Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular places in the United States. From its towering sandstone cliffs to its stunning hiking trails, it’s no wonder millions flock there every year.
But Zion’s beauty comes with a bit of a catch: it’s fairly remote. Getting there requires some planning, especially when it comes to air travel.
This guide will walk you through the closest airport options to Zion National Park in Utah, along with the best ways to get from the airport to the park itself. Consider this a transportation cheat sheet to make your Zion adventure as smooth as possible.
Closest Airports to Zion National Park: An Overview
If you’re flying to visit Zion, you have several airport options. Here’s a quick look at the airports nearest the park.
St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
At about 48 miles away, St. George Regional Airport is the closest major airport to Zion. The drive to the park entrance will take you a little over an hour. With a Google rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 (based on 466 reviews), SGU is often the most convenient choice.
Be aware that you may have to catch a connecting flight to get to SGU.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Harry Reid International Airport, located in Las Vegas, is about 170 miles from Zion. The drive will take you close to three hours. This airport boasts a Google rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on a whopping 37,986 reviews).
Because it’s an international airport, you’re likely to find a wider variety of flights into and out of LAS, and the fares may be cheaper.
Other Regional Airports
You may also want to check flights into:
- Cedar City Regional Airport (about 80 miles away)
- Colorado City Municipal Airport (about 80 miles away)
- Kanab Airport (about 45 miles away)
Airport Details and Transportation Options
Once you’ve decided to visit Zion National Park, you’ll need to figure out how to get there from the airport. Here’s what to know about the closest airports and the transportation options available from each.
St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
Located about an hour from Zion, St. George Regional Airport offers rental car services and shuttle services that will take you directly to the park. Keep in mind, though, that this is a smaller airport, so flight options may be limited.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is larger than St. George and offers a greater variety of flights. You’ll find rental car services here, as well as shuttle options that will take you from Vegas to Zion.
Transportation Options from All Airports
No matter which airport you fly into, you’ll have several transportation options for getting to Zion National Park.
- Driving your own rental car: If you’re driving from Las Vegas, you might want to consider an overnight stay in St. George or Cedar City to break up the drive.
- Shuttle services: Shuttles to the park run about $30 to $50 per person each way, so research your options to find the most cost-effective route.
- Taxis and Ridesharing: A taxi or rideshare could cost you anywhere from $70 to $200 for a one-way trip.
- Zion National Park Shuttle: Once you’re inside the park, you can take advantage of the free shuttle system to get around.
Choosing the right airport for your trip
Picking the right airport depends on what you value most.
- Budget and flight availability: McCarran (LAS) might have cheaper flights. However, the drive to Zion is longer.
- Driving time and preference: St. George (SGU) is closer, but McCarran has more direct flights from a wider range of locations.
- Rental cars: Check airport websites to see what rental car companies operate there and compare pricing.
- Overnight stays: Think about whether you want to break up the drive with an overnight stay in a nearby town.
Here’s a quick recap of the pros and cons:
- St. George (SGU): Closest and most convenient. But there may be fewer flight options.
- Las Vegas (LAS): Further away, but more flight options and potentially cheaper flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best city to fly into for Zion National Park?
Honestly, “best” depends on your priorities. For sheer proximity, St. George (SGU) wins, but flights are often pricier and less frequent. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) offers far more flight options and often better deals, though it’s a longer drive (about 2.5-3 hours) to Zion. Salt Lake City (SLC) is even further, but might be a good option if you’re planning to see other Utah attractions.
Is there a shuttle from St. George Airport to Zion National Park?
Unfortunately, a direct, regularly scheduled shuttle service from St. George Airport (SGU) to Zion National Park doesn’t exist. You’ll need to rent a car, arrange a private shuttle or rideshare, or use a combination of transportation methods to get to the park from the airport. Your best bet is to pre-book something, especially during peak season.
What is the best airport to fly into for Utah national parks?
If Zion is your main focus, Vegas (LAS) or St. George (SGU) are ideal, as mentioned above. For a broader Utah national park tour, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is generally the most convenient. It provides access to Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, though you’ll be doing a fair bit of driving to string them all together. Consider the total cost of flights plus rental car when making your decision.
Key Takeaways
Getting to Zion National Park requires some planning, especially when it comes to your airport transportation. The airport you choose, your budget, and how much time you have all make a difference in your travel plans.
Whether you choose to fly into Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, or a smaller regional airport closer to Zion, each option has its pros and cons. No matter which airport you select, be sure to research and book your transportation well in advance.
That way, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Zion National Park!