Car Hire
in Salt Lake City

After collecting your luggage at Salt Lake City International Airport, finding your car hire is straightforward. The car hire desks and pickup locations are located in the parking garage directly opposite the terminal. Simply exit the terminal building and follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Car Return" and "Ground Transportation." It’s a short, covered walk, so you won’t need to navigate confusing airport roads or wait for a shuttle bus.

On a busy winter weekend, it’s wise to allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the moment you collect your bags to driving away in your hire car. This accounts for the walk to the car hire centre, potential queues at the service desk, and the time it takes to locate your vehicle and get settled. During peak ski-season arrivals, the desks can be particularly busy, so allowing this extra buffer helps ensure a stress-free start to your trip.

The most direct route from the airport to downtown is to take I-80 East. The signage is clear as you leave the airport’s main road. You’ll stay on I-80 East for just a few miles before taking the 600 South exit (Exit 121), which leads you straight into the city centre. This route avoids the more complex "Spaghetti Bowl" interchange and provides a relatively direct run to most downtown hotels and attractions.

The primary and most recommended route to Park City is I-80 East, a major, well-maintained interstate. Although the drive involves a significant climb through Parleys Canyon, it is the most direct and clearly signposted route. For a less stressful experience, especially in winter, avoid peak travel times and allow plenty of space from other vehicles. The road is wide and the ascent is gradual, making it manageable for most drivers.

Most travellers find it easiest to use their hotel’s designated parking, whether it’s valet or a self-park garage. If that isn’t an option, the city has numerous public parking garages, such as the large one at City Creek Center, which is centrally located and secure. Using a paid garage is generally more convenient than searching for limited, time-restricted on-street parking, especially overnight.

Driving in downtown Salt Lake City is distinctive because of its exceptionally wide streets and grid layout originating from Temple Square. One rule that often surprises visitors is that it is legal to make a left turn on a red light from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Be mindful of the many one-way streets and pay close attention to lanes designated for the TRAX light rail system, which sometimes runs alongside or in the median of the road.

To make a quick grocery stop, look for stores located along North Temple Street, just a few minutes east of the airport. Several major supermarket chains have locations in this area before you need to join the interstate. This allows you to pick up supplies without venturing into residential neighbourhoods. Planning your stop here adds minimal time to your drive whether you’re heading downtown or towards the mountain resorts.

The most convenient strategy is to park at the City Creek Center underground garage. This large, central parking facility sits almost perfectly between Temple Square and the Capitol building. By parking here once, you can easily explore Temple Square and then enjoy a pleasant walk up State Street to the Capitol grounds. This approach saves you the time and hassle of finding a second parking spot in a busy area.

To avoid the notorious morning ski traffic into Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, your best strategy is to adjust your timing. Aim to be on the road and heading up the canyon well before 7:30 a.m. to beat the main rush. Alternatively, wait until after 10:00 a.m. when the initial wave of skiers has passed. Always check the UDOT Traffic app for real-time road conditions and potential closures before you leave.

Experienced skiers heading to Alta or Snowbird on a powder day often leave Salt Lake City before sunrise, sometimes as early as 6:00 a.m. This ensures they get ahead of traffic, secure a parking spot before lots fill up, and pass through any traction-law checkpoints without delay. On weekends and holidays, an early start is essential for a smooth journey up Little Cottonwood Canyon, as the road can undergo temporary holds for avalanche control.

When staying in southern suburbs like Sandy or Midvale, be aware that I-15 experiences heavy congestion during typical weekday rush hours. The morning commute northbound towards Salt Lake City is busiest from about 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The southbound evening commute is similarly busy from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. If your travel plans coincide with these times, consider using surface streets like State Street as an alternative or schedule your drives outside these peak periods.

The drive through Parleys Canyon on I-80 can present sudden weather challenges. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, including localized snow squalls that severely reduce visibility, even when the valley is clear. High crosswinds are also common in the canyon, requiring firm control of your vehicle. Always check the specific forecast for the canyon itself, not just Salt Lake City or Park City, before you depart.

When driving to Antelope Island, be prepared for a unique environment. The long causeway to the island is exposed and can be very windy. Once on the island, drive slowly and be vigilant for wildlife, as large bison herds frequently cross or linger on the roads. Services are very limited, so it’s essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel and bring your own water and snacks for the day.

A day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats involves about 90 minutes to two hours of driving each way, mainly on I-80 West. To break up the journey, consider a brief stop in Grantsville for restrooms and a snack. The drive itself crosses vast, open desert, so ensure your vehicle is in good condition before you start. This plan allows plenty of time to explore the salt flats without feeling rushed.

For the most pleasant drive between Salt Lake City and Ogden on I-15, plan your travel during off-peak hours. The ideal window is typically mid-day, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. This allows you to avoid the heavy morning and evening commuter traffic that flows between the two cities. Weekend traffic can be less predictable but is generally lighter in the early morning.

Big Cottonwood Canyon Road features numerous designated pull-outs and small parking areas specifically for enjoying the scenery. It’s crucial to use only these official spots, as the road is narrow and winding with limited shoulder space. Popular and safe places to stop include the Storm Mountain picnic area and various trailheads along the route. Never stop in the lane of traffic to take a photo, as this is extremely dangerous for you and other road users.

While main access roads to popular spots like Antelope Island or Saltair are paved and well maintained, more remote shoreline destinations can be different. Roads leading to places like the Spiral Jetty are often unpaved, graded dirt or gravel that can be rough and dusty. It’s always a good idea to check recent road-condition reports before heading to a less-developed area, as conditions can change with the weather.

For excellent sunrise views with easy parking, consider driving up to the Utah State Capitol grounds. There is ample public parking, and the elevated position offers a fantastic panorama of the valley and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. Another popular option is the Ensign Peak trailhead, located just above the Capitol, which has a small car park and provides an even higher vantage point after a short hike.

For events at the Delta Center, the most common approach is to use one of the many paid parking lots and garages in the immediate vicinity. Arriving at least 45 minutes before the event starts is recommended to find a spot without stress. Many visitors also park at the nearby City Creek Center or The Gateway and enjoy a short walk to the arena, which can make exiting after the event a bit easier.

These venues are located west of the downtown core and are easily accessible from I-15. The best strategy is to take the 600 South exit and approach from the west to avoid navigating the one-way street grid. When leaving, have a route planned to get back onto I-15 or a major artery like 300 West quickly, as the smaller streets around the venues can become congested right after a show.

When visiting the University of Utah, the most reliable option is to use the designated visitor parking areas. The Central Garage near the Campus Store is a large, convenient choice for accessing the heart of campus. These visitor lots operate on a pay-by-the-hour basis and are clearly signed, saving you from the risk of getting a ticket in a permit-required student or staff lot.

While GPS is helpful, it’s crucial to supplement it with your own awareness of road signs. Pay close attention to pavement markings and signs indicating "Bus Only" lanes, especially on major streets. Also, be aware of the TRAX light rail lines; never drive on the tracks, which can sometimes run in the centre or side of the road. Keeping your focus on the road signage is the best way to avoid a wrong turn into a restricted area.

A great way to explore the region is by using the park-and-ride system. Many TRAX and FrontRunner stations located in the suburbs, such as Murray Central, Historic Sandy, or Farmington, offer large, free car parks. You can drive your hire car to one of these stations, park for the day, and take the train into downtown Salt Lake City. This strategy allows you to avoid downtown traffic and parking hassles.

The drive to Provo on I-15 can become very congested on match days, so plan to leave Salt Lake City at least two hours before the event. After the match, expect significant delays as thousands of cars exit the stadium area at once. A good strategy is to relax and wait 30–45 minutes after the event ends before attempting to leave the car park, or have a planned route that uses local roads to get to the interstate.

During a snowstorm it’s best to stick to the main roads and motorways like I-15, I-80, and State Street, as they are the top priority for snowploughs. Visitors should avoid the steep residential streets in neighbourhoods like the Avenues, Capitol Hill and the East Bench. These hills can become extremely slippery and difficult to navigate without proper tyres or all-wheel drive, making the flatter valley roads a much safer choice.

The drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton and Solitude is scenic but can be challenging for inexperienced mountain drivers. The most intimidating sections are the tight hairpin turns and steep grades, particularly in the upper half of the canyon. The road can feel narrow with steep drop-offs, which is more pronounced during winter conditions when snowbanks reduce the width. Driving slowly and cautiously is key to navigating these areas safely.

The key to planning is staying informed in real time. Before heading to the mountains, always check the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic website or mobile app. These resources provide up-to-the-minute information on road closures, accidents, and when traction laws are enacted. Having this information before you leave allows you to adjust your plans accordingly and avoid getting stuck or turned around.

The car hire pickup area at SLC is located within a large, multi-level parking garage, which is an ideal place to install a child car seat. After you’ve picked up your vehicle, find a parking spot in a less busy corner of the garage. This provides a safe, covered environment away from traffic where you can take your time to fit the seat correctly and comfortably before starting your drive.

To maximise your time, park your hire car once in a central downtown location like the City Creek Center garage. From this single spot you can easily spend several hours exploring on foot. Temple Square, the Salt Palace Convention Centre, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and numerous restaurants are all within a short walking distance. This park-once strategy eliminates the stress of repeatedly searching for parking.

For an early morning flight, the drive from downtown to the airport is typically quick and traffic-free. Budgeting around 20 minutes for the drive itself is usually more than enough time. This allows for a relaxed journey to the car hire return area without the pressure of rushing. Even with light traffic, giving yourself this small buffer helps ensure a calm and predictable end to your trip.

The "Spaghetti Bowl," where I-15, I-80 and SR-201 converge, can be intimidating. The best advice is to know which major highway you need to be on well in advance of reaching the interchange. Use a sat-nav with lane guidance and move into your required lane early to avoid last-minute, stressful lane changes. Paying close attention to the overhead signs is crucial for navigating the splits successfully.

The drive to Moab is a long one, so planning breaks is a great idea. A good first stop is Spanish Fork, about an hour south of Salt Lake City, which has plenty of food and fuel options. Further down the road, the town of Price serves as an excellent halfway point to stretch your legs, refuel, and grab a meal before continuing on the more remote second half of the journey.

Mobile signal is generally reliable along main interstate corridors like I-15 and I-80. However, it can quickly become spotty or completely unavailable once you enter mountain canyons like Big and Little Cottonwood. Service is also inconsistent on remote drives, such as the routes to the Bonneville Salt Flats or Antelope Island. It’s always a wise precaution to download maps of your destination area for offline use.

The easiest way to coordinate a pickup is to use the short-term parking garage located directly opposite the terminal. You can park the car and meet your friends inside near the baggage claim area. This avoids the stress of trying to time a kerbside pickup perfectly and eliminates the need to circle the airport repeatedly while you wait for them to come outside.

To best manage ski gear, use the pass-through in the back seat if your hire car has one, allowing the ski bag to extend from the boot. Pack smaller, soft-sided bags around the ski bag in the boot to maximise space. Keep a daypack with essentials like snacks, water, and electronics in the cabin for easy access, which prevents you from having to dig through larger luggage during your trip.

Several petrol stations are conveniently located along North Temple Street, which runs parallel to the airport just to the south. These stations are easily accessible from I-80 and other main roads as you head towards the airport. Refuelling here allows for a simple, direct drive of just a couple of minutes to the car hire return entrance without navigating any complex interchanges right before your deadline.

Guardsman Pass is a seasonal road that is not open year-round. It typically closes after the first heavy snowfall in autumn and reopens in late spring or early summer. Before planning your drive, you should check the UDOT Traffic website for the road’s current status. While the road is paved, it is narrow and has sharp turns, so it requires careful and attentive driving.

The most responsible approach is to use your hire car to travel to a specific neighbourhood, such as the Granary District or the area around 9th and 9th, which have clusters of breweries and bars. Park the car in a secure spot for the evening and explore the different venues on foot. At the end of the night, use a rideshare service or have a designated driver to get back to your accommodation safely.

During the winter months, it is prudent to add at least 60 to 90 minutes of extra travel time for the drive from Park City to the airport. This buffer accounts for potential slowdowns on I-80 through Parleys Canyon due to snow, accidents, or traction-control measures. In active storm conditions, check road status before you leave, as even more time may be necessary to ensure you arrive for your flight without rushing.

As you approach the airport, the key is to start looking for the specific "Rental Car Return" signs early. A common point of confusion is following the general "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs for too long. The rental return has its own dedicated entrance ramp, so make sure you merge into the correct lane as indicated by the overhead signs. Following those specific signs will guide you directly into the proper garage entrance.