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How to Get to Park City

How to Get to Park City

Park City Southwest, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the main access point for Park City, approximately 32 miles (51 km) west. SLC serves as a major hub with domestic and international connections.

Airport Information

  • SLC is a hub for Delta Air Lines, with many direct flights across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
  • Other major airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and more.
  • Direct international flights from London-Heathrow (LHR), Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Amsterdam (AMS) are seasonal with Delta.

Flight Planning & Facilities

Flight frequency and prices increase during peak winter (December-March) and summer (July-August). Booking flights well in advance helps with pricing. Find deals with Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

SLC Airport Features

  • Dining and Shopping: A variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
  • Car Rental: Major agencies have counters and shuttle service to car lots.

Shared Shuttles

Popular and cost-effective. Companies like Park City Transportation, Canyon Transportation. Drop off at most hotels. Booking in advance is suggested. A typical ride lasts 35-45 minutes.

Private Cars/Taxi/Ride-Share

More expensive but offer direct, on-demand service. Uber and Lyft operate from SLC. Taxis are also available.

Rental Cars

Available at SLC. A rental car offers flexibility for exploring beyond Park City. Driving in winter conditions can be challenging. Parking in Park City is limited and costly.

Transfer Options from SLC to Park City

Direct Services

  • Shared ride shuttles are popular.
  • Private car, taxi, or ride-share.
  • Rental cars provide flexibility.

Public Transit Limited

  • TRAX light rail from SLC to downtown Salt Lake City.
  • Then a bus (UTA Route 902) to Kimball Junction in Park City.
  • From Kimball Junction, transfer to the free Park City Transit.

Airport Facilities & Services

Dining & Shopping

A wide array of restaurants, cafes, and shops both before and after security.

Lounges & Wi-Fi

Delta Sky Club and other airline lounges. Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.

Ground Transportation Access

Dedicated pick-up areas for shuttles, taxis, ride-shares, and public transit (TRAX light rail).

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

Amtrak's California Zephyr passes through Utah, stopping at Salt Lake City's Rio Grande Depot. This serves long-distance scenic travel, not direct Park City access.

Connectivity Details

  • Amtrak: Closest stop is Salt Lake City's Rio Grande Depot.
  • Long-Distance Bus: Greyhound and other services operate to Salt Lake City, not directly to Park City.
  • From SLC, transfer options are necessary to reach Park City.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Park City is accessible via Interstate 80 (I-80) from Salt Lake City. The drive is scenic. DiscoverCars.com offers car rental options.

Driving Information

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license (with IDP if not in English), proof of insurance for rental cars. Minimum age 21 (sometimes 25).
  • Winter: Roads can be snow-packed or icy. 4WD or AWD vehicles with snow tires are highly recommended.
  • Check UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation) road conditions before driving in winter.

Parking in Park City

Parking in Park City is limited and costly, especially in Old Town during peak season. Many hotels offer parking, some with a daily fee.

Parking Considerations

  • Main Street: Paid parking is available on Main Street and in garages like China Bridge. Fills quickly during peak times.
  • Resorts: Paid parking at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley base areas. Some require reservations.
  • Free Parking: Limited free parking in some areas. Use free public bus system with a rental car.

Departure Information

Plan your departure from Park City smoothly. No specific exit fees or taxes apply beyond those in your airline ticket.

Departure Procedures

  • Airport Check-in: Check with airline for recommended times (3 hours international, 2 hours domestic).
  • Security (TSA): Allow ample time for screening, especially during peak periods.
  • Airport Transfer: Confirm pick-up time. Allow extra time for delays due to traffic or weather (2.5-3 hours domestic, 3.5-4 hours international).

Road Safety & Wildlife

  • Summer: Roads are generally clear. Be aware of wildlife, including deer, elk, and moose.
  • Wildlife crossings are more common at dawn and dusk.
  • Chain laws apply on mountain passes during severe winter weather.
  • I-80 climb to Parley's Canyon can be challenging in storms.
  • Snow tires are highly recommended for winter driving.
  • Border crossing information is not applicable as Park City is within the continental United States.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transportation

Park City is a landlocked mountain resort.

No Water Access

  • Boat taxis are not applicable.
  • No river or sea arrivals are possible.
  • Its location in the Rocky Mountains means no direct water routes.

Departure Timing

Facilities at Salt Lake City International Airport for departing travelers are modern and well-equipped.

Planning Departure Time

  • Allow 2.5-3 hours before domestic flights.
  • Allow 3.5-4 hours before international flights.
  • This accounts for the drive to SLC and airport procedures.

Airport Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal for departing travelers.

Shopping & Dining

A variety of options available to relax before your flight.

Airline Lounges

Delta Sky Club and other airline lounges are available for eligible travelers.

Departure Overview

Exit Formalities

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing the United States beyond those included in your airline ticket.

Checklist

  • Confirm flight status before heading to the airport.
  • Have all travel documents ready.
  • Plan for potential traffic or weather delays.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

SLC provides amenities to departing passengers.

Amenities

  • Dining options for last-minute meals.
  • Various shops for souvenirs or forgotten items.
  • Lounges for comfort before your flight.

Departure Procedures

Check-in

Verify airline recommendations. Typically 3 hours for international, 2 for domestic.

Security

Allow ample time for TSA screening, specifically during peak travel times.

Transfer

Confirm shuttle pick-up time. Plan for potential traffic or weather delays.

Final Tip

Consider baggage check-in and security checkpoints upon arrival at the airport.

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