How to Get to Zion National Park: Airports and Transportation Options

Zion National Park, one of the top five most-visited national parks in the United States, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. With its dramatic red cliffs, lush valleys, and a plethora of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Zion attracts millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning a trip to this remarkable park, you may be wondering how to get there. In this article, we’ll discuss the three nearest airports and various transportation options to help you navigate your way to Zion National Park.

Nearest Airports

1. St. George Regional Airport (SGU) – St. George, Utah Approximately 49 miles (79 kilometers) from Zion National Park

2. McCarran International Airport (LAS) – Las Vegas, Nevada Approximately 170 miles (274 kilometers) from Zion National Park

3. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Salt Lake City, Utah Approximately 308 miles (496 kilometers) from Zion National Park

St. George Regional Airport (SGU)

St. George Regional Airport is the closest airport to Zion National Park, located about 49 miles (79 kilometers) away. This small airport offers limited flights, primarily through American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, connecting to cities such as Phoenix, Dallas, Salt Lake City, and Denver.

Transportation Options from SGU:

• Car Rental: Several car rental agencies operate at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, allowing you to explore the park and surrounding areas at your own pace.
• Shuttle Services: St. George Express and St. George Shuttle provide transportation between St. George and Springdale, the gateway town to Zion National Park. It’s essential to book your shuttle in advance, and once in Springdale, you can use the free park shuttle to access the park.
• Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are available, though they may be less cost-effective for the longer distance to the park.

McCarran International Airport (LAS)

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is the second-closest airport to Zion National Park, approximately 170 miles (274 kilometers) away. As a major international airport, McCarran offers a wide variety of flight options through numerous airlines, making it a more convenient choice for many travelers.

Transportation Options from LAS:

• Car Rental: Numerous car rental agencies are available at the airport, and driving to Zion National Park takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Having a car provides the freedom to explore the park and nearby attractions at your leisure.
• Shuttle Services: Although there are no direct shuttles from McCarran International Airport to Zion National Park, you can take a shuttle from Las Vegas to St. George, such as St. George Express or St. George Shuttle. From St. George, you’ll need to transfer to a different shuttle service to Springdale, as mentioned earlier.
• Bus Tours: Several companies offer guided bus tours from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, including day trips and multi-day itineraries. These tours typically include transportation, park entrance fees, and guided hikes or sightseeing.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City International Airport is the farthest of the three airports, approximately 308 miles (496 kilometers) from Zion National Park. As a major transportation hub, SLC offers numerous domestic and international flights.

Transportation Options from SLC

• Shuttle Services: Similar to McCarran International Airport, there are no direct shuttles from Salt Lake City International Airport to Zion National Park. You can take a shuttle, such as St. George Express or Salt Lake Express, from Salt Lake City to St. George. From there, you’ll need to transfer to a different shuttle service to Springdale, as previously mentioned.
• Train and Bus: You can take Amtrak’s California Zephyr train from Salt Lake City to Cedar City, which is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Zion National Park. From Cedar City, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach the park. Note that this option involves a longer travel time and may require overnight stays in Cedar City.Car Rental: Renting a car at the airport is the most convenient option, as the drive to Zion National Park takes about 4 to 4.5 hours. Having a car allows you the flexibility to explore the park and surrounding areas at your own pace.

Getting to Zion National Park is relatively straightforward, with three airports to choose from based on your preferences, budget, and availability of flights. Renting a car is the most convenient and flexible option, allowing you to explore the park and nearby attractions at your leisure. Alternatively, shuttle services, taxis, rideshares, bus tours, and public transportation options are available, though they may require additional planning, transfers, and travel time.

Once you arrive in Springdale, the gateway town to Zion National Park, you can utilize the free park shuttle service to access various points of interest within the park. The shuttle operates seasonally and helps alleviate traffic congestion while reducing the park’s environmental impact.

No matter which transportation option you choose, your journey to Zion National Park is sure to be rewarded with stunning landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and memories to cherish for a lifetime.