Best Ways to Get from Bozeman to Whitefish Montana

One of the more popular routes, in particular during winter (skiing) or summer (Glacier National Park). Traveling from Bozeman to Whitefish is something many folks will contemplate whether you live or are visiting Montana. I find both places to be particularly interesting to visit and some of my favorite as well with great restaurants and proximity to incredible nature and wildlife.

Driving from Bozeman to Whitefish

Driving from Bozeman to Whitefish is long, but one of the more scenic trips through Montana. It takes about 5.5 – 6 hours for the trip, and its a good one to break up into smaller chunks if you prefer as well.

There are two main ways to go.

The first route takes you to Helena and through Flathead National forest alongside the mission mountains.

For this option, take I-90 West to US-287N to MT-141N. This route is a bit over 200 miles to reach Whitefish.

This is probably one of the most scenic routes you can take. The mission mountains are just gorgeous. However, it is also the more remote of the two options. You’ll see less people and civilization (and also have less signal). It is great during the day but at night it is very dark and you’ll unlikely see anything.

The second route (and slightly longer) takes you from Bozeman to Butte and on to Missoula and then up through the Flathead reservation, Kalispell and then to Whitefish.

There’s a lot more civilization and places to stop in town this way. I would recommend breaking up your trip if you want. You can certainly stop in Butte or a quick stop en route at Grant-Kohrs Ranch, Missoula for a great meal. Flathead Reservation, especially the Bison National Range. Kalispell is also a great place to stop to stock up on supplies (it’s the bigger town near Whitefish, with Costco, Walmart, etc.).

Driving Along the Highway from Bozeman Montana

Car Rentals in Bozeman Montana

There’s no shortage of car rental options for car rentals in Bozeman Montana.

There are several car rental agencies located within the city of Bozeman. You can also rent cars from some of the car dealerships as well. Subaru and Toyota in Bozeman both rent vehicles. If you are flying into Bozeman airport, there’s options for renting there as well.

Be weather aware and plan your vehicle for the seasonal weather in Montana. I tend to prefer the Subaru’s particularly if you are unsure of the weather you’ll see.

Note: Bozeman Airport has many rental options. However, the airport is located in Belgrade Montana, which is about 11 miles (15-20 minutes) outside of Bozeman.

Flights from Bozeman MT to Whitefish MT

Flights from Whitefish to Bozeman are certainly a possibility. It’s certainly better than the bus (10 – 12 hours) but not nearly as good as car (5.5 – 6 hours).

The reason it’s not more attractive? There are no direct flights from Whitefish to Bozeman.

Flights to between these destinations must connect through a larger airport like Denver or Seattle. The best of options for flights fall roughly in the 5ish hour timeframe.

Bozeman flights leave from Belgrade (BZN) about 15 minutes outside of Bozeman. Whitefish flights arrive in nearby Kalispell (FCA), about 15-20 minutes by car from Whitefish.

Taxi / Uber from Bozeman to Whitefish Montana

I’ve been having a hard time pricing this myself. It seems like an unlikely route to get folks to actually go, given how long the return trip is as well.

You can try calling a local taxi place such as Bridger Taxi (406-624-8294) in Bozeman, however don’t expect positive news or low prices. You are better off renting, flying, or busing between the cities.

Traveling by Bus from Bozeman to Whitefish Montana

There is only one option for buses between Bozeman and Whitefish.

Buses leave at 3:45am from Bozeman (Walmart Parking Lot) and arrive at 3:10pm (Whitefish Depot).

The bus travels from Bozeman through Butte to Missoula and then onto Whitefish. You will be required to change buses in Missoula and its roughly a 4 hour layover in Missoula (Missoula Bus Station).

Price: $97 – $129

Train between Bozeman and Whitefish Montana

While there is a train station in Whitefish, the train does not connect to areas south in Bozeman. Your only train options are towards Washington State or east through Montana and to North Dakota. The train views are beautiful and can take you through some scenic areas, but sadly not to Bozeman.

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Driving from Whitefish to Bozeman

Driving from Whitefish to Bozeman is long, but scenic. It takes about 5.5 – 6 hours for the trip, and its a good one to break up into smaller chunks if you prefer as well.

There are two main ways to go.

The First route is shorter, more scenic, but also more remote. This takes you from Whitefish through Kalispell, to the east side of Flathead Lake (adjacent to the Mission Mountains) to Helena and then to Bozeman.

The Mission Mountains are one of my favorite parts of Montana and this drive.

The route is best done during the day, when you can actually see the scenery. At night its incredibly dark (no lights) and no service. It definitely is a bit more nerve-wracking if you have problems, especially on the stretch between Kalispell and Helena.

For this route take US-93S to MT-83S to MT-200, MT-141S, US-12E, 287S and then I-90E.

This route takes about 5 – 5.5 hours.

The second route is more populous and slightly longer. This route takes you from Whitefish to Kalispell to Flathead Reservation, Missoula, Butte, and then on to Bozeman. This one has some great places to stop along the way to see sights as well as fuel up and grab food or rest.

For this route Follow US-93S to Missoula, then follow I-90 E to Butte and on to Bozeman. Most of this way is highway.

This route takes about 5.5 – 6 hours.

Car Rentals in Whitefish Montana

There are car rental options available both in Whitefish as well as nearby Kalispell. There are several rental car options including Budget, Hertz, and Dollar at the train depot in Whitefish.

You have more options available at the Kalispell Glacier Park International Airport. This is about 15 mins or so outside of Whitefish. It’s basically in between downtown Whitefish and Kalispell.

Flights from Whitefish to Bozeman

As options go, flights from Whitefish to Bozeman are certainly a possibility. With the 6 hour+ distance (by car) and over 10-12 hours by bus, flying becomes more attractive between the cities.

However, there are no direct flights from Whitefish to Bozeman. Flights to between these destinations must connect through a larger airport like Denver or Seattle. You can get flights that are less than 6 hours in total length, which would be better than a bus but unlikely better than driving.

Whitefish flights leave from nearby Kalispell (FCA) which is about 15-20 minutes by car from Whitefish. Bozeman flights arrive in Belgrade about 15 minutes outside of Bozeman.

Taxi / Uber from Whitefish to Bozeman Montana

I’ve been having a hard time pricing this myself. It seems like an unlikely route to get folks to actually go, given how long the return trip is for the taxi as well.

You can try calling a local taxi place such as Great Northern Taxi (406-862-5075) in Whitefish, however don’t expect positive news or low prices. You are better off renting, flying, or busing between the cities.

Traveling by Bus from Whitefish MT to Bozeman MT

There is only one option for buses between Bozeman and Whitefish.

Buses leave at 4:00 pm from Whitefish and arrive at 1:50 am in Bozeman.

The bus travels from Whitefish through Missoula, Butte, and then to Bozeman. There is a 3 hour layover / transfer in Missoula (Missoula Bus Station). There’s an additional 15 minute stop in Butte.