Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservations & Tickets

During peak season, a timed-entry vehicle permit is required to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park. Permits sell out within hours of going live — sometimes within minutes. Here's exactly how the system works and how to secure yours.

Required Window

7 am – 3 pm

Season

Late June – Labor Day

Permit Cost

$2 per vehicle

Where to Book

recreation.gov

Permits open on recreation.gov in batches starting in early spring. The first batch (covering the full peak season window) sells out almost immediately. A second batch is typically released closer to the season. Check the NPS Glacier website for exact release dates each year.

What the Permit Covers

The vehicle reservation covers entry onto Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Apgar area (west side) and the St. Mary entrance (east side) during the restricted hours of 7 am to 3 pm. You do not need a permit to enter the park before 7 am, after 3 pm, or if you're staying at Lake McDonald Lodge or a park campground (lodging guests are exempt).

The permit is per vehicle, not per person. One $2 permit covers your entire vehicle party. It is in addition to the standard park entrance fee (currently $35 per vehicle, valid 7 days).

Map of Going-to-the-Sun Road route through Glacier National Park

Who Does NOT Need a Permit

Vehicles entering or exiting before 7 am or after 3 pm
Registered guests of Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, or any NPS campground along GTSR
Commercial tour vehicles (they have separate permits)
NPS shuttle bus riders (free shuttle, no permit needed)
Cyclists and pedestrians

How to Book — Step by Step

Create a recreation.gov account

Go to recreation.gov and create a free account. Do this before the release date — you don't want to be creating an account when permits go live.

Find the Glacier GTSR listing

Search for "Going-to-the-Sun Road" on recreation.gov. The listing is typically titled "Glacier National Park — Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation."

Be ready at release time

Permits typically release at 8 am Mountain Time. Have the page loaded and refresh at or slightly before the release time. The booking interface moves fast — have your entry date, vehicle info and payment ready.

Select your entry date and time window

Choose the date you plan to drive GTSR. You'll enter during the 7 am–3 pm window — once past the gate you can spend as much time on the road as you like.

Save your confirmation

Print or download your permit confirmation. Rangers check permits at entrance stations. Have it accessible on your phone or printed — cell service is unreliable inside the park.

What If I Miss the Permit Window?

Don't give up. There are several legitimate ways to visit even without a pre-booked permit:

Check for cancellations: recreation.gov releases cancelled permits daily. Check the day before your visit — sometimes the same day. Early morning and late-night checks often yield results.
Arrive before 7 am: The permit restriction begins at 7 am. If you're at the park gate before then, you can drive in and park freely — no permit needed. This is a popular strategy for Logan Pass sunrise.
Ride the NPS shuttle: No permit needed for shuttle riders. Park at Apgar and take the free shuttle all the way to Logan Pass and back. This is genuinely the best way to experience the road — you can watch the scenery without driving it.
Enter after 3 pm: The restriction lifts at 3 pm, though some parking areas will be full by then. Good for sunset drives to the lake and lower road viewpoints.
Stay inside the park: Lodge and campground guests are exempt from the permit requirement. Booking a stay at Lake McDonald Lodge automatically covers your GTSR access. Lodge guide →

Vehicle size note: All vehicles — including the combination of vehicle + trailer — must be 21 feet or shorter to drive GTSR past Avalanche Creek. Oversize vehicles are not permitted on the upper road regardless of permit status.