Getting There & Away: Sun Valley

Air Travel Options

Major Airports Serving Sun Valley

Airports & Distance

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN): Located in Hailey, ~14 miles (22 km) south of Sun Valley. Travel time is typically 20-30 minutes.
Boise Airport (BOI): ~150 miles (240 km) southwest of Sun Valley. Drive ~2.5 to 3 hours. Offers a wider range of flight options and competitive prices.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): ~280 miles (450 km) southeast of Sun Valley. Drive ~4.5 to 5 hours. A major airline hub for extensive flight connections.

Flights to SUN & Transfer Options

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) is a regional airport with flights mainly from major western U.S. airline hubs. Consider services like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.

Airlines & Transfers

Airlines: Delta Connection (from SLC), Alaska Airlines (from SEA, LAX), United Express (from DEN, SFO, ORD, DFW).
From SUN: Rental Cars (DiscoverCars.com), Hotel Shuttles, Private Car Services, Sun Valley Express, Taxi.
From BOI/SLC: Rental Cars are the most common transfer. Regional shuttle companies also offer services.

Seasonal Flight Patterns

Flight availability and prices to SUN are highly seasonal. Peak winter (December-March) and summer (July-August) see increased frequency, but prices are at their highest due to demand. Book flights several months in advance for the best fares. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) may offer fewer flight options but lower prices.

Departure Timing SUN

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) is a small, efficient regional airport. During peak ski season and peak summer, it may be busy. For domestic flights, arriving at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure provides sufficient time for rental car return, luggage check, and TSA security screening.

Airport Facilities SUN

SUN has a single, compact terminal. Car rental counters are within or near the terminal. Food and beverage options are limited. Free Wi-Fi access is available. For departures from larger airports like Boise (BOI) or Salt Lake City (SLC), plan for 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3+ hours before international flights due to more extensive facilities and checkpoints.

Land Transportation & Driving

Self-Driving Considerations

Access is mainly via U.S. Highway 93 and Idaho State Highway 75. These highways are generally well-maintained.
A valid driver's license is needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your home country's license is not in English.
Gas stations are available in Hailey, Ketchum, and along major highways.
No direct Amtrak train service or long-distance bus service reaches Sun Valley.

Road Conditions and Safety

Winter (November-April): Road conditions on ID-75, especially over Galena Summit, may be challenging due to snow, ice, and limited visibility.
Vehicle Type: A 4WD or AWD vehicle with snow tires is highly recommended in winter. Check 511.idaho.gov for current road conditions.
Wildlife: Deer and elk are common. Exercise caution, especially at dawn, dusk, and night, as animals may cross roads unexpectedly.
Standard U.S. Driving Laws: Drive on the right, seatbelts are mandatory, speed limits are enforced, handheld phone use is illegal.

Departure & Travel Advice

Exit Fees/Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing from U.S. Airports beyond those already included in your airline ticket price.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea or river arrivals are not applicable for travel to Sun Valley. Sun Valley is an inland mountain resort.

Ski/Snowboard Equipment

If checking ski or snowboard bags, factor in extra time for oversized baggage handling. Many airlines have specific requirements and fees for sports equipment.

Getting Around Sun Valley

Public Transportation: Mountain Rides

The Sun Valley area (Sun Valley Resort, Ketchum, Hailey, Bellevue) features the Mountain Rides public transportation system. This service operates a network of bus routes connecting points of interest. It is a resource for visitors and locals, limiting the need for personal vehicles and parking challenges.

System Overview

Route Maps and Hubs: Detailed maps and schedules are available online and at visitor centers. Hubs include Sun Valley Lodge, River Run Lodge, Warm Springs Lodge, Downtown Ketchum, and Hailey.
Ticketing and Fare Options: It is free for all riders. No need to purchase tickets or passes.
Hours and Frequency: Service hours and frequency vary by route and season. Peak seasons offer high frequency (every 15-30 minutes). Check current schedules.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

For direct point-to-point travel, especially outside of bus routes or hours, taxis and ride-sharing services offer alternatives.

Options & Safety

Licensed Taxis: Call a local taxi company (e.g., Sun Valley Taxi) to arrange a pick-up. Fares are typically metered, or fixed rates for common routes.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Driver availability may be limited compared to major cities, with longer wait times possible.
Safety: For ride-sharing, confirm the car's make, model, license plate, and driver's name/photo match the app. Avoid accepting rides not booked through the app.

Rental Options: Cars & Bikes

Self-driving to Sun Valley offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic drives. Bicycle rentals are widely available for exploring the area.

Car Rentals

Requirements: Valid driver's license. International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English. Minimum age is typically 21.
Companies: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National are at Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) and sometimes Ketchum. Book well in advance.
Vehicle Type: In winter, a 4WD or AWD vehicle is highly recommended due to potential snow and ice.

Bicycle & Driving Laws

Sun Valley and Ketchum are conducive to walking and cycling. Standard U.S. Driving laws apply.

Bicycle Rentals & Safety

Bicycle Rentals: Widely available from May to October in Ketchum and Sun Valley shops. No formal city-wide bike-sharing program.
Helmets are strongly recommended for all cyclists and mandatory for lift-served mountain biking.
Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are posted. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal.

Road Conditions & Parking

Winter: Roads may be snow-covered or icy. Check 511.idaho.gov for real-time updates.
Bald Mountain Ski Lifts (Winter): Paid parking at base areas (River Run, Warm Springs). Free lots are further away with shuttle connections.
Ketchum: Limited street parking, often metered. Public parking lots, some paid. Hotels typically offer guest parking.

Summer: Roads are generally in good condition. Expect increased traffic during peak summer weekends.
Sun Valley Village: Parking at the Lodge and Inn, generally for guests. Additional lots for visitors.
Trailheads: Parking at popular trailheads may fill quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early.

Walking & Cycling in Sun Valley

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Sun Valley and Ketchum are highly conducive to walking and cycling, presenting a pleasant way to explore the area's natural beauty and town amenities.

Areas

Ketchum: Downtown is very walkable, with sidewalks connecting shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Sun Valley Village: Designed as a pedestrian-friendly zone, connecting the Lodge, Inn, shops, and ice rink.
Multi-use Paths: An extensive network of paved paths connects Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Hailey, ideal for walking and jogging.

Walking Tours & Bicycle Safety

Explore at your own pace or join a guided experience. Sun Valley offers excellent bicycle infrastructure.

Tours & Safety Protocols

Self-Guided Tours: Utilize local maps for exploring Ketchum's galleries or Sun Valley Village.
Bicycle Safety: Helmets are strongly recommended for all cyclists and mandatory for lift-served terrain.
Trail Etiquette: Be aware of other users. Announce your presence when passing ("On your left!").

Wood River Trail System

This expansive paved trail spans many miles through the valley, connecting communities and points of interest. It is ideal for safe and scenic routes away from vehicle traffic.

No-Go Areas

All public areas and designated trails are generally safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Always observe private property signs. Avoid high-traffic roads when multi-use paths are available. Be cautious of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.

Specialized Transportation

The Sun Valley Resort Trolley operates seasonally, connecting various resort points. The Bald Mountain Gondola offers scenic rides and ski access. In winter, traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides are a popular experience.

Important Reminders for Getting Around

Rental & Parking Advice

During winter, if driving from Boise or Salt Lake City, verify road conditions on Idaho Department of Transportation (511.idaho.gov) before you depart. Consider a 4WD or AWD rental vehicle for improved safety and traction on snowy or icy roads.

Parking & Rental Tips

If you have an early morning flight from SUN, consider returning your rental car the evening before. Take a taxi or hotel shuttle to the airport.
If you plan extensive skiing or biking, purchasing a rental package with multiple days may be more cost-effective than renting day-by-day.
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing from U.S. Airports beyond those already included in your airline ticket price.

Public Transport & Accessibility

Mountain Rides is committed to accessibility. All buses are wheelchair accessible, equipped with ramps or lifts. They also feature bike racks on the front, supporting cyclists in moving their bikes easily between points.

Efficient Navigation

Use the Mountain Rides app or website for real-time bus tracking. This allows you to see exactly where buses are and estimate arrival times.
Plan Ahead: Review route maps and schedules before you depart, especially for evening travel or less frequented areas.
Wave to the Driver: At some stops, specifically in less busy areas, wave clearly to the bus driver as the bus approaches to indicate you wish to board.

Exploring on Foot & Bike

Walking Tours

Utilize local maps (available at visitor centers) to create your own walking tours of Ketchum's art galleries, historical points, or the Sun Valley Village.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Sun Valley boasts excellent bicycle infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes on some roads and an extensive network of paved multi-use trails.

Mountain Biking Trails

Numerous singletrack mountain biking trails cater to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Research trail difficulty before attempting.

Helpful Tip

Check the Sun Valley Resort website for current operating schedules and pricing for the trolley and gondola, as these may vary by season and demand.

Getting There & Away