How to Get From Salt Lake City Airport to Park City

Getting from Salt Lake City Airport to Park City is simple once you understand your options. The drive takes about 45 to 55 minutes on most days, and you can reach the mountains by shuttle, rideshare, taxi, rental car, or private SUV. This guide explains each option clearly so you can choose what fits your trip, your group, and the weather.

Park City sits about 35 miles from the airport. Most routes take you east on I 80 through Parleys Canyon, then into town. In clear weather, this drive is fast and straightforward. During winter storms, travel time can increase because of snow, slower traffic, or plow operations.

You have four common choices:

1. Private SUV service

2. Shuttle service

3. Uber or rideshare

4. Taxi

5. Rental car

Each option works. They just fit different needs, group sizes, and weather conditions. Below is a breakdown of how each one works and what to expect.

Private SUV Service

Private SUV service is the simplest option for most ski travelers. A driver meets you after you get your bags, helps with gear, and takes you straight to your lodging in Park City, Canyons Village, or Deer Valley.

Pros:
• Direct, no wait service
• Winter ready vehicles with real snow tires
• Space for ski bags and luggage
• Great for families and groups
• Handles storms and canyon conditions well
• Flat rate pricing

Cons:
• More expensive than shuttles
• Should be booked ahead during peak weeks

Best for: families, groups, and anyone who wants a smooth ride after a long flight.

Shuttle Service

A shuttle is a shared ride option. You meet at a designated pickup area, board with other travelers, and make a few stops before reaching your destination.

Pros:
• Cheapest option
• Works well for solo travelers
• Runs on set schedules

Cons:
• Slowest option in winter
• Multiple stops
• Limited luggage and ski bag space
• Can feel crowded on busy days

Best for: solo travelers or budget focused trips.

Uber and Rideshare

Uber and Lyft are easy to book and work well in the Salt Lake valley. For airport to mountain in winter, they can be hit or miss.

Pros:
• Easy to call from your phone
• Good for clear weather days
• Simple for short valley trips

Cons:
• Vehicle size and tire quality vary
• Many cars cannot fit ski bags
• Surge pricing can be expensive
• Drivers may cancel when they see the route
• Not ideal in snow or during storms
• Some cars do not meet traction requirements

Best for: small groups with minimal luggage on calm weather days.

Taxi

Taxis are available at the airport curb. They offer point to point service.

Pros:
• No booking needed
• Reliable for short distance rides

Cons:
• Most expensive per mile
• Limited winter readiness
• Limited space for ski gear
• Can be hard to find during storms

Best for: short rides in Salt Lake City.

Rental Car

Many visitors rent an SUV and drive themselves to Park City. This works well during dry weather.

Pros:
• Freedom to explore
• Good for long stays
• No schedule limitations

Cons:
• Most rental SUVs do not have winter tires
• Parking in Park City can be limited
• Storm days can feel stressful
• Drivers unfamiliar with snow may struggle
• Rental costs increase during ski season

Best for: confident winter drivers who want a car in town.

How Long Does the Drive Take?

In most conditions, the drive from SLC Airport to Park City takes:

• 45 to 55 minutes to Park City
• 50 to 60 minutes to Canyons Village
• 55 to 65 minutes to Deer Valley

In active snowstorms, it can take longer. Planning some buffer time is always smart on winter weekends or holidays.

What Should I Know About the Route?

Most routes use:

• I 80 east from Salt Lake City
• A 3,500 foot elevation gain
• A steady climb through Parleys Canyon
• A short drive into Park City or Deer Valley

The conditions can change quickly on storm days. Even when the valley is calm, the canyon can have snow, wind, or low visibility. Local drivers are comfortable with this. Many visitors are surprised the first time they see it.

Do I Need Winter Driving Experience?

If you plan to rent a car or rely on rideshare, winter driving experience helps. Canyon roads can feel very different from typical highway driving.

If you prefer not to drive in snow, choose a shuttle or private SUV service.

Which Option Is Best for Families?

Most families choose:

Private SUV
because of the space for gear, child seat availability, and the calm, direct ride.

Shuttles work too, but can feel slow with kids and luggage.

Rideshares depend heavily on weather and vehicle size.

Which Option Is Best During a Storm?

Private SUV service handles storms the best because of:

• dedicated winter tires
• local drivers
• direct route
• fewer cancellations

Shuttles are next best.
Rideshares and rentals can be unreliable during active snowfall.

FAQ

Is the drive from SLC to Park City safe in winter?
Yes when the vehicle and driver are winter ready. It can be challenging for rental cars or drivers new to snow.

Can I take Uber to Park City?
Yes, but availability and traction vary. Winter days see more cancellations.

Do rental cars have snow tires?
Almost never. Most have basic all season tires.

Do private SUVs fit skis and luggage?
Yes. They are built for ski travel.

Do I need to book ahead?
If you are traveling during holidays or weekends, booking ahead helps secure your pickup time.

Is there a bus from Salt Lake City to Park City?
There is public transit inside Park City, but no direct airport bus.

Book a Winter Ready Ride

For your calm, direct ride with space for your family and ski gear, you can book a private SUV below.

• See our full SLC to Park City Winter Guide here
• Compare shuttle, Uber, taxi, and private SUV options here
• Staying in Deer Valley? See our SLC to Deer Valley guide.
• Contact us here