Spotlight: Glacier Park’s Red Buses, A Tour Through Time

Red Buses In Glacier National Park, Montana

In 1914, Glacier National Park was the first park in America to offer motorized tours. White Motor Company built Model 706, a bus that was used throughout the national park system.  Glacier Park is the only national park still using the vehicles.

From Glacier National Park: Each bus can hold 17 people and one driver with 4 across on bench seating.  It's a very snug ride. The Red Bus Tours usually sell out every day.  Red Bus Tours start up for the year in June.  If you're planning a trip to Glacier National Park, make sure to reserve your seat by clicking here. Tour prices (at the time of writing) are running from $62 for adults all the way up to $118 per adult, depending on which tour you have chosen.

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The Red Buses Are Being Overhauled To Keep Them On The Road

From The Flathead Beacon, Xanterra Parks & Resorts have been busy rebuilding the buses over the last few years, despite delays from the Covid 19 Pandemic. 33 of the 35 original buses are still in use today.  One was wrecked, and one has been preserved by the National Park Service.

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What Is Being Done To The Buses?

Quite a bit.  Buses are getting new engines and chassis along with a more effective heating system for the driver and the passengers.  New, more historically accurate dashboards have been installed and the drivers now, finally, have a cup holder.  LED lights have also been installed on the brake lights and turn signals.

Check out Glacier Park's Famous Red Buses 🔻🔻🔻