier – 8 miles from the West Entrance, luxury cabin rentals, clean & affordable.
🏠 Apgar Village Lodge – Rustic cabins inside the park, great for access to Lake McDonald.
Why Apgar Village Lodge? Stay right on the shores of Lake McDonald, offering easy access to scenic hikes and water activities.
- Closest lodge to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Perfect for families who want to be in the park.
🏠 Many Glacier Hotel
Why Many Glacier Hotel? Iconic, historic hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake with breathtaking views and access to top hiking trails.
- Located on Swiftcurrent Lake, offering stunning mountain views.
- Prime location for hiking Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Ptarmigan Tunnel.
- Frequent wildlife sightings, including moose and bears.
Family-Friendly Scenic Float Tour for Your Glacier National Park Vacation
Glacier National Park offers plenty of family-friendly activities, and one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the area is through a scenic float tour on the Flathead River. A half-day float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River provides a relaxing and effortless way to experience the area’s stunning landscapes. Perfect for families with young children, this tour allows you to sit back and unwind as you drift along the river, surrounded by mountain views. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s rich history and have the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. It’s an easy, peaceful way to enjoy Glacier’s natural wonders without the effort of a strenuous hike. Whether you're planning a day of adventure or a more relaxed pace, a float tour is a great addition to your Glacier National Park visit and the perfect way to experience the boundary of the park from a different perspective.
Creating the Perfect Glacier National Park Memories
Our family loved the adventure we had in Glacier, and as I often say, my heart belongs to that park. Although I wish I had tips while planning a Glacier National Park trip, I'll never forget driving Going-to-the-Sun Road with the kids, hearing their reactions, and watching them explore the world freely. Planning this trip was more challenging than booking an Airbnb in Florida, but the memories we made and the values we instilled in our children about loving and exploring the world and nature were worth it all. Looking back, every challenge in planning was just part of creating an unforgettable Glacier National Park itinerary filled with adventure, discovery, and lasting memories.
At 18 Summers Atlas, we’re passionate about sharing this knowledge so everyone can experience trips like this. While it felt like a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip, we will certainly be going back to Glacier and we hope you do too!
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