How to Get National Park Passes for Our Tours
When touring with us, the cost of entry into the national parks is not included in the cost of the tour. Passes must be purchased directly from the National Park Service, and they have quite a few pass options available for purchase. We recognize that the number of available National Park Pass options can be overwhelming, and we’d hate for you to arrive at an entrance booth feeling flustered and unsure of what to do. We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about park passes and answered them here. We hope you find this guide helpful!
1. How much does a park pass cost when joining a commercial tour?
Both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks charge the same amount for commercial tour entry fees: $20 per person, children 15 and under get in free.
2. Can I buy the pass through you?
Because we are a separate entity from the National Park Service, we cannot purchase your pass for you and add it to the cost of your tour. While on tour, your guide will drive through an entrance booth and you will have the opportunity to purchase your pass.
3. I already purchased a park pass on my own, can I apply that to my tour?
The National Park Service charges separate fees for personal entry versus commercial tour entry. However, if you hold onto your receipt from your personal entry fee–whether physical or digital–the Park Service will apply that to the cost of your commercial tour entry fee and will then only charge you the difference. Be sure to give your receipt to your guide; he/she will take care of the rest!
4. Can I pay in cash?
You certainly can, although the National Park Service prefers credit/debit card payments.
5. If I’m joining you for a Yellowstone tour, do I have to pay for entrance into Grand Teton as well?
Yes, you do. Because our route to the South Entrance of Yellowstone takes us through Grand Teton National Park, all tour participants must pay for entrance into both parks. This is when we recommend purchasing an Annual Pass (see below)!
6. How much does each park charge for personal entry passes?
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks charge the same amount for different categories of entrants. The pass fees are as follows:
- Private Vehicle: $35 for seven days
- Motorcycle: $30 for seven days
- Hiker/Biker: $20 for seven days, children 15 and under traveling on foot get in free
The National Park Service also offers a few special interagency passes under the name of the America the Beautiful Pass Series. This series includes the following:
- Annual Pass: $80
- Allows for two signatures, meaning two pass owners. Pass owners do not have to be related.
- Covers entrance into any national park in the country for 12 months from the month of purchase.
- When touring with us, this pass covers the entrance for yourself and three additional guests.
Annual Military Pass: free with ID
- Covers entrance into any national park in the country for 12 months from the month of purchase.
Annual Fourth Grade Pass: free with Every Kid Outdoors pass
- Visit EveryKidOutdoors.gov and have your fourth grader complete the specified task on the website, then present the pass at any NPS entrance booth to obtain your annual pass.
- Covers entrance into any national park in the country for 12 months from the month of purchase.
Annual Senior Pass: $20
- Must be 62 years or older on date of purchase, must present valid ID.
- Covers entrance into any national park in the country for 12 months from the month of purchase.
Lifetime Senior Pass: $80
- Must be 62 years or older on date of purchase, must present valid ID.
- Covers entrance into any national park in the country for the remainder of the pass-holder’s life.
Lifetime Access Pass: free with ID
- Must present valid disability card.
- Covers entrance into any national park in the country for the remainder of the pass-holder’s life.
Annual Volunteer Pass: free with demonstrated 250 hours of volunteer service at any of the six federal agencies
- Covers entrance into any national park in the country for 12 months from the month of purchase.
Still have questions? Feel free to give our office a call at (307) 690-9533 and we’ll be happy to answer them!
Written by Kelsey Wellington, ETA Naturalist and Social Media Manager. Kelsey holds a BS in Wildlife Biology and an MFA in Creative Writing.
