top of page

How much does it cost to get into Yellowstone? What to Know About Entrance Fees and Passes for Yellowstone National Park

Updated: 5 hours ago


Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park is exciting, but one important aspect to consider is the entrance fees and how to navigate the park once you're inside. Whether you’re entering through the North Entrance near Gardiner or other gates, it's crucial to know the costs involved. Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle is here to make your visit easier by offering a convenient, eco-friendly option for exploring Yellowstone, though it’s important to understand that shuttle and taxi rides are an additional cost unless you have a shuttle pass.

Here’s everything you need to know about Yellowstone’s entrance fees, passes, and how transportation works with Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle.


yellowstone shuttle

1. Yellowstone Entrance Fees

Yellowstone National Park charges an entrance fee to access its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and geothermal features. Here are the main options for purchasing park passes:

  • Private Vehicle (7-Day Pass): $35This pass is valid for seven consecutive days and covers all passengers in a single vehicle.

  • Motorcycle (7-Day Pass): $30For those touring Yellowstone on a motorcycle, this pass is valid for seven consecutive days for the rider and passenger.

  • Individual (7-Day Pass): $20For those exploring by foot, bicycle, or public transport, this pass is for one person and is valid for seven consecutive days.

  • Annual Pass: $70If you plan to visit Yellowstone multiple times in a year, the annual pass gives you unlimited access for one year from the date of purchase.

  • America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass: $80This pass grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including Yellowstone, and is perfect for those planning to visit several parks in a year.

2. Shuttle and Taxi Costs in Yellowstone


When planning your visit to Yellowstone, it’s important to note that shuttle and taxi rides are an additional cost. Both taxis and shuttles typically charge around $20 per person for each leg of the journey within the park. This cost is separate from the park’s entrance fees. However, if you have an Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle Pass, transportation costs are included, allowing you to travel more affordably throughout the park without worrying about extra fees.

For those exploring Yellowstone by taxi or shuttle, these costs can add up quickly, especially if you're traveling between several major attractions. The shuttle is an excellent option to reduce the hassle of driving, parking, and the ongoing costs of taxi rides. Consider purchasing a shuttle pass to simplify your travel within the park.


3. Special Passes for Seniors and Others

Yellowstone offers a few passes designed to provide benefits for special groups:

  • Senior Pass (Lifetime or Annual): $80 (Lifetime), $20 (Annual)For U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older, this pass offers free entry to national parks and federal recreational lands.

  • Access Pass (Free):U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities can get a free Access Pass, which grants free entry to national parks and federal lands.

  • Military Pass (Free):U.S. military personnel and their dependents can enter national parks for free with this pass.


    yellowstone group travel

4. Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle and Your Entrance Fee

While your entrance fees cover park access, taxi and shuttle rides are additional. Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle offers a comfortable and eco-friendly way to explore Yellowstone, but please note that shuttle fares are $20 per person, unless you have a shuttle pass. This is a separate cost from the park’s entrance fees.

The shuttle is a great option for avoiding the hassle of parking and navigating Yellowstone’s busy roads. However, if you’re using Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle for transport, be prepared for this additional charge unless you have already purchased a pass for the shuttle.

Tip: If you plan to use the shuttle frequently throughout the park, purchasing a shuttle pass can save you money on transportation fees.

5. When to Purchase Your Park Pass and Shuttle Tickets

You can buy park passes online ahead of time or at any entrance station upon arrival. To save time and avoid long lines, it’s a good idea to buy your Yellowstone entrance pass online in advance.

For the shuttle, tickets can be purchased directly through Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle. Be sure to check availability in advance, especially during peak seasons, as shuttle seats can fill up quickly.

6. Benefits of Using Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle

Choosing Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle not only helps you reduce your carbon footprint, but it also makes navigating Yellowstone much easier. With convenient stops at major attractions like Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the North Entrance, the shuttle is an excellent way to see the park without the stress of driving and parking.

However, remember that the cost of shuttle rides is separate from park entrance fees. The $20 per person fare applies unless you have a shuttle pass, so be sure to factor that into your travel budget.

yellowstone bears

7. Additional Tips for Your Yellowstone Trip

  • Avoid Parking Hassles: Yellowstone can get crowded, especially in peak season. By using Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle, you can skip the hassle of finding parking at popular spots like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs.

  • Eco-Friendly Travel: Not only will you avoid parking problems, but using the shuttle also supports eco-friendly travel, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and helping preserve Yellowstone's natural beauty.

  • Plan Ahead: During busy times, transportation options like taxis and shuttles can fill up fast. To ensure you have a seat and avoid waiting, book your shuttle rides early through Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle.

8. Final Thoughts

Yellowstone National Park is a true natural wonder, and understanding entrance fees and transportation options will help you get the most out of your visit. While entrance fees are required to access the park, taxi and shuttle rides cost $20 per person unless you have a shuttle pass. To make your experience easier, consider using Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle for a more relaxing, environmentally friendly way to explore the park, with the added convenience of avoiding driving and parking.

By planning ahead and understanding the costs associated with both entrance fees and shuttle rides, you can focus on enjoying the beauty and wildlife of Yellowstone without stress.

For more information on Yellowstone entrance fees, passes, and shuttle services, visit Old Faithful & Friends Shuttle.

Safe travels, and we’ll see you on the shuttle!

Comments


OLD FAITHFUL AND FRIENDS

bottom of page