Fees, passes, permits, and reservations… what’s the difference?!? Which do I need for visiting Glacier National Park for kids? Depending on what you’re doing, you may end up needing all. Here I’ll break down each category, when you’ll need them, and how to get them so you can enjoy Glacier with kids. For more information about Glacier National Park, you can see my Ultimate Guide to Glacier, Itinerary for a Weekend in Glacier, or Best Hikes in Glacier posts.
The most important thing to know about visiting Glacier National Park in summer is that you will need both an entrance pass and a vehicle reservation to explore the most popular areas of the park. Learn more below!
Passes
As is true for nearly all national parks, all visitors must have an entrance pass for Glacier National Park. Rates per entrance pass vary by season and mode of transportation. Most visitors without an interagency pass pay the $35 entrance pass per vehicle, which is valid for 7 days. Costs are low for pedestrians/cyclists and motorcycles. It is encouraged that visitors purchase an entrance pass online, but they can also be purchased upon entry.
Visitors can also purchase annual pass for Glacier National Park or an annual America the Beautiful Pass, which covers the entrance pass for all national parks.
Reservations
If you are visiting Glacier National Park in the summer, you need to know this! In addition to the entrance pass, Glacier National Park requires a vehicle reservation during their high season. Here are the details:
- Where: to visit Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork and Many Glacier areas of the park. St. Mary and Two Medicine entrances do not require vehicle reservations in 2024.
- When: late May through early September. Check for specific dates here.
- Time: between 6am and 3pm. You will be able to enter without a reservation if you arrive before 6am or after 3pm.
- When to get a vehicle reservation: vehicle reservations become available 120 days in advance. You will want to get them as far in advance as possible. However, if you miss advance reservations, Next Day vehicle reservations will be available at 7 pm MDT for next-day entry.
- Where to get a vehicle reservation: Vehicle reservations can only be booked on Recreation.gov.
- Good to know: If you already have camping, lodging or commercial activity reservations (boat tours or horseback rides), you can use proof of reservation in lieu of vehicle reservation for the specific reservation area.
Other Reservations
- Some campgrounds require advance reservations.
- Lodges fill up quickly and reservations are very strongly encouraged.
- Some ranger-led activities require reservations or tickets due to limited space.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle Service
Glacier National Park does operate a shuttle service along Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a great option if you missed the reservation window or simply don’t want to drive the hairpin turns on your own. There are both Express Shuttles with nonstop service, as well as shuttles that stop at each of the active shuttle stops along the route. Summer service starts on July 1 and continues through Labor Day, with limited service into September. The best part is this shuttle is completely FREE!
Permits
Permits are required for specific activities. You’ll want to look into this further if you plan to do any of these activities in Glacier National Park.
- Wilderness/backcountry camping: a wilderness use permit is required for visitors wishing to camp in the backcountry.
- Boating: learn about the park’s boat inspection and permit program.
- Special use activities: weddings or commercial filming, still photography and sound recordings all require special permits.
Other Fees
The most common fee experienced by visitors to Glacier National Park are camping fees. Glacier has 13 campgrounds and all have associated fees. More information about first come-first served campgrounds in Glacier National Park can be found here. Reservation-only campgrounds at Glacier typically cost $30 per night; more information about making camping reservations at Glacier National Park can be found here.
While there is a free shuttle for Going-To-The-Sun Road, Glacier National Park also offers a seasonal hiker’s shuttle for a fee. It connects West Glacier, Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, St. Mary, and Many Glacier. Reservations required; more information here.
