For national park touring enthusiasts, the journey from Buffalo, Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park is a must-experience adventure. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the estimated driving times, recommended entrance options, and additional information to help you plan your trip to one of the most iconic national parks in the United States.
Estimated Driving Times
The driving distance from Buffalo, Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park varies depending on the route and the specific entrance you choose to access the park. Here are the estimated driving times:
| Route | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Drive | 269 miles (433 km) | 5 hours 49 minutes |
| Nonstop Drive | 355 miles (571 km) | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Realistic Drive (with breaks) | – | 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours |
Recommended Entrance Options
When traveling from Buffalo, Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park, there are two primary entrance options to consider:
East Entrance
The East Entrance is the closest to Buffalo, Wyoming, located near Cody, Wyoming. This entrance is approximately 52 miles (84 km) from Cody and 103 miles (166 km) from Buffalo.
Northeast Entrance
The Northeast Entrance is another option, located near Cooke City, Montana. This entrance is about 110 miles (177 km) from Buffalo.
Additional Information
Scenic Route
If you’re looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking US Highway 16 from Buffalo to Yellowstone. This route offers beautiful views and abundant wildlife, and it also features educational geological signs along the way.
Cost
The cost of gas for the trip from Buffalo to Yellowstone National Park can range from $24 to $55, depending on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Alternative Options
In addition to driving, there are other transportation options available for traveling from Buffalo to Yellowstone National Park, such as taking buses and shuttles, which can take around 9 hours and 48 minutes, or flying, which can take around 53 minutes.
References
- TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Scenic route to Yellowstone – Review of US Highway 16, Buffalo, WY. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60430-d209128-r219135195-US_Highway_16-Buffalo_Wyoming.html
- Trippy. (n.d.). How far is Yellowstone National Park from Buffalo (Wyoming) – Trippy. Retrieved from https://www.trippy.com/distance/Buffalo-WY-to-Yellowstone-National-Park
- Rome2rio. (n.d.). Buffalo to Yellowstone National Park – 7 ways to travel via bus, and … Retrieved from https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Buffalo-WY-USA/Yellowstone-National-Park
- Travelmath. (n.d.). Driving Time from Yellowstone National Park to Buffalo, WY. Retrieved from https://www.travelmath.com/driving-time/from/Yellowstone%2BNational%2BPark/to/Buffalo,%2BWY
- Wanderlog. (n.d.). 31 Best Stops Between Buffalo and Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved from https://wanderlog.com/drive/between/60355/58303/buffalo-to-yellowstone-national-park-drive
As a national park touring enthusiast, the journey from Buffalo, Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. By understanding the estimated driving times, recommended entrance options, and additional information, you can plan your trip to this iconic destination with confidence and ease.