This Montana Airport Just Got $28 Cheaper—One of the Biggest Drops in the U.S.

Montana travelers have something to celebrate in this year's airfare data. Only In Your State analyzed recently released Bureau of Transportation Statistics figures, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) recorded the largest airfare decrease of any airport in the country in 2025—fares fell by $28.23, four times the national average decrease of $7.

That drop brought Bozeman's average domestic fare to $395.77, ranking 54th out of 100 airports nationally—$8.77 above the national average of $387. A year ago, the gap was considerably larger.

Why Bozeman's Fares Are Falling

Bozeman Yellowstone International ranked 97th nationally by passenger volume—one of the smaller airports in the top 100. But the airport has seen significant growth in recent years as the Bozeman-area population and tourism have expanded, and that growth is attracting more carrier competition.

The $28.23 decrease suggests that additional airline service is having the expected effect: more carriers competing for the same passengers pushes fares lower. If the trend continues, Bozeman could move meaningfully below the national average in future data releases.

BZN’s expansion isn't just about lower prices; it’s also about convenience. In recent years, additional seasonal routes and nonstop connections from major carriers such as Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines have transformed BZN into a true regional hub. The influx of budget-conscious airlines entering the market has forced legacy carriers to adjust their pricing strategies, resulting in direct savings for local commuters and vacationers alike.

What Montana Travelers Should Know

At $395.77, Bozeman is now close to the national average—a significant improvement from where it was. For travelers in and around the Bozeman-Belgrade metro area, this is a genuine positive development.

For travelers elsewhere in Montana, options are more limited. Billings Logan International Airport, Missoula Montana Airport, and Great Falls International Airport are all smaller markets that don't appear in the national top 100 by passenger volume. Those travelers may find it worth comparing fares from Bozeman against smaller regional departures or even Salt Lake City (SLC), which at $457.57 is actually pricier despite being a larger hub. While SLC or other major hubs offer higher flight volumes, Bozeman’s drop brings it remarkably competitive with regional hubs.

Driving an extra hour or two to fly out of Bozeman is becoming a far more practical option for residents across south-central Montana. When factoring in cheaper flight itineraries and expanded direct destinations, the potential savings often outweigh the cost of gas. Planning trips during shoulder seasons or taking advantage of midweek departures can help stretch those travel dollars even further.

This data reflects 2025 averages from the Department of Transportation, released in May 2026. The trajectory at Bozeman is positive, and knowing how to find cheap flights can help Montana travelers maximize the improving fare environment.

To get the most from your next departure, explore how to find cheap flights and unexpected ways to cut travel costs to help stretch your budget further once you've already got a head start.

To see how every major airport in the country compares—plus the full methodology behind the data—explore the complete U.S. Airport Cost Rankings for 2026.