Car Hire
Utah Airport

After collecting your luggage from baggage claim, proceed to the Gateway Center, conveniently located just across the pedestrian skybridge from the terminal. This modern, central facility houses all the rental car desks in one place, eliminating the need for a shuttle. Simply follow the overhead signs for the rental car area to walk directly to the service desks. Once you have completed the paperwork, you will be directed to the adjacent car park to find your vehicle.

The walk from baggage claim to the rental car desks at SLC is designed to be efficient. Allowing for children and luggage, plan for roughly a 10 to 15-minute walk across the enclosed pedestrian skybridge to the Gateway Center. The route is fully covered and has moving walkways, which helps. Total time can vary depending on queues at the rental counter, but the physical transit from baggage to desks is relatively quick and straightforward.

The process to reach the rental car facility is the same regardless of time of day, which is a major advantage of the airport design. The covered pedestrian skybridge connecting the terminal to the Gateway Center is open 24/7. Simply follow the well‑lit signs for the rental car area once you leave the secure zone. As there is no external shuttle to wait for, you can proceed directly to the rental counters at your own pace, making late‑night arrivals far less stressful.

Losing mobile signal can be frustrating, but there are easy solutions at SLC. Before leaving the rental car garage, take a moment to connect to the airport’s free public Wi‑Fi to download maps for offline use in your navigation app. Additionally, the airport roadways are very well signed with large, clear signs directing you to main interstates such as I‑80, I‑215 and I‑15. Following these primary signs will get you onto the main highway network, where your signal is likely to return quickly.

For the most direct and uncomplicated drive to the city centre, follow the signs from the rental car facility for I‑80 East. This interstate takes you directly toward the city centre in just a few miles. You will then take one of the main downtown exits, such as the 600 South exit, which provides straightforward access to many central hotels. This route avoids complex interchanges and surface streets until you are close to your destination, making it ideal for first‑time visitors.

The drive to Park City is surprisingly manageable, even for those new to mountain driving. The route mainly follows I‑80 East, which is a wide, well‑maintained interstate rather than a narrow, winding canyon road. It involves a long, gradual ascent with clear lane markings and good lighting, which helps it feel safe even after dark. The main factor to consider is the weather, particularly in winter, so always check road conditions before you depart.

Your route depends on which resort you’re visiting. For resorts such as Snowbird and Alta, head onto I‑215 and then take the UT‑210 exit up Little Cottonwood Canyon. To reach Solitude and Brighton, use the UT‑190 exit for Big Cottonwood Canyon. If you’re heading to Park City area resorts, your journey will be almost entirely on I‑80 East. All these routes are clearly signed from the main highways around Salt Lake City.

Big Cottonwood Canyon demands the most preparation during the winter months, typically from November through April. During and after snowstorms traction laws are often in effect, which can affect vehicle requirements. The canyon road can become slick and conditions can change rapidly with elevation. It’s also wise to expect heavy traffic at weekends and on powder days, so always check official UDOT traffic and weather reports before heading up from the valley.

A frequent mistake is getting into the wrong lane too early on the airport’s main exit road, Terminal Drive. The signage is clear but appears quickly. Drivers sometimes miss the specific signs for I‑80 East (towards the city centre/Park City) versus I‑80 West (towards Nevada). Another point of confusion is the interchange where I‑80 meets I‑15 and I‑215; it’s best to have your GPS set and follow lane guidance well in advance of this junction.

Yes — the airport provides a convenient cell‑phone lot just a minute or two from the main terminal and rental car area. This is an excellent, safe place to pull over, programme your navigation and make any final adjustments before joining the highway. It’s designed for people waiting to pick up passengers, but serves perfectly as a brief staging area. Using this lot lets you get organised without the pressure of being in a busy pickup lane or on the hard shoulder.

For the most straightforward route to southern Salt Lake County suburbs like Sandy or Draper, take I‑80 East from the airport to I‑215 South. This belt route helps you bypass the most congested parts of downtown Salt Lake City. While you will still encounter rush‑hour traffic, I‑215 generally flows better than I‑15 through the city centre at peak times. Follow I‑215 until it merges with I‑15 South, which will then take you to the exits for Sandy and Draper.

The simplest and most direct path to Provo and Utah Valley is to take I‑80 East from the airport and merge onto I‑15 South. Stay on I‑15 South for the duration of the drive, typically about 45 to 50 miles. This route is a direct line with no complex interchanges to navigate once on the interstate. Just follow signs for I‑15 South towards Las Vegas, and you’ll find clearly marked exits for Orem, Provo and other Utah Valley towns.

To enjoy a day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats, allow about 90 minutes to two hours’ drive each way on I‑80 West. To avoid feeling rushed, pick up your car and get on the road by mid‑morning. That gives you ample time to drive out, spend a couple of hours exploring the unique landscape, and drive back before sunset. Pack water and snacks, as services are very limited near the salt flats. It’s a straightforward drive and a very manageable same‑day adventure from SLC.

The drive to Antelope Island State Park involves taking I‑15 North to Syracuse, then following local roads to the park entrance. The most distinctive stretch is the seven‑mile causeway across the Great Salt Lake, which offers impressive views but requires mindful driving. Be aware of posted speed limits and watch for bison and other wildlife that frequently roam near and on the roads. To make the most of your visit, time your trip for sunrise or sunset for the best light and more active wildlife.

Timing is everything for a Great Salt Lake sunset. Check the exact sunset time for your date and plan to arrive at your chosen viewpoint, such as Great Salt Lake State Park or Antelope Island, at least 30–45 minutes beforehand. From the airport the drive is relatively short, but account for potential weekday traffic when leaving the airport area. The key is to give yourself a generous buffer so you can park, walk to a good spot and enjoy the experience without rushing.

For a quick nature escape, Ensign Peak offers a short, steep walk with panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley and is just a 15‑minute drive from the airport. Another excellent option is City Creek Canyon, which provides a gentle, paved path for walking right on the edge of downtown. If you prefer a scenic drive, head up Emigration Canyon for nice views without a long time commitment. These options let you experience Utah’s nature without travelling far from the city.

A logical plan is to drive directly from SLC airport to Park City via I‑80 East, which takes about 40 minutes. After your stay in Park City, drive to Moab. The most scenic and efficient route from Park City is to take US‑40 East to Heber City, then connect with US‑191 South, which leads all the way to Moab. This sequence avoids backtracking to Salt Lake City and sets you on a beautiful route through the heart of Utah.

In winter weather it’s crucial to add a significant time buffer for the return trip to the airport. A drive that normally takes 15 minutes could easily take 45 minutes or more in snow or icy conditions. Plan to leave your hotel at least an hour earlier than you normally would. This extra time accounts for reduced speeds, potential traffic delays and the car return process, ensuring you reach your flight without unnecessary stress.

The most frequent issue is not getting into the correct lane early enough as you approach the terminals. The Rental Car Return entrance is a dedicated exit off the main airport road. Travellers unfamiliar with the layout may stay in the main terminal lanes for passenger drop‑off and miss the turn. Pay close attention to the large overhead signs as you get near and merge into the designated rental return lane as soon as you see it.

For the smoothest process, follow the signs for Departures and drop off your passengers and their luggage at the airline curb. After they are safely inside the terminal, circle back around the airport’s main loop by following the signs for Rental Car Return. This avoids having passengers carry their bags from the rental facility. The airport layout is a continuous loop, making it easy to re‑enter the roadway and find the return entrance after your drop‑off.

I‑15 is a wide, multi‑lane interstate that can be very busy, especially during commute hours. The lanes are well marked, but interchanges can be complex with several lanes exiting at once — a configuration locals call the Spaghetti Bowl. It’s wise to use a GPS and be in the correct lane well ahead of your exit. Drivers are generally courteous, but traffic can move fast, so be confident and predictable with your lane changes.

Driving in downtown Salt Lake City is relatively straightforward thanks to the grid layout and wide streets. However, finding parking right next to Temple Square can be challenging. The best strategy is to use one of the large underground car parks, such as the City Creek Center garage, which sits directly adjacent to the square. This removes the stress of hunting for on‑street parking and provides central, secure access to the downtown area.

The best approach is to pull into the hotel’s designated passenger loading zone, typically right in front of the main entrance. Use your hazard lights and unload luggage onto the kerb with someone from your party. Then, while one person checks in, the driver can proceed to the hotel’s recommended car park. This is much more efficient than trying to find street parking first while managing all your bags.

The most direct route from the airport is to take I‑80 East and then exit onto Foothill Drive, which leads directly to the university campus. The main challenge on campus is parking, as most lots are permit‑only. Look for visitor car parks, which offer hourly or daily rates and are the most reliable option. Arriving early, especially on weekdays when classes are in session, gives you the best chance of finding a convenient spot.

To avoid the worst of canyon traffic, plan to drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon (UT‑210) very early, aiming to be on the road before 07:30, especially at weekends or on powder days. Alternatively, wait until late morning, after about 10:00, when the initial rush has subsided. For the return trip, leaving either before 15:00 or after 18:00 can help you miss peak downhill congestion. Always check road conditions before you go, as the canyon can close for avalanche control.

Winter driving in this region requires caution and preparation. Always check the weather forecast and official road condition reports from the Utah Department of Transportation before you travel, especially if heading into the canyons. Allow significantly more travel time, increase your following distance, and drive at lower speeds. Be aware that traction laws may be in effect for mountain roads, so it’s a good idea to discuss vehicle capabilities with your rental agent.

Weather can change dramatically and rapidly as you gain elevation from the Salt Lake Valley into the mountains. It can be clear and dry at the airport but snowing heavily at Parleys Summit on I‑80 en route to Park City. The best plan is to check mountain weather forecasts, not just the city forecast. Always be prepared for winter conditions from autumn through spring, even if it seems mild when you land.

On two‑lane canyon roads, patience is key. If you’re driving slower than the flow of traffic, it’s courteous to use designated pull‑outs to allow faster vehicles to pass safely. Conversely, if you’re behind a slower vehicle, don’t tailgate; wait for a designated passing lane or a safe, straight stretch with good visibility. Understanding and respecting this etiquette ensures a safer and more pleasant drive for everyone heading to and from the resorts.

The easiest method depends on the vehicle you’ve rented. If you have an SUV, folding down part of the rear seats usually creates enough space to slide skis and snowboards inside the vehicle — often the most secure and convenient option. For smaller cars or larger groups, ask whether your rental can be fitted with a roof rack. It’s a good practice to organise your gear in the rental garage before you start driving.

Yes — this is a valid consideration, especially with larger SUVs or vans. Most modern car parks, including those downtown and at hotels, are built to accommodate standard SUVs. However, if you have a very tall vehicle or a roof cargo box, pay close attention to posted height clearance signs at garage entrances. Some older or smaller garages may have lower clearances, so checking in advance can prevent access issues.

During weekends or major events, such as a conference or a Utah Jazz game, parking downtown can become scarce and more expensive. The best strategy is to arrive early or use public car parks like the City Creek Center garage, which are centrally located. For attractions outside downtown, such as Hogle Zoo or the Natural History Museum of Utah, parking is generally available in dedicated lots but can fill up quickly during peak hours, so arriving earlier is advisable.

Once you leave the airport and join I‑15 South, you’ll find numerous convenient places to stock up. The suburbs of Sandy and Draper, about 20–25 minutes south of the airport, have large supermarkets, outdoor retailers and supercentres located just off the motorway exits. Stopping in this area is ideal as it lets you buy everything you need for a trip to the national parks without navigating busy city centres.

When planning, always build in a generous buffer. Start with your flight’s scheduled arrival, then add at least 60–90 minutes for deplaning, walking to baggage claim and completing the rental car pickup process. Use a navigation app to estimate drive time, but add an extra 30–50% to that estimate to allow for traffic, especially on weekday afternoons. It’s better to arrive early and relaxed than to miss a reservation due to unforeseen delays.

The best coordination point is the airport’s cell‑phone lot. The first party to pick up their car can drive to this nearby lot and wait safely and comfortably. Once the second party has their vehicle, they can drive over to the same lot to meet. This allows both groups to sync up, programme their navigation and leave together without the stress of trying to find each other in the busy terminal or rental garage.

For a smoother ride to the mountains, the route to Park City via I‑80 is an excellent choice. As a major interstate it features wide, sweeping turns and a very gradual incline, which is much more comfortable for sensitive passengers than a winding canyon road. If heading to the Cottonwood Canyons, Big Cottonwood Canyon (UT‑190) is generally considered to have a gentler, less twisty profile than Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Wildlife encounters are common in Utah, especially at dawn and dusk. When driving in the canyons or rural areas, be particularly vigilant for deer, elk and moose, which can cross the road unexpectedly. On the drive to Antelope Island you are very likely to see bison near the road. Always obey posted speed limits and scan the sides of the road — awareness is the best way to prevent a collision and keep both you and the animals safe.

The main area with managed lanes is the I‑15 corridor, which has Express Lanes to help with traffic flow. Many rental firms have systems in place to manage the use of these lanes, often via a transponder or billing based on number plate. The best practice is to ask the rental agent at the counter how their specific programme works. They can explain the process and any administrative fees so you can decide if using the Express Lanes is right for your trip.

The primary delay during a snowstorm is the drive over Parleys Summit on I‑80, where conditions can be significantly worse than in the valleys. Traffic often slows dramatically and accidents can cause temporary closures. Your main decision point is when to leave; you should depart Park City several hours earlier than you normally would. Always check the UDOT Traffic app for real‑time road conditions, chain requirements and any potential closures before you even start the car.

A great option for a manageable scenic loop is the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, accessible in summer and autumn. From the airport, drive south on I‑15 to the Alpine/Highland exit (UT‑92) and follow the signs. The drive takes you through stunning mountain scenery past Sundance Resort and ends in Provo Canyon. From there you can return to Salt Lake City via I‑15 North. This loop can be completed in a few hours of driving, leaving plenty of time for stops.

If a delay shortens your driving window, the smartest adjustment is to have a backup accommodation plan. Identify a town or city one or two hours closer than your original destination for the first night. This allows you to make progress but stop at a reasonable hour to rest instead of driving while fatigued. You can then get an early start the next morning, feeling refreshed and safely continue your planned itinerary.