Planning a trip to Zion National Park? Smart move! Zion, in Southwestern Utah, is famous for its incredible canyons and hiking trails. But getting there requires some forethought, especially when it comes to transportation.
This guide breaks down the closest airports to Zion National Park and how to get from each airport to the park itself. Picking the right airport for your trip can save you both time and money. We’ll cover everything from major international airports to smaller regional ones, and we’ll explore your transportation options, including rental cars, shuttles, and rideshares. Let’s get started!
The 5 Closest Airports to Zion National Park: An Overview
Planning a trip to Zion? Here’s a rundown of the five closest airports to the park, along with estimated driving times:
- St. George Regional Airport (SGU): This is the closest major airport, located about 48 miles from Zion. The drive will take about an hour and 10 minutes, so you’ll be hiking those trails in no time.
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): You’ll find this major international airport in Las Vegas, about 170 miles from Zion. The drive is roughly 2 hours and 50 minutes, but you might find a wider range of flight options and maybe even save some money on airfare.
- Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC): This regional airport is about 80 miles from Zion, a drive of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Smaller airports can sometimes be less hectic, if that’s what you’re after.
- Colorado City Municipal Airport: Roughly 80 miles from Zion, translating to a 1 hour and 45-minute drive.
- Kanab Airport: The closest airport to Zion National Park, approximately 45 miles away, about a 1 hour and 5-minute drive.
St. George Regional Airport: Your Closest Option
St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest airport to Zion National Park, making it a popular choice. It’s about a 45-minute drive.
You might even consider spending a night in St. George. The city has some cool attractions of its own, like the Tuacahn Outdoor Amphitheater and Snow Canyon State Park.
If you fly into SGU, you can rent a car right at the airport. Shuttle services, taxis, and rideshares are also available, but the cost can vary quite a bit. It’s worth checking prices before you arrive.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Weighing the Distance
Many travelers find themselves flying into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) for a Zion trip. Here’s why:
Benefits of Flying into LAS
As a major international airport, LAS has more flights arriving and departing every day than smaller regional airports. The competition among airlines at LAS can translate to lower fares, saving you money on your trip.
Transportation Options and Considerations
The downside of flying into LAS is that you’re looking at a drive of about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Zion. If you choose this option, you’ll want to make arrangements for the drive.
Most people rent a car at the airport, which gives you the flexibility to explore the area on your own. Shuttle services are also available, but you’ll need to book in advance.
Breaking Up the Journey
Consider spending a night in Las Vegas or Mesquite to make the drive more manageable. Las Vegas is known for its entertainment and dining, while Mesquite offers a quieter atmosphere with hotels and restaurants.
What about other airports? Cedar City, Colorado City, and Kanab
If you’re still striking out with flights into St. George or Las Vegas, you might want to consider some other, smaller regional airports in the area.
Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC)
Cedar City offers a smaller regional airport option that’s still within driving distance of Zion. It’s about 80 miles away, which translates to a driving time of about an hour and 20 minutes. Check for flights into Cedar City and compare those prices to flights into St. George and Las Vegas. You might be surprised.
Colorado City Municipal Airport
Colorado City offers an even smaller airport option. It’s roughly 80 miles from Zion, and the drive will take about an hour and 45 minutes.
Kanab Airport
Kanab Airport is the closest to Zion, but you may have limited flight options. It’s only about 45 miles from Zion, and the drive is just over an hour. If you can find a flight that works for you, this might be your best bet.
Getting from the airport to Zion
Once you arrive at one of the airports near Zion, you’ll need to find a way to get to the park. Here are some options:
- Rental Cars: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore Zion and the surrounding areas. You can find rental agencies at most airports, but you should book in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. Check the return policy at your airport before you leave!
- Shuttle Services: If you don’t want to drive, a shuttle is a great option. Rates vary, so shop around. Look for shared ride options to save money.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and rideshares are available, but they can be pricey. Check the cost before you commit to the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest major city to Zion National Park?
The closest major city to Zion National Park is Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, making it a convenient option for flying in and then driving to the park. While not technically a major city, St. George, Utah, is significantly closer to Zion (about an hour’s drive) and offers some amenities and a regional airport, making it a decent alternative.
Which airport is best for visiting both the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park?
If you’re planning a trip to see both the Grand Canyon and Zion, McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is generally the best option. It offers the most flight options and often the best prices. From Las Vegas, you can easily drive to either park. To visit the Grand Canyon first it’s about a 4.5-hour drive to the South Rim, and Zion is about a 2.5-hour drive. Alternatively, you could fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is closer to the Grand Canyon South Rim (about a 3.5-hour drive), but further from Zion (about a 6.5-hour drive). Consider which park you want to visit first and prioritize accordingly.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right airport to start your Zion National Park adventure depends on what’s most important to you. St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest and most convenient, but Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) has more flights and potentially better deals, even though it means a longer drive.
No matter which airport you choose, planning your ground transportation ahead of time will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Book your rental car or shuttle early, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. Once you’re in Zion, take advantage of the free shuttle system to get around the park.