Summer will be here before we know it, and for many travelers, that means planning trips to America’s magnificent national parks. As someone who’s explored over 30 national parks and spent eight years as a travel blogger, I’ve learned that choosing the right airport can save you hundreds on your adventure.

The challenge? Finding affordable flights that don’t eat up your vacation budget. In this guide, I’m highlighting ten economical airports that provide convenient access to stunning national parks.

By flying into these airports, you’ll have more money to spend on experiences that matter, whether that’s guided hikes, wildlife tours, or extending your stay in these natural wonders. Here’s my lineup of the top airports that get you close to nature in 2025!

• ✈️ Pro tip: Want alerts on cheap national park flights straight to your inbox? Sign up for Going here – a membership-based service that finds huge discounts, mistake fares, and points and miles deals. Their free service works great for the mainland US and the premium service finds deals abroad for up to 90% off!

1. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) 

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $150–$250 roundtrip
• 🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Zion (4.5 hrs), Bryce Canyon (4 hrs), Arches (3.5 hrs), Canyonlands (4 hrs), Capitol Reef (3.5 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Delta, Southwest, Alaska

Salt Lake City International has earned its spot as the go-to airport for national park lovers. It’s a major Delta hub with steady competition from Southwest and Alaska, which keeps fares affordable…even in peak summer.

What makes SLC such a standout is its access to all five of Utah’s Mighty Five. You can fly in, rent a car, and create an epic park-hopping road trip loop – without needing multiple airports. Here’s my ultimate Utah National Parks road trip guide!

The airport recently underwent a $4.5 billion renovation, making it faster and smoother to navigate, with upgraded rental car facilities. Going often finds roundtrip deals for under $200 — especially for Tuesday or Wednesday departures.

If you’re looking for a single airport that unlocks a whole region of otherworldly landscapes, SLC is the clear winner.

2. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $120–$220 roundtrip 
•  🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Zion (2.5 hrs), Bryce Canyon (4 hrs), Death Valley (2 hrs), Grand Canyon North Rim (4.5 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Spirit, Frontier, Southwest, Delta

Las Vegas might be known for casinos and pool parties, but it’s also one of the cheapest and most strategic airports for national park lovers. You can fly in for under $200 and be hiking Zion’s Narrows or stargazing in Death Valley the same day.

LAS is a major hub for budget airlines, so competition keeps fares low—especially in summer. The airport’s 24/7 vibe means flexible flight times and tons of rental car options. It’s the ideal starting point for a desert road trip that hits multiple parks without wasting time (or money).

If you fly midweek and set fare alerts with the Going app, you’ll often find jaw-dropping roundtrip prices to Vegas. Add in low-cost car rentals and hotels, and you’ve got one of the best-value park trips in the country.

3. Denver International Airport (DEN)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $140–$230 roundtrip
• 🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Rocky Mountain (1.5 hrs), Great Sand Dunes (4 hrs), Black Canyon of the Gunnison (5 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: United, Southwest, Frontier
  

Denver International is one of the best-connected airports in the U.S., and that’s great news for national park lovers. Not only is it just 90 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, but it’s also your launchpad to Colorado’s underrated gems like Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon.

DEN’s hub status for Frontier and United keeps fares low – especially in summer when the volume of flights spikes. Frontier’s flash sales and United’s competitive pricing mean you can often snag roundtrip deals for under $200 with a bit of flexibility.

The airport’s location right off major interstates makes road-tripping super efficient. If you’re booking through Going, you’ll often find great deals to Denver.

4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $130–$220 roundtrip
  🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Grand Canyon South Rim (3.5 hrs), Petrified Forest (3.5 hrs), Saguaro (2 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: American, Southwest, Frontier
  

Phoenix is a sunny launchpad to some of the Southwest’s most iconic parks. With three major national parks within driving distance—plus dozens of scenic desert hikes and my favorite US destination, Sedona—you’ll get both value and variety.

Thanks to its status as an American Airlines hub and steady Southwest service, PHX is packed with flight options. Prices usually dip for early morning or red-eye flights, especially if you fly Tuesday through Thursday. It’s one of the best airports for flying in, renting a car, and heading straight to the Grand Canyon or Saguaro’s towering cacti.

With Going, you’ll regularly find sub-$200 roundtrips – sometimes even less if you catch a flash fare. Add in Phoenix’s cheap car rentals and wide-open roads, and you’ve got one of the best-value park trips in the West.

5. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $160–$250 roundtrip
• 🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Yellowstone (1.5 hrs), Grand Teton (4.5 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Delta, Alaska, United, Southwest
  

Bozeman is the closest major airport to Yellowstone – and one of the most scenic landings you’ll ever experience. It’s small but mighty, with a growing number of routes and carriers offering competitive fares, especially in early summer.

Flying into BZN saves hours of driving compared to other airports, giving you more time to explore Yellowstone’s geysers and Grand Teton’s alpine lakes. While it’s not a budget airline hub, Going frequently finds sub-$250 fares from major U.S. cities, especially if you avoid peak weekends.

Bonus: Bozeman itself is a charming mountain town worth a day or two. With easy car rentals and a straight shot into Yellowstone, this is a smart move for anyone wanting to dive right into national park territory.

6. Glacier Park International Airport (FCA – Kalispell, Montana)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $170–$260 roundtrip
• 🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Glacier National Park (40 mins)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Alaska, Delta, United, American

Flying into Kalispell drops you right at the doorstep of Glacier National Park…no long drives, no layovers through major hubs. It’s the closest airport to the park and a no-brainer if you want to spend more time hiking alpine trails and less time on highways.

While FCA is a smaller regional airport, deals pop up more than you’d expect. Going frequently surfaces roundtrip fares under $250 from cities like Denver, Seattle, or L.A., especially in early summer before crowds surge.

Car rentals are available on-site, and within an hour of landing, you can be driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road or spotting grizzlies near Lake McDonald. For direct access to one of the most jaw-dropping parks in the country, Kalispell is worth every penny.

7. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $375–$400 roundtrip
  🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Kenai Fjords (2.5 hrs), Denali (4 hrs), Wrangell–St. Elias (5 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Alaska, Delta, United
  

If you’ve been dreaming of glaciers, wildlife, and vast untamed landscapes, Anchorage is your gateway. It’s the best base for accessing three massive national parks, including Denali, home to North America’s tallest peak.

Alaska Airlines runs nonstop flights from dozens of cities in the lower 48, and Going frequently finds summer fares in the $200s – a steal for a bucket-list adventure. Fly in, rent a car or hop a train, and you’re on your way to glacier cruises, bear sightings, and alpine hikes.

ANC is especially great for travelers wanting something off the beaten path. It offers surprisingly good infrastructure, easy rentals, and unforgettable road trip routes. If you want wild beauty without paying luxury prices, Anchorage delivers.

8. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $140–$230 roundtrip
• 🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Mount Rainier (2 hrs), Olympic (2.5 hrs), North Cascades (2.5 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Alaska, Delta, Southwest
  

Seattle is a jackpot for national park lovers – you can hit three parks within a few hours of landing. Whether you want snowcapped peaks, lush rainforests, or rugged coastlines, SEA gives you easy access to it all.

Thanks to fierce airline competition and Seattle’s hub status with Alaska and Delta, fares stay relatively low year-round. I’ve often found fares under $200 from most major U.S. cities. Add in flexible dates or shoulder season travel, and you’ll unlock some serious value.

The airport connects seamlessly to the city via light rail, and rental cars are easy to snag for a quick escape to the mountains. Some of my absolute favorite spots in the Pacific Northwest are within 3-4 hours of the airport. If you’re looking for variety, accessibility, and savings in one trip, Seattle is a no-brainer.

9. Portland International Airport (PDX)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $140–$220 roundtrip
• 🏞️ National Parks Nearby: Crater Lake (4.5 hrs), Mount Rainier (2.5 hrs), Olympic (3.5 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Alaska, Southwest, Delta
  

Portland is one of the most affordable West Coast airports. It’s also a great launchpad for nature-packed adventures! You can pair your trip with a city stay, then road trip down to Crater Lake, one of the most surreal (and photogenic) parks in the country.

PDX is a hub for Alaska Airlines, which means frequent sales and direct routes from across the U.S. Going often finds deals under $200 roundtrip, especially for midweek departures. It’s a solid pick if you want national park beauty plus a cool foodie city to kick things off.

Bonus: Oregon’s scenic byways and forested roads make the journey just as rewarding as the destination. For flexibility, affordability, and killer views, Portland has it all.

10. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: <$250 roundtrip
• 🏞️ National Parks Nearby: White Sands (3.5 hrs), Carlsbad Caverns (4.5 hrs), Petrified Forest (3 hrs)
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Southwest, American, Delta
  

Albuquerque might just be the most underrated airport on this list. Flights are consistently cheap, and it gives you access to some of the most unique national parks in the American Southwest—think otherworldly dunes, underground caverns, and ancient fossilized forests.

Southwest dominates ABQ with tons of nonstop routes, and Going regularly highlights sub-$200 fares from cities coast to coast. It’s especially budget-friendly if you’re flying from the West or Midwest.

The wide-open roads of New Mexico make for an unforgettable road trip. Rent a car and you’ll be exploring alien-like landscapes and vibrant desert towns within hours. For travelers seeking something different and deeply scenic, ABQ is a sleeper pick!