Getting Around Billings
Billings is the largest city in Montana and the trade and distribution hub for a vast stretch of the northern plains, so visitors will find a compact, car-oriented city with a modest but usable public transport network. The practical takeaway: expect to rely on a car, a taxi, or a ride-hailing app for most trips, but know that a local bus system, bike trails, and a well-connected airport give you some flexibility.
By Bus: MET Transit
The city's public bus system is MET Transit. It runs a network of routes across Billings on weekdays and Saturdays, with extra service during peak hours on weekdays. There is no service on Sundays or major holidays, so plan around that if you are visiting over a weekend.
- Weekday service: roughly early morning to late afternoon/early evening.
- Saturday service: morning to late afternoon, with a midday break.
- Fares: a regular single ride is inexpensive; reduced fares are available for seniors (62+), Medicare cardholders, and disabled riders, and young children ride free.
- Tickets and passes: a multi-ride ticket book is available for a flat price, and transfers between routes are free.
- Payment: you must have the exact fare ready for the driver.
For contact and current details, MET Transit can be reached by phone or email, and it is worth checking schedules in advance since service is limited compared with larger cities.
Rail, Metro, and Tram
Billings has no passenger rail service, and despite sitting on the Yellowstone River, it has no ferry connections to other cities. There is also no metro or tram network. The city's name and history are tied to the railroad — it was founded as a rail town — but today that heritage is not something a visitor can use to get around. For intercity travel, the bus is the main non-driving option.
Intercity Bus
Jefferson Lines serves Billings with long-distance bus routes, primarily along the Interstate 90 and Interstate 94 corridors. This is the practical choice if you are arriving from or heading to other regional cities without a car. Passengers typically transfer in larger hubs to reach additional destinations, so connections may require some planning.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis in Billings charge fares based on a pre-set zone arrangement rather than a simple metered distance, so it helps to confirm the zone and price before you set off. Uber and Lyft both operate in the city, giving visitors a convenient alternative, especially for airport runs and evenings when buses have stopped. A couple of local taxi and shuttle operators also serve the area, which can be useful for scheduled or group trips.
Walking and Biking
Billings is a sprawling, car-oriented western city, so walking is most practical in the downtown core and around specific attractions rather than as a way to cross town. That said, bike trails can be found throughout the city, and a local trails organization publishes a map, making cycling a reasonable option for recreation or for covering shorter distances in good weather.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Billings Logan International Airport is the major airport for eastern Montana and the busiest in the state, located close to the city on Terminal Circle. It is served by several major airlines, with Denver, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis acting as the biggest connecting hubs, plus regional service linking the city to smaller Montana communities.
Once you land, your options for reaching the city are straightforward:
- Taxi: available at the airport, with fares set by zone.
- Ride-hailing: Uber and Lyft operate in Billings and can pick up from the airport.
- Shuttle and local transport services: local shuttle operators can be booked in advance.
- Rental car: given how spread out the city and its surrounding attractions are, a rental car is often the most flexible choice for a visitor.
Arriving by Car
If you are driving in, Billings sits at the junction of major interstate routes. Interstate 90 connects the city with points west such as Bozeman, Butte, and Missoula, and continues south into Wyoming. Interstate 94 joins from the east, linking Billings with Miles City, Glendive, and North Dakota. From the north, U.S. 87 connects Billings with Roundup, and U.S. 310 comes north from Lovell, Wyoming. This highway network makes Billings an easy base for exploring the wider region, including nearby attractions and the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Practical Tips
- Plan around the bus schedule: no Sunday or major-holiday service, and limited Saturday hours.
- Carry exact change if you plan to ride MET Transit.
- Confirm taxi zone pricing before your trip, or use a ride-hailing app for transparent fares.
- If your itinerary includes outlying attractions, a rental car will save considerable time.
- Bring a bike or check the local trail map if you want to explore on two wheels.