Glacier National Park

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Glacier Park Lodge 9:00 a.m. $75/adult $37.50/child 8 hours

Available from 5/29/2013 to 6/20/2013 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.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Glacier Park Lodge 9:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. $45/adult $22.50/child 3 hours

Available from 5/29/2013 to 9/21/2013 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 6/9/12 to 9/9/12. 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.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Glacier Park Lodge 8:30 a.m. $80/adult $40/child 8.5 hours St. Mary Lodge 10:00 a.m. $65/adult $32.50/child 6.5 hours Johnson's RV Park 10:00 a.m. $65/adult $32.50/child 6.5 hours St. Mary KOA 10:00 a.m. $65/adult $32.50/child 6.5 hours Many Glacier Hotel 11:00 a.m. $55/adult $27.50/child 4.5 hours Swiftcurrent Motor Inn 11:00 a.m. $55/adult $27.50/child 4.5 hours

Available from 6/9/2013 to 9/16/2013 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.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Glacier Park Lodge 9:00 a.m. $80/adult $40/child 8 hours Glacier Meadows RV Park 9:30 a.m. $85/adult $42.50/child 8 hours Izaak Walton Inn 10:00 a.m. $90/adult $45/child 8 hours

Available from 6/21/2013 to 9/21/2013 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.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration St. Mary Lodge/ St. Mary KOA / Johnson's RV Park / Many Glacier Hotel   9:00 am 2:00 pm   $40 adult / $20 Child 3.5 Hours

Available from 6/1/2013 to 6/20/2013 and 9/23/2013 to 9/28/2013 Enjoy the clean mountain air as the historic Red Bus drives you into the spectacular Many Glacier Valley to witness some of the best views Glacier National Park has to offer. Along the way, you can sit back and listen to stories of the park, the wildlife and Blackfeet tales. After a quick photo opportunity, the tour traverses up Going-to-the-Sun Road to a view of one of the largest remaining glaciers in the park. After a few more photo stops to take in this remarkable scenery, the tour returns to St. Mary Lodge.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration St. Mary Lodge / Johnson's RV Park / St. Mary KOA  10:00 a.m. $65/adult $32.50/child  6 hours Many Glacier Hotel / Swiftcurrent Motor Inn 11:00 a.m. $55/adult $27.50/child 4.5 hours

Available from 6/9/2013 to 9/16/2013 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.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Many Glacier Hotel / Swiftcurrent Motor Inn 9:30 a.m. $40/adult $20/child 4.5 hours St. Mary KOA / Johnson's RV Park 10:15 a.m. $35/adult $17.50/child 3 hours St. Mary Lodge 10:30 a.m. $35/adult $17.50/child 3 hours Rising Sun Motor Inn 10:45 a.m. $30/adult $15/child 2.5 hours

Available from 6/21/2013 to 9/22/2013 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. Click on the map to enlarge.

	Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Many Glacier Hotel / Swiftcurrent Motor Inn 3:30 p.m. $40/adult $20/child 4 hours St. Mary KOA 4:15 p.m. $35/adult $17.50/child 3 hours St. Mary Lodge 4:30 p.m. $35/adult $17.50/child 3 hours Rising Sun Motor Inn 4:45 p.m. $30/adult 415/child 2.5 hours
Available from 6/21/2013 to 9/2/2013 An evening spent atop the Continental Divide is one seldom forgotten and always cherished. Enjoy the peace and serenity of Logan Pass, summit of the world renowned Going-to-the-Sun Road, as our Jammers narrate you through the history, geology, flora and fauna which make Glacier National Park one of the last great places to visit.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Many Glacier Hotel / Swiftcurrent Motor Inn 9:00 a.m. $75/adult $37.50/child 8 hours St. Mary KOA / Johnson's RV Park 9:45 a.m. $65/adult $32.50/child 6.5 hours St. Mary Lodge 10:00 a.m. $65/adult $32.50/child 6.5 hours Rising Sun Motor Inn 10:15 a.m. $55/adult $27.50/child 6 hours

Available from 6/21/2013 to 9/22/2013 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.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Many Glacier Hotel St. Mary Lodge 9:00am(MGH) 10:00am(SML) $75/adult $37.50/child (MGH) $65/adult $32.50/child (SML) 8 hours 6 hours

Available from 6/1/2013 (6/1-12/13 SML only) to 6/20/2013  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 Many Glacier Hotel with memories of all you have seen and discovered. Click on the map to enlarge.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Lake McDonald Lodge 9:00a.m. 2:00p.m. $40/adult $20/child 3.5 hours Apgar Transit Center / Village Inn At Apgar 9:30a.m. 2:30p.m. $40/adult $20/child 3.5 hours West Glacier KOA / Glacier RV / Belton Chalet 10:00a.m. 3:00p.m. $40/adult $20/child 3.5 hours

Available from 5/26/2013 to 6/20/2013 Start your journey with 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 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. Click on the map to enlarge.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration West Glacier KOA / Glacier Campground / Belton Chalet 8:00 a.m. $83/adult $41.50/child 9 hours Apgar Transit Center / Village Inn At Apgar 8:30 a.m. $80/adult $40/child 8.75 hours Lake McDonald Lodge 9:00 a.m. $75/adult $37.50/child 8 hours

Available from 6/21/2013 to 9/22/2013 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.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Apgar Transit Center / Village Inn At Apgar 9:30a.m. 10:30a.m.* 11:30 a.m.* 2:30p.m. 3:30p.m.* $50/adult $25/child 4 hours Lake McDonald Lodge 10:00a.m 11:00a.m.* 12:00p.m.* 3:00p.m. 4:00p.m.* $45/adult $22.50/child 3 hours

Available from 6/21/2013 to 9/29/2013* 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.  *Available from 7/1/2013 to 9/2/2013 only.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration Apgar Transit Center / Village Inn At Apgar 4:00p.m. $55/adult $27.50/child 5 hours Lake McDonald Lodge 4:30p.m. $50/adult $25/child 4 hours

Available from 7/1/2013 to 9/2/2013 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.

Departure Location Departure Time Price Tour Duration West Glacier KOA 8:30a.m. 1:00p.m.* $60/adult $30/child 7.5 hours Apgar Transit Center 9:00a.m. 1:30p.m.* $55/adult $27.50/child 6.75 hours Lake McDonald Lodge 9:30a.m. 2:00p.m.* $50/adult $25/child 6 hours

Available from 7/1/2013 to 9/22/2013* 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 9/2/2013.

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. View our brochure.


For information about the National Park Service 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. Shuttle Brochure

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
   

This shuttle provides transportation between the hotels located on the east side of Glacier National Park, including Glacier Park Lodge, St. Mary Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and the Prince of Wales. This shuttle is perfect for guests who want shuttle service along the Eastside of Glacier National Park (trailheads & hotels). It also 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 Cut Bank area trailheads and campgrounds are approximately 5 miles from the drop off on highway 89.  Visitors getting off here will have a significant walk to the campgrounds.

The shuttle should operate from June 8, 2013 to September 22, 2013. However the shuttle will not operate between Chief Mountain border crossing and the Prince of Wales after September 17, 2013.

View our brochure

A shuttle between St. Mary’s Visitors Center and Many Glacier Hotel may be offered for a fee from July 1, 2013 to September 2, 2013 in order to connect in St. Mary with the NPS shuttle system.  Here is a link to the the National Park Service Shuttle.

The Hikers Shuttle is priced at $10/adult and $5/child for each one-way trip.

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.

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.

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.

Prices for the Red Bus Tours start at $30 and go up depending on which tour you take and where you embark.

No, riding the historic Red Buses is completely voluntary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Throughout the tour there are numerous stops at which to take advantage of restroom facilities.

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.

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.

The Red Buses each hold 17 passengers plus one driver.

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.

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.

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.

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 406.863.4704.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 Livonia, 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.