How Much Would a Road Trip to Yellowstone Cost?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a road trip to Yellowstone National Park? It’s a great idea!

But before you hit the road, it’s important to estimate the cost of your trip. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses you should consider:

Transportation

Gas: The cost of gas will depend on your starting location, your car’s fuel efficiency, and the current gas prices. To estimate how much you’ll spend on gas for your road trip to Yellowstone, use an online fuel cost calculator. For instance, if you’re driving from Los Angeles to Yellowstone (a distance of around 1,000 miles), and your car gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway, with gas costing $3 per gallon, you’ll spend around $120 on gas for a one-way trip.

Rental Car: If you don’t have access to a car or prefer renting one for the trip, rental fees can range from $30-100 per day depending on the type of car and rental company.

Accommodation

Camping: Yellowstone has several campgrounds that offer tent and RV sites. Prices range from $15-30 per night depending on amenities and location.

Lodging: Yellowstone also has lodging options such as cabins and lodges that can be booked through their website or by phone. Prices vary widely based on location and level of luxury.

Food

Groceries: If you’re camping or staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities, buying groceries can help save money. Plan meals ahead and buy what you need at local Supermarkets.

Dining out: There are several restaurants in Yellowstone that offer meals ranging from fast food to fine dining. Expect to pay around $10-20 per meal at fast food places and up to $50 or more at finer dining establishments.

Activities

Park Entrance Fees: The cost of entrance to Yellowstone National Park is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you’re planning to visit other national parks during your trip, consider purchasing an annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80.

Tours: Yellowstone offers several guided tours such as wildlife tours, hiking tours, and sightseeing tours. Prices vary based on the duration and type of tour.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a road trip to Yellowstone National Park will depend on several factors including transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. A rough estimate for a one-week trip for two people would be around $1,000-1,500.

However, this can vary widely based on your choices and preferences. Do your research ahead of time and budget accordingly to ensure you have an enjoyable and stress-free vacation!