Overview
Billings is Montana's largest city, strung along the Yellowstone River beneath the sandstone cliffs known as the Rims. It's the commercial heart of south-central Montana and a natural starting point for road trips to Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Highway, offering big-sky scenery and frontier history in equal measure. Every route from the UK involves a connection, so finding cheap flights to Billings rewards a little planning.
Best time to fly to Billings
Summer (June to August) is peak season: warm, dry days often in the high 20s°C and full access to Yellowstone and the mountains. Fares peak then too — see the When to book chart above. Late spring and September bring mild weather, fewer crowds and better value, while cold, snowy winters outside the Christmas and New Year period can be very cheap for travellers who don't mind wrapping up warm.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Billings from the UK, so you'll change planes at a US hub. Typical routings are Delta (with partner Virgin Atlantic) via Minneapolis or Salt Lake City, United via Denver, Newark or Chicago, and American (with British Airways) via Dallas or Chicago; Alaska Airlines connects from Seattle. Allow around 14 to 18 hours from London in total, including an 8 to 10 hour transatlantic leg plus the onward connection. Booking the whole journey on one ticket keeps you protected if timings slip.
Things to do in Billings
Billings blends frontier heritage with easy access to Montana's finest scenery.
- Pictograph Cave State Park: Ancient rock art and archaeology a short drive from the city.
- Pompeys Pillar National Monument: A sandstone butte bearing William Clark's 1806 signature from the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- ZooMontana: The state's only zoo and botanical park, home to grizzlies and red pandas.
- Moss Mansion: A carefully preserved 1903 house with its original furnishings.
- Beartooth Highway: A spectacular alpine drive towards Yellowstone, usually open late May to mid-October.
At Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
The airport sits on the Rims bluff right above downtown, only about 2 miles (3 km) from the centre — often under 10 minutes by road. Car hire is the sensible choice for exploring Montana, with all the major firms in the terminal. Taxis and rideshare operate, and some hotels run free shuttles; public transport is minimal, so it's worth pre-booking a car for late arrivals.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Billings
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for summer travel; the price charts on this page show the pattern.
- Fly midweek and avoid US public holidays for lower fares.
- Stay flexible with your dates and compare hub routings — Denver, Minneapolis and Chicago fares often differ.
- Compare airlines rather than assuming one alliance wins, and check baggage allowances before you book.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travel under the US Visa Waiver Programme: apply for an approved ESTA online before you fly and carry a passport valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the US dollar, so check the pound-to-dollar rate beforehand; cards are accepted almost everywhere. No vaccinations are required, but thorough travel insurance with strong medical cover is essential given high US healthcare costs. Montana runs on Mountain time, seven hours behind the UK.
