Salt Lake City International Airport

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the primary airport serving Utah and the Intermountain West region. Located approximately 7 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City, SLC handles over 26 million passengers annually and serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines.

The airport underwent a complete transformation with The New SLC, which opened in September 2020. This $4.1 billion project replaced the aging terminals with a modern, single-terminal facility designed to handle growth for decades to come.

The current layout features a linear design with one terminal building and two concourses:

• Concourse A: Delta Air Lines (hub operations), international arrivals
• Concourse B: All other airlines including Southwest, American, United, JetBlue, Frontier, and Alaska

Both concourses connect to the main terminal via a central hub. The airport is located at 4,227 feet elevation, making it one of the higher-elevation major airports in the United States.

SLC is the primary gateway to Utah's renowned ski resorts, including Park City, Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude - all within 30-60 minutes of the airport.

SLC is located approximately 7 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City. The new airport location and improved road infrastructure make ground transportation efficient:

• Downtown Salt Lake City: 15-25 minutes
• University of Utah: 20-30 minutes
• Park City: 35-45 minutes
• Snowbird/Alta: 35-50 minutes
• Provo: 45-60 minutes

The UTA TRAX Green Line provides direct light rail service between the airport and downtown Salt Lake City - the most reliable and affordable option for reaching the city center.

Uber and Lyft are available at SLC. The pickup location is on the ground level of the parking garage (Level 1):

1. From baggage claim, follow signs to "Ground Transportation"
2. Cross to the parking garage via the covered walkway
3. Proceed to the designated rideshare pickup area
4. Request your ride from the app

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown Salt Lake City: $20-30
• University of Utah: $25-35
• Park City: $55-80
• Snowbird/Alta: $50-75
• Provo: $70-100

Taxis are available outside the Ground Transportation area. Fares are metered:

• Downtown Salt Lake City: $25-35
• Park City: $80-100+ (consider shared shuttles)

Tip: During ski season, rideshare prices to mountain resorts can surge significantly. Shared shuttle services often provide better value.

The UTA TRAX Green Line connects SLC directly to downtown Salt Lake City and the broader TRAX light rail network.

Getting to the TRAX Station

The Airport TRAX station is located at the west end of the terminal. Follow signs for "TRAX" or "Light Rail" from baggage claim (approximately 5-minute walk).

Fares and Schedule

• Fare to downtown Salt Lake City: $2.50 one-way (as of 2025)
• Travel time: 20-25 minutes to downtown stations
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes (peak), every 20 minutes (off-peak)
• Hours: Approximately 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM weekdays, reduced weekend service

Purchase tickets at vending machines on the platform or via the UTA GoRide app. Contactless payment is also accepted.

Journey to Downtown Salt Lake City

1. Follow signs to "TRAX" from baggage claim
2. Walk to the Airport station (west end of terminal)
3. Purchase ticket from vending machine ($2.50) or use the app
4. Board the Green Line train toward Downtown
5. Exit at City Center, Gallivan Plaza, or Courthouse station for downtown

From downtown, you can connect to:

• Red and Blue TRAX lines to South Salt Lake, Sandy, and University of Utah
• FrontRunner commuter rail to Ogden and Provo
• UTA bus routes throughout the valley

Ski Resort Transportation

For mountain resorts, several shuttle services operate from SLC:

• Park City: Canyon Transportation, Park City Transportation (~$45-60 one-way)
• Snowbird/Alta: Canyon Transportation, Cottonwood Connect
• Various resorts: Mountain Shuttle, Epic Mountain Express

Book shuttles in advance during peak ski season. Many hotels in Park City and at ski resorts offer complimentary airport transfers for guests.

SLC offers several parking options (as of 2025):

Short-Term and Garage Parking

Lot	Rate	Notes
Short-Term Garage	$4/hour, $36/day max	Closest to terminal
Long-Term Garage	$3/hour, $20/day max	Covered, connected to terminal
Economy Lot	$12/day	Surface lot, shuttle to terminal

Cell Phone Lot

Free waiting area for picking up arriving passengers. Located with easy access to the terminal loop.

Tips:

• Pre-book online at slcairport.com for discounts on long-term parking
• Economy lot is the best value for trips over 2-3 days
• During ski season holidays, lots can fill up - arrive early or pre-book

The New SLC terminal features an impressive selection of local Utah restaurants and national brands.

Central Hub:

• Uinta Brewing Company: Utah craft beer, pub food
• Squatters Airport Pub: Another excellent Utah brewery
• Gourmandise: Salt Lake City's beloved French bakery
• Market Street Grill: Fresh seafood, classic American

Concourse A (Delta):

• Blue Lemon: Fresh, healthy Mediterranean-inspired dishes
• Cafe Rio: Popular Utah-based Mexican chain
• Starbucks: Multiple locations
• Einstein Bros. Bagels: Quick breakfast option

Concourse B:

• The Chocolate: Desserts and coffee
• Panda Express: Quick Chinese
• Smashburger: Burgers and fries
• Chick-fil-A: Fast food (closed Sundays)

Local favorites: Don't miss the Utah craft beer from Uinta or Squatters - Utah breweries have won numerous national awards. Gourmandise is excellent for pastries and sandwiches.

Note: Utah has unique liquor laws. Beer at airport restaurants is full-strength (3.2% ABW beer is no longer required). Wine and spirits are also available.

Free WiFi is available throughout SLC:

Network name: _Free_SLC_WiFi

To connect:

1. Select _Free_SLC_WiFi from available networks
2. Open browser and accept terms
3. No registration required

Quality: Generally good for browsing, email, and video streaming. The new terminal infrastructure provides reliable connectivity throughout.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Central Hub and concourses)
• Hudson News locations
• Wireless carrier kiosks

Major U.S. carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid plans starting around $30-50 for basic data packages.

Tip: If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, consider activating service through carrier apps before arrival for faster setup.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal:

• Central Hub (multiple locations)
• Both concourses (near center and ends)
• Baggage claim area

Major banks represented include Zions Bank (Utah-based), Wells Fargo, and Chase.

Currency exchange: Limited currency exchange services are available in the terminal. For better rates, use ATMs with a travel-friendly debit card or services like Wise.

Duty-Free: Available for international departures in Concourse A.

Throughout the Airport:

• The Market at SLC: Local Utah products and souvenirs
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• InMotion: Electronics, headphones, chargers
• Brighton Ski Shop: Ski gear, rentals, Utah outdoor products
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: Chocolates and treats
• University of Utah Team Shop: Utes merchandise

The New SLC features significantly more retail options than the old terminal. For Utah-specific souvenirs and ski gear, check out the local shops in the Central Hub.

Delta Sky Club

Delta operates a Sky Club in Concourse A:

• Location: Concourse A, center of the concourse
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Access: Delta Sky Club membership, Delta One ticket, Delta Reserve Amex, Delta Diamond/Platinum status
• Amenities: Hot food, full bar, showers, WiFi, runway views

As Delta's hub, this Sky Club can get crowded during peak departure banks (early morning, midday, and evening).

The Club SLC

• Location: Concourse B
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or day pass (~$50)
• Amenities: Complimentary food and beverages, WiFi, workstations

This is the primary Priority Pass lounge at SLC.

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: The Club SLC (Concourse B)
• Amex Platinum: Priority Pass access for The Club SLC
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Priority Pass access for The Club SLC
• Capital One Venture X: Priority Pass access for The Club SLC

Note: SLC does not have an American Express Centurion Lounge as of 2025.

At the Airport:

There is no hotel directly connected to the SLC terminal. The nearest hotels are a short drive or shuttle ride away.

Near the Airport:

• Salt Lake City Marriott Airport: 5-minute drive, free shuttle
• Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport: Modern property, free shuttle
• Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Airport: Reliable mid-range, free shuttle
• Fairfield Inn Salt Lake City Airport: Budget-friendly, free shuttle
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Airport: Extended-stay option

Downtown Salt Lake City (15-25 min via TRAX):

• Grand America Hotel: Luxury property, full-service spa
• Little America Hotel: Classic hotel, great value
• Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City: Boutique option in historic building
• Marriott Downtown at City Creek: Connected to City Creek shopping

For very early departures, staying at an airport-area hotel is convenient. For exploring Salt Lake City, downtown hotels offer better access to restaurants and attractions.

Salt Lake City combines outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and a growing food scene:

From the Airport

• Downtown Salt Lake City: 20 min via TRAX ($2.50)
• Park City: 35-45 min by car or shuttle
• Snowbird/Alta: 35-50 min by car or shuttle
• Temple Square: 20 min via TRAX

Salt Lake City Highlights

• Temple Square: Historic center of the LDS Church, stunning architecture, free tours
• Natural History Museum of Utah: World-class museum with excellent dinosaur exhibits
• Red Butte Garden: Botanical garden with views of the valley
• City Creek Center: Open-air shopping and dining downtown
• The Gateway: Shopping district near the Olympic Legacy Plaza
• Tracy Aviary: Small zoo focused on birds in Liberty Park

Ski Resorts (Winter)

Utah's "Greatest Snow on Earth" draws skiers from around the world:

• Park City Mountain: 35-45 min. Largest resort in the U.S., Olympic venue
• Deer Valley: 40-50 min. Luxury ski-only resort
• Snowbird: 35-45 min. Challenging terrain, long season
• Alta: 40-50 min. Skiers only, legendary powder
• Brighton/Solitude: 35-45 min. More affordable, less crowded

Most resorts offer equipment rentals. Book ski shuttle transportation in advance during peak season.

Summer Activities

• Big Cottonwood Canyon/Little Cottonwood Canyon: Hiking, mountain biking
• Great Salt Lake: Antelope Island State Park
• Park City: Mountain biking, festivals, outlet shopping
• Bonneville Salt Flats: 90 min west, unique landscape

Getting Around

The UTA TRAX system covers Salt Lake Valley well. For ski resorts and canyons, you'll need a car or shuttle service. Uber and Lyft are available throughout the metro area.

Altitude Note: Salt Lake City sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation, and ski resorts range from 8,000-11,000+ feet. Visitors may experience mild altitude effects. Stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol the first day, and take it easy when first arriving at mountain elevations.

Utah culture: Salt Lake City is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The city is more diverse than its reputation suggests, with a thriving arts, food, and outdoor culture. Temple Square is worth visiting regardless of religious background.