What you pay to enter Yellowstone and how long your pass lasts

Yellowstone charges an entrance fee that varies depending on how you arrive and what type of pass you buy. A private vehicle pass costs $35 and is valid for seven consecutive days. A motorcycle pass costs $30 for seven days. An individual pass (for someone entering on foot or bicycle) costs $20 and also covers seven days. These prices are set by the National Park Service and have remained the same since 2018, though they can change without notice.

Your pass covers entry to Yellowstone National Park itself, which spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The pass does not cover lodging, camping, activities, or services inside the park — only the entrance fee. You can enter and exit the park as many times as you want during your seven-day window without paying again, as long as you keep your pass visible on your vehicle or with you.

If you plan to visit multiple national parks or return to Yellowstone more than once a year, an America the Beautiful Annual Pass might save you money. This pass costs $80 and covers entrance to all U.S. national parks, national monuments, and most federal recreation areas for one full year from the month you purchase it. It covers the pass holder and up to three additional adults in a single vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • A seven-day vehicle pass to Yellowstone costs $35; motorcycle passes cost $30 and individual passes cost $20.
  • Your pass is valid for seven consecutive calendar days from the date of purchase, not seven days of actual visits.
  • An America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and covers all national parks for one year, which is cheaper than buying multiple seven-day passes.
  • Entrance fees do not cover camping, lodging, or activities — they cover only the right to drive or walk into the park.
  • You can enter and exit Yellowstone as many times as you want during your seven-day window without buying another pass.

Where to buy your pass and when to do it

You can buy a Yellowstone entrance pass at any of the five park entrances: North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana), Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana), East Entrance (Cody, Wyoming), South Entrance (Jackson, Wyoming), and West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana). Staff at each entrance station accept cash and all major credit cards. Lines at entrances can be long during peak season (June through August), especially in mid-morning and early afternoon.

If you want to avoid entrance lines, you can purchase an America the Beautiful Annual Pass online through the National Park Service website before you arrive. You cannot buy a seven-day Yellowstone-only pass online — you must buy it at an entrance station. Some visitors buy the annual pass online, print it, and use it when ready at the park.

Entrance stations are typically open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during summer months, with shorter hours in spring and fall. In winter, some entrances close entirely or operate on limited schedules. Check the official Yellowstone website for current hours before you travel, especially if you are visiting outside summer.

Senior, military, and disability discounts

The National Park Service offers reduced-price passes for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 62 or older. A senior pass costs $80 and is valid for life — you pay once and use it forever at all national parks. You must show proof of age and residency (a driver's license works) at the time of purchase.

Active-duty military members and veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs receive free entrance to all national parks. You must show a military ID or VA disability letter at the entrance station. Family members do not receive free entrance — only the pass holder.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a disability can purchase a lifetime America the Beautiful Pass for $80, the same price as a senior pass. You will need to provide documentation of your disability from a federal agency (such as the Social Security Administration or Veterans Affairs) or a state agency that issues disability benefits.

What happens if you lose or damage your pass

If you lose your seven-day vehicle pass, you must buy a new one at an entrance station. There is no replacement or refund process — the park does not issue duplicate passes or track which vehicle a pass belongs to. Keep your pass visible on your dashboard or windshield so you do not lose it.

If you buy an America the Beautiful Annual Pass and lose it, you can purchase a replacement at any national park entrance for $20. You will need to provide the original receipt or proof of purchase. If you bought the pass online, bring your confirmation email or order number.

Passes are non-transferable. If you buy a pass in your name and then sell or give your vehicle to someone else, the new owner must buy their own pass. The park does not check names against vehicles, but using someone else's pass is considered pass fraud.

Camping and lodging costs are separate from entrance fees

Your entrance pass covers only the right to drive into the park. Camping, hotel rooms, and other services inside Yellowstone cost extra and are managed by different vendors. Campground fees range from about $15 to $32 per night depending on the campground and season. Hotel rooms inside the park range from about $100 to $400 per night depending on the lodge and season.

You must reserve camping and lodging in advance through the official Yellowstone reservations system or through Xanterra Parks and Resorts, the concessionaire that operates most lodging inside the park. Reservations open months in advance and fill quickly during summer. If you cannot find lodging inside the park, towns near the entrances (West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Cody, Jackson) have private hotels and campgrounds.

Activities like guided tours, backcountry permits, and fishing licenses also cost extra. A backcountry permit is free but must be reserved in advance. A three-day fishing permit costs $18 for non-residents and $15 for Wyoming residents.

Peak season timing and entrance wait times

Yellowstone is busiest from June through August, when entrance lines can stretch for hours during midday. The park does not limit daily visitors, so on busy days you may wait 30 minutes to two hours to enter, depending on the entrance and time of day. Early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) typically have shorter waits.

May and September are shoulder seasons with moderate crowds and shorter entrance lines. April and October have fewer visitors but some roads and facilities may be closed due to weather or maintenance. November through March is winter, when the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance stay open year-round, but the East, South, and West Entrances close seasonally.

If you are visiting during peak season and want to avoid entrance lines, consider staying in the park or arriving very early in the morning. Some visitors buy their pass the day before and enter early the next morning to skip the midday rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my pass at other national parks?

A seven-day Yellowstone pass works only at Yellowstone. An America the Beautiful Annual Pass works at all U.S. national parks, national monuments, national seashores, and most federal recreation areas. If you plan to visit multiple parks in one year, the annual pass usually costs less than buying separate seven-day passes.

What if I arrive after the entrance station closes?

If you arrive after hours, you can enter the park without a pass and must buy one the next morning at an entrance station. The park does not charge a late-entry fee. However, if a ranger stops you before you reach an entrance station, you may be cited for entering without a valid pass.

Do I need a pass if I am just driving through without stopping?

Yes. Any vehicle that enters Yellowstone National Park boundaries must have a valid pass, even if you are only driving through to reach another destination. The pass is required at the point of entry, not based on how long you stay or what you do inside the park.

Can I buy a pass for just one day instead of seven?

No. The National Park Service does not sell one-day or three-day passes for Yellowstone. Your options are a seven-day pass, an annual pass, or a senior/disability lifetime pass. If you are visiting for only one day, you still pay for the full seven-day pass.

What if I have an old America the Beautiful Pass from a previous year?

Annual passes expire one year from the month you purchase them. An expired pass is not valid. You must buy a new annual pass or a seven-day pass to enter. The park does not extend or renew expired passes.