Alamo Car Hire
Salt Lake City

On arrival at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) you will see prominent signage directing you to Ground Transportation and Rental Car areas. All rental car desks, including Alamo, are located in a consolidated Gateway Centre a short walk from the main terminal. This facility is designed to accommodate travellers on all flights, including late-night arrivals, so you can expect the area to be well lit and accessible. Simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Car Pickup" to reach the desks and begin your journey.

For the most direct and least confusing drive to downtown, exit the rental car facility and follow the clear signage for I-80 East towards City Center. This interstate provides a straight shot from the airport area directly into the heart of Salt Lake City. You will only be on I-80 for a few miles before you see well‑marked exits for downtown, such as the 600 South exit. This route helps you bypass more complex interchanges, making for a smooth and stress-free start to your visit.

The most straightforward route to Park City from the airport is to take I-80 East. This interstate will guide you directly from the airport area into the mountains towards Park City, with the drive typically taking about 40–50 minutes in good conditions. To mitigate weekend check-in traffic, which can be heavy, consider planning your arrival for mid‑day or later in the evening if possible. The route itself is well signed for the Park City exits, making navigation simple even with increased traffic volumes.

It’s sensible to allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the time your flight lands to when you are driving away from the rental facility. This accounts for deplaning, walking to the Gateway Centre, completing your rental paperwork, and getting settled in your vehicle. The drive from the airport to the Temple Square area is usually about 15–20 minutes without traffic. Therefore, planning for a total of at least two hours from landing to arriving at your downtown destination is a safe and realistic timeframe.

Shortly after leaving the airport area you will find numerous convenient options for supplies. As you head east on I-80 towards the city, you can take one of the first few exits, such as the one for 700 East. This will lead you directly to several large grocery stores and retailers within a 5–10 minute drive from the motorway. These stores are accustomed to travellers and offer everything you might need for a trip into the mountains, from snacks and water to any forgotten travel essentials.

The drive to Antelope Island State Park is a unique and scenic experience, taking about an hour from downtown Salt Lake City. The main feature is the seven‑mile causeway that crosses the Great Salt Lake, which is a standard paved road and easily navigable in a rental car. However, it is exposed to the elements, so be mindful of high winds which can create some spray. It’s best to check the official state park website for any alerts regarding causeway conditions or closures before you depart.

A good strategy for a sunset drive is to visit Antelope Island State Park or the Great Salt Lake State Park. Arrive at least an hour before sunset to find a good viewing spot and enjoy the changing light. The main roads and causeways leading to these areas are well maintained, so your return trip will be on the same route you took to get there. To make the drive back feel more comfortable, take a moment to review your navigation route before it gets completely dark, ensuring a smooth and simple journey back to the city.

Driving in the City Creek Centre area is very manageable once you’re aware of the street patterns. Many streets downtown are one‑way, so it’s helpful to use a GPS navigation app and pay close attention to its turn‑by‑turn directions. Before you arrive, identify the exact location of your hotel’s car park entrance on your map. Approaching the car park from the correct direction on the one‑way street is key to avoiding having to circle the block, making for a much smoother check‑in experience.

The area around the University of Utah can become quite congested, particularly during the morning and afternoon when classes change. You’ll notice a significant increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, so it’s important to drive cautiously and be aware of students crossing streets. On game days or during major campus events, expect road closures, heavy traffic, and limited parking in the surrounding neighbourhoods. It’s best to allow plenty of extra travel time or seek alternate routes if your destination is beyond the university.

For drivers new to mountain roads, Big Cottonwood Canyon is a scenic but manageable drive. The road is well paved and maintained, but it does have a consistent incline with several winding curves that demand your attention. The key is to drive at a speed that feels comfortable for you and to use lower gears on the descent to avoid over‑using your brakes. Always check the weather and road conditions before you go, as conditions can change quickly at higher elevations, which is the most significant challenge.

A realistic timeline from a downtown hotel to the ski lifts at Alta or Snowbird is about 90 minutes to two hours on a typical weekend morning. This includes about 30–40 minutes to get to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon and another 45–60 minutes for the canyon drive itself, plus parking and walking to the lifts. During heavy snow or peak holiday periods, this time can increase significantly due to traffic and traction law enforcement. Leaving downtown well before 08:00 is highly recommended to maximise your time on the slopes.

If a canyon road like Big or Little Cottonwood closes for weather or avalanche control, there are unfortunately no simple alternate routes out. The best plan is a proactive one: always check the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) traffic app or website before and during your mountain excursion. If conditions are deteriorating, it’s wise to head down the canyon early to avoid getting stuck. Should a closure occur while you’re at a resort, you will need to wait for authorities to reopen the road, so be prepared with extra water, snacks, and a full tank of fuel.

A common issue after a winter storm is encountering black ice, especially in the early morning or in shaded areas like bridges and overpasses. Even when the main travel lanes look clear and dry, moisture can refreeze overnight, creating slick, nearly invisible patches. Another point of caution is braking distance; always leave significantly more room between your vehicle and the one in front of you than you would in dry conditions. Be particularly careful in residential areas and car parks where snow removal may be less thorough.

Traction laws are a key safety measure on canyon roads during winter storms, and they directly impact travellers heading to the resorts. When these laws are in effect, authorities may require vehicles to be equipped with appropriate tyres or traction devices to proceed up the canyon. For visitors, the most important step is to check the road status with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) before you leave. Understanding the requirements ahead of time ensures you are prepared and can travel to the resorts safely and without interruption.

To enjoy a stress‑free day trip, start with a full tank of fuel and pack plenty of water and snacks before you leave Salt Lake City. The drive is about 90 minutes west on I-80, and services become very sparse after the town of Tooele. The town of Wendover, right on the Utah‑Nevada border, is your destination for fuel, food, and restrooms just past the Salt Flats. Plan to use the facilities in Wendover before or after your visit to the flats themselves, as there are no services at the viewing area.

For a smoother itinerary, it’s best to drive to the Bonneville Salt Flats first, as it is the furthest point from Salt Lake City. Head west on I-80 in the morning to experience the vastness of the flats. On your return trip back east towards the city, you can then stop at the Great Salt Lake State Park or viewpoints along the southern shore. This sequence prevents backtracking and allows you to enjoy the Great Salt Lake in the afternoon or evening light on your way home.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab takes about four hours, so planning your departure time is key. To avoid arriving after dark, aim to leave Salt Lake City no later than early afternoon, especially during winter when daylight is shorter. A good way to break up the drive and stay refreshed is to plan a stop in the town of Price, which is roughly the halfway point. Here you can get fuel, grab a meal, and stretch your legs before continuing on the final, more scenic portion of the drive into Moab.

The drive to Zion National Park is about four and a half hours, and there are several excellent places to take a break. The towns of Nephi and Fillmore, located along I-15 south of Salt Lake City, offer reliable petrol stations, fast food, and clean restrooms. A particularly good major stop is Cedar City, which is the last large town before you turn off for the park. It’s a perfect spot to have a proper meal and ensure you have everything you need before heading into the more remote park area.

A day trip to Bryce Canyon from Salt Lake City is a long but rewarding day, involving about eight hours of round‑trip driving. To make it manageable, start very early, aiming to be on the road before sunrise. This allows you to arrive at the park by late morning with several hours of daylight to explore. Focus your time on the main amphitheatre viewpoints like Sunrise, Sunset and Inspiration Points, and perhaps a short hike such as the Navajo Loop. Plan to leave the park a couple of hours before sunset to ensure most of your drive back is during daylight.

Salt Lake City airport offers a convenient cell phone waiting lot where you can park for free while waiting for your group’s flight to arrive. After picking up your rental car, you can drive to this lot, which is just a minute or two from the terminal. Once your party has collected their bags and is waiting at the passenger pickup curb, they can call you, and you can circle around to pick them up without having to park and leave the vehicle again.

When travelling with ski or snowboard equipment, selecting an SUV or a vehicle with a large boot and fold‑down seats is highly recommended. This provides the necessary length to fit your gear inside the vehicle, protecting it from the elements. Look for vehicles that have all‑weather floor mats, as these make cleaning up melted snow from boots and gear much easier. A vehicle with ample cargo space ensures you can keep wet equipment separate from your dry luggage for a more comfortable trip.

The rental car facility at SLC provides ample space for loading your vehicle. Once you have your assigned car, you can pull it into a designated spot in the garage. To be efficient, have one adult manage the luggage and begin loading while another adult focuses on properly installing the car seats. This division of tasks helps speed up the process. Don’t feel rushed; take the time you need to ensure car seats are installed safely before you depart the garage.

If you’re driving from Park City to catch a morning flight, it’s crucial to account for potential commuter traffic. The morning rush hour can add significant delays on I-80 West as you approach Salt Lake City. A safe plan is to leave Park City at least 30–45 minutes earlier than your navigation app initially suggests. This buffer will help absorb any unexpected slowdowns, ensuring you have plenty of time to return your rental car, check in, and get through security without stress.

Refuelling before your return is simple as there are several stations conveniently located along North Temple, the main road just outside the airport entrance. As you take the airport exit from I-80, your GPS will show multiple major‑brand stations within a two‑minute drive of the rental car return area. Setting your navigation to a station on North Temple as you approach the airport is the most efficient way to fill up without any guesswork or detours onto unfamiliar side streets.

The Sugar House neighbourhood is a vibrant area, and parking can be competitive, especially in the evenings and at weekends. Many of the main commercial streets have metered parking with time limits, so be sure to read the signs carefully. For overnight parking it’s best to look for a hotel that offers dedicated guest parking. If you’re staying at a rental property, check for any neighbourhood permit requirements or street parking rules to avoid a ticket, as some residential streets have restrictions.

The interchange where I-15 and I-80 meet near downtown can be intimidating for first‑time visitors due to its multiple lanes and converging traffic. The key to navigating it successfully is to use a GPS app and get into your target lane well in advance. Before you enter the interchange, review the next couple of steps in your navigation so you know which direction and lane you’ll need. Paying close attention to the overhead highway signs, which are generally very clear, will also help you anticipate your moves and avoid sudden lane changes.

Rush‑hour traffic on I-15 between downtown and the southern tech corridor, known as Silicon Slopes, can be very heavy. The morning commute northbound into the city and the evening commute southbound toward Draper and Lehi are typically the most congested, often from 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30. Expect significant delays and stop‑and‑go conditions during these times. If your travel is flexible, planning your drive outside of these peak hours will result in a much faster and more pleasant experience.

For events at the Delta Center, arriving early is the best strategy to secure convenient parking in one of the nearby garages or lots. Consider parking a few blocks away from the arena, as this can often make your exit much quicker after the event concludes. When leaving, be prepared for heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic immediately surrounding the venue. Having an alternate route mapped on your GPS to get back to the motorway can help you avoid the main traffic bottlenecks right outside the arena.

The Utah State Fairpark is located on the west side of the city and is easily accessible via North Temple. For major events, on‑site parking is available but can fill up quickly, leading to traffic backups at the entrance. A good approach is to arrive early or consider using the TRAX light rail system, which has a stop directly at the Fairpark, allowing you to park elsewhere and avoid the immediate congestion. If driving, follow the event‑specific traffic patterns directed by police or event staff for the smoothest entry and exit.

A great way to sequence this day is to visit the Utah Olympic Park in the morning. It’s located just off I-80 before you get into Park City proper, and it has its own large, dedicated car park, making it an easy first stop. After your visit you can then drive the short distance to Park City’s historic Main Street for the afternoon and evening. For Main Street, plan to use the large public parking garages, as on‑street parking is very limited and often has short time restrictions.

The trailheads in the foothills, such as those for Millcreek Canyon or the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, are extremely popular, especially at weekends. Parking lots often fill up very early in the morning, sometimes before 08:00. It’s essential to have a backup plan; if your primary trailhead is full, know the location of a second or third option nearby. Always park in designated spots only, as parking illegally along the narrow canyon roads can result in fines and is unsafe for other drivers.

Before you drive into any of the canyons or more remote areas, it’s a crucial safety step to download offline maps of the region to your phone. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps offer this feature, which allows your GPS to continue tracking your location even without a mobile signal. It’s also wise to review your entire route before you lose service so you have a general idea of the key turns and landmarks. This preparation ensures you can navigate confidently without relying on a live data connection.

A common mistake is confusing the access roads for the two canyons, which are located very close to each other. The entrances are off Wasatch Boulevard, and it’s easy to take the wrong turn if you’re not paying close attention to the signs. To avoid this, input the specific ski resort you are visiting (e.g. "Snowbird" for Little Cottonwood, "Solitude" for Big Cottonwood) into your GPS rather than just the canyon name. This provides more precise turn‑by‑turn directions and ensures you end up on the correct road from the start.

Salt Lake City has several neighbourhoods with a high concentration of breweries and restaurants, making them perfect for a crawl. The Granary District and the area just south of downtown are excellent choices. The best strategy is to park your car once in a central location, such as a public garage or a safe side street. From there you can easily and safely walk between multiple establishments. This approach is more enjoyable and avoids the hassle of finding new parking at every stop.

When a storm changes from snow to rain, road conditions can become particularly challenging. The mix of melting snow, slush and standing water creates significant road spray, which can severely reduce visibility. It’s essential to ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and your washer fluid is topped up before driving in these conditions. Reducing your speed and increasing your following distance is also critical, as the roads can be unexpectedly slick and braking distances are longer than they appear.

The drive between Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole is about five hours and is quite scenic. To break up the trip, consider a stop in Logan, Utah, to see the Utah State University campus, or in Bear Lake for its stunning turquoise water, especially in summer. Another excellent option is to stop in the small town of Afton, Wyoming, to see the world’s largest elkhorn arch. These stops can turn a long drive into a more relaxed and enjoyable part of your road trip.

For international visitors, a key Utah driving norm is that you can typically make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially on motorways, so always be mindful of the posted signs. When merging onto motorways, it’s standard practice to match the speed of traffic as you enter from the on‑ramp. Drivers are generally courteous but expect traffic to move at a steady, and often fast, pace.

Before leaving the rental car garage, take five minutes for a quick but thorough walk‑around. Check the tyres, note any existing scratches or dings on the rental agreement, and make sure all lights are working. Inside the car, quickly adjust your mirrors, locate the controls for headlights and windscreen wipers, and pair your phone with the car’s Bluetooth system. This brief check ensures the vehicle is safe and you are comfortable with its basic functions before you get on the motorway for a long drive.

If you have a gap between hotel check‑outs and check‑ins, you can use that time to explore an attraction that has secure parking. For example, you could visit a museum or go to a shopping centre like City Creek, where you can park your car with luggage in it in a monitored garage. Many hotels are also willing to hold your luggage for a few hours before your check‑in time if you ask. This frees you up to grab lunch or walk around without having to worry about your belongings.

To avoid return‑day traffic, plan to drive back into the Salt Lake City area during off‑peak hours. This means avoiding the typical Sunday afternoon rush when many people are returning from weekend trips, as well as weekday afternoon rush hour. Aim to arrive in the city mid‑day or later in the evening for the smoothest experience. If your flight is in the morning, consider staying at a hotel near the airport the night before to eliminate any risk of traffic delays on the day of your departure.