Thrifty Car Hire
Utah

Upon arriving at Salt Lake City International Airport, you will first need to collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim area. From there, follow the overhead signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Car Shuttles. The shuttles pick up passengers just outside the terminal doors on the ground level. These dedicated buses run frequently and will take you on a short ride to the consolidated Rental Car Centre, where the Thrifty service counter is located.

Navigating to the rental car centre late at night is straightforward, as the airport is well signed and designed for easy transit. After you retrieve your bags, simply look for the prominent signs directing you to the Rental Car Shuttles. These shuttles operate continuously, even for late arrivals, ensuring you have reliable transport. The ride is brief and delivers you directly to the entrance of the rental facility, eliminating any guesswork or long walks in the dark.

During the peak winter ski season, it's wise to budget extra time for the car rental process at SLC. Factoring in potential queues for the shuttle bus and at the rental counter is a good strategy. A safe estimate would be to add an additional 30 to 45 minutes to your typical rental pick-up timeline. This buffer accounts for higher passenger volumes and ensures you can complete the paperwork and vehicle inspection without feeling rushed before heading to the mountains.

The most direct and simplest route to Park City from the airport rental facility avoids downtown Salt Lake City entirely. As you exit the rental centre, follow the signs for I-80 East. This major interstate will be your primary route for the entire journey. The drive is well marked with clear signage for the Park City exit, making for a straightforward and scenic trip up into the mountains without navigating city streets.

For a calm place to get organised, you can use one of the parking bays in the rental car facility’s car park after you’ve collected your vehicle. This allows you to fit car seats and arrange luggage without pressure. If you’d prefer more space, consider driving to a nearby large car park, such as a supermarket or shopping centre just a few minutes from the airport. This gives you plenty of room to work and lets the kids stretch their legs before you begin your main journey.

In the Salt Lake City area, the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, often marked with a diamond symbol, are typically available to any vehicle with two or more occupants. These are known as Express Lanes and can be a great way to bypass congestion on I-15. It’s important to only enter and exit these lanes at the designated dashed-line areas. Always check the overhead electronic signs for any specific rules or tolls that may be in effect during your travel time.

The interchange where I-15 and I-80 meet near downtown can be challenging for first-time visitors due to its multiple lanes and quick exits. The best strategy is to use a sat nav and pay close attention to overhead signs well in advance of the interchange. A key landmark is the Salt Lake City skyline to the east; knowing its position can help with general orientation. Getting into your target lane early is the most effective way to navigate this area smoothly and avoid last-second manoeuvres.

While the grid system can seem unusual at first, it’s quite logical once you understand the basics. Temple Square serves as the zero point, and street numbers increase as you move north, south, east, or west from there. For example, 400 South is four blocks south of Temple Square. The most reliable method for visitors is to use a GPS app on your phone, which effortlessly handles the grid system and provides turn-by-turn directions, letting you focus on the road.

Nearly all downtown hotels are equipped to handle arriving guests efficiently. The most practical approach is to pull directly into the hotel’s designated passenger loading zone or valet area, typically located at the main entrance. This provides a safe, temporary space to unload your luggage and check in. Once you’re settled, you can then ask the hotel staff for directions to their recommended long-term parking garage.

If you’re driving a larger vehicle, finding on-street parking can be easier in neighbourhoods just outside the central business district. Areas like The Avenues, located north-east of downtown, or the residential streets around Liberty Park often have more available kerb space. For guaranteed room, consider using one of the many paid parking garages downtown, as they are designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes, including SUVs and people carriers.

Around major attractions like Temple Square and the State Capitol, you’ll find a mix of parking options. For quick stops, metered on-street parking is often available but usually has strict time limits, so be sure to check the signs. For longer visits, the most convenient and stress-free option is to use a nearby paid parking garage, such as the one at City Creek Centre. This allows you to explore at your leisure without worrying about an expiring meter.

The drive to Park City is primarily on I-80, a major interstate that is prioritised for snow clearance and generally well maintained. However, conditions can change rapidly as you gain elevation, especially on the final stretch from the motorway exit up to the resorts. A clear and dry road in the Salt Lake Valley can quickly become snowy or icy in Parleys Canyon or near the resort bases. It’s always best to drive cautiously and be prepared for changing weather.

The best option depends on your trip’s priorities. Staying in Salt Lake City offers greater flexibility, more dining and entertainment choices, and the ability to ski at different resorts each day. However, this requires a daily commute up and down the canyons, which can involve significant traffic. Staying at a resort base is incredibly convenient for ski access but offers fewer off-mountain activities and can feel more isolated.

During and after snowstorms, Utah authorities actively manage access to Little Cottonwood Canyon for safety. You should expect potential road closures for avalanche control, which can cause long delays. Additionally, traction laws are often put into effect, requiring vehicles to have appropriate tyres or be equipped with all-wheel drive. It is crucial to check the UDOT Traffic website or app for real-time road status and vehicle requirements before you attempt the drive.

To enjoy a less stressful drive up the Cottonwood Canyons, timing is everything, especially at weekends or on powder days. Plan to be on the road heading up before 08:00 to beat the largest wave of skier traffic. For the return trip, leaving the resort before 15:00 or waiting until after 18:00 can help you avoid the worst of the afternoon congestion as everyone heads back down into the valley.

The most convenient places to meet and car-share are the official park-and-ride car parks located at the mouths of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. These sites are specifically designed for this purpose and are easy to find. Alternatively, you could arrange to meet at a large grocery store or coffee shop in the nearby suburbs of Cottonwood Heights or Sandy, which provides a chance to pick up supplies before heading up the mountain.

A comfortable and popular multi-day loop starts by driving south from Salt Lake City on I-15 to the Zion National Park area, which takes about 4.5 hours. Plan to spend at least one night there. From Zion, take the scenic drive along Highway 9 and US-89 to Bryce Canyon National Park for your next overnight stay. For the return, you can drive north on US-89 and US-6 back to the Salt Lake area, creating a manageable and scenic journey.

The most direct route for first-timers is to take I-15 South to Spanish Fork, then exit onto US-6 East. Follow US-6 until you merge with I-70 East, and finally take US-191 South directly into Moab. The entire drive takes about four hours. A common and convenient place to stop for fuel, food, and a quick break is the town of Price, which is located at roughly the halfway point of the journey.

To maximise your chances of finding parking at iconic spots within Arches, it’s best to plan for an early arrival at the park itself, ideally before 08:00. Given the four-hour drive from Salt Lake City, this often means staying overnight in Moab. If you are driving from SLC for the day, leave very early to get there before mid-morning crowds. Also, be sure to check the national park’s website, as a timed-entry reservation system is often required for access.

For the best wildlife viewing experience at Antelope Island, plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon when animals, including bison, are most active. To avoid traffic congestion on the long causeway leading to the island, try to visit on a weekday if possible. Weekends can see long queues of cars entering the park, so an early start is even more critical to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

The roads around the Great Salt Lake, particularly the causeway to Antelope Island, are very exposed and can experience strong crosswinds. When driving in windy conditions, it’s important to reduce your speed and maintain a firm, two-handed grip on the steering wheel. This is especially true for taller vehicles like SUVs and vans, which have a larger surface area and can be more affected by powerful gusts of wind.

A day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats is an easy 90-minute drive west from Salt Lake City on I-80. Before driving onto the salt, make sure the surface is completely dry, as wet conditions can be like thick mud. The most important step to protect your hire car is to take it to a car wash with an underbody spray immediately after your visit. This will remove the highly corrosive salt residue from the vehicle’s components.

The most scenic and direct route to Sundance is via I-15 South to Orem, then east up Provo Canyon on US-189. The drive through the canyon is beautiful but can be winding, so allow plenty of time. Parking at the resort is limited and can be very challenging during the Sundance Film Festival or other popular events. During these times, it is highly recommended to use the official shuttle services from designated off-site car parks for a much smoother experience.

On a busy weekend, the drive to both resorts involves the same initial route up I-80 into Park City, which is where the main bottleneck occurs. Traffic can back up significantly on the exit slip road and the main road into town. Once in Park City, the routes to Deer Valley and Park City Mountain diverge. Both can experience heavy congestion near their base areas, so the key to a less stressful morning is leaving Salt Lake City as early as possible, well before 08:00.

A common issue for visitors is not using a lower gear on long, steep downhill sections. Relying solely on your brakes can cause them to overheat and become less effective, a phenomenon known as brake fade. To maintain control and save your brakes, shift the car into a lower gear and let the engine help control your speed. Also, always be alert for wildlife, as deer and moose can unexpectedly cross mountain roads, especially around dawn and dusk.

The first places to become icy are typically bridges, flyovers, and shaded areas that don’t receive direct sunlight. Be particularly cautious in canyons like Parleys, Big Cottonwood, and Little Cottonwood, as their shaded sections can harbour black ice long after other roads have cleared. Driving with extra care in these specific locations, especially in the morning or after sunset, is a critical winter driving practice in Utah.

Summer in Utah brings intense heat to the valley and cooler temperatures at higher elevations. When planning day trips, be aware that long, uphill climbs in hot weather can put a strain on a vehicle’s cooling system. It’s essential to have plenty of water in the car for both you and your passengers. Also, pack layers of clothing, as a hot day in Salt Lake City can turn into a cool evening in the mountains.

A day trip to Ogden is a simple 40-minute drive north from Salt Lake City on I-15. To explore the city’s historic 25th Street, the best strategy is to find a spot in one of the public parking garages or car parks located just off the main street. This allows you to park your car once and then enjoy a leisurely walk to the area’s unique shops, restaurants, and museums, like the Utah State Railroad Museum at Union Station.

For a memorable scenic drive that captures the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains, consider the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. This route, accessible from I-15, winds through stunning mountain landscapes with views of Mount Timpanogos and dense aspen groves. The drive itself takes a few hours and offers numerous spots to pull over for photos or short walks. Please note this road is seasonal and typically closed during the winter months due to snow.

To keep a group on track, it’s helpful to establish a clear, shared itinerary with agreed departure times for each location. Using a shared digital map with all the stops pinned can also prevent confusion. Another effective strategy is to pack a cool box with drinks and snacks in the car. This minimises unplanned stops for refreshments and helps maintain momentum as you travel between Salt Lake City’s various attractions.

Mobile signal is often unreliable or non-existent in many of Utah’s canyons and remote areas. The best back-up plan is to download offline maps of your intended route to your smartphone before you leave. Most major navigation apps offer this feature, which allows your phone’s GPS to function without a data connection. Having a paper map as a secondary back-up is also a sensible precaution for any mountain adventure.

The I-15 corridor, the main artery running north and south through the Salt Lake Valley, is frequently undergoing roadworks. To avoid unexpected delays, it’s highly recommended to check the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic app or website before you start your drive. This resource provides real-time information on lane closures, accidents, and congestion, allowing you to adjust your route or travel times accordingly.

Driving between Salt Lake City and Provo on I-15 during peak commute times can be very congested. The heaviest traffic typically occurs southbound from about 07:00 to 09:30 and northbound from 16:00 to 18:30 on weekdays. If your schedule is flexible, planning your drive outside these windows will result in a much faster and less stressful trip. The Express Lanes can also be an option if you meet the occupancy requirements.

For a sunrise hike with easy car access, the Ensign Peak trailhead just north of the Utah State Capitol is an excellent choice. The drive is simple from downtown, and the short hike offers panoramic views of the valley. Another popular and accessible option is the Living Room trailhead, located in the foothills above the University of Utah. Both have designated parking, but it’s always best to arrive early to secure a space.

Several family-friendly attractions in Salt Lake City are designed for easy car access. Hogle Zoo and This Is The Place Heritage Park are great examples, as both have large, dedicated car parks located directly adjacent to their main entrances. The Natural History Museum of Utah, situated in the foothills, also offers ample and convenient parking. These options are ideal for families with young children, as they minimise the walk from the car to the attraction.

After collecting your hire car, the most efficient way to get groceries is to visit a supermarket in one of the suburbs near the airport before heading to your final destination. There are numerous large grocery stores just a short drive west or south of the airport along major roads like I-80 or Bangerter Highway. This strategy allows you to stock up on supplies for your trip without having to navigate the more congested streets of downtown Salt Lake City first.

For a smooth early-morning return, first drive to the airport and follow the prominent signs for “Rental Car Return”. This will lead you to a dedicated entrance for the rental facility, separate from the main passenger drop-off area. After an agent checks you in and you’ve gathered your belongings, you’ll board a shuttle bus right at the facility. This shuttle provides a quick and direct ride to the terminal’s departures level, getting you to your airline check-in desk efficiently.

A frequent mistake is missing the specific turn-off for “Rental Car Return” and accidentally following the main signs for “Departures”. The airport signage for rental returns starts well before the terminal buildings, so it’s important to move into the correct lanes early. To avoid confusion, set your sat nav specifically to the Thrifty rental car return address, not just the airport in general. This will help guide you into the correct approach lanes.

To ensure a stress-free morning departure, plan to leave Park City about three hours before your flight time. The drive down Parleys Canyon on I-80 typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, but it’s wise to add a buffer for potential traffic or weather. This schedule allows ample time for the drive, the car return process at the rental facility, the shuttle ride to the terminal, and clearing airport security without feeling rushed.

Before starting a Utah adventure, it’s a good idea to do a quick vehicle inspection. Walk around the car and check the condition of the tyres, looking for adequate tread, which is important for traction on unpaved roads. It’s also helpful to confirm the location of the spare tyre and the necessary tools, just in case. Finally, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the vehicle’s basic controls, like the headlights and windscreen wipers, for a more confident start to your trip.