Rae Lakes Airport

Overview

Cody Airport (officially Yellowstone Regional Airport, code YRA) is a small but well-equipped regional airport serving the northwestern corner of Wyoming. It sits just a few miles east of downtown Cody, the city named after the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody. The airport is a popular gateway for travelers heading to Yellowstone National Park, which lies about 50 miles to the west via the scenic East Entrance. It also serves those exploring the nearby Absaroka and Beartooth mountain ranges, as well as the Shoshone National Forest.

Unlike its larger regional neighbors like Jackson Hole or Bozeman, Cody Airport offers a more relaxed and efficient travel experience with far fewer crowds. Most passengers are either tourists on their way to Yellowstone or residents of the Big Horn Basin region. The airport primarily handles daily flights from Denver and Salt Lake City operated by United and Delta, making connections to the rest of the country relatively straightforward. Because of its compact size, everything from check-in to baggage claim takes only a few minutes, which is a clear advantage for travelers who want to start their Wyoming adventure as soon as possible.

Location & Access

Cody Airport is located at 1001 Yellowstone Avenue in Cody, Wyoming, just off US Highway 14/16/20. It is roughly a five-minute drive from the city center and about a 55-mile drive to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 5,090 feet, so passengers arriving from lower altitudes may notice the change.

Getting to and from the airport is fairly straightforward. Rental car counters are located inside the terminal, and most major agencies operate there since having a vehicle is essential for exploring the area. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available but can be limited, especially during off-peak times. Several local hotels and lodges offer complimentary shuttle services for their guests – it is worth checking with your accommodation before arrival. If you are heading directly to Yellowstone, many tour operators and outfitters provide shuttle or transfer services from the airport. There is also public parking directly in front of the terminal; parking is free for short stays, though long-term parking may have a daily fee.

For those flying in for the famous Cody Stampede or the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the airport's proximity means you can be at your destination within ten minutes of landing. The airport also serves the communities of Powell, Lovell, and Worland, though most visitors from farther afield fly in to reach Cody itself.

Facilities

Cody Airport may be small, but it covers the essential needs of modern travelers. The terminal building is single-story and fully accessible. Confirmed amenities include:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park with designated spaces close to the entrance.
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance with automatic doors and no steps.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet in the restroom facilities.
• Standard toilets are clean and well-maintained.
• Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal – complimentary and reasonably fast for checking emails, streaming, or browsing.
• Changing table in the restroom, which is useful for families with infants.

Additionally, there is a small snack bar or vending area where you can buy drinks and light snacks. Seating in the gate area is adequate for the number of passengers, and charging outlets are available near some seats. The airport does not have a full-service restaurant or duty-free shop, but downtown Cody is only minutes away if you have time before a flight. Given its size, expect a straightforward, no-frills experience – the kind where you do not need to arrive hours early. Security lines are typically short, but during peak hours (around noon and 1 pm) and during summer months, they may take a bit longer.

About the Region

Cody is a town that embraces its Old West heritage. Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1896, the town is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum complex that covers five museums under one roof: the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum, and the Whitney Western Art Museum. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the American West.

Beyond the museums, the area is a hub for outdoor recreation. The Shoshone National Forest, America's first national forest, stretches west of Cody and offers hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Beartooth Highway (US 212) is a spectacular scenic drive that climbs over 10,000 feet and connects Cody to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone. In the summer, the Cody Nite Rodeo runs every night from June through August, providing authentic cowboy entertainment.

Yellowstone National Park is the primary draw for air travelers. From the East Entrance, visitors can reach iconic spots like the Lamar Valley (famous for wildlife), Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone within an hour or two. The airport's location makes it an ideal starting point for a park itinerary, especially for those who want to avoid the busier west entrance near West Yellowstone.

Practical Information

• Airport name: Yellowstone Regional Airport (Cody Airport)
• IATA code: YRA
• Website: http://www.flyyra.com/
• Phone: No direct phone line listed; general inquiries can be made through the website contact form.
• Operating hours: The airport terminal is not open 24 hours a day. It generally opens about two hours before the first flight and closes after the last arrival. You can check specific hours on the airport website. If you have an early morning departure, plan accordingly as the terminal doors may be locked overnight.
• Peak hours: The busiest times are around noon and 1 pm, when multiple flights may be scheduled. Security waits are still typically under 15 minutes even during these peaks.
• Accessibility: The airport is fully wheelchair accessible, with dedicated parking, entrances, and restrooms. Wheelchair assistance can be arranged through your airline at the ticket counter.
• Parking: Short-term parking is free for the first 30 minutes. Long-term parking rates are available on the website. The lot is within a short walk of the terminal.

For the most up-to-date information on flight schedules, car rental partners, and any temporary changes, always check the official website before traveling.