rama

Planning a trip for summer 2013. Four adults and three kids. We have first two nights reserved at old faithful inn and two nights at canyon lodge. What is the best airport to fly into? Will spend four days in yellowstone and three in the grand tetons. Any advice?

emalloy

Jackson WY would probably be the most convenient, but you might want to check Bozeman and Billings too. Look at fares from your starting point and the cost of car rentals in each place before you decide if money matters to you and how long it takes to get to the parks if time is a concern.

if you put Yellowstone in the search box at the top, you can find many trip reports which may tell what others did.

Myer

I used Jackson and it was very convenient. However, that was in 2010 and many things have changed flight-wise.

joethebear

We flew into Jackson Hole and it went well but been quite a while back. Straight down landing.....

gail

When we researched aur several years ago Jackson, Bozeman, Billings were all abut the same cost - and selected Jackson as most convenient.

We found from East Coast US flights into SLC were significantly less costly, but we chose not to make that drive - as after flying, renting car, etc it would have consumed the better part of a full day at either end of the trip.

You did not ask - but are you planning on putting everyone into a 7-passenger mini-van? Even though they are advertised as 7 passenger, that is very cramped traveling - and space for luggage would likely be inadequate.

Tomsd

If you do wind up flying into Bozeman - the drive over Beartooth hiway into Yellowstone is just stunning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beartooth_Highway

Tomsd

Actually - you leave more from Billings, but I started in Bozeman, drove over to Billings and then south - up and over into Yellowstone. Just georgeous and I have driven ALL over the Western US, and it's about as scenic as it gets.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Be...ighway_map.svg

Connie

The drive straight down from Bozeman is pretty too through Gallatin Canyon and by Big Sky Ski area. Also, a MUCH quicker drive. That will take you in through West Yellowstone (town) and then it isn't too far down to Old Faithful.

Driving outside the park is much quicker than having to drive further through the park to get to your hotel.

1JAR

Rental car drop off fees in this part of US are very significant, presuming you can find a rental car co that will allow drop off...the number of rental car co. and vehicles (vans & SUVs) are limited too.

Best to start & end your trip from same airport location to reduce fees. Nail down the airport and start reserving rental cars soon. Check rates often as they fluctuate.

Cody is not mentioned as an airport option and should be. Yellowstone East entrance is about a quick hour from Cody.

Cute small western town with "shoot em up" every night in summer on main street, great Buffalo Bill Museum and a WalMart Super store convienent on way out of town to stock up on breakfast, lunches (has a Subway in the store),ice chests and fishing licenses/gear as well as bear spray, sun tan lotion, bug spray and all the rest of stuff you can't bring on a plane.

Americinn hotel (ck AAA discounts)is a nice place to stay with wild west, stuffed critters motiff and nice rooms with indoor pool and good continental breakfast (has boiled eggs). Bubba's BBQ is best salad bar & BBQ we have found next door. (Amazing Race had a cotume event att eh Irma Hotel one season)

spirobulldog

Rental drop fees are not always that high. Most of the time yes, but not always. Check and see. You might want to drive the Beartooth HWY, so Billings might make good sense. Also, if you can I would stick with you 4 nights at Yellowstone, but is there a possibility of adding 1 night to Grand Tetons as well.

emalloy

If you do decide to do a drive through instead of a loop, check both directions to see if the drop off fee is less one way than the other. Sometimes the rental car companies need cars moved from one location to another and you can avoid a fee.

rama

Thanks everyone..i will start looking into all this. We will be renting two cars so may parents don't go crazy with my kids ages 12 and under.

StantonHyde

Here is the link to my trip report on kids in Yellowstone:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ellowstone.cfm

dshamritsky

If you are going to Yellowstone and then Grand Teton then fly out of Jackson. It would be a round trip and and only 2-3 hours from there to Yellowstone. If you guys like rustic living than stay in the Colter Bay Cabins. If you like the nice life pay the extra money and stay at Jackson Lodge. One of the best views from a lodge that I have ever seen. Hope this helps