Hertz Car Hire
Utah

The Hertz desk at Salt Lake City International Airport is conveniently located inside the terminal at the Gateway Centre. This dedicated rental car facility is directly attached to the main terminal, eliminating the need for a shuttle bus. After you collect your baggage, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." A short walk through an enclosed skybridge will lead you directly to the Hertz desk and the other rental agencies, with your vehicle waiting in the adjacent car park.

Navigating to the Hertz desk late at night at SLC is very straightforward, as the airport is designed for easy access. Once you leave the secure area and collect your bags, look for the overhead signs directing you to "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." These signs will guide you to the Gateway Centre, which houses all the rental car companies. The path is a well-lit, indoor walkway, so you won't have to go outside, and it leads directly to the rental counters and the attached car park where your car will be parked.

For a smooth start, take a moment in the rental car car park to adjust your seat, mirrors, and pair your phone with the car's system before you begin driving. The route to downtown is direct and well-signed, primarily using I-80 East. As you exit the rental facility, follow the clear airport signage for I-80 East toward City Center. This major interstate provides a simple path with multiple, clearly marked exits for downtown, such as 600 South or 400 South, making the first leg of your journey low-stress.

The most direct and least stressful route for an unfamiliar driver is to take I-80 East all the way to Park City. After leaving the airport, you will quickly merge onto I-80 East and remain on this single highway for the majority of your trip. The exit for Park City (UT-224, Exit 145) is exceptionally well-marked with large signs appearing miles in advance. This gives you plenty of time to safely move into the right-hand lane without any need for sudden manoeuvres or navigating complex interchanges.

Before leaving the rental car car park during a storm, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the vehicle's essential winter features. Confirm you know how to operate the defroster, windscreen wipers, and headlights effectively. It's also wise to do a quick visual check of the tyres to ensure they have good tread for traction. Asking the rental agent about the vehicle's specific capabilities, such as all‑wheel drive or snow‑rated tyres, can provide extra peace of mind before you head out into challenging weather conditions.

While the drive from SLC to Park City is typically around 40 minutes, it can easily double to 80 minutes or more during peak ski weekend traffic. The heaviest congestion occurs on Friday evenings heading eastbound and Saturday mornings before 9 a.m. To buffer your schedule, plan to drive during off‑peak hours, such as mid‑day or later in the evening. Always check a real‑time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze before you depart from the airport to get the most accurate travel time estimate.

When driving I-80 through Parleys Canyon in volatile weather, the designated chain‑up areas and viewpoints are your safest places to pull over and reassess. These large, paved shoulders are set well away from traffic, allowing you to pause safely. Pay close attention to the large electronic message boards over the highway, as they provide the most current information on road conditions and traction law requirements. If visibility becomes poor or you feel uncomfortable, using the next available exit, such as the one for Lambs Canyon, is a safe way to get off the interstate and wait for conditions to improve.

The rental car car park at SLC is spacious, allowing you to organise your gear without pressure. Once you locate your assigned vehicle, you can use the full area within your parking bay to open all the doors and the boot. This gives you ample room to methodically load skis, boot bags, and suitcases. Taking five to ten minutes to get everything situated properly in the car park is far safer and less stressful than trying to do it on the side of a busy road later on.

For visitors staying near Temple Square, one of the most convenient and spacious parking options is the City Creek Center car park. This large, modern, and well‑lit facility features wider lanes and parking bays than many older hotel garages, making it much easier to manoeuvre a rental vehicle. It offers direct, walkable access to the Temple Square area and many downtown hotels. While many hotels have their own parking, public car parks like this one are often a less stressful choice for drivers.

The best way to avoid wrong turns when leaving the SLC airport is to prioritise the large, green overhead road signs for the first mile of your drive. These official signs are designed to guide all traffic onto the main public highways like I-80. Occasionally, a GPS might suggest a route that appears to be a shortcut but leads through a restricted service road. By following the primary airport signage for your intended interstate, you ensure you are on the correct and safest path out of the airport complex.

The most straightforward route is to take I-215 South (the belt route) from the airport area and get off at Exit 6 for UT‑210, which leads directly up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird and Alta. To time your drive effectively, check the UDOT Traffic app before you leave for real‑time updates on road conditions and traction laws. On a weekend or powder day, aim to be at the mouth of the canyon before 8:00 a.m. to avoid the heaviest traffic and potential for temporary road holds by ski patrol.

As you approach Big Cottonwood Canyon on UT‑190, you will see clear road signs for the Brighton and Solitude ski resorts. The entrance to the canyon itself is unmistakable, as the wide suburban road narrows significantly into a two‑lane mountain highway flanked by steep canyon walls. A large electronic sign at the base of the canyon provides real‑time updates on road conditions and chain requirements. Passing this sign confirms you are officially starting your ascent into the canyon.

A common mistake is staying on I-80 East for too long, which takes you toward Park City instead of the Cottonwood Canyons. The correct route involves taking the I-215 South belt route shortly after leaving the airport. Another frequent error is confusing the exits for Little Cottonwood Canyon (UT‑210 for Snowbird/Alta) and Big Cottonwood Canyon (UT‑190 for Solitude/Brighton). Always double‑check your navigation to ensure you are on the correct state route for your specific ski resort destination.

The suburban areas at the base of the canyons, such as Cottonwood Heights and Sandy, are ideal for a practical stop. You'll find numerous large parking lots at grocery stores, petrol stations, and coffee shops right off the main roads leading into the mountains. These locations provide a safe and convenient place to use restrooms, grab a snack, or make any final gear adjustments. They offer a low‑stress environment to regroup before you begin the canyon ascent.

To avoid Main Street's congestion, park your rental car at one of the large, free lots at Park City Mountain Resort or the Richardson Flat Park‑and‑Ride area just outside of town. From any of these locations, you can hop on Park City's excellent free public transit system. The buses run frequently and have routes that take you directly to the heart of historic Main Street. This strategy allows you to enjoy the town's shops and restaurants without the stress of searching for limited and difficult parking.

For an event at the Delta Center, the best strategy is to approach via I‑15, take the 600 South exit, and park in a lot several blocks away from the arena, such as near The Gateway shopping centre. This allows for a short, pleasant walk to the venue while avoiding the worst of the immediate gridlock. For your exit, walk back to your car and head west on streets like 200 South or 300 South to easily access the I‑15 on‑ramps, bypassing the heavy traffic concentrated right around the arena.

To create an efficient loop, start your day by driving north from Salt Lake City on I‑15 to Antelope Island State Park, which is the furthest destination. Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring the island's trails and wildlife. On your way back, head west on I‑80 from the city to visit the Great Salt Lake State Park and see the marina near Saltair. This north‑to‑south progression creates a logical route that minimises backtracking and maximises your time.

When visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats, it is critical to assess the surface conditions from the safety of the paved access road. If the salt crust appears wet, dark, or muddy, do not attempt to drive your rental car onto it, as the salty mud can be deceptively deep and cause you to get stuck. The safest approach is to park in the designated area and walk out onto the flats. Always prioritise the vehicle's safety and avoid driving on any surface that looks unstable.

For safe pre‑dawn driving, reduce your speed significantly and use your high beams whenever there is no oncoming traffic to maximise visibility. Be extremely vigilant for wildlife, as deer, antelope, and bison are most active at dawn and can dart onto the road unexpectedly, especially on the Antelope Island causeway. Minimising in‑car distractions and allowing extra travel time are the most effective strategies to ensure you arrive at your photo location safely.

When driving west on I‑80, be prepared for sudden and powerful crosswinds that can affect your vehicle's stability. If you encounter blowing dust or salt that reduces visibility, immediately slow down, turn on your headlights, and increase your following distance from other vehicles. It is also wise to have your route downloaded for offline use on a navigation app, as cellular service can be unreliable in this remote stretch. Never stop in a travel lane; if you must pull over, do so only in a designated rest area.

For a trip combining skiing and national parks, an SUV is an excellent choice for its versatility. A mid‑size or full‑size SUV provides ample cargo space for bulky ski equipment, luggage, and coolers needed for long road trips. The added comfort and higher driving position are beneficial for extended hours on the road between Salt Lake City and southern Utah. Furthermore, the availability of all‑wheel drive and higher ground clearance offers confidence when encountering varied weather and road conditions.

A realistic plan for the four‑hour drive to Moab is to depart from Salt Lake City no later than mid‑morning. This allows for a comfortable, unhurried pace. Plan a significant break in the town of Price, which is roughly the halfway point and offers plenty of options for lunch and fuel. This schedule ensures you arrive in Moab in the late afternoon with plenty of daylight left to check into your hotel, get oriented, and perhaps even catch the sunset at a nearby viewpoint like Arches National Park.

The two most reliable stopover towns on the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab are Price and Green River. Price, located about two hours into the drive, is a larger town with a wide selection of restaurants, petrol stations, and grocery stores, making it an ideal lunch stop. Green River is about an hour from Moab and serves as a perfect spot for a final restroom break, to top off drinks, and to stretch your legs before the last, scenic portion of your journey.

A common mistake is underestimating the 4.5‑hour drive and leaving Salt Lake City in the afternoon. This often leads to arriving at the park after dark, which can be disorienting and cause you to miss the spectacular scenery. Another error is not accounting for Salt Lake City's own rush hour traffic, which can add significant delays to your start. To avoid these issues, plan to leave SLC early in the morning, which allows for a relaxed drive and ensures you arrive at Zion with ample daylight to find your lodging and get acquainted with the park entrance.

To properly plan a Bryce Canyon visit, you must treat it as an overnight trip rather than a day trip from Salt Lake City. The drive is approximately four hours each way, and the park's high elevation (8,000–9,000 feet) can be tiring. Plan to book lodging in or near the park for at least one night. This allows you to acclimatise to the altitude and gives you a full day to explore the viewpoints and trails without feeling rushed by the long return drive.

The most effective way to maintain stable navigation is to download offline maps for the entire state of Utah onto your phone's navigation app before you begin your trip. This feature, available on most major map apps, allows your phone's GPS to continue tracking your location and providing turn‑by‑turn directions even without a cellular signal. It's also helpful to take screenshots of key directions or have a traditional paper map as a reliable backup for remote areas.

For safe and easy breaks with children, utilise the numerous public parks located in the suburbs just off the main interstates. Places like Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City or Wheeler Historic Farm in Murray offer restrooms, playgrounds, and open green space. These locations are far superior to a highway shoulder, providing a secure environment for kids to stretch their legs and for you to reorganise the car without the stress of passing traffic. Designated interstate rest areas are also a reliable option.

When driving through small Utah towns, be prepared for the highway speed limit to drop abruptly, often from 65 mph down to 30 mph or less. Pay close attention to posted school zones, which have even lower limits during specific hours. The main street often doubles as the highway, so expect increased pedestrian traffic, cars pulling in and out of parking spots, and potential congestion. Staying alert and reducing your speed significantly is key to navigating these towns safely.

To ensure a smooth trip to Antelope Island, plan to arrive early in the day, especially on a weekend or holiday. Aim to be at the park entrance gate before 10 a.m. to avoid the long lines of cars that can form at the causeway entrance later in the day. An early arrival also guarantees you'll find ample parking at popular spots like the visitor centre, Fielding Garr Ranch, and various trailheads, allowing you to enjoy the island's scenery without the stress of crowds.

For a scenic drive without steep grades, consider the Provo Canyon Scenic Byway (US‑189). While it winds through a canyon, the incline is very gradual and the road is wide and well‑maintained, making for a relaxed drive with beautiful views of Bridal Veil Falls. Another excellent option is taking I‑80 west toward the Great Salt Lake and the Bonneville Salt Flats. This route is almost entirely flat and offers vast, unique desert landscapes that are quintessentially Utah.

To handle challenging winter driving conditions, always have a pair of sunglasses accessible to combat intense sun glare reflecting off the snow. Be extremely cautious in shaded corners and under overpasses, as these areas can harbour patches of ice long after sunny spots have melted. As you drive up in elevation, anticipate rapid temperature drops and changing road conditions. The best defence is to reduce your overall speed, increase your following distance, and make all steering and braking inputs smoothly and gently.

On a busy Saturday morning during ski season, you should plan to arrive at the rental car return area at least 30 to 45 minutes earlier than you would on a typical travel day. While the return process itself is usually efficient, the roads leading into the airport can be heavily congested with other departing travellers. This extra time provides a crucial buffer against potential traffic delays and ensures you won't feel rushed getting from the rental facility to your airline's check‑in counter.

The most efficient sequence is to first follow the airport signs for "Departures" to the upper‑level curb. Here, you can safely unload all passengers and their luggage directly in front of the airline check‑in areas. After your party is on their way into the terminal, you can then simply follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" from the departures level. This method is quick, prevents you from having to manage luggage in the rental car car park, and avoids circling the airport.

To avoid missing the entrance, stay in the middle or left‑hand lanes as you approach the main terminal area. Look specifically for the overhead signs that feature a car‑and‑key icon and the words "Rental Car Return." These signs are distinct from those for passenger pickup or drop‑off. Following them will guide you onto a dedicated ramp that leads directly into the rental car facility, separating you from the main terminal traffic loops and preventing confusion.

The most common slowdowns during car return are forgetting to refuel the vehicle according to your rental agreement and not doing a final, thorough check for personal belongings. Forgetting an item like a phone or wallet will cause significant delays. To ensure a speedy process, complete your final packing and vehicle check before you even pull into the return lane. Having your rental paperwork accessible can also help expedite the final transaction with the return agent.

For a great one‑day loop, drive east on I‑80 from Salt Lake City to Park City to explore its historic Main Street in the morning. For a scenic return, take Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway (note: this road is seasonal and closes in winter) over to Brighton. This route offers stunning mountain overlooks. From Brighton, drive down Big Cottonwood Canyon (UT‑190) back into the Salt Lake Valley. You can then enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Holladay or Cottonwood Heights area before heading back to your hotel.

A great circuit is to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab and use it as your base for two nights. This allows you a full day to explore Arches National Park and parts of Canyonlands National Park without changing hotels. On your third day, drive from Moab to Torrey via UT‑24, which takes you through the stunning landscape of Capitol Reef National Park. After a night in Torrey, you can enjoy a scenic drive back to Salt Lake City, completing a fantastic loop with only one hotel change.

For easy parking and quick highway access, consider staying in the suburban areas of Midvale, Sandy, or Murray. Hotels in these locations are situated directly along the I‑15 and I‑215 corridors, allowing you to easily head south toward the national parks or east into the canyons while bypassing downtown congestion. These properties almost always offer large, free surface parking lots, which are far more convenient for a rental car than the tighter, often paid, garages found downtown.

To reduce stress, take a few extra minutes inside the rental car car park to familiarise yourself with the vehicle's controls, especially the wipers, defroster, and lights. Once on the road, the most important rule is to do everything slowly and smoothly—accelerate gently, brake early, and take turns with care. Leave at least double the normal following distance between you and the car ahead. Sticking to major, well‑travelled interstates for the first part of your drive will also help build your confidence.

When canyon roads are closed, a fantastic Plan B is to visit the Utah Olympic Park near Park City, which is easily accessible via I‑80 and rarely affected by canyon closures. Another great option is to drive to Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake; the flat causeway remains open and offers a completely different but equally beautiful Utah experience. You can also explore indoor attractions in the city itself, such as the Natural History Museum of Utah or the Clark Planetarium, both of which have easy parking.