How Much Does A Trip To Glacier National Park Cost? A Detailed Price Guide
Tour prices in Glacier National Park range from $10 for a self-guided audio app to $1,499 for a private luxury SUV day. This guide breaks down every major tour type so you can budget your trip with real 2026 figures.
Short answer
A typical Glacier trip costs $150–$300 per person per day including entrance fees, lodging, meals, and one guided tour. A seven-day visit with a couple of tours often costs $1,000 or more per person, depending on lodging choices. Budget travelers can keep costs lower by camping and choosing half-day rafting or self-guided audio tours.
Glacier National Park draws more than three million visitors a year, and the cost of experiencing it varies enormously. A self-guided audio tour can cost under ten dollars, while a multi-day all-inclusive package can run into the thousands. The single biggest variable is whether you book a guided tour, and if so, which one.
The park's most famous guided experiences, including the historic Red Bus tours, the wooden boat cruises, horseback rides, and Blackfeet-led interpretive tours, are sold directly by their operators and do not appear on any third-party booking platform. What you can book online through this site are rafting trips, guided nature walks, e-bike tours, kayak outings, and self-guided audio driving apps. This page lays out the real 2026 prices for every major category, so you can see what a trip will actually cost.
What's The Average Cost Of A Trip To Glacier National Park?
A typical Glacier National Park trip costs $150 to $300 per person per day when you add up entrance fees, lodging, meals, and one guided tour. A seven-day visit with a mix of self-guided exploration and a couple of tours usually falls between $1,000 and $2,000 per person, though luxury lodging and private tours push that higher. Camping and picking shorter, lower-priced tours can bring the daily cost under $100 per person.
The baseline is the entrance fee: a private vehicle pays $35 for seven days, while a motorcycle is $30 and a person on foot or bicycle pays $20. The Glacier National Park Tour Packages annual pass costs $70 and pays for itself in two visits. Lodging inside the park ranges from $20 to $30 a night for a campsite to $200 to $500 for a room at a historic lodge. Meals run $15 to $25 each if you eat at park restaurants, less if you cook.
Guided tours then stack on top. A half-day rafting trip starts at $55 per person. A full-day Red Bus tour costs $64 to $138 per adult. A private luxury SUV tour for a group costs $1,499. The sections below break down the exact numbers.
How Much Do Guided Tours In Glacier National Park Cost?
Guided tour prices span from $10 for a self-guided audio app to $1,499 for a private luxury SUV day. Most half-day rafting trips cost $55 to $91 per person, full-day guided hikes average $165, Red Bus tours run $64 to $138, and boat cruises are $20.85 to $41.70. Multi-day packages start near $647.93 for two days and climb past $8,530 for multi-park itineraries.
Every tour type has its own pricing structure. Some are per person, some per group, and a few include meals or transportation. The table below gives a snapshot across the major categories. The three tours that follow it illustrate the real range you can book right now.
| Tour Type | Typical Per-Person Price (2026) | What's Usually Included | What's Usually Not Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-guided audio driving tour | $10–$20 per group | App with narration, offline map | Park entrance, vehicle, data |
| Half-day whitewater rafting | $55–$91 | Guide, raft, PFD, paddle | Wetsuit rental, gratuity |
| Half-day scenic float | $55–$91 | Guide, raft, PFD | Wetsuit rental, gratuity |
| Full-day rafting with lunch | $164 | Guide, raft, lunch, gear | Gratuity |
| Guided nature walk (4 hr) | $65–$70 | Guide, sometimes transport | Park entrance, lunch |
| Full-day guided hike | $165 | Guide, trekking poles | Park entrance, lunch |
| Red Bus tour (3.5–9.5 hr) | $64–$138 adult, $32–$69 child | Driver-guide, roll-back top | Park entrance, lunch |
| Boat cruise (1–1.5 hr) | $20.85–$41.70 adult, $10.40–$20.85 child | Narrated cruise | Park entrance, optional hike add-on |
| Horseback ride (1–2 hr) | Varies; check operator | Horse, guide | Park entrance |
| Helicopter tour (30–60 min) | Varies; check operator | Flight, pilot | Park entrance (tours depart outside park) |
| Private luxury SUV (5 hr) | $1,499 per group (up to 7) | Vehicle, driver-guide, hotel pickup | Park entrance, meals |
| Multi-day rafting (2 days) | $647.93 per person | Guide, meals, camping gear | Park entrance, gratuity |
| 3-day Seattle-to-Glacier tour | $1,099 per person | Transport, guide, some meals | Park entrance, gratuity |
Red Bus Tour Prices And What's Included
Red Bus tours cost $64 to $138 per adult and $32 to $69 per child, depending on the route and departure point. The 3.5-hour Huckleberry Mountain tour is the least expensive at $64, while the full-day Crown of the Continent tour reaches $138. All tours include a driver-guide and the roll-back canvas top for open-air views, but lunch and the park entrance fee are separate.
The 33-bus fleet, operated by Glacier National Park Lodges, is the oldest touring fleet in the world. Each bus holds 16 passengers on bench seating, and tours tend to sell out daily. The table below lists 2026 prices for the west-side tours; east-side tours have similar pricing.
| Tour Name | Duration | 2026 Dates | Adult Price | Child Price (2–11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huckleberry Mountain | 3.5 hours | May 16 – June 19 | $64 | $32 |
| Western Alpine | 3–4 hours | June 20 – Oct 2 | $90 (or $80 from Lake McDonald Lodge) | $45 ($40) |
| Mountain Majesty | 6–7.5 hours | July 1 – Sept 12 | $100 ($90 from Lake McDonald Lodge) | $50 ($45) |
| West Side Crown of the Continent | 8–9.5 hours | June 20 – Sept 20 | $136–$138 | $68–$69 |
Red Bus tours cannot be booked through this site; you reserve directly with the operator. For a full rundown of every route and what to expect, see our guide to Red Bus tours in Glacier National Park.
Boat Tour Prices On Glacier's Lakes
Boat tours on Glacier's lakes range from $20.85 for a Two Medicine round-trip to $41.70 for Many Glacier or St. Mary. The Lake McDonald 1-hour scenic cruise costs $27.80 for adults and $13.90 for children. These prices cover the narrated ride; optional hikes that connect to the boat docks add no extra cost beyond the fare.
Glacier Park Boat Company, a family-run concessioner operating since 1938, runs wooden vessels that date as far back as 1926. The table below shows 2026 prices for the main scenic cruises.
| Lake | Adult Price | Child Price (4–12) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake McDonald | $27.80 | $13.90 | 1 hour |
| Two Medicine (round trip) | $20.85 | $10.40 | 45 min |
| Many Glacier (round trip, 2 lakes) | $41.70 | $20.85 | 1.5 hours |
| St. Mary / Rising Sun | $41.70 | $20.85 | 1.5 hours |
Like the Red Bus, boat tours are sold directly by the operator and not through this platform. Our boat tours guide covers every lake, vessel, and how to combine a cruise with a hike.
Rafting Trip Prices: Whitewater And Scenic Floats
Half-day whitewater rafting trips start at $55 per person and climb to $91 for small-group outings. Scenic floats cost about the same. A full-day whitewater adventure with lunch runs $164 per person. Multi-day rafting trips begin at $647.93 per person for two days. All prices include a guide and essential gear; wetsuit rentals and gratuities are extra.
The Middle Fork of the Flathead River forms the park's southwestern boundary and delivers Class II-III rapids through John F. Stevens Canyon. Several outfitters run trips from May through September. The table below shows the bookable rafting tours on this site.
| Tour | Price | Duration | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day Whitewater Rafting | From $55 per person | 2.5 hours | 4.9 (1,959 reviews) |
| Half-Day Scenic Float | From $55 per person | 2.5 hours | 4.9 (851 reviews) |
| Full-Day Whitewater with Lunch | From $164 per person | 5–6 hours | 4.9 (401 reviews) |
| Half-Day Whitewater, Small Group | From $91 per person | 3 hours | 4.9 (53 reviews) |
| Small-Group Scenic Float | From $91 per person | 2 hours | 5.0 (34 reviews) |
| 2-Day Middle Fork Rafting Adventure | From $647.93 per person | 2 days | 1 review, no rating yet |
The half-day whitewater trip is the most affordable entry point for a guided adventure. It covers roughly eight miles through nine named rapids and includes all equipment. The operator's live listing shows free cancellation, so you can reserve a spot without risk.
For a deeper look at how rafting trips compare, visit our rafting tours guide.
Horseback Riding Tour Costs
Horseback riding tours are available through Swan Mountain Outfitters, with 2026 operating dates from late May to late September. Prices are not published on this site; you need to check the operator's own page for current rates and availability. These rides are not bookable through our platform.
Swan Mountain Outfitters runs rides from Apgar (May 30–August 30) and Lake McDonald (May 23–September 20). Typical rides last one to two hours and follow forested trails with mountain views. Our horseback riding guide explains the options and what to expect.
Helicopter Tour Costs
Helicopter tours operate outside the park boundaries and prices vary widely depending on the length and route. They are not bookable on this site; you need to contact a local operator directly. Prices change by season and operator, so check the operator's listing for current rates.
Because Glacier National Park prohibits aircraft landings and low-altitude flights over the park itself, helicopter tours fly along the perimeter, offering aerial views of the mountains and valleys. Our helicopter tours guide lists the local companies and what each flight covers.
Guided Hike And Walk Prices
Guided nature walks cost $65 to $70 per person for a half-day. Full-day guided hikes average $165 per person. Winter snowshoe treks are $230. A private guided day hike for a group of up to five people costs a flat $975. All guided hikes include a knowledgeable guide and often transportation from a meeting point; park entrance fees and lunch are not included.
Glacier Guides, the sole authorized concessioner for guided day hiking in the park, offers a range of trips. The table below shows the bookable hiking and snowshoe tours on this site.
| Tour | Price | Duration | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Hour Guided Nature Walk | From $70 per person | 4 hours | 4.9 (127 reviews) |
| Guided Snowshoe Trek | From $230 per person | 5 hours | 5.0 (2 reviews) |
| Drive Plus Snowshoe Combo | From $230 per person | 5 hours | 5.0 (3 reviews) |
The nature walk is a gentle half-day introduction to the park's ecology, while the snowshoe treks open up winter landscapes. Both include hotel pickup and free cancellation.
For a complete list of guided hiking options, including the Highline Trail and Grinnell Glacier, see our guided hikes guide.
Private And Luxury Tour Prices
Private luxury SUV tours start at $1,499 for a group of up to seven people for a five-hour custom day. Multi-day private tours from Seattle begin at $1,099 per person. These tours include hotel pickup, a dedicated driver-guide, and the flexibility to set your own itinerary; park entrance and meals are separate.
The bookable private tour on this site is a customizable luxury SUV experience. It includes door-to-door service from your lodging, a professional guide, and the ability to tailor stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.
For more private and small-group options, visit our private tours guide.
Multi-Day Tour Package Costs
Multi-day packages range from $647.93 per person for a two-day rafting trip to around $8,530 for a ten-day multi-park itinerary. The three-day Seattle-to-Glacier tour costs $1,099 per person. These packages bundle lodging, meals, and activities; flights and park entrance are extra.
The table below shows the two multi-day tours bookable on this site. External operators like Backroads, Globus, and Tauck offer longer combination trips that include Waterton Lakes, Banff, or Yellowstone, with prices starting at $3,799 for a seven-day itinerary and reaching $8,530 for a ten-day trip.
| Tour | Price | Duration | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Day Middle Fork Rafting Adventure | From $647.93 per person | 2 days | 1 review, no rating yet |
| 3-Day Small Group, Seattle Pickup | From $1,099 per person | 3 days | New listing, no reviews yet |
Comparing Tour Prices: What's The Best Value?
For budget travelers, half-day rafting at $55 and self-guided audio tours at $10 to $20 offer the lowest cost per hour of guided experience. The best value for a full-day immersive experience is often a guided hike at $165, which includes a knowledgeable guide and access to trails you might not attempt alone. Red Bus tours at $80 to $138 provide a historic, hassle-free way to see the Going-to-the-Sun Road without driving.
The chart below compares the per-person cost of the most popular tour types, excluding multi-day packages. It shows that the price gap between a self-guided audio drive and a private SUV tour is enormous, but each serves a different traveler.
When judging value, consider what you get beyond the price tag. A guided hike at $165 might seem steep, but it includes a professional naturalist who can spot wildlife, explain geology, and keep you safe on trails where bears are active. The Red Bus tour at $100 means you skip the stress of parking at Logan Pass and learn the park's history from a driver who has done the route hundreds of times. And the $55 rafting trip delivers two and a half hours of adrenaline with all gear provided, something you cannot replicate on your own without buying or renting equipment.
What Other Costs Should You Budget For?
Beyond tour prices, budget $35 for a seven-day vehicle entrance pass, $20 to $30 per night for camping or $200 to $500 for in-park lodging, $15 to $25 per meal, and $50 to $100 per day for gas and incidentals. Shuttle tickets to Logan Pass add $1 per person. Bear spray costs about $45 and is essential for hikers.
The park entrance fee is the only mandatory cost. If you stay outside the park and drive in each day, the $35 pass covers a full week. The 2026 Logan Pass shuttle requires a $1 processing fee per ticket, and tickets are released on Recreation.gov 60 days ahead and again the evening before. No vehicle reservations are needed anywhere in the park this year.
Lodging inside the park books up to 13 months ahead. Lake McDonald Lodge operates May 15 to September 28, 2026, with rooms often exceeding $300 a night. Campgrounds like Apgar and Fish Creek run $20 to $30 a night and are reservable on Recreation.gov. In gateway towns, Whitefish hotels average $378 a night and spike to around $705 in high season.
Meals inside the park are limited to lodge dining rooms and a few cafes. A sit-down dinner at Many Glacier Hotel can run $25 to $40 per person. Packing a cooler and cooking at your campsite cuts food costs dramatically. Families with a fourth grader can also use the Every Kid Outdoors pass, which covers the student and up to three accompanying adults for free entry from September 1 through August 31 of the following school year.
Common Questions About Glacier National Park Tour Prices
How Much Does A Guided Tour In Glacier National Park Cost?
Guided tours range from $10 for a self-guided audio app to $1,499 for a private SUV day. Most half-day rafting trips cost $55–$91 per person, full-day hikes about $165, Red Bus tours $64–$138, and boat cruises $20.85–$41.70.
Are Red Bus Tours Worth The Price?
At $64–$138 per adult, Red Bus tours give you a driver-guide, open-air views through a roll-back canvas top, and the history of the 1930s fleet. They also solve the parking and vehicle-size restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun Road, making them a practical choice for many visitors.
Do Tour Prices Include Park Entrance Fees?
Almost no tour price includes the park entrance fee. You will need a separate pass: $35 per vehicle for seven days, or an annual pass. Some multi-day packages may bundle it, but always check the listing.
Can I Find Cheap Tours In Glacier National Park?
Yes. The self-guided audio driving tours cost $10–$20 per group and work in your own car. Half-day rafting trips start at $55 per person. Ranger-led programs are free, and the Junior Ranger program is also free for kids.
What Is The Most Expensive Tour In Glacier?
The private luxury SUV tour at $1,499 for up to seven people is the priciest single-day option. Multi-day packages from external operators can reach $8,530 for a ten-day multi-park itinerary.
Do I Need To Tip My Guide?
Tipping is not included in tour prices. For a half-day tour, $5–$10 per person is common; for a full-day guided hike or private tour, $15–$20 per person is appreciated. Check with the operator for guidance.