Jackson Hole is a spread-out valley with a labor shortage, so finding reliable transportation options can be difficult. Especially during the Holidays! And the weekends. And even the weekdays, if we’re being honest with ourselves. Options include rental cars, taxis, Ubers, party buses, the START bus and hitchhiking. Unfortunately, there aren’t any limousines, but Double Black’s party buses are the closest thing to a Jackson Hole limo service.
Now not all of these options were created equally, though there is the right time and place for each one of them! So keep reading this breakdown of Jackson Hole transportation and you’ll find out when to book a 24-passenger luxury party bus and when to throw up the thumb and start hitchhiking, and every ride in between! We’ll also tell you about the app that gets you free taxis within the city limits.
Rental Car
If you’re coming to Jackson Hole this winter you should consider renting a car for your main method of transportation. The Valley is very spread out, so if you’re staying in Teton Village you may be able to walk to the mountain but you’re going to need a set of wheels to get to all of the restaurants and shopping around the Town Square. And if you’re staying around town, you’ll love having a car for going skiing. You can take the START bus to the mountain if you’re staying in town but it’s not always the coziest ride on -10 degree mornings.
Unfortunately, rental cars have become extremely expensive since the Covid shortage so you’ll be tempted to book a vehicle that doesn’t have 4WD. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap! You very well might end up crashing into a snow bank or another vehicle. If you’re not willing to spring for 4WD, plan on a combination of Ubers and the START bus. Also, make sure you buy the insurance policy for any rental car you get! Or book it with a platinum express and the insurance is included!
Taxi
Jackson Hole has a ton of taxi companies, unfortunately they all seem to run on the same schedule so you’ll likely either have your choice of 5 or none. Easy places to find them are the airport, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar before 11 pm and the Town Square. If you are a night owl and like to stay until last call, you may have a difficult time finding one at the Cowboy Bar. They are also quite expensive and charge for each additional person over 2, so be wary!
Uber
Ubers are often cheaper than taxis and overall the better option in Jackson. They don’t have any hidden fees and you can track them on their way to pick you up. Instead of taxis saying they’re on their way, only to be late by an hour or more. Unfortunately, Ubers are no guarantee either and sometimes there are simply none available on the road.
Party Bus
If you are a group of 8 or more, renting a party bus could be a great option! Double Black has custom built 24-passenger party buses that are outfitted with surround sound speakers, LED mood lighting, wraparound seating and ice bars. They are the closest thing to a Jackson Hole limo service but much better in our biased opinion because they can fit 24 people and have room to dance!
While most people book party buses for their night on the town, you can also book it for jackson hole ski transportation to the mountain since they have luggage compartments with room for dozens of sets of skis. They also offer great multi-day discounts, so consider booking them as your transportation for the entire trip!
START Bus
The START bus is a great affordable option to get to the ski mountain if you are staying in town. They also offer START ON DEMAND which is essentially a free Uber that will take you anywhere in the town limits. All you have to do is download the app!
Hitchhiking
While serial killers have given hitchhiking a bad rap, it is relatively safe in ski towns. Chances are a driver will have been in a similar situation and will open their back door (or truck bed) to you walking down the road in a blizzard. The most common place to see hitchikers in Jackson is on their way up Grand Teton Pass, where you’re able to ski world-class backcountry without having to buy a $200 lift ticket.
Conclusion
Jackson can be a tricky place to navigate, especially in the winter. We hope this breakdown taught you a thing or two about Jackson Hole transportation and will help you plan out your next trip. And if you decide you need a party bus for one or all of your days there, request a quote today!
