Travel Budget for Glacier National Park Visit Glacier National Park on a Budget or Travel in Style

Glacier National Park, Montana, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The West / Montana /
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Glacier National Park is a stunning park known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Glacier National Park, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Glacier National Park?

You should plan to spend around $148 per day on your vacation in Glacier National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $49 on meals
  • $69 on local transportation
  • $112 on hotels

A one week trip to Glacier National Park for two people costs, on average, $2,072. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $148
  • One Week Per person
    $1,036
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,072
  • One Month Per person
    $4,440
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,072
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,144
  • One Month For a couple
    $8,880
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Glacier National Park cost?

A one week trip to Glacier National Park usually costs around $1,036 for one person and $2,072 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Glacier National Park on average costs around $2,072 for one person and $4,144 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Glacier National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Glacier National Park on average costs around $4,440 for one person and $8,880 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Glacier National Park expensive to visit?

Glacier National Park is a popular park that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Glacier National Park has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.

On average, budget travelers spend $65 per day, mid-range travelers spend $148 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $282 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Glacier National Park.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Glacier National Park is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Glacier National Park Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Glacier National Park?

The average Glacier National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Glacier National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Glacier National Park cost?

Glacier National Park on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$25 $56 $107
Local Transportation 1 $30 $69 $131
Food 2 $21 $49 $93
Entertainment 1 $15 $34 $66
Alcohol 2 $2-6 $4-13 $8-24

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Glacier National Park. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $65 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Visitors to Glacier National Park typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $148 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $282 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the park will demand a higher price range. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Flathead Valley Brewery Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $0 in the off-season and averages $0 during peak summer season. Overall, you can expect prices from $0 to $0. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Glacier National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $112. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $56 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $56
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $112

Hotels in Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Glacier National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Glacier National Park

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.



Transportation Budget in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park does not has a good public transit system. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Unfortunately, the park is not very walkable. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $69 per person, per day, on local transportation in Glacier National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Glacier National Park is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $69

Transportation Tips

When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.



Flights to Glacier National Park
How much does it cost to go to Glacier National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Glacier National Park
The price of renting a car in Glacier National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Glacier National Park

The food scene in Glacier National Park isn't very expansive, and the quality isn't stellar. Consider saving your money for more rewarding activities rather than dining out. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Glacier National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Glacier National Park is $49 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $49

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Glacier National Park is around $49 ($49) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $93. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $15
  • Lunch: $7 to $19
  • Dinner: $15 to $34
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $7

Food within the park is limited to the dining halls at the hotels and the few shops that are scattered around the park. The Granite Park Chalet and the Sperry Chalet are two such dinning halls where you can purchase food. Be advised that these shops and restaurants are often only open from June-October and are not always fully stocked, so be sure to bring plenty of food. The best food options are located outside the park in Babb, Polebridge, and West Glacier where you'll find more restaurants and shops.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.

Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.

Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.

Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Glacier National Park. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner for $114 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Glacier National Park

The appeal of Glacier National Park is evident, thanks to its budget-friendly accommodations, hiking, romance, and resorts.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Glacier National Park typically cost an average of $34 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $34

Glacier National Park (official website) offers countless spots to enjoy the jaw-dropping natural beauty of the surrounding area. For ideas, check out this guide of things to do in Glacier National Park, or this list of activities in Glacier NP.

For starters, drive or hike along the Going to the Sun Highway where you'll find perfect viewpoints of the park that look over Lake McDonald, Rising Sun, Logan Pass, and the Continental Divide. At Looking Glass Hill Road, there are lovely viewpoints looking over the Lower Two Medicine Lake from the hilltop. A must-see is the Sperry Glacier Overlook, which is accessed by a steep climb from the Sperry Chalet. The climb includes a secluded walk through alpine lakes and meadows up a natural rock stairway where you'll see the Little Matterhorn, Bearhat Mountain, and Mt. Reynolds. After passing by cairns, you'll get to the edge of the overlook to view the magnificent glacier; get there soon though, as scientists expect the glacier to disappear completely by 2030.

Park Areas and Nearby
Thanks to the Continental Divide, the park is naturally divided into the east and west sides of the park. The eastern side has the most glaciers and hiking trails and tends to be the least crowded. The western side is just as beautiful as the east, although it tends to be the most crowded due to its large number of lodges and lakes. There are a few cities outside the park where you can stock up on food before heading into the park. One such city is Polebridge, a small community that has a bakery and mercantile. Babb is another small community that lies on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and has a few stores and lodging options. West Glacier is the community at the west entrance to the park and has plenty of lodging and restaurant options.



Glacier National Park offers endless outdoor activities to fit every type of adventurer. You can bike along one of the many well maintained trails, go boating or canoeing on the lakes, and camp under the stars. The park also features over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail which runs 3,100 miles from Canada to Mexico, and diving the park in two. Hiking the Continental Divide trail within the park is about a 10-day trek along the trail; keep in mind that it's not very well maintained so be prepared for the unexpected. If you prefer something less advanced, try the Trail of the Cedars, a partially paved trail that has views of the old growth forest and Avalanche Gorge. Or, wander along the Garden Wall Trail which is perfect for beginners and runs along the Continental Divide, featuring views of the alpine tundra and meadows.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

A nice way to explore destinations in Glacier National Park is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • LED Illuminated Sunset Kayaking Tour Near Glacier National Park for $95 details
  • Snowshoe OR Cross Country Ski Tours in Glacier National Park for $219 details
  • Winter Glacier National Park Scenic Driving Tour for $219 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Glacier National Park

In Glacier National Park, the nightlife is essentially non-existent. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.41 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Glacier National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.41
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Glacier National Park. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Private Flathead Valley Brewery Tour for $170 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Glacier National Park

  • Expect to see increased prices and more visitors during peak season in summer. To save money and avoid the throngs of tourists, try scheduling your visit for the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Glacier National Park doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider renting a car or setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
  • There aren't many hostels in Glacier National Park, so if you're hoping for a budget dorm, it's best to rethink your plans. Instead, look for inexpensive hotels or an apartment rental.
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Traveling in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is a large park situated in the far north of Montana, bordering Canada. The park borders the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and both share UNESCO World Heritage Site and are biosphere reserves. Glacier National Park offers over 700 miles of trails and countless activities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing. As the park is split by the Continental Divide, the east and west sides of the park experience fairly different weather. The western side of the park gets the most rainfall while the eastern side offers more sunshine, but also more wind. During summer months, temperatures can get into the 90's Fahrenheit during the day while winter sees temperatures in the 20's and plenty of snowfall. The high season for the park is June-September, which is also when the majority of hiking trails, hotels, and shops are open.



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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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