Overview

Glacier National Park is a popular tourist destination for those in Montana. Located about 80 miles northwest of Bozeman, Montana, the park can be reached by car in approximately two hours. The drive takes visitors through beautiful scenery and a number of small towns and landmarks. In this article, we will talk about the specific routes you can take to get from Bozeman to Glacier National Park and explore the best options to suit your needs.

How Far Is Bozeman From Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a popular destination for many tourists, located in the state of Montana in the United States. The park is approximately 225 miles away from Bozeman and can be reached by car in roughly four hours, depending on traffic and driving conditions. From Bozeman, it’s a straight shot west on I-90 until you reach Missoula, where you’ll take Highway 93 and follow it all the way up to the west end of Glacier National Park.

A number of scenic routes offer opportunities to explore small towns and national forests along the route, so plan accordingly to make stops if you’d like to take advantage of these attractions. For example, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area – located along I-90 near St Regis – may be worth a visit if you’re looking for outdoor activities or just want to enjoy some panoramic mountain views.

This route also passes through Kalispell where travelers can find restaurants, shops and attractions before continuing up Highway 93 which is both beautiful and peaceful as it winds alongside Flathead Lake before reaching West Glacier.

Best Routes To Take

When you’re driving from Bozeman to Glacier National Park, you have several options. Depending on your timeframe and preferences, different routes may be more suitable.

One great way to reach the park is by taking Highway 89 North towards Livingston and then turning onto US 2. This route follows a rural highway through beautiful Montana countryside, passing picturesque farms, ranches, and small towns. Once you reach West Glacier, you can turn east onto Going-to-the-Sun Road for an unparalleled view of the mountains as you pass through the park on your way east.

Alternatively, you can drive up Interstate 15 towards Great Falls and then follow US 91 north along the Rockies until it intersects with Highway 93 just south of Whitefish. From there, take Highway 2 West which will lead directly into West Glacier where Going-to-the-Sun Road begins (which could also be accessed via US 2 East direct from Livingston.) This route cuts off a significant chunk of miles in comparison to Route 1 but still passes through some stunning landscapes and gives travelers access to great rest stops along I-15 & US 91.

If time allows for it, motorists should also consider taking US 287 out of Bozeman because it gives travelers a chance to explore some cool side attractions like Chico Hot Springs along the way before merging onto Montana 287 East near Augusta which intersects with MT 200 North near Hungry Horse Reservoir (about 30 minutes from the park).

No matter what route is chosen, these roads provide easy access to all points within Glacier National Park as well as other places of interest around Western Montana if time permits for a detour. However one chooses to get there – getting from Bozeman center to Glacier National Park takes drivers into some stunning Montana mountain landscape no matter what option they choose!

Driving Directions

Glacier National Park is an incredible destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to explore the beauty of Montana. If you are coming from Bozeman, the quickest route to get there is by car. This article will provide step-by-step directions for a road trip from Bozeman to Glacier National Park. The total driving time from Bozeman to Glacier National Park is just over 3 hours, so it is easily doable in a day. The route will take you along some of the most scenic roads in Montana.

Here are the steps to take on your road trip from Bozeman to Glacier National Park:

• Head north on US-191 N toward Four Corners.
• Take MT-2 W to MT-83 N in Lincoln.
• Continue on MT-83 N to MT-49 E in Hungry Horse.
• Take US-2 W to MT-40 N in Essex.
• Continue on MT-40 N to US-89 N in West Glacier.
• Take US-89 N to the West Glacier entrance of Glacier National Park.

Route 1: Bozeman To West Glacier

For those looking to make a road trip out of their journey to Glacier National Park, the routes below offer scenic drives with plenty of attractions along the way. The first route takes travelers from Bozeman, Montana all the way up to West Glacier in Northern Montana.

Starting from Bozeman, take Interstate 90 West toward Missoula. Along this stretch of highway, travelers can marvel at views of rolling hills that transition into reddish-brown mountains as you get closer to your destination. You will pass through small towns like Hamilton and Darby before eventually arriving in Missoula.

Once you arrive in Missoula, take Highway 93 North across Flathead River and follow it all the way up to Kalispell. This part of the drive is stunning as visitors will find themselves surrounded by gorgeous mountain ranges and enjoy views of rivers and creeks downstream. As you make your way up Highway 93, be sure to stop at sights like Swan Valley Viewpoint and Bigfork for some amazing photo opportunities!

Once you’re in Kalispell, get onto Highway 2 East until you arrive in West Glacier entrance Station where your journey comes to an end! Note that if you’re planning on visiting different parts of Glacier National Park during your trip, please review alternative routes described below so as not miss any important sights along the way.

Route 2: Bozeman To St. Mary

Taking Route 2, or U.S. Highway 89, to get from Bozeman to St. Mary is a great way to experience the beauty of Southwest Montana while staying relatively close to the town of Bozeman. This route will take you through towns such as Big Timber, Livingston, and White Sulphur Springs as you head north towards Glacier National Park. As you drive past some of Montana’s most impressive mountains and lakes along this route, keep an eye out for stunning wildflowers like purple lupine and western bluebells dotted along the roadside in springtime.

From Bozeman, take I-90 West for 12 miles before merging onto U.S. Highway 89 North via Exit 313 towards Big Timber and Livingston for about 93 miles until you reach St. Mary. If you include stops along the way for sightseeing and exploring, it’ll take just over two hours driving time from Bozeman to reach St Mary on this scenic Route 2 trip through Southwest Montana’s Rocky Mountains!

Route 3: Bozeman To East Glacier

Route 3 is the most scenic, albeit longest, route to take when traveling from Bozeman to East Glacier National Park. The 115-mile drive follows US-89 North and MT-200 East, over Logan’s Pass and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Along the way you will experience stunning scenery that includes alpine meadows, mountain ridges and sweeping views of mountain peaks. This route typically takes approximately 3 hours to complete, so it’s important to plan accordingly with snacks, beverages and rest stops in mind.

This route begins by heading north from Bozeman on US-89 for about 30 miles until you reach Augusta where you will turn east on MT-200 towards Choteau. This stretch of highway is full of incredible landscapes featuring expansive views of the Rocky Mountains ahead as well as local wildlife consisting of herds of bison and elk that are often seen grazing along the roadside.

Continuing along MT-200 east for roughly 95 miles leads you directly into East Glacier Park Village where the entrance to Glacier National Park is located. Once inside you will catch sight of an expansive valley full of huge glaciers and snowcap mountain peaks that can only be described as breathtakingly beautiful. Animal migrations are also often seen in this area; bighorn sheep frequent this part of Montana especially in the late summer months so remember to keep your camera ready! After passing through Logan’s Pass at an elevation just over 6,000 feet above sea level this drive is complete! Be prepared to spend some time in awe at many great sights throughout your journey from Bozeman to East Glacier National Park while taking this route!

Other Transportation Options

Bozeman is about 130 miles from Glacier National Park and getting there can sometimes be a daunting task. There are a few options for getting there other than by car, and it’s worth exploring all of your options when planning your trip. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly route, there are several ways to get to Glacier National Park via public transportation, rideshare, and even by bicycle.

Let’s look at all of these options:

• Public transportation
• Rideshare
• Bicycle

Bus

Taking a bus is the most inexpensive option for getting from Bozeman to Glacier National Park. Running twice daily, the service is offered by Delta County Transit System and operates seven days a week year round, with the winter schedule being slightly less frequent.

Passengers can board the bus at the Passenger Terminal located on North 7th Avenue in Bozeman or on Blanding Street at Veterans Park in Kalispell. The route consists of three segments: Kalispell-West Glacier (1 hour 10 minutes), West Glacier- Essex (1 hour 40 minutes), and Essex-Glacier National Park’s Apgar Visitor Center (10 minutes). Passengers must disembark at designated stops along the way and switch buses between segments of their journey; transit tickets must be purchased separately for each segment.

The cost of a ticket varies depending on which segment(s) are traveled, with one way fares ranging from $12 to $18 USD per person with no additional fees for luggage or pets. Adequate parking facilities are provided at both boarding locations and onboard services include restrooms, audio/visual entertainment, complimentary Wi-Fi and bike racks for those wanting to explore Glacier National Park further upon arrival.

Train

Traveling by train can offer a unique experience not found with other transportation options – notably, stunning views of the Montana wildlife and landscapes. There is currently no direct rail transportation from Bozeman to Glacier National Park; however, Amtrak does provide service from Bozeman to Whitefish, located roughly 70 miles west of Glacier National Park. From Whitefish, catch a shuttle or rent a car for the remaining distance.

Some tips for those wishing to travel by train:

• Book early for best rates.
• Avoid peak travel times like holidays and weekends.
• Be aware that some meals might be provided but snacks should also be brought.
• Remember that physical disabilities may require special arrangements.
• Check routes and departure times beforehand.
• Plan accommodation near the station if necessary.

Tips and Advice

Taking a trip to Glacier National Park from Bozeman can be a great way to experience nature in all its beauty and grandeur. Bozeman is conveniently located close to the National Park, making it a great starting point for your adventure. With the right tips and advice, you can make the most of your journey and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

In this article, we will discuss the different ways to get from Bozeman to Glacier National Park, the best time to visit, and some important advice for making the most of your trip:

Prepare For the Drive

To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, it is important to adequately prepare for the drive when planning a trip from Bozeman to Glacier National Park. When heading into the backcountry, here are some essential tips to help keep you safe:

• Schedule ahead of time and make sure you start your drive with enough daylight ahead of you – plan trips at least four hours prior to sunset in order to reduce the risk of having to drive after dark.
• Check weather forecasts and road conditions prior to leaving. Weather in Montana can change quickly, so having an updated check on the conditions will better prepare you for unexpected circumstances.
• Plan breaks every few miles – for long stretches, frequent stops will help guard against fatigue and keep your mind sharp as you traverse through unknown terrain. Taking advantage of scenic overlooks and rest stops along your route will provide great photo opportunities as well!
• Pack accordingly by bringing extra food, water, clothing layers, essential supplies and safety items such as a first aid kit – these items are especially important if you’re traveling during the winter months.
• Always let someone know where you’re going so that if something does go wrong, there’s somebody who can check up on you or alert authorities.

Check Road Conditions In Advance

It is important to check the road conditions for Bozeman to Glacier National Park before you plan your trip. The roads can be subject to change due to the weather and other seasonal factors, so checking the condition of the roads ahead of time is strongly advised.

You can check road conditions on the Montana Department of Transportation website which provides detailed information on roadway closures or construction taking place along the route. Additionally, AskUs Montana is a toll-free phone service staffed by employees who can offer additional advice on what routes might be best for your journey. It also pays to keep up with weather forecasts while on road trips in Montana, since low visibility and snowy conditions can complicate driving significantly.

Bring Snacks and Water

Bring healthy and filling snacks. When you’re spending a lot of time in the car, eating out for each meal can quickly add up. Make sure to pack some non-perishable food items such as granola bars, nuts, and whole-grain crackers to snack on during your drive. Bringing a refillable water bottle or several individual bottles is a good idea too.

Glacier National Park has many gorgeous vistas, which are best enjoyed with a cold glass of water so you can stay hydrated while exploring the park.