Getting There & Away: Moab

Air Travel

Major Airports

Three main airports serve Moab, each with unique characteristics and flight options.

Airport Details

Canyonlands Field (CNY): 18 miles north of Moab. Limited commercial flights (Contour Airlines to DEN, PHX).
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): 110 miles east. Larger with more options (American, Delta, United, Allegiant).
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): 230 miles north. Major international hub with most flight options (Delta hub).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Facilities vary by airport size. Transfer options from airports mainly involve rental cars.

Transfer Information

Rental Car: Most convenient option from CNY, GJT, SLC. Book in advance.
Shuttle Service: Private shuttles available from CNY (pre-booking needed). No regular public shuttles from GJT/SLC.
Taxi/Ride-share: Limited availability from CNY. Not reliable from GJT/SLC for direct travel to Moab.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Flight prices rise during peak season (Spring/Fall). Booking 3-6 months in advance is recommended for best rates. CNY flights consistently cost more.

Typical Routes

GJT offers direct flights to major hubs (Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Chicago).

International Flights

No direct international flights to CNY or GJT. SLC offers direct international flights from cities like Amsterdam, London, Paris.

Flight Resources

Flight Deal Services

Dollar Flight Club: Finds cheap flights.
Skyscanner: Comparison search engine for flights.
Book well in advance for best rates.
Consider flight compensation services like AirHelp.

International Travel Support

For visa applications, consult IVisa or VisaHQ.
Travel insurance through World Nomads or SafetyWing.
For U.S. visitor medical coverage, consider Insubuy.
E-SIM cards for connectivity from Airalo.

Land Transportation

Train/Bus Connections

No direct passenger train or bus service to Moab. Amtrak's California Zephyr passes through Green River, Utah (50 miles northwest). From Green River, private taxi/shuttle is necessary.

Self-Driving Requirements

Valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card for rental. Minimum age for renting cars is usually 21 (surcharges for under 25).

Road Conditions & Safety

Interstate and State Highways are well-maintained. Backcountry roads may need high-clearance 4x4. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn/dusk. Limited services outside Moab. Cell service can be spotty.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are imposed for departing the U.S. From airports. Airline tickets typically include all necessary taxes and fees.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights (CNY, GJT, SLC).
For international flights departing from SLC, arrive at least 3 hours prior.
Check with your specific airline for recommended arrival times.

Rental Car Returns & Facilities

Allow extra time for rental car returns. Airport facilities vary by size.

Return & Facilities

Allow extra time for returning rental cars, especially at SLC's centralized facility.
Ensure the fuel tank is full to avoid additional charges.
CNY: Minimal facilities. GJT: Standard mid-sized amenities. SLC: Full range of services, including dining and shops.

Car Rental

Consider DiscoverCars.com for bookings. Book well in advance, especially for peak season. Major companies are available at airports.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Limited availability. Mainly for on-road touring. Specialized off-road dirt bike rentals are available for trail riding, needing specific permits and experience.

Bicycle Rentals

Numerous mountain bike shops in Moab offer high-quality rentals. E-bike rentals are popular for paved paths and easier trails. Helmets and pads are rentable.

Travel Flexibility

Rely on rental cars for exploration. Public transit systems are not present in Moab. Private shuttles are expensive.

Getting There & Away