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How to Get to Arches National Park

How to Get to Arches National Park

Arches National Park Utah, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

Closest airports serving the Arches National Park area:

Airport Details

  • Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY): 18 miles (29 km) north of Moab. Limited commercial flights, mainly via Denver (DEN) on United Express.
  • Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): 110 miles (177 km) east of Moab. Service from United, American, Delta (to Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, Salt Lake City).
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): 235 miles (378 km) north of Moab. Major international hub with extensive flight options.

Airlines & Routes

Typical airlines and routes to these airports.

Connectivity

  • CNY: United Express (via Denver).
  • GJT: United Express (Denver), American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix), Delta Connection (Salt Lake City).
  • SLC: All major U.S. Airlines and some international carriers.

Flight Availability & Price

Flight frequency and prices to CNY and GJT fluctuate seasonally. Higher prices and demand occur during peak spring and fall. SLC has more stable pricing. Book flights well in advance, especially for peak travel.

Airport Facilities

CNY is a small airport with limited services. GJT is medium-sized with typical facilities (car rentals, dining). SLC is a full-service international airport with extensive dining, shopping, and car rental.

Airport Transfers

From CNY to Moab, rental cars are the main option. From GJT or SLC, rental cars are the most common and convenient. No direct commercial bus or train service from SLC to Moab. Private shuttles cost more due to distance.

Flight & Car Rental Resources

Flight Search Tools

  • Dollar Flight Club - Flight deal alerts.
  • Skyscanner - Comprehensive flight search engine.
  • No direct international flights to CNY or GJT. International travelers fly into major U.S. Hubs.
  • Book flights well in advance, especially for peak season.

Car Rental Information

  • DiscoverCars.com - Car rental comparison service.
  • Rent a car from SLC or GJT for the most convenient and flexible travel to Arches and Moab.
  • No direct commercial bus or train services from SLC to Moab.
  • Private shuttle services can be arranged but are often costly due to distance.

Road Trip Essentials

Self-Driving Requirements

Valid driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-English licenses. Minimum age for rental is typically 21 (often 25 to avoid surcharge). Valid credit card for rental.

Road Conditions

US-191 and park roads are paved and well-maintained. Check Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) for winter conditions. Some backcountry roads need high-clearance 4x4 vehicles.

Driving Safety

Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn/dusk. Obey speed limits. Cell service can be spotty; carry extra water and emergency supplies in your vehicle in remote areas.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Train service to Moab is not practical for most visitors.

Amtrak Information

  • No Amtrak train service directly reaches Moab or Arches National Park.
  • Closest Amtrak station is Green River, Utah, approximately 50 miles north of Moab.
  • Connecting transportation from Green River to Moab is limited and often unreliable.

Long-Distance Bus

Long-distance bus service to Moab is very limited.

Bus Options

  • Greyhound does not serve Moab.
  • Local shuttle services exist from Grand Junction or Salt Lake City.
  • These options are often private or tour-based, more expensive, and less frequent than driving a rental car.

Border Crossings

Border crossing information is not applicable.

No International Borders

  • Your journey to Arches National Park will be entirely within the United States.
  • No land borders with other countries apply to this park.
  • Standard U.S. Domestic travel rules apply.

Sea/River Arrivals

Arches National Park is a landlocked desert environment.

Water Transport

  • Ferry services and cruise ports do not apply to this region.
  • Commercial rafting trips on the Colorado River depart from Moab.
  • These are recreational activities, not main transportation to the park's main attractions.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees/Taxes: No specific exit fees apply for departing the U.S. from airports; these are usually included in your airfare.
  • Departure Procedures: For GJT or SLC, arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international. For CNY, 1 hour often suffices.
  • Factor in potential traffic congestion, especially during peak season, when departing from the park area.
  • Airport Facilities: CNY is very small. GJT is medium-sized. SLC is a full-service international airport with extensive dining, shopping, and rental car services.
  • Rental Car Return: Allow sufficient time for rental car returns at the airport.
  • No Direct International Flights: No direct international flights operate to CNY or GJT.

Plan Your Journey

Travel Advice

With proper planning, your journey to and from this unique destination will be straightforward.