Getting around Missoula from WoodSpring Suites Missoula is straightforward by car, bus, bike, or on foot. Missoula city centre is about a 9-minute drive from the hotel, and Mountain Line provides zero-fare bus service around Missoula and the University of Montana.
- City centre: About 9 minutes by car from the hotel.
- Mountain Line: Zero-fare fixed-route bus and paratransit service.
- Downtown: Shared-use paths and Neighborhood Greenways support walking and biking.
Where the hotel sits in Missoula
Missoula International Airport is about 22 minutes by car from the hotel; the separate airport transfer options are covered in getting from Missoula International Airport to WoodSpring Suites.
For downtown outings, Ogren Park at Allegiance Field is about 12 minutes by car, while the Wilma Theatre is about 10 minutes away. Washington-Grizzly Stadium and the University of Montana are about 11 and 12 minutes away by car, respectively.
Greenough Park is about 11 minutes by car. If you are planning a park visit, Greenough Park’s trails and access can help you plan that outing.
Driving and parking around town
Driving connects the hotel with downtown and Missoula’s venues, but parking rules and prices vary by location and time. The City lists short-term downtown metered parking enforcement on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays, and on weekends and State of Montana legal holidays.
Bank Street and New Park public parking cost $1 per hour on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free parking after 5 p.m. and on weekends and State of Montana legal holidays.
The Central Park, Park Place, and ROAM garages each offer a free first hour, then charge $1 per hour for the second through tenth hours on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On-street short-term rates range from $0.50 for a half-hour to $18.50 for eight hours. The city also says drivers with a valid accessible plate or placard can park on-street for free for up to two hours; after that, payment is available at a multi-space meter or through the PassportParking app.
The city’s parking jurisdiction includes downtown’s Central Business District, the permit area adjacent to the University of Montana, and the Hip Strip.
How do you use Mountain Line in Missoula?
Mountain Line’s zero-fare fixed-route buses serve Missoula and the University of Montana. Its Downtown Transfer Center is also the boarding point for the weekend Marshall Mountain shuttle.
Routes 1 and 2 run every 15 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on weekdays, then hourly during the rest of their operating hours. Other routes run every 30 or 60 minutes. Weekday routes include Route 1 University–Midtown, Route 2 Midtown–North Reserve, Route 6 Hip Strip–Fort Missoula, Route 11 Northwest–Airport, and Route 14 Broadway.
Mountain Line’s weekend route list includes Routes 1–7, 11, 12, and 14. Route 9 does not run on weekends, and Route 10 does not run on Sundays. The system does not operate on New Year’s Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day; on other federal holidays, it follows a Sunday schedule.
All fixed-route buses have lifts or ramps, and operators are trained to help secure mobility devices and make stop announcements. Every bus has a bicycle rack, and most racks hold up to three bikes.
Eligible passengers can schedule ADA Paratransit or Shuttle Van service in advance within three-quarters of a mile of fixed routes. ADA Paratransit reservations must be made by 5 p.m. the day before the ride.
For a Saturday outing, the zero-fare summer market trolley connects the Fairgrounds with the Missoula Farmers Market, Missoula People’s Market, and Clark Fork River Market from May through October. The weekend Marshall Mountain recreation shuttle runs hourly from the Downtown Transfer Center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. through October.
Mountain Line schedules and city parking rules can change, so check the official site before you go.
Walking and cycling for local outings
Downtown Missoula is set up for local trips on foot or by bike, with shared-use paths and Neighborhood Greenways. The Downtown Missoula Partnership identifies walking, biking, and Mountain Line as ways to get around the area.
For a day that combines downtown, the river, and local culture, this one-day Missoula itinerary brings those stops together. The University of Montana is about 110 minutes on foot from the hotel.
FAQs
Is Mountain Line free in Missoula?
Yes. Mountain Line’s fixed-route bus service is zero-fare, including service in and around Missoula and the University of Montana.
Can you take a bicycle on a Mountain Line bus?
Every Mountain Line vehicle has a bicycle rack. Most racks hold up to three bicycles.
Does Mountain Line offer accessible transportation?
Fixed-route buses have lifts or ramps. Eligible passengers can also arrange ADA Paratransit or Shuttle Van service in advance within three-quarters of a mile of existing fixed routes.