If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, you'll want to understand the fee structure before you arrive. While the initial costs might seem steep, there's likely a pass or payment option that fits your specific situation. From single-day visits to annual memberships, and from private vehicles to commercial groups, the park's pricing tiers accommodate various travel styles and budgets. You'll find several ways to reduce your entry costs through discounts, special programs, and strategic timing of your visit. Let's break down your options to guarantee you're making the most cost-effective choice for your Yellowstone excursion.
Key Takeaways
- Private vehicles pay $35 for a 7-day pass covering all passengers, while individual entry for walking/biking costs $20 per person.
- Commercial vehicle fees range from $25 for sedans to $300 for motor coaches, with a valid pass lasting one week.
- Annual passes include the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) and Yellowstone-specific pass ($70), both covering vehicle occupants.
- Seniors can purchase lifetime passes for $80 or annual passes for $20, while military members receive free annual passes.
- Free entry is available on six designated days annually, and fourth graders, military families, and disabled individuals qualify for free passes.
Vehicle Entry Fees
Several vehicle entry options are available for visiting Yellowstone National Park, with passes valid for 7 days of exploration.
You'll pay $35 for a single private vehicle, which covers all passengers. If you're arriving by motorcycle or snowmobile, the fee is $30. Non-commercial vehicles carrying up to 15 people also pay $35.
For commercial vehicles, the fees vary based on vehicle size and capacity.
Sedans seating 1-6 passengers cost $25 plus $20 per person. Vans with 7-15 passengers have a flat rate of $125. Minibuses carrying 16-25 passengers pay $200, while motor coaches with 26 or more passengers are charged $300.
You won't need reservations to enter the park, and your commercial pass remains valid for a week with the same passenger group.
Individual and Family Passes
When visiting Yellowstone on foot, bike, or ski, you'll pay $20 per person for a 7-day pass, though children under 16 enter free. If you're entering with your family, each member aged 16 and older needs their own pass, unless you qualify for special benefits.
Several groups can access the park at no cost. If you're a fourth grader, you and your family get free admission. Military members and their dependents receive free annual passes, while Gold Star families can enter with a special voucher.
If you have a permanent disability, you're eligible for a free lifetime Access Pass. Academic fee waivers are available for educational groups, and if you've volunteered 250 hours, you'll receive a free Volunteer Pass.
Remember to display your pass, whether digital or physical, throughout your visit.
Annual Pass Benefits
Visitors looking into annual passes have two main options: the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 or the Yellowstone-specific pass for $70.
While the Yellowstone pass only grants access to one park, the America the Beautiful Pass provides broader coverage across all federal recreation sites nationwide.
With the America the Beautiful Pass, you'll get access for yourself and all passengers in your vehicle at any national park. You'll also receive discounts on expanded amenity fees, and children under 16 won't incur additional charges.
At sites charging per-person fees, the pass covers you and three adults.
Both passes are valid for one year from the purchase month and must be presented with ID.
You can buy them at park entrance stations, while the America the Beautiful Pass is also available online with additional shipping fees.
Senior and Military Options
The National Park Service provides specialized passes for seniors and military members, making Yellowstone access more affordable and accessible.
If you're 62 or older, you can get a Senior Pass for $80 (lifetime) or $20 (annual), which covers entrance fees and provides camping discounts.
For active military members and dependents, you'll receive a free annual pass (with a $10 processing fee if ordered online).
You'll need to show your CAC or DD Form 1173 to qualify. Veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for free lifetime passes, requiring verification through a DD Form 2, VHIC, or state-issued ID with veteran designation.
All these passes include entrance fees at Yellowstone and other federal recreation lands, plus standard amenity fees.
They'll cover you and your passengers when traveling in a private vehicle.
Commercial Group Rates
Commercial groups planning Yellowstone tours have specific rate structures based on vehicle size and passenger capacity.
If you're operating a commercial sedan with 1-6 seats, you'll pay a $25 base fee plus $20 per person. For commercial vans seating 7-15 passengers, there's a flat $125 fee regardless of occupancy.
Mini buses with 16-25 seats require a $200 flat fee, while motor coaches seating 26 or more passengers cost $300.
All commercial group rates cover a seven-day period for the same passenger group and include entry into Yellowstone National Park.
You'll need to guarantee your vehicle is part of a guided tour or has the necessary permits, and you must comply with current regulations and health guidelines when operating commercial vehicles in the park.
Educational Access Programs
Through a diverse range of educational initiatives, Yellowstone National Park connects students and young people with unique learning encounters.
You'll find programs like Expedition Yellowstone for grades 4-8, focusing on geology and wildlife, while the Youth Conservation Corps engages teens in hands-on conservation work.
The park's Distance Learning program brings Yellowstone directly to classrooms nationwide.
If you're concerned about costs, scholarships are available, particularly for Title I and American Indian schools.
The park partners with organizations like Park Journeys to make educational trips more accessible.
Programs emphasize STEM education while incorporating art, history, and cultural aspects.
You'll uncover that these initiatives align with education standards in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, ensuring your students receive curriculum-relevant opportunities while developing environmental stewardship skills.
Camping and Backcountry Permits
Maneuvering Yellowstone's camping and backcountry permit system requires understanding several key fees and regulations.
You'll need to pay $3 per person per night for backpacking or boating, while stock parties pay $5 per person nightly. An Annual Backcountry Pass costs $25 and is valid from Memorial Day through September 10th.
For developed campsites, you'll find rates between $20-$40 per night, with over 2,150 sites available. You must make reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 866-GEYSERLAND.
If you're heading into the backcountry, you'll need to pick up your permit in person within 48 hours of your trip start. Group sizes vary from 4-12 people per site, and you're required to use provided food storage poles or bear boxes to secure scented items.
Digital Pass Information
Yellowstone's digital pass system provides visitors a convenient way to purchase and manage their park entrance passes online. You can buy digital passes through Recreation.gov or YourPassNow with no additional fees, and they're available for immediate use after purchase.
Key digital pass options include:
- Annual Pass ($70) – valid for one year
- Seven-day Private Vehicle Pass ($35)
- Individual Pass ($20)
Once purchased, you'll receive your pass via email, which you can store on your phone or print for later use. Since cell service is limited within the park, it's recommended to download or print your pass beforehand.
Remember that all passes are non-transferable and must be available for display throughout your visit. While digital passes offer convenience, they're non-refundable and can't be replaced if lost.
Free Entry Days
The National Park Service provides six free entry days throughout the year when you can visit Yellowstone without paying admission fees. These dates include Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday (January 15), the first day of National Park Week (April 20), Juneteenth (June 19), Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary (August 4), National Public Lands Day (September 28), and Veterans Day (November 11).
While entrance fees are waived on these dates, you'll still need to pay for amenities like camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.
It's essential to acknowledge that free admission doesn't extend to adjacent parks, such as Grand Teton National Park.
If you're planning multiple visits, consider the $80 America the Beautiful Pass, which gives you year-round access to Yellowstone and over 2,000 other federal recreation areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Entrance Fees Be Split Among Multiple Credit Cards at Park Gates?
While you might wish to divide your park entrance fee among multiple cards, there's no clear policy supporting split payments at park gates.
You'll want to have a single payment method ready for your transaction. Though you can pay with cash, credit, or debit cards, it's best to decide on one payment source before reaching the entrance station to avoid delays and guarantee a smooth entry process.
What Happens if You Lose Your Annual Pass Inside the Park?
If you lose your annual pass while inside the park, you'll need to purchase a new one – there are no replacements for lost passes.
You can't re-enter using receipts, pictures, or proof of previous purchase. Even if you're already inside, you'll need a valid pass for any re-entry.
To minimize this risk, it's best to keep a digital copy saved on your device as a backup.
Are Pets Included in Vehicle Entry Fees or Counted Separately?
Just like passengers in your car, your furry friends won't cost you extra at the entrance gate.
You won't need to pay additional fees for pets when they're accompanying you in your vehicle – they're included in your $35 vehicle entry fee.
However, if you're planning to stay in park cabins with your pets, you'll need to pay a separate $25 cleaning fee per location.
Remember to keep them leashed and within permitted areas.
Can Unused Days From a 7-Day Pass Transfer to Future Visits?
No, you can't transfer unused days from a 7-day pass to future visits.
Your pass is only valid for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase, regardless of how many days you actually use it.
Once you've purchased a 7-day pass, it'll expire after the seventh consecutive day, even if you only visit the park for a few days during that period.
There's no option to split or carry over unused days.
Do Professional Photographers Need Special Permits Beyond Standard Entrance Fees?
Yes, you'll need special permits beyond standard entrance fees if you're a professional photographer conducting commercial activities (generating income from your photography).
While you must pay regular entrance fees like other visitors, commercial photography requires additional permits that you need to obtain in advance.
You can't rely on standard entrance passes or annual passes to cover commercial activities.
Contact park authorities directly for specific permit requirements.
