Budget Car Hire
Salt Lake City

After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim, look for the prominent overhead signs directing you to "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars". The Budget rental counter is located within the airport's Gateway Center, which is a consolidated facility adjacent to the parking garage. You will walk a short distance from the terminal to this centre without needing a shuttle. Once inside the Gateway Center, you'll see signs for the various rental agencies, including the Budget service desk where you will complete your paperwork.

The process for reaching the Budget pick-up area at SLC is straightforward, even late at night. The airport is designed for easy navigation, and the rental car facility is directly connected to the terminal. After you exit the secure area and collect your bags, simply follow the airport's clear signage for "Rental Cars". This will lead you on a direct, indoor walking route to the Gateway Center, where the Budget counter is located. The well-lit route ensures you can easily find your way without confusion, regardless of your arrival time.

While times can vary, planning for approximately 45 to 75 minutes from disembarking to driving away is a reasonable expectation on a typical weekday afternoon. This accounts for walking from your gate to baggage reclaim, waiting for your luggage, and then proceeding to the rental car centre. The final steps include completing your rental agreement at the Budget counter and locating your vehicle in the garage. Having your reservation details and driving licence ready can help make the process at the counter more efficient.

A convenient and easy-to-find meeting point for your group is in the baggage reclaim area. You can gather near the specific carousel assigned to your flight, which allows everyone to collect their luggage in one spot. Alternatively, the main greeting area just outside baggage reclaim offers open space and seating. Once everyone is accounted for, your group can proceed together by following the signs to the rental car facility, ensuring no one gets separated along the way.

The baggage reclaim area is the most practical place for part of your group to wait with the luggage. It offers ample seating and keeps everyone out of the main foot traffic of the terminal. The designated driver can then walk over to the nearby Gateway Center to complete the rental process with Budget. Once the car is ready, the driver can follow signs for passenger pick-up to collect the rest of the group and the luggage directly from the terminal kerb, which is a very efficient system.

After you complete your paperwork at the Budget counter, your rental agreement will specify the zone and bay number where your vehicle is parked. The rental car garage at SLC is well organised with clear, colour-coded or numbered sections and overhead signs indicating the rows. Simply take the lift or escalator to the correct level of the garage and follow these signs to your designated area. Paying close attention to the bay number on your paperwork is the key to locating your car quickly and efficiently.

Before leaving the airport property, a great option is to use the airport's cell phone waiting lot. This area provides a safe and convenient space to pull over and get organised without pressure from traffic. You can take a few minutes there to programme your satnav, connect your phone to the car's Bluetooth, and adjust your mirrors and seating. This allows you to get fully situated before navigating the interchanges and merging onto major roads like I-80.

Upon exiting the rental car garage at SLC, you will immediately be directed towards the main airport exit road. The most critical junction is the approach to Interstate 80. First-time visitors should be prepared to merge onto I-80 East to head towards downtown Salt Lake City or the ski resorts. A common mistake is staying in the far right lanes, which can lead you towards I-80 West bound for Nevada, or getting into the wrong lane for the I-215 interchange. Using a GPS and watching the overhead signs closely from the start is highly recommended.

The most direct route from SLC to downtown is quite straightforward for new visitors. From the airport, you will merge onto I-80 East. Continue on I-80 for a few miles, then take exit 121 for 600 South. This exit will lead you directly into the heart of the downtown area. The city is laid out on a grid system, making it relatively easy to navigate once you are off the interstate. Following the signs for 600 South is the simplest way to avoid complex interchanges.

Hotels in the Temple Square area are well equipped for travellers arriving by car. Most establishments offer a designated pull-in area or porte-cochère for temporary unloading, allowing you to check in and handle your luggage without blocking traffic. For overnight parking, expect to use either the hotel's valet service or a dedicated self-parking garage, which is often located underground or adjacent to the property. The area also has several large public parking garages, such as the one at City Creek Center, which are secure and convenient.

Driving in downtown Salt Lake City is characterised by its exceptionally wide streets and a logical grid system, which can be very helpful for navigation. However, visitors should pay close attention to one-way streets, as they are common throughout the central business district. A frequent mistake is attempting a left turn onto a one-way street from a two-way street without being in the correct lane. Additionally, the block numbering system can take some getting used to, so relying on a GPS is advisable until you feel comfortable with the layout.

A simple and direct route to the Sugar House neighbourhood from SLC is to take I-80 East from the airport. You will stay on I-80 for about 10 miles and then take exit 125 for 1300 South. This exit will lead you right into the heart of the area. At night, parking in Sugar House can be a mix of experiences. While there is ample street parking in the residential areas, spaces can become competitive near the main commercial district around 2100 South and Highland Drive. Look for public car parks or garages if street parking proves difficult.

To reach Sandy or Draper from the airport, your primary route will be I-15 South. This is a major commuter corridor, so you should anticipate significant traffic congestion during peak weekday hours, typically from 7–9 am and 4–6:30 pm. During these times, travel can be slow-moving, and you should budget extra time for your drive. The exits for Sandy and Draper are clearly marked, but heavy traffic can make lane changes challenging, so it's best to move into your exit lane well in advance.

The drive to Park City is one of the easiest mountain resort trips from any major airport. From SLC, you will take I-80 East. The key to a stress-free start is to get into the lanes for I-80 East as soon as you leave the airport exit road. By positioning yourself early, you avoid any last-minute, cross-traffic merges. The interstate will take you directly up into the mountains, and the drive is a scenic and well-maintained road all the way to the Park City exit at Kimball Junction (SR-224).

After exiting I-80 onto SR-224, you will follow this main road into Park City. Signage for both Park City Mountain and Deer Valley is very clear. For Park City Mountain, you'll follow signs to the appropriate base area, such as the main resort base or Canyons Village. Deer Valley has several lodges, so know which one you are heading to, like Snow Park or Silver Lake. Both resorts have large car parks, but they can fill up on weekends and powder days, so arriving early is always a good strategy.

The drive to Alta and Snowbird involves travelling up Little Cottonwood Canyon on SR-210, a two-lane mountain road. This canyon is known for heavy traffic, especially at weekends and on fresh snow days. To avoid the worst hold-ups, plan to be at the mouth of the canyon very early in the morning, often well before the lifts open. The road can be steep and winding in places, so it's important to drive cautiously. Always check the UDOT traffic and weather report before you go, as the road can be subject to closures for avalanche control.

Driving to Brighton and Solitude requires taking SR-190 up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Similar to its neighbour, this canyon road is a scenic but winding two-lane road that demands attentive driving. The gradient is generally less steep than Little Cottonwood Canyon, but it still requires caution, particularly in winter conditions. Traffic can be heavy at weekends, so an early start is highly recommended. Follow the road signs, drive at a comfortable speed, and be aware of other vehicles and potential wildlife.

If you are travelling into the canyons during the winter months, it is crucial to be aware of Utah's traction laws, which are enacted during snowstorms. These regulations are for your safety and require vehicles to have appropriate tyres or traction devices. When picking up your rental, it is good practice to ask about the vehicle's equipment if your itinerary includes mountain driving and winter weather is in the forecast. Always check the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) website for current road conditions and traction law status before heading up the canyons.

When a snowstorm impacts the region, flexibility is key to a low-stress travel day. The best approach is to check road conditions with UDOT before you even leave your hotel. If conditions are poor, consider delaying your departure until road crews have had time to clear the way. Driving slower, increasing your following distance, and avoiding sudden movements are essential. For canyon travel, you might also consider using the UTA Ski Bus service, which eliminates the need to drive in challenging conditions altogether.

When travelling with ski or snowboard equipment, vehicle selection is important for a comfortable trip. Before leaving the rental area, confirm that your vehicle has enough cargo space. An SUV or a vehicle with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat is often ideal, as it allows you to fit longer items while still accommodating passengers. Take a moment to test the seat-folding mechanism to ensure it works easily. This quick check ensures your gear will fit properly and you won't have to struggle with it at your destination.

For a family with significant luggage and a pushchair, a people carrier or a large SUV is typically the best choice for easy loading. These vehicles offer a spacious, dedicated cargo area behind the rear seats, allowing you to pack everything without obstructing your rear view. The high roofline and wide tailgate opening make it much easier to manoeuvre bulky items like pushchairs. This set-up allows you to load your gear efficiently in the parking bay without having items spill out into the driving lane.

The best place to install a child car seat is in the assigned parking bay in the rental garage right after you've located your vehicle. This space is out of the flow of traffic and allows you to take your time to ensure the seat is installed securely and correctly. Trying to do this at the passenger pick-up kerb can be stressful and rushed. By handling it in the garage, you can work without pressure before you even start the engine, ensuring your child's safety from the very beginning of your journey.

Before you exit the rental garage, it's wise to do a quick systems check to familiarise yourself with the vehicle. Take a moment to locate and test the controls for the headlights, indicators, and windscreen wipers. Glance at the dashboard when you start the car to ensure there are no warning lights, such as low tyre pressure. Finally, locate the USB ports or power sockets and confirm they are working so you can keep your devices charged throughout your trip.

For a convenient grocery stop after leaving the airport, head east on I-80 for just a few miles towards the city. You can take one of the early exits, such as 700 East or 1300 East, which will put you in established neighbourhoods with easily accessible supermarkets. These areas are far enough from the airport that you won't get caught in terminal traffic loops. This strategy allows you to quickly stock up on supplies before heading to your final destination, whether it's a downtown hotel or a mountain condo.

If you are leaving the airport during the evening rush hour, typically between 4 pm and 7 pm, you should expect significant traffic on all major motorways. The heaviest congestion will be on I-15 heading both north and south away from the city centre, as well as on the I-80 and I-215 belt route. Your travel time to destinations in the suburbs like Sandy or Park City could easily be 50–100% longer than during off-peak hours. Plan accordingly and allow plenty of extra time to reach your destination.

The Express Lanes on I-15 are typically located on the far left side of the motorway and are designed to reduce congestion. These lanes are generally open to vehicles with two or more occupants (HOV), buses, and motorcycles free of charge. Solo drivers may also use the lanes if they have an electronic transponder. It's important for visitors to watch the overhead electronic signs, which indicate when the HOV restrictions are in effect and provide entry and exit points, as you cannot cross the double white lines.

Salt Lake City offers several beautiful day trips that don't require extensive mountain driving. A popular choice is a drive to Antelope Island State Park in the Great Salt Lake, which involves driving across a flat causeway and offers incredible wildlife viewing. You could also drive the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in the Uinta Mountains during the summer, which is a high-elevation but well-paved and gradual drive. Another option is visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats west of the city, a unique landscape accessible via I-80.

The drive to Antelope Island State Park is very straightforward. From Salt Lake City, you'll take I-15 North to Syracuse, then take exit 332 and follow the signs for the park along Antelope Drive (SR-108). This road leads directly to the park entrance and the causeway. Inside the park, there are designated car parks at all major points of interest, including the visitor centre, Fielding Garr Ranch, and various trailheads and beaches. While parking can be busy at weekends, there is generally enough space available.

Parking at the Utah State Capitol is typically very convenient for visitors. There are several free public car parks located on the east side of the Capitol building, offering easy access. Additionally, there is often on-street parking available on the surrounding roads, though be sure to check for any time restrictions. From these parking areas, it's a short and pleasant walk to explore the Capitol grounds, Memory Grove Park, and the scenic viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley.

Visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah by car is exceptionally easy. The museum is located on the University of Utah campus, and the drive up to the foothills provides lovely city views. Once you arrive, the museum has its own large, dedicated car park situated directly in front of the main entrance. You can simply follow the signs for the museum as you enter the campus, and you will be directed straight to this car park. This convenient set-up makes it a stress-free destination for visitors with a rental car.

Red Butte Garden, located near the Natural History Museum on the University of Utah campus, is a popular destination, especially on pleasant weekend afternoons. The garden has its own dedicated car park, but it can fill to capacity during peak times or special events like outdoor concerts. If the main car park is full, there is typically overflow parking available in nearby university car parks. It's a good idea to arrive a little early on a busy day to secure a convenient spot.

A trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats involves a long drive west on I-80 through a remote desert landscape. It is essential to start with a full tank of fuel, as services are extremely limited between Salt Lake City and Wendover. Be sure to bring water and snacks for the journey. For safety, only pull off the motorway at designated rest areas or the official viewpoint for the Salt Flats. Stopping on the hard shoulder is not recommended, and driving on the salt flats themselves can be hazardous depending on conditions.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is a scenic journey of about four hours, primarily on US-191 and US-6. The route takes you through several small towns that serve as excellent, easy-to-access break stops. Helper and Price are two of the larger towns along the way, offering a good selection of petrol stations, restaurants, and toilets right off the main road. Further south, the town of Green River is another convenient stopping point before the final stretch to Moab, making it easy to refuel and stretch your legs.

The drive from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours without stops. To avoid arriving in the dark, especially in winter when days are shorter, a good plan is to drive about two-thirds of the way on your first day. Consider making towns like Beaver or Cedar City your overnight stop. This breaks up the drive nicely and leaves you with a short, manageable drive the next morning, allowing you to arrive in the Springdale and Zion area with plenty of daylight to check in and get oriented.

For evening outings downtown, the most convenient and secure option is to use one of the many public parking garages. The large garage at the City Creek Center is centrally located, well lit, and provides easy access to numerous restaurants and bars. Other paid lots and garages are scattered throughout the downtown core. While on-street parking is available, it can be harder to find in popular areas at night, so opting for a garage often saves time and provides peace of mind.

When driving in Salt Lake City, remember that turning right on a red light after a complete stop is permitted unless a sign specifically prohibits it. U-turns are also generally legal at intersections, provided it is safe to do so and not otherwise restricted by signage. A key thing for visitors to be aware of is that speed limits are strictly enforced, particularly on the interstates and in the canyons. Always adhere to the posted speed limits to ensure a safe and ticket-free driving experience.

To refuel your rental car before returning it, the most convenient petrol stations are located along North Temple Street, just east of the airport entrance. There are several major brand stations in this area. Driving east on North Temple away from the airport, you can easily pull into a station on your right, refuel, and then make a simple U-turn or left turn at a set of traffic lights to head back west towards the airport's rental car return entrance. This avoids any confusing or difficult manoeuvres right before your drop-off.

As you approach the airport, the overhead signage is designed to separate traffic streams clearly. To ensure you're heading to the correct location, move into the left-hand lanes as you get closer to the terminals. Look for large signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return". These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance ramp that bypasses the passenger drop-off and pick-up loops, leading you straight to the rental car return garage. Following these specific signs is the key to avoiding the main terminal congestion.

The airport road system is designed as a large loop, making this a simple two-step process. First, follow the signs for "Departures" and use the outer lanes to pull up to the kerb for your airline to drop off passengers and luggage. After they are safely on their way, simply get back on the main airport road and continue to loop around. On your second pass, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return", which will guide you to the correct facility entrance without having to leave and re-enter the airport complex.

The process of getting from the rental car return to your airline check-in at SLC is seamless and entirely indoors. After you've dropped off your vehicle and finalised the return, you will take a lift or escalator up from the garage level into the Gateway Center. From there, you simply walk across the elevated skybridge that connects directly to the main terminal building. Once inside the terminal, you can easily find your airline's check-in counter and proceed to security.