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How to Get to Zion National Park

How to Get to Zion National Park

Zion National Park Southwest, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Zion

Your choice of airport impacts driving time and flight options.

Nearby Airport Options

  • St. George Regional Airport (SGU): Closest, about 1 hour drive (50 miles/80 km) from Zion. Limited regional flights.
  • Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) - Las Vegas, Nevada: Major international airport, about 2.5-3 hours drive (170 miles/270 km). Wide flight range.
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Major international airport, about 4.5-5 hours drive (300 miles/480 km). Good for wider Utah trips.

Airlines & Transfers

Airlines connect Zion to various cities. Transfer options exist from airports.

Connecting to Zion

  • Airlines: SGU by Delta Connection, American Eagle, United Express. LAS and SLC by all major U.S. and international carriers (Dollar Flight Club for deals).
  • Transfers: Car rental (most common) available at all airports. Private shuttle services operate between LAS and Springdale (e.g., St. George Shuttle).
  • Ride-sharing/Taxi: Limited service directly to/from Zion National Park or within Springdale.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices fluctuate seasonally. Peak season (spring break, summer, fall) prices increase. Booking several months ahead often secures better rates.

Direct Flights

Direct international flights land in major U.S. Hubs (LAX, SFO, DEN, PHX, LAS, SLC). Connecting flights or ground transport reach Zion.

Airport Facilities

LAS and SLC offer full services (car rentals, dining, shops). SGU has limited services, with fewer dining and shopping options.

Flight Search & Deals

Finding Flights

  • Use flight search engines like Skyscanner to compare options.
  • Look for deals through services like Dollar Flight Club.
  • Book flights in advance for better rates during popular travel seasons.
  • Consider flying into LAS or SLC for wider flight options and potentially lower fares.

Airport Navigation

  • Car rental agencies are available at all listed airports for flexibility.
  • Private shuttle services operate between LAS and Springdale, book in advance.
  • Uber/Lyft service is extremely limited around Zion National Park.
  • Allow ample time for transfers and check-in procedures at major airports.

Transfer Options Overview

Car Rental

Most common and recommended for flexibility. Book in advance. All major companies available at airports.

Shuttle Services

Private shuttles between LAS and Springdale (e.g., St. George Shuttle). Book in advance. Useful if not renting a car.

Ride-Sharing/Taxi

Uber and Lyft operate in St. George/Las Vegas. Service is extremely limited or non-existent to/from Zion. Taxis from LAS to Springdale are costly.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving & Requirements

Traveling to Zion by land offers scenic drives and flexibility. Consider requirements for self-driving.

Driving Necessities

  • Valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English.
  • Minimum age for car rental is typically 21. Renters under 25 may face additional "young driver" fees.
  • Roads leading to and within Zion are well-maintained. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway has steep grades, switchbacks, and a tunnel.

Road Conditions & Safety

The quality of roads is generally high, but mountain driving and seasonal weather require caution. Always check local advisories.

Driving Safety Tips

  • Winter: Some roads (Kolob Terrace Road) may experience temporary closures due to snow or ice. Check NPS website for current road conditions.
  • Wildlife: Be aware of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Observe all posted speed limits. Stay alert on curvy mountain roads.

Train & Bus Travel

No direct train or long-distance bus service goes into Zion National Park. These options require onward travel by car or shuttle.

Connectivity from Major Cities

  • Nearest Amtrak stations are in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.
  • Greyhound and other bus companies serve nearby major cities like St. George or Las Vegas.
  • From these cities, private shuttle services or car rental are necessary for the final leg to Zion.

Tunnel Information

The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel has specific rules for oversized vehicles.

Tunnel Passage

  • Vehicles exceeding 11 feet 4 inches (3.4 meters) in height or 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) in width need a tunnel escort.
  • A fee of $15 applies for the escort, valid for seven days.
  • Rangers manage traffic flow for safe passage of oversized vehicles.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Zion National Park is landlocked in Southern Utah.
  • Sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching the park.
  • No ferry services, cruise ports, or river transportation options connect to Zion.
  • The Virgin River is for hiking (The Narrows) or wading, not boat transport.
  • No lakes or other waterways in Zion are used for commercial boat tours.
  • The park's geography relies on land-based access.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Planning your departure makes for a smooth exit from Zion and the U.S. Allow ample time for travel to the airport and security procedures.

Departure Details

  • No specific exit fees or taxes are collected upon departure from the U.S. Beyond those typically included in your airline ticket.
  • By Car: Allow ample time to drive from Zion to your departure airport. Account for potential traffic.
  • Airport Departure: Arrive early. For domestic flights, 2-3 hours before departure. For international flights, 3-4 hours.

Airport Facilities for Departure

Facilities vary by airport size, impacting your waiting experience.

Amenities at Airports

  • Major Airports (LAS, SLC): Offer extensive facilities, including lounges, a wide variety of dining options, and diverse retail shops.
  • You can relax, eat, and shop while waiting for your flight at major hubs.
  • Smaller Airports (SGU): Provide basic amenities. Expect limited dining choices and fewer shops. Plan accordingly for longer waits.

Domestic Flights

Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. Lines can be long at major airports like Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.

International Flights

Aim for 3-4 hours before departure. This time allows for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.

Traffic & Tunnel

Account for potential traffic, especially leaving Springdale during peak hours or driving into Las Vegas. Consider delays at the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel if your vehicle needs an escort.

Departure Checklist

Ensure all travel documents (passport, visa/ESTA) are readily accessible. Confirm flight details and airport terminal. Check for any luggage restrictions before heading to the airport.