Where to Fly Into Montana for the Lowest Airfare in 2026

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Montana is one of my favorite states in the US. I’ve flown into Big Sky Country five times—not only to visit family in Big Fork and Bozeman, but also to sneak in time at Glacier and Yellowstone. Whether I’m hiking the Highline Trail or just looking for quiet solitude by a crystal-clear lake, the hardest part of the trip is always the same: getting there without spending a fortune.

Montana is massive—it is the 4th largest state in the US—and choosing the “cheapest” flight can sometimes backfire if it lands you a 6-hour drive from your destination. (For example, flying into Billings when you want to visit Glacier National Park is a rookie mistake I see often!)

After analyzing flight data for 2026 and flying these routes myself, I’ve ranked the 9 most affordable airports in Montana. I’ll also share which airport connects best to your specific adventure…whether that’s skiing in Big Sky or road-tripping the Beartooth Highway.

My 2026 Criteria: How I Ranked These Airports

For 2026, travel to Montana has changed. Crowds are higher, rental cars are scarcer, and “shoulder season” is shrinking. To ensure this list is actually helpful for your upcoming trip, I evaluated every airport based on three specific criteria:

1. The “Total Trip” Cost (Flight + Car)

In Montana, the flight is often cheaper than the rental car. I’ve seen $150 roundtrip flights to Bozeman (BZN) paired with rental cars that cost $1,200 for a week.

• My Standard: I didn’t just look for cheap airfare; I looked for airports where rental car supply is stable enough to keep ground costs reasonable.

2. The “Drive-Time” Reality

Montana is massive. A flight to Billings (BIL) might be $80 cheaper than a flight to Kalispell (FCA), but if your goal is Glacier National Park, that “saving” costs you 5 hours of driving and a tank of gas.

• My Standard: I’ve prioritized airports that get you within a reasonable driving distance (under 2.5 hours) of major attractions like Glacier, Yellowstone, and Flathead Lake.

3. Reliability & Seasonality

Some of the cheapest routes to Montana are seasonal (summer only) or prone to winter weather cancellations.

• My Standard: I’ve flagged which airports are reliable year-round hubs versus those that are better suited for flexible summer travelers.

So which airports should you use in 2026? Before you book a deal, check this table of travel times. Montana is bigger than it looks on a map!

If you are visiting…	Fly Into…	Avg. Drive Time	Pro Tip
Yellowstone (West/North)	Bozeman (BZN)	1 hr 45 min	Most flight options, but pricey rentals.
Yellowstone (Northeast)	Billings (BIL)	2 hrs 45 min	Drive the stunning Beartooth Hwy entry.
Glacier Nat’l Park (West)	Kalispell (FCA)	40 mins	Closest option; usually more expensive.
Glacier Nat’l Park (West)	Missoula (MSO)	2.5 hrs	Cheaper alternative to Kalispell.
Glacier Nat’l Park (East)	Great Falls (GTF)	2.5 hrs	Best for avoiding crowds on the East side.
Big Sky Resort	Bozeman (BZN)	1 hr	Shuttle services are available here.
Flathead Lake / Big Fork	Kalispell (FCA)	35 mins	My personal favorite for family trips.

My Tip to Find Cheap Flights to Montana

Looking for cheap flights to Montana? For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2025, I saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $167 roundtrip fare from Boston to Bozeman.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re looking to travel internationally in the next year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON25 to save 25%!

Now without further ado, here are the best Montana flights in 2026.

Cheapest Places to Fly to in Montana in 2026

Ready to start your adventure on the right foot? Below are the cheapest flights to Montana from cities across the US and around the world.

1. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)

• 🏠 Location: Just 2 miles northwest of downtown Billings
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Montana’s largest airport with strong airline competition
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, Frontier, Alaska Airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book midweek flights into Billings during shoulder seasons to score deals under $200 roundtrip

Billings is often one of the cheapest airports to fly into in Montana, especially from major hubs like Denver, Phoenix, or Chicago. Roundtrip fares commonly range from $180 to $260, with the best savings in April and late October when tourism dips but the weather stays mild.

BIL is just minutes from downtown, so you can skip the long drives and start exploring right away. Local highlights include the Yellowstone Art Museum, Moss Mansion, and Pictograph Cave State Park. If you’re road-tripping, Billings Airport also makes a smart base for visiting Red Lodge or driving the iconic Beartooth Highway toward Yellowstone.

BIL sits on a sandstone bluff overlooking the city, giving it one of the most scenic airport approaches in the U.S. Window seat travelers get a free aerial view of Big Sky Country as they land.

• Read next: Best Budget Airlines

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2. Great Falls International Airport (GTF)

• 🏠 Location: About 5 miles southwest of downtown Great Falls
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Underrated entry point with fewer crowds and strong regional flight deals
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Allegiant Air, Delta, Frontier
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for weekend promos from Allegiant or book in early summer for cheaper fares and small-town events

Flights into Great Falls International Airport often range from $190 to $270 roundtrip, especially from cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Minneapolis. The cheapest rates show up in late May or early June, when wildflowers start blooming and crowds are still light. Booking early can also score rental car deals, making it easier to explore more of Montana on a budget.

Great Falls is small but packed with history and outdoor access. Don’t miss the C.M. Russell Museum or the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The River’s Edge Trail runs along the Missouri River and is perfect for hiking or biking with scenic waterfall views. You’re also within three hours of Glacier National Park, making GTF a great option for budget-minded adventurers headed north.

Great Falls International is one of the few airports in Montana with its own business park and U.S. Customs office, which keeps operations efficient and helps attract more flights. It’s a win for travelers looking for affordable, convenient entry into the state.

• Read next: Must-See Spots in Glacier National Park

3. Missoula International Airport (MSO)

• 🏠 Location: About 6 miles northwest of downtown Missoula
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Steady student and tourism traffic keeps fares competitive year-round
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Allegiant Air, Alaska Airlines, Frontier
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly in during late September or early April when fares dip and trails are quieter but still gorgeous

Missoula International Airport consistently ranks among the cheapest airports to fly into in Montana, with roundtrip flights often between $180 and $250. Routes from West Coast cities like Oakland, Portland, or L.A. offer the best rates, especially during the shoulder seasons when the city is still buzzing but not overloaded with tourists.

Once you land, you’re 15 minutes from downtown’s riverfront district, home to museums, bookstores, breweries, and local shops. Nature lovers will want to explore Rattlesnake National Recreation Area just north of the city or kayak along the Clark Fork River. The surrounding mountains are full of scenic drives and trailheads, so you won’t need to go far to find adventure.

Missoula International is currently expanding its new terminal with a focus on faster check-ins and bigger waiting areas. That means smoother airport experiences for travelers and less stress during peak travel months.

4. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

• 🏠 Location: About 10 miles northwest of downtown Bozeman
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: High volume of seasonal routes and consistent demand from park-goers
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Spirit, Alaska Airlines, Southwest
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book in shoulder months like April or early November when fares drop and park traffic is lower

Bozeman Yellowstone International is a smart pick for travelers headed to both outdoor escapes and small-town charm. Roundtrip flights usually range from $190 to $280, especially from cities like Denver, Chicago, or San Francisco. Spirit often has the lowest base fares, but booking early and bringing only a carry-on can save even more.

The airport connects you with some of Montana’s best scenery in under two hours. Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Resort, and the Gallatin River are all nearby, while downtown Bozeman has breweries, art galleries, and a laid-back mountain vibe. Travelers often use BZN as a flexible base to explore both nature and culture without long drives or flight headaches.

BZN is the only airport in Montana with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on site, which allows for occasional international flights. That gives you more flight options and smoother travel if you’re connecting through Canada or abroad.

• Read next: Beautiful Montana Cabins
• You may also like: Must-See Places in Montana

5. Helena Regional Airport (HLN)

• 🏠 Location: About 3 miles northeast of downtown Helena
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Low traffic and regional funding help keep fares stable
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Delta, Alaska Airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book 4 to 6 weeks in advance and fly midweek for the best savings

Travelers flying into Helena often get a quiet, affordable alternative to Montana’s busier hubs. Roundtrip flights usually range from $200 to $280, especially from cities like Seattle, Salt Lake City, or Denver. Timing your trip for May or October can lead to lower fares and more availability on flights and lodging.

The Helena Regional Airport is only a 10-minute drive from downtown, where you’ll find gold rush history, walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to hiking trails like Mount Helena Ridge. For road-trippers, the city’s central location makes it easy to reach Boulder, Great Divide Ski Area, or Gates of the Mountains without long drives or crowded highways.

HLN is known for its speedy security lines and compact layout, often getting travelers from curb to gate in under 20 minutes. That quick turnaround is perfect for short trips or early morning flights.

6. Bert Mooney Airport (BTM)

• 🏠 Location: About 3 miles southeast of downtown Butte
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Low-traffic regional airport with minimal competition
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Delta, Alaska Airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Butte as a starting point for a southwest Montana road trip to save on rental car drop fees

Bert Mooney Airport is one of the most budget-friendly entry points for exploring southwest Montana. Roundtrip flights typically land between $210 and $290 from Salt Lake City and Denver. Prices tend to be lowest in late spring and early fall when the tourist flow is lighter and accommodations are easier to book.

Flying into Butte places you near some of Montana’s most scenic and historic spots. The city itself offers a unique mining history, with highlights like the World Museum of Mining and the Berkeley Pit overlook. From here, you can head to Philipsburg, explore Anaconda’s mountain trails, or take the Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway for unbeatable views.

Bert Mooney Airport is named after a pioneering airmail pilot who flew over the Rockies in the 1930s. Today, the airport’s small size means faster security checks and less terminal stress for modern travelers.

Regional/Commuter Airports in Montana

Listings 7-9 are regional and commuter airports, which typically require a connection through Billings on a small prop plane.

7. Glasgow Airport (GGW)

• 🏠 Location: About 1 mile north of downtown Glasgow
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Remote location and federally subsidized air service
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Cape Air
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book a roundtrip to Glasgow and rent a car to explore eastern Montana without dealing with crowded routes

Glasgow Airport is a solid option for travelers who want to explore Montana’s wide-open plains without the price tag of bigger airports. Flights often run between $210 and $270 roundtrip from regional hubs like Billings or Wolf Point. Prices stay steady year-round thanks to Essential Air Service protections, but early fall tends to have the best weather and smallest crowds.

The town is small with easy access to natural treasures. The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking, wildlife photography, and peaceful views of Fort Peck Lake. If you’re chasing solitude or stargazing, this corner of Montana delivers. It’s also a great area for fishing trips or scenic road travel with little traffic and big skies.

GGW averages fewer than 10 commercial flights per week, which means no long lines and fast boarding. Currently, you’ll only find intra-Montana flights from this airport.

8. Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport (SDY)

• 🏠 Location: About 3 miles west of downtown Sidney
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Minimal air traffic and low operating costs keep fares reasonable
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Cape Air
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Plan your trip in winter or early spring for the lowest fares and more seat options

Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport is a hidden gem for budget travelers looking to experience Montana’s quiet side. Roundtrip fares typically fall between $210 and $275, especially on short regional routes. Because of its small size and Essential Air Service support, flights maintain consistent pricing regardless of the season.

From SDY, you’re just a few minutes from downtown Sidney and within reach of eastern Montana’s lesser-known highlights. Take a walk along the Yellowstone River, stop by the MonDak Heritage Center, or drive out to Fort Union Trading Post and Makoshika State Park for history and badland views. With little traffic and easy parking, SDY works well for relaxed weekend getaways.

SDY uses a simplified boarding process with no security checkpoints for most flights, which speeds up your travel time and makes the airport ideal for short, efficient trips.

9. Glendive Dawson Community Airport (GDV)

• 🏠 Location: About 5 miles northwest of downtown Glendive
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Remote regional airport with subsidized commercial service
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Cape Air
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly into Glendive and use it as a quiet, low-cost base to explore eastern Montana by car

Glendive Airport is often overlooked, which helps keep flights affordable for travelers who value space and solitude. Roundtrip fares generally run between $220 and $280 from regional cities like Billings or Sidney. Booking early in the week or during winter months can unlock even cheaper rates and more seat availability.

Landing at GDV puts you close to Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park and a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils, hiking trails, and surreal badlands. The nearby Yellowstone River offers fishing, paddling, and peaceful scenic drives. Glendive is also a good jumping-off point for quiet trips into North Dakota or the Fort Union Trading Post area.

Fun fact: GDV is part of the Essential Air Service program, which guarantees regular flight service and prevents fare spikes. That reliability benefits travelers who want small-airport prices without sacrificing schedule consistency.