Helena Regional Airport, Helena, MT

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Helena Regional Airport (HLN, KHLN) is a towered public field located 2 miles NE of Helena, Montana. The control tower is manned from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. There are four runways as follows:

Designation	Length	Surface	Elevation	Condition and/or Use
9/27	9,000 x 50	Asphalt	9=3863.7 ft. 27=3844.8 ft.	Fair/Primary
5/23	4,644 x 75	Asphalt	5=3877.2 ft. 23=3819.6	Fair/Crosswind
17/35	3,600 x 75	Asphalt	17=3811.9 ft. 35=3862.3 ft.	Light Aircraft & Training
10/28	1,800 x 75	Turf	10=3855.9 ft. 28=3850.7 ft.	Seasonal/usually Mar.-Sept. Weather permitting

Both AvGas and Jet-A, full and self-serve, are available. Parking is primarily ramp or tie-down, but you can check with the FBO about available hangar space. There is a terminal and a small passenger waiting area. The security area includes a TSA Pre-Check line. The terminal is very modern and clean. You can buy a t-shirt or grab a beer.

Commercial traffic at this airport consists of daily direct flights to Denver, Seattle, and Salt Lake provided by United, Alaska, and Delta Air Lines.

The FBO is Skyservice Helena, which provides 24/7 operations with after-hours call-out. Ramp-side auto access and concierge services. They have a pilot lounge, snooze room, showers, Wi-Fi, GPU, Lavatory, de-icing, and hangar space. This is a Landing Rights Airport. U.S. Customs is available on the south side of the airfield off Taxiway C.

Exec Air Montana, which appears to be an alias for Skyservice Helena, offers private charter services across the U.S. and Canada.

Transportation

Courtesy cars and rental cars (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Hertz) are available here. You can also use Uber Rent. Short-term vehicle parking is free for the first two hours, and you can use long-term parking for $6.oo a day. (2025 price)

Where To Stay

The Residence Inn, Fairfield by Marriott, Helena Inn-Airport, Holiday Inn Express, and the Comfort Hotel are the closest to the airport, but there are several nearby. South and SW of the airport, there is a Hampton Inn, an Americas Best Value Inn, a La Quinta Inn, a Super 8, a Howard Johnson’s, a Best Western, and a Baymont.

If you are here for the great outdoors and are hiking and camping, I’ve found something easier than hard-sided luggage in the cargo hold. Grab a backpack and a North Face duffel; you’ll have room for everything you need.

For easy comparison of amenities and price, check out Expedia.com or Hotels.com.

Where To Eat (Pilot Approved)

The Retreat Kitchen and Bar: Located inside the terminal for your convenience.
Steve’s Café (breakfast): Famous for huckleberry pancakes and hearty Montana scrambles.
On Broadway (dinner): Upscale Italian with a cozy, aviation-friendly vibe.
The Parrot Confectionery: A 100-year-old candy shop perfect for sweet souvenirs.
Shellies Country Cafe: All of America’s favorite comfort foods, near the airport, and open 24 hours a day.
Windbag Saloon & Grill: A Historic Saloon with hearty fare. This one is downtown.
Old Salt Outpost: Ranch-to-table sandwiches. Quick, local, and walkable from downtown.
The Union by Old Salt Co-op: Wood-fired meats and upscale Montana fare.
Copperline Smashburger: Fast, juicy burgers and easy access from HLN.

Things to Do

Montana State Capitol: Tour the historic 1902 building with its copper dome and murals.
Last Chance Gulch: Helena’s walkable downtown with quirky shops, local art, and Wild West history.
Gulch Distillers: A pilot favorite for post-flight craft spirits and tasting flights.
Mount Helena City Park: Hike to panoramic views just minutes from the airport.
Aerial tours/Aerial Sightseeing available at the FBO

Why Fly Here?

The Helena Regional Airport is a gem for general aviation travelers, especially those exploring Montana’s scenic beauty. Parts of this vast Big Sky country look like no human has ever touched it. This is Montana’s Capital Gateway for GA travelers.

If you have a general aviation airport you’d like us to check out, please visit jettreks.com

As always, safe flights and safer landings,

jo@jettreks