Zion National Park, with its towering sandstone cliffs and incredible hiking trails, is a must-see destination for nature lovers. One of the biggest considerations when planning your trip is figuring out the best way to get there. Choosing the right airport can save you hours of travel time, letting you dive into the beauty of Zion sooner.
This article is your guide to finding the nearest airport to Zion National Park. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each option, looking at things like distance, flight availability, rental car choices, and how they fit into your overall travel plans.
We’ll mainly focus on the three major airports that serve the Zion area: St. George Regional Airport, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City International Airport. We’ll also touch on some smaller, regional airports if those might be a better fit for you.
The closest option: St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park, St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is your closest option.
Overview of St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
SGU is about 48 miles from the entrance to Zion, so the drive will take a little over an hour (between 1 hour and 1 hour, 10 minutes, depending on traffic).
Keep in mind that SGU is not a large international airport, so flight options may be limited, but it does offer direct flights to some major hubs.
Advantages of flying into SGU
- Minimize driving time. If you want to spend your time in Zion instead of on the road, SGU is a great choice.
- Convenience. SGU offers the easiest access to Zion National Park.
Disadvantages of flying into SGU
- Limited flight options. You may have to take connecting flights, which can add to your travel time and your costs.
- Higher ticket prices. Because there’s less competition for flights into SGU, you may find that tickets are more expensive.
The Convenient Choice: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas
Many people find that flying into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is the most convenient option for visiting Zion, even though it’s not the closest. Here’s why.
Overview of Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Harry Reid Airport is about 170 miles from Zion National Park, a drive of about 2 hours and 50 minutes, without traffic. It’s a major international airport, and you can usually find a nonstop flight from just about anywhere. Many low-cost carriers service the airport, so you may be able to snag a good deal.
Advantages of Flying into LAS
One of the best reasons to fly into Vegas is the sheer number of flights available. You’ll have greater flexibility in choosing your flights and times. Because Vegas is a popular destination for budget airlines, you can often find lower fares. Plus, Vegas offers a huge selection of rental car companies and vehicles.
Disadvantages of Flying into LAS
The biggest downside is the drive. It’s nearly three hours to Zion, so you’ll want to factor that into your travel time. You might hit traffic delays, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
The alternative: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is another option for flying into Zion. It’s a major airport with lots of domestic and international flights, but it’s quite a bit farther from Zion than either St. George or Las Vegas.
- Location and proximity: SLC is about 313 miles from Zion National Park, a drive of roughly 4 hours and 35 minutes.
- Flight availability: As a major hub, SLC offers a wide variety of flights.
Advantages of flying into SLC
If you’re planning a multi-park trip, SLC is a good choice because it’s fairly convenient to other parks, such as Bryce Canyon and even Yellowstone. Also, the drive from SLC to Zion is gorgeous, so you may enjoy that part of the trip.
Disadvantages of flying into SLC
The biggest drawback of SLC is the drive time, which is considerably longer than it would be if you flew into St. George or Las Vegas. So, if you’re only planning to visit Zion, flying into SLC may not be the best option.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 396 miles away from Zion, so it’s around a 6 hour and 45-minute drive.
Flying into Phoenix makes sense if you plan to see the Grand Canyon or Sedona, too.
However, it’s the longest drive of all the options. It’s so long, in fact, that you may need to stop overnight somewhere.
Planning a Multi-Destination Trip: Optimizing Airport Choices
Don’t just think about the closest airport to Zion. Think about your whole trip. Where else do you want to go? For example, you might fly into Las Vegas and out of Phoenix if you want to take a big road trip through the Southwest.
You should also think about whether you want to book round-trip or one-way flights. Sometimes, flying in and out of the same airport saves you a lot of money.
Finally, compare rental car costs. If you fly into one airport and out of another, you may pay a hefty fee. Check sites like Rental Cars or Discover Cars to see which options are the most affordable.
Getting around Zion: Transportation from the airports
So, you’ve landed, now what? Here are some options for getting from the airport to Zion National Park:
- Rental Cars: Most airports, including St. George, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City, have rental car services. I highly recommend booking in advance, especially if you’re flying into a smaller airport.
- Shuttle Services: Some companies offer shuttles from the airports to Zion and nearby towns. Again, booking ahead of time is a good idea, particularly during the busy season.
- Public Transportation: Options here are pretty limited.
- Zion National Park Shuttle: Once you’re in the park, take advantage of the free shuttle system during peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best airport to fly into to visit Utah National Parks?
That really depends on which parks you plan to visit. For Zion and Bryce Canyon, McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is a popular choice. For Arches and Canyonlands, Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab is the closest, but Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) offers more flight options and is a reasonable drive away. You could also fly into smaller regional airports, but you’ll likely have fewer direct flights and higher prices.
What is the cheapest way to get to Zion National Park?
Driving is generally the most affordable option, especially if you’re traveling with a group. You can split gas and rental car costs. Flying into Las Vegas (LAS) often offers cheaper flights than flying directly into smaller regional airports closer to Zion. Once you’re in Vegas, rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive! Keep an eye out for deals on rental cars and gas prices to save even more.
How far is Zion National Park from the airport?
The distance depends on which airport you choose. From McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, it’s about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, covering approximately 160-170 miles. From Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), it’s a longer drive, around 4.5 to 5 hours, spanning about 310 miles. St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest but has fewer flight options, and the drive is roughly an hour.
In Conclusion
When choosing an airport for your trip to Zion National Park, keep in mind the distance, flight availability, and cost. While several airports are within driving distance, many visitors find that Las Vegas’s airport (LAS) offers the most options at the best price.
Ultimately, the best airport for you depends on your needs and travel style.