How much does it cost to get into Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park, one of the most iconic natural reserves in the world, attracts millions of visitors each year, offering unparalleled views of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Whether you're visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, understanding the cost of entry is important to plan your trip. The fees contribute directly to maintaining the park and its facilities, ensuring that Yellowstone remains pristine for future generations. Below is a detailed breakdown of the entrance fees for Yellowstone National Park.

Entrance Fees (as of 2025)

The entrance fee depends on the type of vehicle or method of entry. Each pass is valid for 7 consecutive days and includes access to the entire park.

1. Private Vehicle – $35

This is the most common type of entry. If you're driving a car, SUV, or RV, the flat rate of $35 covers everyone inside the vehicle for one week.

2. Motorcycle – $30

Motorcycles are charged slightly less. The fee covers one or two people riding together.

3. Individual (Walk-In, Bicycle, Non-Motorized Travel) – $20

Visitors entering by foot, bicycle, or skiing (common in winter) are charged $20 per person.

4. Commercial Vehicles

Fees vary depending on vehicle capacity:

◉ Sedan (1–6 passengers): $25 + $20 per person

◉ Van (7–15 passengers): $125

◉ Mini-bus (16–25 passengers): $200

◉ Motorcoach (26+ passengers): $300

Annual and Interagency Passes

If you're planning to visit multiple national parks or make several visits to Yellowstone, an annual pass might be a better option.

1. Yellowstone Annual Pass – $70

This pass grants unlimited access to Yellowstone National Park for one year from the month of purchase. It covers the pass holder and anyone traveling in their private vehicle.

2. America the Beautiful Pass – $80

This is the best deal for national park lovers. It covers entrance to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all U.S. national parks, for one year. It’s valid for:

◉ The pass holder and three adults (16+) in the same vehicle

◉ Children under 16 are admitted free

3. Discounted Passes

◉ Senior Annual Pass (62+): $20/year or $80/lifetime

◉ Military Pass: Free for active-duty military and veterans

◉ 4th Grade Pass: Free for U.S. 4th graders (through the Every Kid Outdoors program)

◉ Access Pass: Free for U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities

Additional Costs to Consider

While the entrance fee grants access to the park, there are other potential costs depending on your itinerary:

1. Camping Fees

◉ Front-country campsites: $20–$40 per night

◉ Backcountry permits: $5–$15 per night plus a $10–$25 reservation fee

2. Lodging

Staying in a park lodge or cabin can range from $100 to over $500 per night, depending on the location and season.

3. Guided Tours

Wildlife safaris, photography tours, snowcoach trips, and geyser basin walks are popular and cost between $50 and $300 per person.

4. Food and Supplies

While some general stores and restaurants are located inside the park, prices are typically higher than outside. Pack smart or budget accordingly.

Free Entry Days

Yellowstone offers free entrance on select days each year, including:

◉ Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January)

◉ First Day of National Park Week (April)

◉ Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary (August)

◉ National Public Lands Day (September)

◉ Veterans Day (November)

Keep in mind that while entrance is free on these days, other fees (like camping or tours) still apply.

Where to Purchase Passes

Entrance passes can be purchased at any of Yellowstone’s five entrance stations: North Entrance (Gardiner, MT), Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT), East Entrance (Cody, WY), South Entrance (Jackson, WY), and West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT). Passes are also available online through the National Park Service website, allowing visitors to plan ahead and avoid potential lines at the entrance stations.

Why the Fees Matter

The entrance fees to Yellowstone are crucial for maintaining the park’s infrastructure, including roads, trails, visitor centers, and campgrounds. Funds also go toward protecting Yellowstone’s wildlife and natural resources, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the park's wonders. About 80% of the revenue from fees is retained within the park, supporting its conservation efforts and improving visitor experiences.

Conclusion

The cost of entry to Yellowstone National Park varies depending on how you arrive and your status as a senior, military member, or frequent visitor. While the standard vehicle pass costs $35 for a week, options like the "America the Beautiful" pass offer access to all U.S. national parks for a full year. Planning ahead with the right pass ensures you can fully enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone without worrying about entry fees during your adventure.