red bus tour glacier national park

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Last updated: October 10, 2023

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PO Box 128 West Glacier, MT 59936

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EAST SIDE TOURS

East side tours.

The below tours originate from various pickup locations on the east side of Glacier National Park. Be sure to bring your Park Pass or park entrance receipt on the tour.

There are no physical tickets for the tour, so please check in at the Front Desk or Concierge Desk at the property at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to ensure an on-time departure. Tour duration and return times are approximate and may vary slightly.

Big Sky Circle Tour Available June 22-September 22, 2024 Duration: 8 Hours

The most inclusive tour of Glacier National Park starts with a morning drive over Marias Pass, with wildlife viewing at Goat Lick. After an optional lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge, tour the grand cedar and hemlock forests that lie within the Lake McDonald Valley. Ascend to the high alpine region of the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass and down into the St. Mary Valley. Stop at the Wild Goose Island overlook for another incredible photo opportunity. The tour finishes with grand vistas of grassland, prairie and mountains as you arrive back at Glacier Park Lodge.

Pickup Locations

Glacier Park Lodge, E. Glacier —  Adults: $122; Children: $61 Departs:  9:00 a.m. Returns:  5:00 p.m.

Eastern Alpine Tour Available June 22-September 20, 2024* Duration: 2.5-3.5 Hours

Start the tour on the unique and rugged eastern side of Glacier. Along the way, visit the stunning St. Mary Lake area and historic Rising Sun Motor Inn. Then, travel up the Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Continental Divide and Logan Pass. Take in the infinite splendors and majestic scenery before returning to the flowering valleys and open prairies along the eastern slopes of Glacier National Park.

St Mary’s KOA (Guest Only) — Adults: $62; Children: $31 Departs: 8:45 a.m.; 1:30 p.m. Returns: 12:15 p.m.; 5:00 p.m.

Johnson’s RV Park (Guest Only) — Adults: $62; Children: $31 Departs: 8:50 a.m.; 1:35 p.m. Returns: 12:10 p.m.; 4:55 p.m.

St. Mary Lodge — Adults: $62; Children: $31 Departs: 9:00 a.m.; 1:45 p.m. Returns: 12:00 p.m.; 4:45 p.m.

Rising Sun Motor Inn — Adults: $54; Children: $26 Departs: 9:15 a.m.; 2:00 p.m. Returns: 11:45 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.

*Subject to change.

East Side Many Glacier Crown of the Continent Available June 22-September 15, 2024* Duration: 6-8 Hours

The journey starts on the rugged eastern slopes and follows the glacially carved valleys in the St. Mary region. Proceed into the heart of Glacier National Park on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and to the top of the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Continue down the west side of the park for an optional lunch* at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, before heading back.

Many Glacier Hotel — Adults: $118; Children: $59 Departs: 9:00 a.m. Returns: 5:00 p.m.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn — Adults: $118; Children: $59 Departs: 9:05 a.m. Returns: 4:55 p.m.

St Mary’s KOA (Guest Only) — Adults: $90; Children: $45 Departs: 9:45 a.m. Returns: 4:30 p.m.

Johnson’s RV Park (Guest Only) — Adults: $90; Children: $45 Departs: 9:50 a.m. Returns: 4:25 p.m.

St. Mary Lodge — Adults: $90; Children: $45 Departs: 10:00 a.m. Returns: 4:20 p.m.

Rising Sun Motor Inn — Adults: $82; Children: $41 Departs: 10:15 a.m. Returns: 4:15 p.m.

Old North Trail Tour Available June 1-21, 2024* Duration: 6-8 Hours

Your journey begins in the glacially clad Swiftcurrent Valley and continues on through St. Mary and over the Hudson Bay Divide on the 10,000 year-old Old North Trail. Traverse through pristine mountain and prairie vistas on your way to an optional lunch at the historic Glacier Park Lodge Great Northern Dining Room. After lunch*, experience Glacier’s “secret” Two Medicine Valley with a short optional stroll to Running Eagle Falls and a stop at the historic Two Medicine Camp Store. Return to Many Glacier Valley after a short stop at the picturesque Wild Goose Island overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Many Glacier Hotel — Adults: $78; Children: $39 Departs: 9:00 a.m. Returns: 5:00 p.m.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn — Adults: $78; Children: $39 Departs: 9:05 a.m. Returns: 4:55 p.m.

St Mary’s KOA (Guest Only) — Adults: $58; Children: $29 Departs: 9:45 a.m. Returns: 4:15 p.m.

Johnson’s RV Park (Guest Only) — Adults: $58; Children: $29 Departs: 9:50 a.m. Returns: 4:10 p.m.

St. Mary Lodge — Adults: $58; Children: $29 Departs: 10:00 a.m. Returns: 4:00 p.m.

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Red Bus Tours of Glacier National Park

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Glacier Park Red Bus Tours

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Driving around Glacier is a spectacular way to see the sights – particularly along Going-to-the-Sun Road – but drivers may sometimes miss out when they're behind the wheel. Let someone else do the driving by taking a famed Red Bus Tour. These buses – chauffeured by drivers known as "Jammers" – date back to the 1930s, and feature canvas rollback tops that offer unencumbered views of the surrounding landscape. Plus, each bus accommodates just 16 passengers.

Tour Duration and Details

There are nine tour routes in total. Tours depart from Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, St. Mary Lodge and Rising Sun Motor Inn on the east side. On the west side, you can catch the tour at Lake McDonald Lodge, Apgar Visitor Center and the West Glacier KOA. Additional departure points may be available for select tours. Depending on which route you take, you could explore popular sights like Lake McDonald Lodge, Logan Pass , St. Mary Valley and Two Medicine . You may also get to see the alpine areas of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Tours run during the peak season – typically from June through September or October – but exact dates will vary depending on the weather. Duration also varies by tour: They can last from about 2.5 hours to eight hours or more.

Fees vary based on tour, activity duration and departure point. For short tours, expect tickets to start at $50 for adults and $25 for children. Daylong tours cost about $110 for adults and $55 for children.

Recent Reviews

Tour-takers commented that the bus is a great way to see the park. They added that it's much more relaxing than driving yourself, but note that seating can be a bit cramped. Many travelers also complimented the guides for their great driving and informative commentary. Others warn that you will need to book tickets well in advance as tours sell out quickly.

Note: There are no physical nor virtual tickets for the tour. You will check in for your tour at your pickup point's front desk or concierge desk at least 15 minutes before the tour departs. For schedules and to purchase tickets, visit the Glacier National Park Lodges' website .

More Best Things To Do in Glacier National Park

#1 Going-to-the-Sun Road

U.S. News Insider Tip: Grab your coffee to go and drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road at dawn. It's magical to witness the majestic alpenglow on Glacier National Park's mountain peaks as the sun rises. It's also your best chance to see wildlife before the road becomes too busy. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a paved, two-lane highway that snakes through Glacier National Park, dividing the park into east and west regions and crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass . One of the most spectacular scenic drives in America, this road is both a National Historic Landmark and a Civil Engineering Landmark and passes by almost every type of terrain the park offers, from glacial lakes, waterfalls and cedar forests to alpine peaks.

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Red Bus Tours in Glacier National Park

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East Side Tours: Big Sky Circle Tour Eastern Alpine Tour Old Northern Trail Tour East Side Many Glacier Crown of the Continent Tour

West Side Tours Huckleberry Mountain Tour West Side Crown of the Continent Tour Western Alpine Tour Mountain Majesty Tour

Roe Emery (1875-1953) was one of two principals behind the creation of Glacier’s iconic Red Buses. Emery and Walter White, a vice president of the Cleveland-based White Motor Company, which built the Red Buses, introduced transportation to the park in 1914.

Many in the current fleet of Red Buses have been in service since the mid-1930s. The Red Buses were the first authorized motor transportation utility in any National Park.

East Side Tours

Big sky circle tour.

Big Sky Circle Tour Begins: June 16, 2018; Ends: September 23, 2018 Duration: 8 Hours

The most inclusive tour of Glacier National Park starts with a morning drive over Marias Pass, with wildlife viewing at Goat Lick. After an optional lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge, tour the grand cedar and hemlock forests that lie within the Lake McDonald Valley. Ascend to the high alpine region of the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass and down into the St. Mary Valley. Stop at the Wild Goose Island overlook for another incredible photo opportunity. The tour finishes with grand vistas of grassland, prairie and mountains as you arrive back at Glacier Park Lodge. Pickup Locations

Glacier Park Lodge, E. Glacier — Adults: $98; Children: $49 Departs: 9 a.m. Returns: 5 p.m.

Eastern Alpine Tour

Begins: June 16, 2018; Ends: September 17, 2018 Duration: 2.5-4.5 Hours

Start the tour on the unique and rugged eastern side of Glacier. Along the way, visit the stunning St. Mary Lake area and historic Rising Sun Motor Inn. Then, travel up the Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Continental Divide and Logan Pass. Take in the infinite splendors and majestic scenery before returning to the flowering valleys and open prairies along the eastern slopes of Glacier National Park. Pickup Locations

Many Glacier Hotel — Adults: $52; Children: $26 Departs: 8:30 a.m.; 2:00 p.m.* Returns: 1 p.m.; 6:30 p.m.*

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn —Adults: $52; Children: $26 Departs: 8:35 a.m.; 2:05 p.m.* Returns: 1 p.m.; 6:30 p.m.*

St. Mary Lodge — Adults: $42; Children: $21 Departs: 9:30 a.m.; 3:00 p.m.* Returns: 12:30 p.m.; 6:00 p.m.*

Rising Sun Motor Inn — Adults: $36; Children: $18 Departs: 9:45 a.m.; 3:15 p.m.* Returns: 12:15 p.m.; 5:45 p.m.*

*Evening departures available July 1 through September 3 only.

East Side Many Glacier Crown of the Continent Tour

Begins: June 16, 2018; Ends: September 17, 2018 Duration: 6-8 Hours

The journey starts on the rugged eastern slopes and follows the glacially carved valleys in the St. Mary region. Proceed into the heart of Glacier National Park on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and to the top of the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Continue down the west side of the park for an optional lunch* at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, before heading back. Pickup Locations

Many Glacier Hotel — Adults: $96; Children: $48 Departs: 9 a.m. Returns: 5 p.m.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn — Adults: $96; Children: $48 Departs: 9:05 a.m. Returns: 4:55 p.m.

St. Mary Lodge — Adults: $74; Children: $37 Departs: 10 a.m. Returns: 4:30 p.m.

Rising Sun Motor Inn — Adults: $64; Children: $32 Departs: 10:15 a.m. Returns: 4:15 p.m.

*Please note that lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge is not included in the price of the tour, but there will be time for a break and lunch may be purchased at the property.

Old North Trail Tour

Begins: June 9, 2018; Ends: June 15, 2018 Duration: 6-8 Hours

Your journey begins in the glacially clad Swiftcurrent Valley and continues on through St. Mary and over the Hudson Bay Divide on the 10,000 year-old Old North Trail. Traverse through pristine mountain and prairie vistas on your way to an optional lunch at the historic Glacier Park Lodge Great Northern Dining Room. After lunch*, experience Glacier’s “secret” Two Medicine Valley with a short optional stroll to Running Eagle Falls and a stop at the historic Two Medicine Camp Store. Return to Many Glacier Valley after a short stop at the picturesque Wild Goose Island overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Pickup Locations

Many Glacier Hotel — Adults: $62; Children: $31 Departs: 9 a.m. Returns: 5 p.m.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn — Adults: $62; Children: $31 Departs: 9:05 a.m. Returns: 4:55 p.m.

St. Mary Lodge — Adults: $44; Children: $22 Departs: 10 a.m. Returns: 4 p.m.

*Please note that lunch at Glacier Park Lodge is not included in the price of the tour, but there will be time for a break and lunch may be purchased at the property.

West Side Tours

Huckleberry mountain tour.

Begins: May 19, 2018; Ends: June 15, 2018 Duration: 3.5 Hours

Start your journey with amazing scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities on your tour up Camas Road to the little explored North Fork region of Glacier National Park. Enjoy an easy and optional walk on the Huckleberry Mountain Nature Trail before your return trip through the spectacular burn areas from the fires of 2003. The tour concludes as you delve into the great cedar and hemlock forests that lie within the Lake McDonald Valley on your way to Sacred Dancing Cascade. Pickup Locations

Lake McDonald Lodge — Adults: $44; Children: $22 Departs: 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Returns: 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Apgar Visitor Center — Adults: $44; Children: $22 Departs: 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Returns: 1:00 p.m. and 6 p.m.

West Glacier KOA — Adults: $44; Children: $22 Departs: 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Returns: 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Please note: Optional walks available on the Trail of the Cedars or Huckleberry Nature Trail.

West Side Crown of the Continent Tour

Begins: June 16, 2018; Ends: September 23, 2018 Duration: 8-9.5 Hours

The journey starts in the cedar and hemlock forests of the Lake McDonald Valley. Travel up the Going-to-the-Sun Road along a glacially formed arête to the top of the Crown of the Continent at Logan Pass. Head down through the St. Mary Valley and out to the prairies of Big Sky Country. Continue into the magnificent Swiftcurrent Valley. Enjoy views of the valley during an optional lunch at Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurrent. Experience an encore vista on your return trip to the west side. Pickup Locations

West Glacier KOA — Adults: $102; Children: $51 Departs: 8 a.m. Returns: 5:30 p.m.

Apgar Visitor Center — Adults: $98; Children: $49 Departs: 8:30 a.m. Returns: 5:15 p.m.

Lake McDonald Lodge — Adults: $96; Children: $48 Departs: 9 a.m. Returns: 5 p.m.

*Please note that lunch at Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is not included in the price of the tour, but there will be time for a break and lunch may be purchased at the property.

Western Alpine Tour

Begins: June 16, 2018; Ends: October 14, 2018 Duration: 3-4 Hours

Start the tour in the great cedar and hemlock forests that lie within the Lake McDonald Valley. Traverse the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road to the high alpine region of the park and stand on top of the Continental Divide. Discover incredible mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflowers along the way as your Red Bus glides along the glacially carved Garden Wall. As of October 2, the Western Alpine tour will only run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and all pickups will be at Apgar Visitor Center. Pickup Locations

Apgar Visitor Center — Adults: $62; Children: $31 Departs: 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.*, 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.* Returns: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.*, 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.*

Lake McDonald Lodge — Adults: $56; Children: $28 Departs: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.*, 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.* Returns: 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.*, 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.*

*Please note: extra departures are only available July 1 through September 3.

Mountain Majesty Tour

Begins: July 1, 2018; Ends: September 9, 2018 Duration: 6-7.5 Hours

Start the tour in the Lake McDonald Valley, one of the few Montana rain forests. Then traverse along side the glacially carved valley while touring on the Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass. After a stop at the Continental Divide, head down into the cirques of the St. Mary Valley with an optional lunch or dinner* at Rising Sun’s Two Dog Flats Grill. Pickup Locations

Apgar Visitor Center — Adults: $72; Children: $36 Departs: 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.* Returns: 4:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Lake McDonald Lodge — Adults: $64; Children: $32 Departs: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.* Returns: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

*Afternoon departures July 1 through September 3 only.

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Glacier Park Red Bus Tours

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Glacier Park Red Bus Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)