Red Bus Tours
Taking one of our scenic-interpretive Red Bus Tours has been called the most relaxing and enjoyable way to experience Glacier National Park.
Glacier's fleet of of red-with-black trim fleet of vehicles was built by the White Motor Company between 1936 and 1938. This feet of Red Buses is considered to be the oldest intact fleet of passenger carring vehicles anywhere. These 17 passenger convertible touring sedans are more than a mere means of transportation for locals and visitors - they are cherished, elegant icons of Glacier National Park.
With their multiple doors and roll-back canvas tops, the Reds are as much a part of Glacier National Park as the Going-to-the-Sun Road. While on a tour of the Park, you will marvel at the views from Logan Pass - 6664 feet high on the Continental Divide - the highest point on the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road. By taking a Red Bus Tour, you are also helping the environment as they run on Propane which run 93% cleaner than gasoline.
From half-day to full day tours, a Red Bus excursion of Glacier National Park is just what a relaxing vacation needs. Private Red Bus Tours are also available. Contact us at 406.892.2525 or 403.236.3400 (from Canada) to book your Red Bus Tour.
Glacier's fleet of of red-with-black trim fleet of vehicles was built by the White Motor Company between 1936 and 1938. This feet of Red Buses is considered to be the oldest intact fleet of passenger carring vehicles anywhere. These 17 passenger convertible touring sedans are more than a mere means of transportation for locals and visitors - they are cherished, elegant icons of Glacier National Park. With their multiple doors and roll-back canvas tops, the Reds are as much a part of Glacier National Park as the Going-to-the-Sun Road. While on a tour of the Park, you will marvel at the views from Logan Pass - 6664 feet high on the Continental Divide - the highest point on the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road. By taking a Red Bus Tour, you are also helping the environment as they run on Propane which run 93% cleaner than gasoline.
From half-day to full day tours, a Red Bus excursion of Glacier National Park is just what a relaxing vacation needs. Private Red Bus Tours are also available. Contact us at 406.892.2525 or 403.236.3400 (from Canada) to book your Red Bus Tour.
Tours Departing From The South East Side Of The Park
Old North Trail Tour (Late May, Early June and Late Sept. Only)
 |
|
||||||||
|
Available from 5/29/2010 to 6/17/2010 and 9/20/2010 to 9/25/2010 Your journey begins in Glacier’s “secret” Two Medicine Valley with a short optional stroll to Running Eagle Falls and the historic Two Medicine Campstore. Head over Looking Glass Hill on the 10,000 year old, Old North Trail, with views of Montana’s peaks and plains on your way to Swiftcurrent Valley and an optional lunch along the way. Take in the scenic glacier views before exploring the St. Mary Valley and viewing Wild Goose Island via the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Journey back to Glacier Park Lodge with memories of all you have seen and discovered. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||
Secret Valley Tour
 |
|
||||||||
|
Available from 5/29/2010 to 9/25/2010 Wind your way through fir and aspen forests into Glacier National Park and the Two Medicine Valley. Stroll the short optional trail to Running Eagle Falls and continue on to Middle Two Medicine Lake and Glacier’s “secret valley.” From there, enjoy an included boat cruise along the base of one of Glacier’s largest mountains, Rising Wolf. Visit the historic Two Medicine Campstore, site of one of President F. D. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats,” before continuing your journey alongside one of the oldest roads in the world, The Old North Trail. Then it is back to East Glacier through the Blackfeet Reservation with unparalleled views of the famed front range of the Rockies and the Lewis Over-thrust. The included boat tour is only offered 6/12/10 to 9/6/10. Participants who take the tour before or after these dates will receive a complimentary miniature red bus replica in lieu of the boat cruise. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||
International Peace Park Tour
 |
|
||||||||||||
|
Available from 6/7/2010 to 9/13/2010 Begin your morning on the Old North Trail, one of the oldest highways in the world. See unparalleled views as you wind along Montana plains and peaks. Visit the incredible Many Glacier Valley along the way to Waterton Lakes National Park and the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. Arrive just in time for the optional Afternoon Tea served in the lobby, overlooking the Waterton Valley with views looking back into Montana. Return along the base of Chief Mountain, the spiritual landmark of the Blackfeet Indians. A Passport is required for this tour. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||
Big Sky Circle Tour
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Available from 6/18/2010 to 9/19/2010 The most inclusive tour of Glacier National Park starts with a morning drive over Marias Pass, with wildlife viewing at Goat Lick and a stop at the historic Izaak Walton Inn. 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 your hotel. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||||||
Tours Departing From The North East Side Of The Park
Old North Trail Tour (Early June Only)
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Available from 6/5/2010 to 6/17/2010 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 Campstore. Return to Many Glacier Valley after a short stop at the picturesque Wild Goose Island overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||
International Peace Park Tour
 |
|
||||||||||||
|
Available from 6/7/2010 to 9/13/2010 Begin your morning on the Old North Trail, one of the oldest highways in the world. See unparalleled views as you wind along Montana plains and peaks. Visit the incredible Many Glacier Valley along the way to Waterton Lakes National Park and the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. Arrive just in time for the optional Afternoon Tea served in the lobby, overlooking the Waterton Valley with views looking back into Montana. Return along the base of Chief Mountain, the spiritual landmark of the Blackfeet Indians. A Passport is required for this tour. Click on map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||
Eastern Alpine Tour
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Available from 6/18/2010 to 9/19/2010 Start your 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. Clink on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Treasure State Tour - NEW!!
 |
|
||||||||
|
Available from 6/18/2010 to 9/19/2010 Come explore some of Glacier’s greatest natural treasures on this half day tour along the Eastern front of the Rocky Mountains. Starting off in the glacier clad Swiftcurrent Valley, the tour begins by heading south to the St. Mary Valley and the start of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. From there, the tour winds along the mountain rimmed St. Mary Lake, to one of Glacier’s most photographed overlooks, Wild Goose Island. The tour then heads north for a visit to the most famous of all the Glacier peaks, Chief Mountain. This has long been a spiritual and iconic landmark of Glacier and the overlook provides breathtaking photos of this sentinel of the prairie. The tour concludes with an evening drive along Lake Sherburne as you return to Many Glacier. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||
Crown of the Continent Tour
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Available from 6/18/2010 to 9/19/2010 Your 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 historic Lake McDonald Lodge, before heading back. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Tours Departing From The West Side Of The Park
Huckleberry Mountain Tour (Early June and Late Sept. Only)
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Available from 5/23/2010 to 6/17/2010 and 9/20/2010 to 9/25/2010 Delve into the great cedar and hemlock forests that lie within the Lake McDonald Valley on your way to Sacred Dancing Cascade. Return past Lake McDonald Lodge for amazing scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities on your tour up Camas Creek 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 of the fires from 2003. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||||||
Crown of the Continent Tour
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Available from 6/18/2010 to 9/19/2010 Your 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 on into the magnificent Swiftcurrent Valley. Enjoy views of glaciers during an optional lunch in Many Glacier Hotel’s Ptarmigan Dining Room. Experience an encore vista on your return trip to the west side. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||||||
Western Alpine Tour
 |
|
||||||||||||
|
Available from 6/18/2010 to 9/19/2010* ** Start your 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. Click on the map to enlarge. *These tour times are not available after 8/31/10. **Available from 7/1/10 - 8/31/10 |
|||||||||||||
Evening Discovery Tour (July and August Only)
 |
|
||||||||||||
|
Available from 7/1/2010 to 9/19/2010 This leisurely tour is for those who want to experience a beautiful and romantic mountain afternoon atop the Going-to-the-Sun Road. As the sun begins its slow descent behind Glacier National Park’s famous Rocky Mountains, it is the optimal time to view some of Glacier’s most reclusive wildlife, a truly unforgettable experience in one of Montana’s historic Red Buses. Click on the map to enlarge. |
|||||||||||||
Mountain Majesty Tour
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Available from 7/1/2010 to 9/19/2010* Start your tour in the Lake McDonald Valley, one of the few Montana rain forests. Soon you will be traversing the side of a 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/dinner at Rising Sun’s Two Dog Flats Grill. Click on the map to enlarge. *The Afternoon Tour is not available after 8/31/10. |
|||||||||||||||||
Shuttles
General Information
The Glacier Park, Inc. Shuttle System offers a great way to get to varying locations around east side of the Park and to hook up with the National Park Service Shuttle. If you are without a car or just need to get from point A to point B, the following shuttle options will help in your planning.
For information about the National Park Service shuttle.
For information about the National Park Service shuttle.
Belton Train Station Shuttle
This shuttle provides passenger and luggage transportation between the West Glacier Train Station and both the Lake McDonald Lodge and the Village Inn in Apgar. This shuttle does not stop at any campgrounds, although many are within walking distance of the two stops. Reservation must be made by calling our Central Reservations office at (406) 892-2525.
The Belton Train Station Shuttle is priced at:
- Apgar Village Lodge: $6/adult and $3/child one-way
-
Lake McDonald Lodge: $10/adult and $5/child one-way
East Side Shuttle
This shuttle provides transportation between Glacier Park Lodge and Prince of Wales Hotel. This shuttle is perfect for guests who want shuttle service along the Eastside of Glacier National Park (trailheads & hotels). It provides round trip service to the Prince of Wales Hotel while leaving the driving to us.
The East Side Shuttle is priced at $10/adult and $5/child for each segment so please refer to the map and schedule for one-way pricing.
The shuttle should operate from June 4, 2010 to September 20, 2010. However the shuttle will not operate between Chief Mountain border crossing and the Prince of Wales hotel after the hotel closes on September 13, 2010. View Price Chart.
Hikers Shuttle
This shuttle provides hikers that are coming from Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurrent Motor Inn a convenient transport to meet up with the National Park Service shuttle at the St. Mary Visitor Center. This shuttle is tentatively set for daily departure beginning July 1, 2010 and ending on September 1, 2010.
The Hikers Shuttle is priced at $10/adult and $5/child for each one-way trip. View Price Chart.
The Hikers Shuttle is priced at $10/adult and $5/child for each one-way trip. View Price Chart.
Many Glacier Stranded Hiker Shuttle - Sept. Only
This shuttle provides emergency transportation to stranded hikers in the Many Glacier Valley between September 1 and September 20. Hikers will be brought between Logan Pass and the St. Mary Visitor Center or Many Glacier Hotel only.
The Many Glacier Standed Hiker Shuttle is priced at $40/adult and $20/child for this one-way emergency service.
Transportation Information
Cancellation Policy
Deposits are fully refundable for 30 days following the date the tour reservation was made. From 31 days after the reservation was made to 3 days prior to tour departure, the deposit will be refunded less a $15.00 administrative fee per tour. Cancellations made within 3 days of tour departure will result in a full forfeit of the deposit. For reservations made within 30 days prior to tour departure, the above policy applies with no 30-day grace period.
Please Note
Prices for all tours include transportation and guide service only. Park entry fees are not included.
Children are 11 years of age or younger.
Construction delays may occur.
All rates quoted in U.S. funds and do not include gratuity.
**Full tour dependent upon access to Logan Pass Visitor Center.
What To Wear
Please be advised that the weather can change at any moment, so please dress accordingly. Remember sunscreen, water, and plenty of film or memory for the camera.
Tour FAQ
How much does it cost to ride a Red Bus?
Prices for the Red Bus Tours start at $30 and go up depending on which tour you take and where you embark.
Is riding a Red Bus mandatory?
No, riding the historic Red Buses is completely voluntary.
Why should I take a Red Bus tour?
There are almost as many reasons to ride a Red Bus as visitors in the Park. One of the biggest reasons is that it enhances your understanding of the Park through our informative commentary on numerous subjects related to the history, geology, flora, and fauna of the Park. By taking a tour you leave the driving to a professional so you are free to enjoy the scenic splendors of the Park. In addition, by taking a Red Bus Tour, you are making a measurable contribution to reducing atmospheric emissions in this pristine environment, reducing the impact on global climate change.
What are the hours of operation?
The first Red Bus Tours leave at 8:30 a.m. from various pick-up points in and around the Park. Other tours leave throughout the day depending on your location. Most tours are completed before dark. The various tour departures and durations can be found in the Red Bus Brochure located at most lodges and information centers in and around Glacier National Park. You can also call our Central Reservation agents at 406.892.2525.
Are the Red Buses ADA accessible?
The Red Buses were built in the 1930s and therefore were never designed with ADA-accessible needs in mind. When the Red Buses were recently refurbished in 2001, it was decided that to make the busses accessible would take away from the structural integrity of the wooden frame of the busses.
I'm traveling with children; can I bring a stroller on a Red Bus?
You are welcome to bring a stroller if it can fold up and fit under the seat of the bus. However, due to the historic nature of the buses, there are no seat belts in the passenger bench seating; therefore car seats are not needed or allowed.
Is there enough room on a Red Bus for luggage?
Most times, the Red Buses are full and therefore cannot accommodate personal luggage. However, small purses or handbags are more than welcome if they comfortably rest in your lap or under the seat.
How comfortable is a Red Bus to ride?
Although the buses were first built in the 1930's, they were completely refurbished with new suspension and shocks in 2001. It is these new features, the open top, and the scenic splendors of the Park that make the Red Bus ride an unforgettable experience.
Will I get sick riding a Red Bus?
A Red Bus experience goes through some of the most spectacular scenery and winding roadway in North America. If you do experience motion sickness, you are welcome to get off at the next available shuttle stop, stretch your legs, and get on one of the National Park Service shuttles to head back to your point of origin.
What can I expect from riding a Red Bus?
Riding a Red Bus is an experience one doesn't soon forget. The open top allows unparalleled views of some of Glacier Park's most majestic mountains. And while you sit back and take in the scenery, our Red Bus drivers, known as "Jammers", tell tales of Glacier's history, geology, and biology.
Are there restroom stops on the tour?
Throughout the tour there are numerous stops at which to take advantage of restroom facilities.
Do I need a ticket to ride a Red Bus?
Yes, the Red Bus Tours are limited to 17 seats, so reservations are strongly recommended. To purchase tickets, please call one of our friendly reservation agents at 406.892.2525.
How is a Red Bus powered and is it environmentally friendly?
After the complete refurbishment of the buses in 2001, the entire fleet of 33 Red Buses now has the capability to run on cleaner burning propane gas. And although the propane systems get slightly worse miles per gallon compared to conventional gasoline engines, the reduction of greenhouse gas emission is worth the extra cost.
What is the capacity of each Red Bus?
The Red Buses each hold 17 passengers plus one driver.
How often do the Red Buses stop?
Each tour is designed to make numerous stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in order to allow our guests to take pictures or to more fully explain the cultural or scientific significance of a stop.
How do I get to other parts of the Park that a Red Bus doesn't go to?
You will have to drive yourself or you can use the National Park Service shuttle system to enjoy some of the Park's more than 700 miles of hiking trails.
What if I find or lose an item on a Red Bus; who do I give found items to and where can I find what I lost?
If you find an item on a Red Bus, please give it to a Red Bus driver so they can turn it into the concierge. If you lost an item, please visit one of our historic lodges and contact the concierge or front desk.
I'm traveling with a tour bus service or large group, what can I expect?
Visitors traveling in large groups are more than welcome to use Glacier's historic Red Bus fleet to better suite their needs. To arrange a private tour for your group please contact our Sales Manager at 406.892.6721.
Where is the best place to sit on a Red Bus?
Every seat on a Red Bus will provide plenty of views. The open tops allow all passengers to enjoy the awe and wonder that is Glacier National Park.
When were the Red Buses first placed in service at Glacier National Park?
This third generation of park touring coaches at Glacier (manufactured from 1936 to1939 by the White Motor Company of Cleveland, OH) were first placed in service during 1936 and remained in service without interruption (except for a short period during World War II) until August 1999 when they were removed from service for renovation. The fully renovated Red Buses returned to regular tour service in Glacier National Park in 2002.
What is so special about the fleet of historic Red Buses?
In the 1930s the National Park Service developed a program with the White Motor Company of Cleveland, OH, for the production of canvas-topped touring coaches to provide transportation for visitors within national parks. More than 500 vehicles were manufactured in the mid-1930s and were purchased for use in various western national parks including Bryce Canyon, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Mt. Rainier, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks. While the canvas-topped tour bus experience was replaced elsewhere, the fleet of (red) buses are maintained at Glacier National Park. The buses were ideal for trips across the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The open-air touring coaches afforded visitors a multi-sensory experience. The drivers known as 'Gear Jammers' toured the Reds across the Continental Divide.
Why were the buses removed from visitor use during the summer in 1999?
The fleet was pulled from service in 1999 for reasons of safety. The decision to remove these icons from the roads was not taken lightly, but once the problems with structural and metal fatigue were identified, there was no choice but to remove them from use - at least temporarily - until an economically feasible solution could be found. The fully renovated Red Buses returned to touring services in Glacier National Park in 2002.
What type of inspection originally took place in 1999?
After Glacier Park, Inc. (GPI) had conducted its internal inspection, the Park concessioner consulted with the National Park Service (NPS) about structural integrity and safety issues. NPS management concurred with GPI and the fleet was removed from use. At that time, an independent interdisciplinary team was brought to East Glacier in September to inspect, evaluate, and consult with GPI and the NPS regarding their results. This team included a White Motor Company expert, Ford Motor Company, The Federal Transit Administration (represented by the Denver RTD, GPI, and the NPS).
Who has been involved in this project?
After the fleet was removed from service, both GPI and NPS committed subject matter personnel to serve on an interdisciplinary team. They worked towards finding an economically feasible solution to returning this fleet of historic buses to service in Glacier National Park. This team brought together an ad-hoc group who consisted of mechanics, concession specialists, engineers, and consultants from Ford Motor Company, National Trust for Historic Preservation, White Motor Co., Federal Transit Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation), Montana Department of Transportation, Department of the Interior, National Park Foundation, Glacier Fund, Clean Fuels U.S.A. (Amerigas), National Park Service, members of the Glacier Park Foundation (former Gear Jammers), and numerous others concerned about seeing that the buses return to the roadways of Glacier National Park.
Did all of the Red Buses have identical rehabilitation needs?
The buses were found to have varying degrees of structural and safety problems. Many of the structural concerns were associated with the drive train, brakes, steering mechanisms, and chassis. As an operating fleet, the buses had undergone routine maintenance over the years, so individual vehicles varied in condition. In 1989, the manual transmission and steering mechanisms were replaced with automatic transmissions and power steering.
Who owns the fleet of historic Red Buses?
Until 2001, the fleet of 33 historic vehicles was privately owned by Glacier Park, Inc. and has been operated under a concession contract within Glacier National Park since they were purchased from the Glacier Park Transportation Company (Howard Hays, Owner) in the 1950s. In 2001, Glacier Park, Inc. donated the fleet (33 Red Buses) to the non-profit National Park Foundation so that Ford Motor Company could fund the rehabilitation of the buses. Upon completion of the renovation and restoration work by Ford Motor Company and their contractor, Transportation Design and Manufacturing (TDM) of Levonia, Michigan, title of the buses was transferred to Glacier National Park. One of the coaches has been kept in as original condition as possible for historical purposes. All partners agreed that upon completion of all rehabilitation work in 2003, Glacier Park, Inc. would continue to operate the buses in Glacier National Park under an amended contract for as long as the contract's terms allow.
