Header Background Image

Helena Regional Airport HLN

Explore Today's Deals

Logo invertedHLNHelena Regional Airport

HLN Airport Insights & Guide

Key HLN Airport Topics:

Getting to Know HLN Airport

Welcome to our Helena Regional Airport Online Guide, a comprehensive resource for travelers navigating through this significant hub in Montana. HLN is known for its single yet well-equipped terminal, offering a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience. From diverse dining options to a variety of passenger services, this guide provides an overview of what the airport has to offer. A unique aspect of HLN is its rich history dating back to the early 1900s, adding a touch of historical charm to your journey. For travelers seeking more information about other airports they might be visiting, we suggest our complete guide to airports.

iFly Tip: Plan your trip with ease using our flying with kids guide.

The airport has one terminal building with two levels. The terminal has a total of 4 gates, with 3 gates on the lower level and 1 gate on the upper level. The lower level is used for arrivals and baggage claim, while the upper level is used for departures.

The terminal building at HLN is home to a variety of services and amenities for travelers. There are several dining options available, including a restaurant and a coffee shop. Travelers can also find a gift shop, newsstand, and ATM within the terminal. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.

Major airlines that operate out of HLN include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. These airlines use gates located on the lower level of the terminal building.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

Helena Regional Airport has only one terminal, so passengers do not need to worry about navigating between terminals. However, the terminal offers various amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience. Passengers can enjoy a meal or a drink at the airport restaurant or grab a snack at the vending machines. There are also restrooms, a gift shop, and free Wi-Fi available for passengers to use while waiting for their flight.

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at Helena Regional Airport (HLN) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from HLN-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"Helena Regional Airport is quite compact, which means you won't have to walk far to reach your gate. The terminal layout is straightforward, with clear signage guiding you to baggage claim, ticketing, and security checkpoints. If you’re ever in doubt, the information desk staff are very helpful." — John D., East Helena, MT, August 2023

"One tip for navigating quickly is to familiarize yourself with the terminal map before you arrive. This can save you valuable time, especially during peak travel hours." — Emily R., Helena, MT, July 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The airport is just a short drive from downtown Helena. If you’re renting a car, the rental agencies are conveniently located right next to the baggage claim area. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available outside the terminal." — Michael K., Helena, MT, September 2023

"Public transportation is limited, so if you’re planning to explore the area, renting a car is your best bet. The drive to the city center is scenic and takes about 10 minutes." — Laura S., Clancy, MT, October 2023

Parking

"Parking at HLN is straightforward and affordable. There are short-term and long-term parking options right in front of the terminal. If you’re picking someone up, the short-term lot is free for the first 30 minutes." — David P., Helena, MT, November 2023

"For long-term parking, make sure to arrive early during the holiday season as the lot can fill up quickly. The rates are reasonable, and the lot is secure." — Karen M., East Helena, MT, December 2023

Inside the Airport

"The airport offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. There are a few dining options, including a café that serves great coffee and pastries. If you need to grab a quick bite, the snack bar near the gates is convenient." — Linda T., Helena, MT, January 2024

"Don’t miss the gift shop if you’re looking for Montana-themed souvenirs. It’s a great place to pick up last-minute gifts before your flight." — Robert B., Helena, MT, February 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Security lines at HLN are generally short, but it’s always a good idea to arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight, especially during peak travel times. The TSA staff here are efficient and friendly." — Susan W., Helena, MT, March 2024

"Check the airport’s website or app for real-time updates on wait times and flight statuses. This can help you plan your arrival and avoid unnecessary stress." — Mark F., Helena, MT, April 2024

iFly Tip: Navigate customs and immigration quickly with advice from our wait times tips.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At HLN Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside area outside of the terminal. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers should remain in their vehicles while waiting for their passengers.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, there is a designated cell-phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows drivers to park their vehicles for free and wait until their passenger has arrived and retrieved their luggage before proceeding to the curbside pick-up area. This is a convenient option that helps to alleviate congestion and traffic around the terminal.

Parking Facilities & Options

The airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. The main parking lot is conveniently located in front of the terminal building and is ideal for short-term parking. For long-term parking, there is a remote lot located just a short shuttle ride away from the terminal.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there is a cell phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows you to wait in your car until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in both the main parking lot and the remote lot. Designated spots are located near the terminal entrance for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These lots are located just a short distance from the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal.

Get details about Helena Regional Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Helena Airport offers a range of ground transportation options to help you get to your final destination. If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. You can easily rent a car upon arrival and be on your way in no time.

If you don't want to rent a car, taxi services are available at the airport. Taxis are located outside the terminal building and can take you to your desired location. Fare information can be obtained from the taxi company directly.

Shared ride services are also available at HLN. These services provide a more affordable option for travelers who don't want to rent a car or take a taxi. Pickup areas for shared ride services can be found outside the terminal building, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.

If you're looking for a shuttle service, the airport offers an airport shuttle that can take you to your final destination. Pickup areas for the shuttle service can be found outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the distance traveled.

For those who prefer public transportation, there are several bus routes that serve the airport. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, and fares can be purchased onboard the bus. This is a great option for travelers who want to save money and don't mind a longer travel time.

iFly Tip: Discover the best ways to pack efficiently using our carry-on packing tips.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be a tiring experience, especially when it involves long flights. A comfortable stay near the airport can make a huge difference in your journey. Whether you are on a business trip, a vacation, or just looking for a convenient place to rest before catching your next flight, finding the right hotel near the airport is crucial. From luxury suites to budget-friendly rooms, we have compiled a list of the best airport hotels to make your travel planning easier. These accommodations are located just a short drive from the airport, ensuring that you won't have to worry about missing your flight. Additionally, these hotels are conveniently located near local attractions, dining, and shopping venues, allowing you to make the most of your stay. Each hotel listed provides a brief description of the amenities and services they offer to help you make an informed decision. Ready to book now? View all Airport Hotels here.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Helena Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, head over to the Montana Mosaic Cafe, located in the main terminal. They offer a selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups made with fresh, local ingredients. For a heartier meal, check out the Silver Star Steak Company, located near the baggage claim area. They serve up delicious steaks, burgers, and other American classics.

When it comes to shopping, the airport has a few options to choose from. If you're in need of some last-minute travel essentials, head over to the Montana Gift Corral. They offer a variety of souvenirs, snacks, and travel-sized toiletries. For a wider selection of books, magazines, and other reading materials, check out the Montana Book & Toy Company.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at HLN can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, discover what's available here.

Passenger Services

HLN Airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for all passengers.

For those needing to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the terminal building.

Traveling with children? The airport has a designated children's play area to keep young ones entertained before their flight.

Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For banking needs, an ATM is located in the terminal building.

In case of medical emergencies, assistance is available in the terminal building.

Flight Status Info

As a traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays, cancellations, or gate changes. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the flight status at the airport.

One of the easiest ways is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS), which are located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, arrivals, and any changes to the schedule.

Another option is to download the mobile app of your airline, which can send you alerts about any changes to your flight status. You can also opt to receive notifications via text, email, or push notifications. This way, you can stay informed about any updates to your flight status, even if you're not at the airport.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Helena Regional Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Helena Regional Airport (HLN) is located in Helena, Montana, United States.
  • Terminals: The airport has one terminal building that houses all airline operations and passenger services.
  • Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the HLN Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Helena Regional Airport handles approximately 1,500 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: The airport sees around 20 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from HLN are Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Las Vegas.
  • Hub Status: Helena Regional Airport is not a hub for any major airline, although Delta Airlines operates the most flights from the airport.

Airport History

The airport, located in Helena, Montana, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1918: The Helena Municipal Airport is established.
  • 1926: The airport is renamed the Helena Municipal Airport and receives its first commercial airline service from Northwest Airlines.
  • 1936: The airport is renamed the Helena Municipal Airport and receives a new terminal building.
  • 1941: The airport is renamed the Helena Army Air Base and becomes a training center for B-17 bomber crews during World War II.
  • 1946: The airport is returned to civilian control and reverts back to its previous name, the Helena Municipal Airport.
  • 1961: The airport receives a new terminal building and runway extension.
  • 1983: The airport is renamed the Helena Regional Airport to reflect its importance to the region.
  • 2012: The airport completes a major renovation project, including a new terminal building and runway improvements.

Today, Helena Regional Airport serves as an important transportation hub for the state of Montana, connecting travelers to destinations across the country.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Helena Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: HLN
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 406-442-2821
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Helena Regional Airport, 2850 Mercer Loop, Helena, MT 59602, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.

Helena Regional Airport Q&A

The lower level is for arrivals and baggage claim, while the upper level is for departures.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
Options include taxis, ride-shares, public buses, and car rentals.
The main parking lot is for short-term stays, and a remote lot is available for long-term parking with shuttle service to the terminal.
Yes, there are several dining options, including the Montana Mosaic Cafe and the Silver Star Steak Company.
Yes, the Montana Gift Corral offers a variety of local products and souvenirs.
You can check flight status via in-airport flight displays, airline mobile apps, or the flight departures page on ifly.com.
Visit the lost and found office located in the terminal building.
Yes, services include wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.
Yes, there is a cell-phone waiting area near the airport entrance where you can wait in your car until your passenger is ready to be picked up.