Billings Logan International Airport
Billings, US · 3 km (2 mi) northwest of downtown Billings
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time |
|---|---|
| Rental Car Center On-site | — |
| Taxi Services Road | 10 min |
Insider notes
For a proper meal and drink, visit Gateway Taproom & Grill pre-security, where locals enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and full service.
Expect TSA lines to stack up around the early morning rush; the terminal opens at 3:45 a.m.
Mountain Mudd Coffee in the Great Room provides quick breakfast options and coffee, perfect for busy mornings.
Welcome
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is not your typical airport experience. Perched dramatically atop the Rimrocks, just two miles northwest of downtown Billings, this airport feels more like a small mountain lodge. It offers big windows with rim views and an impressively easy in-and-out layout. The terminal, post-renovation, is compact yet modern, offering local food, a proper bar, and short walks without the usual regional-airport chaos.
At a glance
Handling about 420,000 passengers annually, BIL is Montana's largest airport, featuring a single "Main" terminal. It's serviced by airlines like Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and American Airlines. With only three runways and one terminal, it ensures quick transitions for travelers. The airport's elevated position on the sandstone Rimrocks offers travelers unbeatable views of Billings and the Yellowstone River valley, which adds a scenic delight to any journey.
Terminals & layout
The Main Terminal houses both the check-in areas and the gates, making for a straightforward navigation process. Notable for its post-renovation concourse, it clusters logical amenities together. The Great Room by Concourse A is an ideal gathering spot featuring large windows and a nearby coffee/liquor bar. The layout is such that you'll be within a three-minute walk to any gate from this central area.
Getting to and from the city
Located only three kilometers from downtown, BIL is highly accessible. Taxis operate from the airport and can get you to the city center in about ten minutes. For those who prefer to drive, there is a Rental Car Center on-site, simplifying vehicle pickup and drop-off.
Traveller essentials
Security lines are usually manageable but plan a bit extra during early morning peak times. The terminal opens daily at 3:45 a.m. and several airlines bank flights for an early push, which can temporarily back up the TSA lines. Parking is another convenience; with short-term rates at $18/day, long-term at $12/day, and an Express Lot nearby, all parking options are directly across the terminal, making for quick access without shuttle hassles.
Dining & shopping highlights
Foodies will find satisfaction within the terminal itself. The Gateway Taproom & Grill offers a sit-down experience pre-security, serving full breakfast until 10:30 a.m. Post-security, the compact food court supports quick and diverse bites with Logan's Diner, Stacked, a Montana Grill, and Cinnabon. For caffeine, Mountain Mudd Coffee on Concourse A has you covered with morning pastries and snacks. The single retail outlet, Skyblu Gifts, though minor in number, offers a selection of last-minute Montana souvenirs and trip essentials.
Lounges
While BIL lacks dedicated airline lounges, frequent flyers will find refuge in the pre-security Gateway Taproom & Grill lounge area. This space acts as a de facto business center and meeting point for travelers who need a quiet corner to work or meet colleagues before heading airside.
Insider tips
- Insider: For a proper meal and drink, visit Gateway Taproom & Grill pre-security, where locals enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and full service.
- Time: Expect TSA lines to stack up around the early morning rush; the terminal opens at 3:45 a.m.
- Local: Mountain Mudd Coffee in the Great Room provides quick breakfast options and coffee, perfect for busy mornings.
- Quiet: Use the Great Room as a staging area pre-flight; it's a mellow spot with big windows and nearby refreshments, ideal for groups.
- Money: Long-term parking is $12/day and a short walk from the terminal, eliminating time-consuming transfers.
- Avoid: Plan to eat at the airport; food options are limited on the short drive up North 27th Street to the terminal.