Skip to main content

A guide to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Time to read min

      Quick insights

      • Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) consists of a single terminal with a compact layout.
      • Ground transportation options at BZN may include private shuttles, hotel shuttles, rideshare services, taxis and rental cars.
      • TSA wait times typically range from 5 to 15 minutes but may be longer during peak travel times.

      BZN serves as a gateway to the Yellowstone and Gallatin Valley region, with access to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks, as well as the Bridger and Madison mountain ranges. The area is a popular destination for adventure travelers, offering skiing, hiking, fly fishing, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

      Due to the region’s ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, travel peaks during ski season and the summer months. BZN is primarily a domestic airport, and while it has a Customs office, it rarely offers commercial routes to international locations.

      We’ve gathered some information to help streamline your travel, including parking and transportation options, along with tips for clearing security more quickly.

      Navigating to and from BZN Airport

      BZN is located at 850 Gallatin Field Road, Belgrade, MT 59714, about 10 miles from downtown Bozeman. One way to reach downtown from the airport is to travel on I-90 E for roughly 10 miles. The drive typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

      Transportation options include:

      • Rideshare: From the arrivals level, the rideshare zone is located on the left-hand side of the curb in front of the terminal. Individual rideshare apps may include additional information and pickup details.
      • Taxi: The designated waiting area is located outside the arrivals door in the commercial bus parking area.
      • Hotel shuttle: Several nearby hotels operate shuttles to and from BZN. Information about shuttle schedules and availability may be available directly from your hotel.
      • Private shuttle: You may also be able to reserve a ride through local shuttle and limo services, many of which are listed on the BZN websiteOpens overlay.
      • Rental cars: Counters are located inside the terminal, right next to the baggage claim area. Signage directs returning customers to the rental car return area.

      If you’re traveling with bulky equipment such as skis, fishing rods or camping gear, you may want to reserve transportation in advance and communicate the type and size of equipment when booking. The BZN website may include a list of local shuttle services and rental carsOpens overlay.

      Airport parking at BZN

      BZN offers premium and economy parking lots. The lots are not serviced by a shuttle, but they are within walking distance of the terminal.

      Parking options at BZN may include:

      • Premium Lot A: This uncovered lot is the closest to the terminal entrance, located directly across from it.
      • Premium Covered Lot C: This sheltered parking option is located adjacent to the terminal entrance and offers a covered pathway to access the terminal.
      • Economy Lot B: At this lot located to the west side of the main terminal building, you may park at a lower rate than the premium parking options, but it’s a longer walk to the terminal.

      Signage directs visitors to their preferred parking lot. The airport’s website may provide details about each parking lot’s payment optionsOpens overlay.

      Security at Bozeman Airport

      The security checkpoint at BZN is located between the ticketing area and the gate concourse. TSA wait times are generally between 5 and 15 minutes. Wait times may be longer during peak travel periods, such as early mornings, weekends, holidays, ski season and summer. TSA wait times may be trackable in real time through third-party apps.

      It’s generally recommended to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight. When determining your airport arrival time, you may want to consider how long pre-boarding tasks like checking bags or clearing security will take.

      Tips for getting through security faster

      BZN participates in TSA PreCheck®, which is designed to help streamline security screenings. With TSA PreCheck, eligible travelers can use designated lanes at airport security checkpoints and typically don’t need to remove light jackets, shoes or belts during screenings. TSA PreCheck membership lasts for 5 years, potentially making it a good value for frequent travelers.

      There’s no TSA PreCheck enrollment center at BZN, but the airport does occasionally host on-site enrollment events.

      Some credit cards offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck application fees.

      BZN airport map

      A map of BZNOpens overlay is available on the airport website, which may also include amenities, dining and retail locations to help you plan your travel.

      BZN terminal

      BZN consists of a single terminal with a compact layout. The terminal has a ground/main level and a concourse level. The ground level includes:

      • Ticketing and check-in
      • Security checkpoint
      • Baggage claim
      • Arrivals and departures

      The concourse level, accessed post-security, contains all the gate areas. The terminal features a rustic, Montana-inspired design with displays of wildlife mounts and regional art.

      In summary

      BZN is primarily a domestic airport located in Belgrade, Montana, near several national parks and mountain ranges, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Ground transportation options at BZN may include private shuttles, hotel shuttles, rideshare services, taxis and rental cars. If you’re traveling with large equipment like skis, hunting gear and strollers, you may want to consider booking transportation in advance and informing the provider of the equipment’s size.

      The airport offers premium and economy parking options, all within walking distance of the terminal entrance. TSA wait times are usually between 5 to 15 minutes but may be longer during peak travel times. Early mornings, weekends, holidays, ski season and summer tend to be busiest.

      What to read next