The short answer
For groups of five to fifteen, one van is simpler, often cheaper and far more fun than several cars: Bozeman’s best sights are 45 to 120 miles apart, parking at trailheads and geyser basins is tight, and Yellowstone charges per vehicle — not per person — for its standard pass.
Six reasons
Why a van works in Montana
Everyone in one vehicle
No convoy across Gallatin Canyon, no losing the second car at a Yellowstone wildlife jam, one shared experience.
One parking spot
Trailheads like Palisade Falls and lots at Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful fill early. One van needs one space.
One park pass
Yellowstone’s standard entrance pass is priced per private vehicle with up to 15 seats.
Room for gear
Skis, fly rods, coolers and luggage — the 11-passenger van keeps a dedicated cargo area.
Built for Montana
Journey’s vans are AWD and set up for winter on snow-rated tires.
Fewer drivers, simpler logistics
One rental agreement, one fuel stop, one designated driver after dinner.
Side by side
One van vs. several cars
| For a group of 10 | One 11-passenger van | Two or three cars |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles to coordinate | 1 | 2–3 |
| Parking spots at trailheads | 1 | 2–3 |
| Yellowstone vehicle passes | 1 | 2–3 |
| Drivers needed | 1 (plus a backup) | 2–3 |
| Group stays together | Always | Rarely |
Fit
Which van fits your group?
- Minivan (7 seats): Families and groups of up to 7 who want car-like driving.
- 11-Passenger Van (11 seats): Groups of 8–11 who are bringing real luggage.
- 15-Passenger Van (15 seats): Groups of 12–15, or 10–12 with luggage.
Van details
Before you book
What you need to rent a van
- Van drivers must be 25 or older (Journey’s posted policy, no exceptions).
- Bring a major credit card — debit, prepaid and cash aren’t accepted.
- Your auto insurance must cover rental vehicles seating more than 8–9 passengers.
- Trips must stay within 300 miles of Belgrade and end back in Belgrade or at BZN.
- Picking up at the Belgrade office avoids BZN’s 10% airport concession fee.
FAQ
Renting a van: FAQ
How old do you have to be to rent a passenger van in Bozeman?
Journey Rent-A-Car requires drivers of its 11- and 15-passenger vans to be at least 25, with no exceptions. The minimum for its other vehicles is 21, with a $25 per day fee for drivers under 25.
Do I need a special license for a 15-passenger van?
No. A standard Class D driver’s license is enough. Montana only requires a CDL for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people.
What insurance do I need?
Journey requires every driver to carry their own full-coverage policy (liability, comprehensive and collision) that covers rentals. For 11- and 15-passenger vans, confirm your policy covers vehicles seating more than 8 or 9 people.
Can I pay with a debit card or cash?
No. Journey accepts major credit cards only — not debit, prepaid or cash.
Are one-way rentals available?
No. Vehicles must be returned to Journey’s Belgrade office or its Bozeman airport spaces.
How far can I drive a rental van from Bozeman?
Journey allows travel within a 300-mile radius of its Belgrade lot — covering Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole and Glacier. A per-mile fee applies beyond it.