Zion National Park, with its towering canyon walls and the Virgin River carving its way through the landscape, is a must-see destination. The park boasts incredible diversity, from mountains and mesas to rivers carving through sandstone.
Getting there, however, requires a bit of planning, especially when it comes to choosing the right airport. The airport you select can drastically affect your travel time and overall convenience.
This guide is designed to help you determine the best airport closest to Zion National Park. We’ll cover the top options, transportation choices, and important factors to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Understanding Zion National Park’s Location and Accessibility
Zion National Park is tucked away in Springdale, Utah, and stretches across parts of Washington, Iron, and Kane counties.
Proximity to Major Cities
Zion is a reasonable drive from Las Vegas (about 2.5 hours), Salt Lake City (around 4 hours), and Los Angeles (6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic).
Getting Around Zion
During the busy season, from April to November, the main canyon area is only accessible by shuttle. This means you’ll need to park outside the park and hop on the shuttle to see the main sights.
Because of the shuttle system, it’s a good idea to plan your trip well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the busiest times of the year. Figuring out parking and shuttle schedules ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle.
Closest Airports to Zion National Park: A Detailed Overview
So, you’re planning a trip to Zion? Excellent choice! The soaring sandstone cliffs and emerald pools are calling your name. Now, let’s figure out the best way to get you there. Here’s a breakdown of the airports closest to Zion National Park:
St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is your closest option, clocking in at about 48 miles from the park’s entrance. Expect a scenic drive of around 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Zion. Airlines like Delta, United, and American fly into SGU, often connecting through hubs like Salt Lake City, Denver, or Phoenix. This is a smaller airport, so flight options may be more limited and potentially pricier than larger hubs.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is a bigger player, located approximately 170 miles from Zion. The drive will take you around 2 hours and 50 minutes. The big advantage of flying into Vegas? A much wider range of flight options and, often, more competitive fares. Plus, you could tack on a little Vegas fun before or after your Zion adventure!
Other Regional Airports
Here are a few other regional airports that could work, depending on your travel plans:
- Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC): About 80 miles from Zion, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Kanab Airport (KNZ): Approximately 45 miles from Zion, offering a drive of about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- Colorado City Municipal Airport: Roughly 80 miles from Zion, translating to a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Getting from the airport to Zion
Once you’ve landed, you’ll need to figure out how to get to Zion National Park. Here are a few options:
Rental cars
You’ll find rental car agencies at most airports, including St. George (SGU) and Las Vegas (LAS). Especially during peak season, you’ll want to book your rental car well in advance.
Shuttle services
Shuttles run between the major airports and Zion, as well as between St. George and Zion. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per person for each leg of the trip. Some shuttle companies that serve the area include:
- St. George Shuttle
- Zion Shuttle
- Salt Lake Express
Taxis and rideshares
Taxis and rideshare services can also get you to the park, but they can be a pricier option. A taxi or Uber/Lyft from SGU to Zion can cost $70 to $90 each way.
Wrapping Up
So, St. George offers convenience, but Las Vegas gives you more flight options. No matter which airport you choose, make sure you plan how you’ll get to Zion. Getting from the airport to the park takes some time and effort.
The airport that works best for you depends on your budget, how much time you have, and what you like when you travel.