Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Billings (Yellowstone County, Montana; pop. 117,116) sits at 952 m (3123 ft) elevation near Billings Historic District, with regional transit access via Logan International Airport (4.4 km). Visitors pair Billings landmarks with signature Montana specialties including Montana bison ribeye & elk medallions and Flathead cherry pie & wild huckleberry cobbler.
Within Montana, Billings (Billings, MT) serves as a major hub city in montana. Travelers exploring Montana often combine a stop in Billings with state highlights such as Glacier National Park & Going-to-the-Sun Road, North & West Yellowstone Gateways (Gardiner & West Yellowstone), Big Sky, Flathead Lake & Little Bighorn.
| Fact | Details for Billings (Billings, MT) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Billings, MT |
| County & Role | Major hub city in Montana |
| State & Major Hubs | Montana (Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish & Billings) |
| Population | 117,116 residents |
| Elevation | 952 m (3,123 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Logan International Airport (4.4 km) |
| Coordinates | 45.7833°N, 108.5007°W |
Getting to Billings & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Logan International Airport (4.4 km)): Bozeman Yellowstone (BZN), Glacier Park Kalispell (FCA) & Missoula (MSO) airports; Amtrak Empire Builder stops right at Glacier National Park.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into BZN Bozeman & FCA Glacier Park Airports + Amtrak Empire Builder? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Billings includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Billings (Montana)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Billings (Yellowstone County, Montana), local tables feature: Signature Montana dishes—Montana bison ribeye & elk medallions, Flathead cherry pie & wild huckleberry cobbler, and Rocky Mountain cutthroat trout.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Billings and across Montana, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Montana: Big Sky craft ales & huckleberry spirits, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Billings (Montana), look for: Local specialties across Montana: Pork chop sandwich & sourdough camp biscuits, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Montana dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Billings (pop. 117,116), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Yellowstone County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 952 m (3,123 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Logan International Airport (4.4 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Billings Historic Downtown · Yellowstone County Courthouse Square
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Billings Heights
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Lockwood, MT (7.8 km)
- Laurel, MT (24.6 km)
- Hardin, MT (69.2 km)
- Powell, WY (116.2 km)
- Springdale, MT (134.0 km)
Regional Specialties Across Montana
- Montana bison ribeye & elk medallions — a signature specialty across Montana.
- Flathead cherry pie & wild huckleberry cobbler — a signature specialty across Montana.
- Rocky Mountain cutthroat trout — a signature specialty across Montana.
- Pork chop sandwich & sourdough camp biscuits — a signature specialty across Montana.
- Big Sky craft ales & huckleberry spirits — a signature specialty across Montana.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Billings
Best time to visit Montana: Jun–Sep (parks), Dec–Mar (Big Sky/Whitefish ski).
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Billings exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Billings; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Billings (Billings, MT) located in the United States?
Billings (Billings, MT) is a us city in Montana, United States (coordinates: 45.7833°N, 108.5007°W, elevation: 952 m (3,123 ft)). It has a population of approximately 117,116.
How do I get to Billings by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Billings via Logan International Airport (4.4 km). Bozeman Yellowstone (BZN), Glacier Park Kalispell (FCA) & Missoula (MSO) airports; Amtrak Empire Builder stops right at Glacier National Park. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Billings and Montana known for?
In Billings and across Montana, signature regional dishes include Montana bison ribeye & elk medallions, Flathead cherry pie & wild huckleberry cobbler, Rocky Mountain cutthroat trout, as well as Pork chop sandwich & sourdough camp biscuits and Big Sky craft ales & huckleberry spirits. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Billings?
Best time to visit Montana: Jun–Sep (parks), Dec–Mar (Big Sky/Whitefish ski). Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: