Getting around Great Falls, Montana, means choosing between driving, walking, taxis and local transit. From Central Motel, the city centre and several named attractions are a short drive away, while the airport is about 32 minutes by car.
- Great Falls International Airport is three miles southwest of the city.
- Great Falls Transit District serves Great Falls and Black Eagle.
- Local taxi, Uber and Lyft services are available.
- Downtown parking includes metered street spaces and two garages.
Driving and Rental Cars
Driving is the quickest option from Central Motel for the city centre, museums, campus, Black Eagle Dam and Centene Stadium.
From a Great Falls hotel, the city centre takes about 5 minutes by car. The C. M. Russell Museum is about 6 minutes away by car, and the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is about 5 minutes.
The University of Providence takes about 9 minutes, Black Eagle Dam about 8 minutes, and Centene Stadium about 12 minutes by car.
Great Falls International Airport (GTF) sits three miles southwest of Great Falls. Rental cars are among the airport’s most popular ground-transportation options. From the motel, Helena Regional Airport is roughly 69.5 miles away.
The City of Great Falls identifies North and South Parking Garages downtown. The North Garage is at 17 4th Street North and has 496 stalls, including 15 accessible spaces.
The South Garage is at 315 1st Avenue South and has 311 stalls, including 26 oversized spaces and 6 accessible spaces. The posted rate for each garage is $1.50 per hour, capped at $9.00 per day.
Downtown on-street meters allow up to two hours, with the applicable limit posted at the meter or on signs. Central Avenue kiosks accept cash, coin, credit card or payment through the Passport Parking app. Parking rules and rates can change, so check the official site before you go.
Local Transit and Taxi Options
Great Falls Transit District buses, taxis and rideshare services provide alternatives to driving around Great Falls.
Great Falls Transit District operates seven fixed routes serving Great Falls and Black Eagle, Montana. Its office is at 326 1st Avenue South. Service runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; there is no service on Sundays or major holidays.
Local taxi, Uber and Lyft services operate in Great Falls. Sunshine Taxi, LLC, can be reached at 406-202-8111, and Uber service is available through its app. Check the relevant operator’s official site or app for current service details.
Intercity buses use the Transit District building as a local hub. Salt Lake Express uses the building at 326 1st Avenue South, one block off Central Avenue, and Greyhound serves the area through the same downtown location.
Walking Distances and When to Drive
Walking is possible for some Great Falls trips, but the listed walks from Central Motel to the airport and attractions are much longer than the drives.
From the motel, the city centre takes about 32 minutes on foot. The C. M. Russell Museum is about 40 minutes away on foot, while Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art takes about 39 minutes. The University of Providence is about 69 minutes on foot, Black Eagle Dam about 66 minutes, and Centene Stadium about 74 minutes.
The airport is about 147 minutes on foot from the motel. For longer trips such as the airport, stadium or dam, compare that walking time with the drive, taxi or transit options before setting out. For a downtown visit, you can also use this practical guide to Great Falls city centre to plan what to see once you arrive.
Choosing Transport for Your Plans
Choose a car or taxi for the quickest trips to outlying stops, and consider walking or transit for downtown plans.
If you’re heading to Black Eagle Dam, it is about 8 minutes by car from the motel, compared with about 66 minutes on foot. The Black Eagle Dam visit guide can help you plan that stop.
For an airport transfer, the drive from the motel to Great Falls International Airport takes about 32 minutes. The airport’s ground-transportation options include rental cars and taxi service; compare them when arranging your arrival.
If your plans centre on downtown, parking is available in garages and at metered spaces, while local buses and taxis offer alternatives to driving. Check the official sites for Great Falls Transit District and the City of Great Falls before you go for current service and parking details.
FAQs
Does Great Falls Transit run on Sundays?
No. Great Falls Transit District has no service on Sundays or major holidays.
What is the airport taxi phone number?
Sunshine Taxi, LLC, can be reached at 406-202-8111. Uber is also available through its app.
How can you pay at Central Avenue parking kiosks?
Payment options include cash, coin, credit card and the Passport Parking app.