Salt Lake City is one of the most tourist-friendly municipalities in the western US, welcomed by a picturesque metropolitan setting at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains. However, what separates it from most places in the West is transportation accessibility. In addition, it has a wide variety of convenient, accessible transportation options, whether you are a first-time traveler to Salt Lake City or a resident looking for the quickest way to get around. This guide will include all the useful transportation information you need, from UTA, public transit, taxis, ride-hailing, and car rentals.
We have answered all your airport transportation and navigation questions for your transit from Salt Lake City International Airport to downtown or the ski resorts.
Salt Lake City has a strong, clean, and effective transportation system for residents, students, and tourists. It doesn't matter if you are in the city center or going to a neighboring suburb or mountain town. The options are available to accommodate your needs:
Public transit (UTA): Affordable, reliable, and convenient.
Rideshare, ride-hailing apps: Easy for point-to-point transport.
Car rentals: A great option, allowing for a day trip or extra freedom.
E-scooters and bikes: A fun and relaxed option for short distances.
Travel to/from the airport: Direct access through UTA BUS, TRAX, and shuttles.
Salt Lake City’s public transportation is managed by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), which operates the buses, the light rail system (known as TRAX), and the commuter rail system (known as FrontRunner). The UTA is known for its cleanliness, timeliness, and low fare cost to the user.
TRAX is the crown jewel of the UTA system. TRAX has a red, blue, and green line that connects major city hubs, the airport, downtown, and all the nearby universities.
Red Line: Daybreak to the University of Utah.
Blue Line: Draper to Downtown Salt Lake City.
Green Line: West Valley City to Salt Lake City International Airport.
The Green Line, in particular, is an ideal way to travel to the airport, with stops close to hotels, downtown, and other transit systems.
Tip: UTA has a free fare zone downtown. If you travel within this zone (and boarding and alighting are within this region), your trip is free, no matter the distance!
UTA’s bus system extends beyond TRAX line service to suburbs, mountain resorts, and all residential districts. Major routes run frequently and have bike racks.
Best for: commuting, going to areas like Sugar House, and budget-sensitive travelers.
FrontRunner serves the larger Wasatch Front region, from Ogden in the north to Provo in the south. It’s a fantastic option for day trips or weekend escapes.
When you need a more personalized ride or public transit doesn’t fit your schedule, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are reliable and widely available throughout Salt Lake City.
Convenient door-to-door service
Easy to use via the app
Great for late-night travel when UTA schedules are limited
Surge pricing during peak hours or events
Less budget-friendly than public transit
Local Tip:
At Salt Lake City International Airport, rideshare pickups are located on the ground level of the parking garage, across from the terminal. For easy navigation, follow the "TNC/Rideshare" signs.
Car rentals are a wise choice if you plan to explore beyond the city—think Park City, Big Cottonwood Canyon, or the Bonneville Salt Flats. While the town is walkable and transit-friendly, Utah’s natural wonders are best accessed with your wheels.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Most major rental agencies are available on-site.
Downtown Locations: Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget have branches in the city.
Salt Lake City uses a grid system for street addresses, making navigation intuitive.
Parking downtown is generally easy and affordable, with many metered spots and public garages.
Please remember winter driving conditions when heading into the mountains during snow season.
Pro Tip:
Use apps like Turo to rent directly from locals—it’s often cheaper and gives you more vehicle options.
Salt Lake City International Airport is just 6 miles from downtown, making airport travel a breeze. Depending on your budget and schedule, you have several options for getting to and from the airport.
TRAX Green Line: Direct service from the airport to downtown.
Airport Shuttles: Companies like Express Shuttle offer shared rides to hotels and ski resorts.
Ride-Hailing: Uber and Lyft are quick and available around the clock.
Car Rentals: On-site and easily accessible via the terminal’s car rental center.
| Option | Avg. Cost | Time to Downtown |
| TRAX Green Line | $2.50 | 20-25 mins |
| Uber/Lyft | $20-35 | 15-20 mins |
| Shuttle | $10-15 | 25-30 mins |
Salt Lake City is a bike-friendly community, especially downtown, with dedicated bike lanes and green spaces.
Greenbike SLC: A bike-sharing program with numerous docking stations.
Electric Scooters: Companies like Lime and Bird operate throughout the city.
Note: Scooters and bikes are best for short commutes, especially when the weather is warm and the air is clear.
Always wear a helmet.
You'll be able to stick to bike lanes where possible.
Avoid riding on sidewalks in congested pedestrian areas
One of Salt Lake City's often-overlooked perks is its walkability, especially in the downtown core, where attractions like Temple Square, City Creek Center, the Salt Palace, and nightlife options are all within a few blocks.
Downtown: Shopping, dining, hotels, and nightlife
Sugar House: Trendy and local with charming streets
The Avenues: Scenic historic district with walkable charm
Tip: Always check for changing weather—Salt Lake City can go from sunny to snowy in hours, especially in spring or fall.
If you're interested in exploring beyond the city, perhaps hitting the ski slopes or heading into Utah’s stunning national parks, here are your best Salt Lake City transportation options:
Park City: 40 minutes away; best accessed via rental car or shuttle.
Antelope Island: 1 hour by car; no transit option.
Bonneville Salt Flats: 1.5–2 hours; rental car recommended.
UTA Ski Bus: Operates during ski season and connects to resorts like Snowbird and Alta from TRAX stations.
Greyhound & Amtrak: For long-distance travel outside of Utah.
Salt Lake City prides itself on being inclusive. UTA buses and TRAX trains are ADA-compliant, with ramps, lifts, and audio announcements.
UTA Paratransit Services: For qualified riders who cannot use fixed-route service.
Ride-hailing apps offer wheelchair-accessible options in many areas.
Accessible taxis and shuttle vans are available by reservation.
Modern travelers rely on mobile apps to make their city travel seamless. Here are some of the best apps to download before or upon arrival in Salt Lake City:
Transit App: Real-time info for UTA buses and trains.
UTA GoRide: Mobile ticketing for UTA services.
Google Maps: For transit directions and walking routes.
Uber/Lyft: For ride-hailing convenience.
Lime/Bird: For scooter rentals.
Plan Around Events: Salt Lake hosts major conventions and sports events that may impact traffic and rideshare prices.
Travel Off-Peak: Use UTA during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Bundle Transit Passes: If you’ll ride UTA often, consider day passes for unlimited travel.
Keep Cashless: Most transportation systems are now mobile-first; ensure you have access to credit/debit cards or mobile pay options.
Ask Locals: Utahns are friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for help navigating.
Whether you're flying into downtown on a scooter, taking the TRAX from the airport, or driving up into the mountains, Salt Lake City is easy to navigate when you understand your options. With inexpensive public transportation, easy ride-hailing after hours, and adaptable car rentals, you will find an excellent travel option for all types of itineraries and budgets.
In this guide to how to get around Salt Lake City, you will be prepared to explore the many aspects of this beautiful and vibrant city, which is free of stress, according to your timeline.
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