Car Rental Bozeman Airport (BZN)

Once you’ve collected your rental car at Bozeman Airport, the city is just over 15km away on Interstate 90 (I-90). This is one of the main routes running east/west through Montana, entering the state at the North Dakota border and continuing all the way to Idaho.

This route also offers an easy access to other Montana cities such as Billings, around 220km east, and Missoula, 325km northwest. Great Falls is around 300km north on US 287 and I-15 - following this route will also lead you to the state capital, Helena. Other major routes include US 191, which leads to Big Sky Ski Resort, and US 86 to Bridger Bowl.

Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance at Gardiner is around 140km south of the airport on I-90 and US 89. The West Entrance it’s a similar distance via US 191. Be warned, the West Entrance closes during the winter, so check your route before setting off.

The roads around Bozeman and the airport are not generally busy with traffic but if you’re visiting during the summer you might have a long wait to get into Yellowstone National Park.

Montana is one of just a few states to have an 80mph (128km/h) speed limit, which applies on rural Interstates. On urban freeways, speed limits are usually 65mph (104km/h), unless otherwise signposted.

Plenty of Montana’s star attractions are an easy drive from Bozeman Airport, but make sure you don’t leave the city without sampling all its sights. Rent a car to fit in all the best bits of Big Sky Country during your stay.

On the slopes

It’s just a short drive from the airport to two of Montana’s best ski resorts. Big Sky Resort has a total of 5,800 skiable acres across four mountains, with trails to suit all abilities. Its signature peak, Lone Mountain, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Yellowstone National Park.

Lodging options range from basic hotels to luxury cabins, and if you’re visiting during the summer there’s mountain biking, hiking and zip-lining on offer.

North of Bozeman is Bridger Bowl Ski Area, a 2,000-acre site located on the eastern slope of the Bridger Mountain range. There are trails for all levels across both the North and South Bowl, while advanced skiers can head for the Ridge, which involves an additional 20-minute hike from the top of the lift-serviced area.

City highlights

Bozeman is one of the biggest cities in Montana, but it has plenty of small-town charm, along with some outstanding cultural attractions.

Don’t miss the Museum of the Rockies, which houses a hugely impressive collection of dinosaur fossils discovered in and around Montana. Highlights include local icon Big Al - one of the most complete Allosaurus fossils ever discovered.

As well as its diverse selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, Main Street is also home to local stores selling everything from jewellery to handmade crafts, so it’s well worth a visit if you want to browse for special souvenirs.

National treasure

Yellowstone National Park is not just one of the biggest attractions in Montana –it’s also one of the most famous in the US. With car rental from Bozeman Airport, the bucket-list site is easy to reach.

To see the famous geyser known as Old Faithful and the magnificent Yellowstone Lake, head for its West Entrance. This visitor-friendly area has been boosted to include a variety of dining and shopping attractions – there’s even an IMAX cinema. Once you’re in the park, Geyser Country awaits with Grand Prismatic Spring’s bubbling multi-coloured waters – no wonder it’s one of the park’s most photographed landmarks.

The North Entrance takes you towards Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley, sometimes known as America’s Serengeti, and home to a vast array of wildlife ranging from wolves and bears, to bison and bald eagles. Check your route in advance, because many routes in and around the park are subject to seasonal closures.