Welcome to our guide on how to get to Glacier National Park! This post is all about travel logistics and planning your trip, rather than the activities you can do at the park, which we cover in another article. Our aim here is to help you navigate your way to this stunning location in Northwest Montana.
With Glacier National Park’s vast expanse and unique location, there are numerous options for reaching both the East and West sides of the park. Many visitors gravitate towards the West side due to the abundance of towns and amenities, but this can also make it more costly. If you’re looking to save a bit of money, the East side offers fewer but more affordable options.
Contents:
– Location of Glacier National Park
– Entrances to Glacier National Park
– Hiking between Canada and the US in Glacier National Park
– Canada / US Border Crossings near Glacier NP
– Flying to Glacier National Park
– Getting to Glacier NP by Bus, Train, or Car
– Glacier Shuttle System
– Other Posts You Might Enjoy
Where is Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is located in Northwest Montana, bordering Canada to the north. On the east, it meets the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, while the south borders the Flathead National Forest and Reservation, and the west touches Kootenai National Forest. It’s a sister park to Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, often referred to as a combined park in brochures. It spans multiple areas and towns, many of which are small, unincorporated communities in Flathead and Glacier County.
Glacier National Park Entrances:
West Entrance:
Address: Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier, MT
This is the most popular entrance, leading to the Apgar area equipped with campgrounds, restaurants, stores, and a Visitor Center. Nearby Lake MacDonald offers opportunities for swimming or boating.
How to Get There: Located off US-2E, it’s about 18 miles (22 minutes) from Columbia Falls, MT, or 28 miles (40 minutes) from Whitefish, MT.
Summer Note: Time restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun Road to control traffic.
St. Mary’s Entrance:
Address: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Browning, MT
Located on the eastern side, this entrance also accesses Going-to-the-Sun Road.
How to Get There: Found west of St. Mary’s, turn onto Going-to-the-Sun Road from town.
Summer Note: Time restrictions apply on the road.
Many Glaciers:
Address: Route 3, Browning, MT
This entrance provides access to Many Glacier Lodge, Campground, and several hiking trails. Note that it does not connect by road to other areas of the park.
How to Get There: From Babb, take Route 3 west for about 8 miles.
Note: Timed vehicle entry required.
Two Medicine:
Address: East Glacier, MT
Access the southeastern trails and campgrounds near Two Medicine Lakes.
How to Get There: From East Glacier Park, MT, head north on Route 49 for about 3.5 miles, then take a left onto 2 Medicine Road. The entrance is about 4 miles down the road.
Note: Timed vehicle entry required on certain dates.
Camas Creek Entrance:
Address: Camas Road, Polebridge, MT
The Camas Creek Entrance was a popular “backdoor” into the park, now featuring an official station.
How to Get There: From Columbia Falls, MT, drive 22 miles on North Fork Road. After passing several campgrounds, continue left on N. Fork Road and turn right on Camas Road.
Note: Timed vehicle entry required.
Polebridge Entrance:
Address: 714 Glacier Dr, Polebridge, MT 59928
This entrance sits north of Camas Creek and provides the northern-most access on the west side.
How to Get There: From Columbia Falls, MT, take Route 486 (N Forks Road) north for about 35 miles. Pass the Camas Creek turn-off, enter the town of Polebridge, turn left on Glacier Dr., and cross the river into Glacier NP.
Chief Mountain Way:
This road links the US and Canada and provides some trailheads and parking along the way, although not an “official” entrance.
Hiking Between Canada and the US in Glacier National Park:
You can hike between Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and Glacier National Park in the US. However, as it’s an international border, you must have valid identification.
– To the US: You need a Passport, Enhanced Driver’s License, U.S. Passport Card, or NEXUS Card, and check in with Customs within Goat Haunt between 11:15 am and 5:00 pm.
– To Canada: No Canadian officials at the border but you must check in with Canadian Customs by calling (403) 653-3535 upon arrival at Waterton.
Canada / US Border Crossings outside Glacier NP:
Western Side:
Eureka, MT – 7915 US-93, Eureka, MT 59917. Approximately a 2-hour drive from the West Entrance.
Eastern Side:
Browning, MT – 1395 Chief Mountain Hwy, Browning, MT 59417, within the park borders, best for driving between Waterton and Glacier.
Babb, MT – 1523 US-89, Babb, MT 59411, slightly closer than Browning for some routes.
Flying to Glacier National Park:
Kalispell, MT – Glacier Park International Airport. Closest option about 25 miles (30 minutes) from the park.
Missoula, MT – Missoula International Airport. Better for price and connections, 132 miles (2.5 hours) away.
Great Falls, MT – Great Falls International Airport. Nearest to East Glacier Entrances, 141 miles (2.25 hours) away.
Helena, MT – Helena Regional Airport. Further than Great Falls but an option for the East Entrance, 185 miles (3 hours) away.
Getting to Glacier NP by Bus:
Long-distance or local buses from cities like Missoula or Helena can get close to Glacier National Park. However, connections are often needed, and the train is usually more convenient.
– Bus to Whitefish or Kalispell, then taxi/private car to the park.
– Tickets available on Greyhound.com
Glacier Shuttle System:
Free shuttles operate within the park, stopping at major points including Apgar Visitor Center, Logan Pass, and St. Mary Visitor Center. Check schedules for specific routes.
– Hiker Biker Shuttle: Weekends (May 7 to June 26)
– Express Shuttle: Daily from July 1 through Labor Day
– Full Shuttle Service: West to East (9:00 am – 7:00 pm)
– Reduced Late Season Service: Labor Day – Late September
Getting to Glacier NP by Train:
Amtrak services East Glacier and West Glacier stations, with stunning scenic routes.
– West Glacier Amtrak Station: Basic services, parking available.
– East Glacier Amtrak Station: Larger, with ticketing and storage.
– Whitefish Amtrak Station: Close to the park, with more amenities and lodging options.
Driving to Glacier National Park:
Driving distances from various locations:
– Missoula: 138 miles (2.5 hours)
– Helena: ~200 miles (3-4 hours)
– Butte: ~250 miles (4 – 4.5 hours)
– Bozeman: 300 – 350 miles (5 – 5.5 hours)
– Billings: 375 – 420 miles (6 – 7 hours)
– Spokane: 275 miles (~5 hours)
– Salt Lake City: ~650-700 miles (10-11 hours)
– Denver: Approx. 900-1000 miles (16 -18 hours)
In-depth road trip guides from various locations are coming soon. For any immediate questions or additional details, feel free to reach out via email or in the comments.
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– Montana: Guide to Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS
– Montana: National Park Sites of Montana
– Idaho: Visitor’s Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument
– Multi-State: Best Road Trips from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone
