Payless Car Hire
Utah

After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim, look for signs directing you to the Gateway Center, which is conveniently connected to the main terminal. All rental car counters, including Payless, are consolidated in this area, so you won't need to take a shuttle bus. Once you complete your rental agreement at the counter, you will be directed to the adjacent parking garage where the vehicles are located. The entire process is streamlined and designed to be a short, indoor walk from the terminal to your car.

The process for a late-night arrival at SLC is designed to be straightforward and efficient. After leaving your gate, you'll proceed to the Gateway Center, which houses the rental car counters and is directly accessible from the terminal. Even late at night, the facility is well-lit and clearly marked. After visiting the Payless counter to finalise your rental, you'll walk directly into the attached parking structure to find your vehicle. This integrated design means you can get on your way quickly without waiting for external transport.

During a peak ski weekend, it's wise to budget around 60 to 90 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you drive away. This accounts for deplaning, walking through the terminal, and potential waits at baggage reclaim. The rental car counters can also be busy, so factoring in extra time for that process is important. SLC's consolidated rental facility helps save time as no shuttle is needed, but planning for higher passenger volume during popular travel periods ensures a less stressful start to your trip.

The most direct route from the airport to downtown Salt Lake City is designed for simplicity. As you exit the rental car facility, follow the signs for I-80 East. You will merge onto the interstate heading towards the city, a drive of only about 10–15 minutes without heavy traffic. Take the exit for 600 South, which will lead you directly into the heart of the downtown area. This route avoids complex interchanges and provides a straightforward path into the city's grid system.

To get to Park City from SLC Airport, you will head east on I-80. The drive is scenic and generally takes about 40 minutes in good conditions. The significant change in road conditions typically begins as you approach Parleys Summit, the highest point on this stretch of the interstate. This is where you'll experience the most noticeable elevation gain and where weather can differ from the Salt Lake Valley. Always be prepared for potential snow or ice on the road past this point, especially during winter months.

The primary area for traffic congestion and rapid weather changes on the drive from SLC to Park City is Parleys Canyon on I-80. Traffic can slow considerably during peak commute times and especially on Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings during ski season. The weather is most volatile near Parleys Summit, where you can encounter snow, wind, and reduced visibility even when the valley is clear. It's always a good idea to check road conditions before you begin your ascent into the mountains.

For a first-time winter drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta or Snowbird, planning is essential. Before you even leave the airport, check the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) traffic website for canyon road status, as it can close for avalanche control. Plan to drive during daylight hours to maximise visibility, which can change in an instant. Allow significantly more time than GPS suggests, drive at a reduced speed, and maintain a large following distance from other vehicles to ensure a safe journey up the steep and winding road.

Driving to Brighton or Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon during snowfall or at dusk requires heightened awareness. The canyon road is winding and can become slick, so a slow and steady pace is crucial. Visibility can drop quickly as daylight fades or snowfall intensifies, so using your headlights is important for both seeing and being seen. Be particularly mindful of wildlife, such as moose, which are more active at dawn and dusk and can be difficult to spot. Always check for any active road restrictions before you start your drive.

A practical approach is to group your visits by geography to minimise driving time. You could start with the Park City resorts (Park City Mountain, Deer Valley) as they are accessed via I-80. Then, relocate your base or plan separate day trips for the Cottonwood Canyon resorts. Since Snowbird is in Little Cottonwood Canyon and Brighton is in Big Cottonwood Canyon, you can visit them on consecutive days. Driving between the canyons requires returning to the Salt Lake Valley, so tackling them as a distinct part of your trip is most efficient.

To manage ski gear effectively, place skis or snowboards in a proper travel bag first. If your vehicle has a pass-through or folding rear seats, slide the gear through the boot into the cabin, keeping it low and centred. This method secures the equipment and prevents it from shifting while driving. Most importantly, it keeps your rear window completely clear for maximum visibility. For larger groups or more gear, consider a vehicle with a roof rack if available.

A great place to regroup at SLC Airport is in the baggage reclaim area of the main terminal, near the large windows overlooking the mountains. There are seating areas available, making it a comfortable place to wait. Alternatively, the greeting area just outside the security exit is another excellent option. Once everyone has arrived and collected their luggage, you can all proceed together to the Payless rental counter in the connected Gateway Center to pick up your vehicle.

For a convenient and low-stress stop, there are several large grocery and retail stores just a few minutes from the airport. After picking up your car, you can quickly navigate to a shopping centre located just off I-80 on your way toward the mountains. These locations offer everything from groceries and snacks to winter gear and pharmacy items. Making this your first stop allows you to get fully supplied for your mountain stay without having to search for stores later.

Navigating downtown Salt Lake City's grid system is easier than it looks, but it helps to be prepared. Many streets are one-way, so pay close attention to signage when planning a turn. A key local rule is that you can often make a left turn from a one-way street onto another one-way street even on a red light, after a complete stop. Using a GPS navigation app is highly recommended, as it will account for one-way streets and guide you turn-by-turn.

For exploring the downtown core, the City Creek Center offers a large, convenient underground parking garage. The first two hours are often free with store validation, and it provides central access to Temple Square and other nearby attractions. For the State Capitol, there is visitor parking available in lots to the east of the building. Street parking is also an option throughout the downtown area, but be sure to carefully check the time limits and payment requirements posted on metres or signs.

A great strategy for minimising driving downtown is to use a central parking garage, like the one at City Creek Center or the Salt Palace Convention Centre. By parking here once, you place yourself within easy walking distance of major attractions like Temple Square, the Gallivan Center, and numerous restaurants and shops. The city's wide pavements and grid layout make it very pedestrian-friendly. This approach saves you the hassle of finding new parking spots for each destination you want to visit.

When planning a trip to Antelope Island, first check the official state park website for any alerts regarding the causeway, which can occasionally be affected by weather. The biting gnats are most prevalent in late spring, so be prepared with insect repellent or head nets during that season. To make the most of your visit, aim to arrive in the afternoon to explore and see the bison herds. Then stay for the spectacular sunset over the Great Salt Lake, which is a highlight of the experience, before driving back.

The drive to the Bonneville Salt Flats from Salt Lake City is primarily along I-80 West and takes about an hour and a half. The landscape becomes increasingly sparse, offering a unique, minimalist beauty, but services are very limited. Be sure to have a full tank of fuel before you leave the Salt Lake City area, as there are few stops along the way. Navigation is simple: stay on I-80 until you see the exit for the Salt Flats. The vast, open scenery is part of the appeal, so embrace the solitude of the drive.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is about four hours, and breaking it up makes it more enjoyable. A great practical stop is the town of Price, roughly at the halfway point, which has fuel stations and restaurants. For a scenic detour, consider stopping at Goblin Valley State Park, which is a short drive off the main highway and features incredible, otherworldly rock formations. This adds a couple of hours to your trip but provides a memorable experience before you even reach Moab.

Combining Arches and Canyonlands in one day is ambitious but possible with an early start. Begin your day at Arches National Park as soon as it opens to see Delicate Arch or hike the Windows Section before the crowds and heat build. After spending the morning there, drive to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, which is about a 45-minute trip. In the afternoon, you can visit the major viewpoints like Grand View Point and Mesa Arch, which is especially beautiful in the late-day light.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park is most comfortable during the spring and autumn, when temperatures are moderate. The roughly 4.5-hour drive is mostly on I-15 South. Convenient towns for a rest stop include Fillmore and Cedar City, both located directly off the interstate with plenty of options for fuel, food, and restrooms. These stops are well-spaced and provide a good opportunity to stretch your legs before continuing on to the park.

When visiting Bryce Canyon, be aware that the park rim sits at an elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, which can cause weather to change dramatically and unexpectedly. Temperatures can swing by 30 degrees or more in a single day, so dressing in layers is essential. Driving after dark requires extra caution due to the high elevation and the prevalence of wildlife, such as deer and elk, on the roads. The lack of city lights also means roads are extremely dark, so drive slowly and use your main beam when appropriate.

For long drives in Utah, especially through the southern part of the state, a good rule is to never let your fuel tank go below half full. Services can be 50–100 miles apart in some remote areas. Plan your route ahead of time and identify the towns that have fuel stations and stores. When you see a service station in a small town, it's always a wise decision to top off your tank and grab any needed supplies, even if you feel you have enough to make it to the next one.

The most effective way to handle weak cell service is to download offline maps of the entire region you plan to visit before you leave your hotel. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps offer this feature, ensuring your GPS navigation will continue to work without a cellular signal. It's also a good idea to have a traditional paper map of the state as a reliable backup. This preparation allows you to enjoy the remote beauty of Utah's scenic drives without the stress of getting lost.

For a first-time drive on Scenic Byway 12, the most important consideration is to allow a full day to truly appreciate it. While the drive itself is about 124 miles, you'll want to stop frequently for photos and short hikes. Be particularly mindful of the section known as the "Hogback," a narrow road with steep drop-offs on both sides, which is best driven in full daylight and good weather. Starting early ensures you have ample daylight to complete the journey safely and without feeling rushed.

When driving near the Great Salt Lake, particularly on I-80 or the Antelope Island causeway, be prepared for strong crosswinds. These winds can be powerful enough to make steering more difficult, especially for larger vehicles. During high wind events, it's important to reduce your speed, keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, and give yourself extra space from other cars. The open, flat terrain offers no protection from the wind, so staying alert is key to safe travel.

One Utah driving norm that can surprise visitors is the common practice of making a left turn on a red light from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after coming to a complete stop. Additionally, highway speed limits can be as high as 80 mph in rural areas, which may be faster than what many drivers are used to. It's also good to know that the left lane on interstates is generally reserved for passing, and drivers are expected to move back to the right lane after overtaking another vehicle.

During winter storms, Utah's Department of Transportation (UDOT) often enacts traction laws for canyon roads to ensure safety. These requirements are communicated through large electronic signs on the highways leading into the canyons and on the UDOT Traffic app. The rules typically specify the need for vehicles to have appropriate tyres or use traction devices. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of these active restrictions before attempting to drive up a canyon to avoid being turned around by law enforcement.

When descending from Park City to Salt Lake City in the snow, the safest approach is to drive slowly and avoid sudden movements. Use a low gear to let the engine help control your speed, rather than relying solely on your brakes, which can lead to skidding. Increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you to at least double the normal amount. The descent through Parleys Canyon can be particularly slick, so maintaining a cautious and controlled speed is the best way to ensure a safe arrival in the valley.

When driving to trailheads in the Wasatch Mountains, especially popular ones in the Cottonwood Canyons, be aware that parking is extremely limited. To secure a spot, you often need to arrive very early in the morning, particularly on weekends. Some trailheads are located on narrow or unpaved roads, so it's important to understand the capabilities of your rental vehicle. Always park only in designated areas to avoid fines and to ensure emergency vehicles can pass.

Many of Salt Lake City's top attractions are very accessible. The City Creek Center, which is adjacent to Temple Square, has ample underground parking with lifts, making it easy to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair. The Natural History Museum of Utah and This Is The Place Heritage Park both have large, dedicated parking lots right next to their entrances. Similarly, the Utah State Capitol building offers designated accessible parking spots close to the main building for convenient access.

A practical plan to manage cleanliness is to bring along a few key items. Keep a small dust brush in the car to sweep out sand and dirt from floor mats before it gets ground in. Laying down old towels or a blanket in the boot and on the back seats can protect the upholstery from wet or muddy gear. It's also helpful to have a designated bag for rubbish and to change out of hiking boots before getting into the car to minimise tracking in Utah's famous red dust.

In Utah, deer are the most common wildlife hazard, especially on mountain roads and in rural areas during dawn and dusk. They can appear on the road suddenly, so it's crucial to be vigilant. In some agricultural areas, you might also encounter open-range cattle, which can wander onto highways. Always scan the sides of the road as you drive, particularly at night, and be prepared to slow down or stop unexpectedly for animals crossing your path.

For early morning or late-night excursions, plan your route in advance as rural and canyon roads will be extremely dark. Use your main beam when there is no oncoming traffic to better spot wildlife and curves in the road. When you arrive at your destination, park in a designated pull-out or car park and turn off your headlights promptly to preserve the night vision of others. It's also wise to let someone know your plans and expected return time, as cell service can be unreliable in remote viewing spots.

To secure parking at the most popular national park sites, you need to leave Salt Lake City to arrive at the park gates very early. For Arches National Park, this often means arriving before 8 a.m. to avoid temporary entrance closures due to crowding. For Zion, where parking inside the park is extremely limited, you should aim to be in the town of Springdale even earlier to find a spot and catch one of the first park shuttles of the day. Planning to arrive at or before sunrise is often the best strategy during peak season.

When booking lodging in Salt Lake City, look for hotels that explicitly mention complimentary or on-site parking in their amenities list. Hotels located just outside the immediate downtown core often have more spacious, surface-level parking lots that are easier to navigate than tight underground garages. Reading recent guest reviews can also provide valuable insight into the actual parking situation and whether it is convenient for guests with rental cars. This small amount of research can save you both money and hassle.

Returning your rental car at SLC is very straightforward. As you approach the airport on either I-80 or I-15, simply follow the large, green overhead signs for Salt Lake City International Airport. Once you are on airport property, move into the lanes marked specifically for "Rental Car Return." These dedicated lanes will guide you directly into the correct entrance of the consolidated parking garage. From there, follow the signs for Payless to find the designated return area.

For an early-morning flight, it's wise to budget at least 30 minutes for the car return process itself. This allows time to find the return lane, have the vehicle checked in by an agent, and gather your belongings. Since the rental car facility is connected to the terminal via the Gateway Center, you do not need to wait for a shuttle. The walk from the rental car garage to the airline check-in counters is indoors and takes about 5–10 minutes, making the entire process quite efficient.

If you are returning your vehicle later than scheduled due to a flight delay, the process at the return area remains the same. Simply drive to the designated Payless return stalls and an agent will assist you with the check-in process. It is always a good practice to contact the rental location if you anticipate a significant delay in your return time. The staff is accustomed to handling changes in travel plans and will guide you through any necessary steps when you arrive.

A smart plan is to stop at one of the fuel stations located just a few minutes from the airport entrance. Many of these stations have vacuums and large rubbish bins, allowing you to quickly tidy up the interior of the car. This is also a perfect opportunity to do any final repacking of your luggage in a less rushed environment than the rental return garage. Taking care of these tasks before you get to the airport ensures a smooth and quick return process.

To avoid a repetitive drive on a loop trip, plan your route using different major highways for each leg. For example, if you are travelling to Utah's southern national parks, you could drive south from Salt Lake City on I-15. For your return journey, you could take a more scenic route north through the centre of the state, utilising highways like US-89. This route passes through different landscapes and small towns, providing a completely new perspective and making the entire trip feel more like a comprehensive exploration of the state.