Find cheap flights to Billings from $86

Billings is a small city in southern Montana on the Yellowstone River. It enjoys distinct changes in weather and temperature throughout the year, with sunny, warm summers, and cold, snowy winters. Peak tourist season is during the summer when you can expect daily highs from 80 – 91 degrees Fahrenheit, and more expensive airfares and lodgings. During the winter, Billings is much quieter, so you can probably find good deals on flights and accommodation but pack your winter clothes because average highs range from 33 – 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Planning a visit here in spring or fall might be a good strategy. In April, May, and September, the weather is usually fine apart from the odd rain shower, and there is plenty going on to keep you amused.

Downtown Billings is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot, but you might find the street numbers confusing. The city is laid out on a sensible grid, but the numbered avenues increase in both the north and south directions, and the east – west streets are also numbered. There is a city bus service, Billings Met Transit, as well as local taxis and Uber service. Most tourists opt to rent a car so they can see the sights outside of Billings. The city is easy to drive around once you get the streets and avenues figured out, and parking is not difficult to find.

Buses

The Billings Met Transit buses serve the city, and run from 5:50 am to 6:50 pm on weekdays, and from 8:10 am to 5:45 pm on Saturdays. There is no bus service on Sundays and holidays. An adult single ride fare is $1.75 USD, or you can purchase a day pass for $4.00 USD. Children under 6 ride for free with a paying adult.

Things to do and places of interest in Billings, MT

Billings offers a ton of interesting outdoor activities along with great local food and drink. You will also find a wonderful line-up of festivals and events. Here are our top picks for your itinerary, when you travel to Billings MT.

• Visit Pictograph State Park where you can marvel at the ancient rock paintings. There are over 100 of them, and the earliest were created by prehistoric hunters around 2000 years ago.
• One of the most popular attractions in Billings is the mighty Yellowstone river where you can enjoy some fly fishing, or rent a tube and float down the river on a warm summer’s day.
• Check out Pompey’s Pillar, a spectacular sandstone column. Back in 1806, when adventurers Lewis and Clark travelled through the area, Captain William Clark carved his name into the pillar, and it can still be seen today.
• Tour the 1903-dated Moss Mansion Historical House and learn about how Billings was built. The former home of one of Billings’ founding fathers now contains many period antiques and other historic memorabilia.
• Get some delicious local produce at the Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Market which is held every Saturday morning during the summer. You’ll find it at the intersection of 2nd Avenue N and N Broadway in Downtown Billings.
• Taste some local wine at the Yellowstone Cellars and Winery which also holds special events during the summer, and offers winery tours.

Tips and tricks for visiting Billings, MT

Billings is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, and offers visitors a great jumping off point for exploring this national treasure. Getting to Yellowstone from Billings takes you on the world-famous Beartooth Highway, often called “the most beautiful drive in America”. You should be aware that because of its altitude, the highway closes during the winter months and doesn’t usually re-open until late May or early June.

If you’re visiting Billings during the winter months, keep in mind that winter in the mountains is unforgiving. Dress for the weather, and don’t take risks while enjoying outdoor recreation. Follow all the safety rules, and always pack your common sense.