In short
- Lamar Valley is included in your standard Yellowstone admission.
- A 7-day private vehicle pass costs $35.
- Beginning in 2026, non-US residents must pay an extra $100 per person.
In this article
Lamar Valley sits inside Yellowstone National Park. You pay the standard park entrance fee to drive the Northeast Entrance Road. There are no additional toll booths or ticket checks within the valley itself. Your pass covers entry for seven consecutive days.
Is there a specific Lamar Valley entrance fee?
No. Your Yellowstone National Park pass covers your visit.
Lamar Valley is a region inside the park, not a separate attraction. The 29-mile corridor road traversing the valley is open to anyone who has paid the main park entry fee.
How much is the Yellowstone vehicle pass?
A standard private vehicle pass costs $35.
This pass covers everyone inside a single private car. It remains valid for seven days from the date of purchase. If you plan to return often, an annual park pass costs $70.
What is the new 2026 international visitor surcharge?
Starting in 2026, international visitors must pay a $100 per person surcharge.
This fee applies to all non-US residents entering Yellowstone National Park. You pay this surcharge in addition to the standard $35 vehicle pass.
Do guided wildlife tours include the park entrance fee?
Most guided tours do not include your park admission.
When you book a safari, you usually need to pay the entrance fee separately. For example, many private wildlife tours explicitly exclude the $35 vehicle fee and the $100 non-resident surcharge. Check your specific tour details before arriving.
How long does a standard entrance pass last?
The $35 private vehicle pass is valid for seven days.
You can enter and exit the park as many times as you like during this window. If you stay in nearby towns like Cooke City or Gardiner, you can drive into the valley every morning before dawn without paying again.
Do audio tours cover my entrance fee?
No. Audio tours only provide navigation and commentary.
If you buy a self-guided GPS app, you still need to pay the $35 vehicle pass at the park gate. The app works offline from all five park entrances, including the North and Northeast entrances near Lamar Valley.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need an advanced reservation for Lamar Valley?
No. You only need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass. The valley road is open to regular vehicles year-round.
Is Lamar Valley open in the winter?
Yes. The road through Lamar Valley is the only road in Yellowstone open to regular wheeled vehicles year-round.
Can I drive my own car through Lamar Valley?
Yes. Driving the Northeast Entrance Road is the primary way to access the valley independently. The entry fee is $35 per vehicle.
