Hitching a Ride to the Park - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Part of the adventure is getting the group to and from Glacier.  Up to this point we've been discussing who's vehicles we are going to drive out there, but I think that we need to go over all the options.

Automobiles:
A rented van may be more comfortable and practical than cramming into two of our cars. From what I can tell, Budget has the best prices on vans, although I think the Full Size may be out of our price range.

According to the governments fuel economy website, the Grand Caravan gets 17-25 mpg.  The trip to Glacier is about 1,075 miles each way.  Based on an estimated 23 mpg for 1,075 miles and a fuel cost of $3.85 per gallon, one way fuel for the Grand Caravan will cost $180.  That in conjunction with the rental cost brings the cost of transportation up to ~$1,030.  Split that 7 ways and each of us will be on the hook for ~$150 to cover the transportation cost if we rent a Grand Caravan from Budget.  The trip time is ~16 hours.

Another rental option may be to rent an SUV to augment on of the smaller cars that we have.  A Ford Escape rental would be around $300 for the 10 days we need it, plus the fuel cost.

Pros: Price

Cons: With the group the whole time, Time

Trains:

The Amtrak Empire Builder runs from Minnesota straight to East Glacier, where trail head is.  Train tickets are $235 each way.  A roundtrip ride on the Amtrak would cost $470.  The trip time is ~20 hours.

Pros: Don't have to drive, Beverage car

Cons: Price

Planes:

Glacier National Park also has an International Airport in Kalispell, MT.  A roundtrip flight on Delta would cost $582 plus baggage fees.  The trip time is ~3 hours.

Pros: Don't have to drive, Time

Cons: Getting from the airport to the trail head in Glacier, Price, Might be refused service on the way back because of the odor