Ultimate Guide – Closest Airports To Zion National Park

When we visited Zion National Park we opted to drive. This is because we had so many places that we wanted to visit along the way. However, being from Michigan, this road trip was a jam-packed 11 days long, and most of that was spent in the car. While my family will agree that this was the best national parks trip we have ever taken, it probably would have been just as awesome if we had flown. Flying would have given us the opportunity to slow down because we would have had more time to spend at the parks.

In this guide, we will cover all you need to know about the closest airports to Zion National Park and the importance of selecting the right one for your trip. Not all airports are the same.

Where Is Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is situated in southern Utah. It’s part of the larger region known as the Colorado Plateau. The park is known for its stunning red rock canyons, towering cliffs, and the Virgin River that flows through it, attracting nature enthusiasts and hikers from around the world.

Benefits Of Flying To Zion National Park

When it comes to reaching Zion National Park, air travel is a convenient choice. Here’s why:

• Speedy Access: Flying gets you to the region faster, so you can start enjoying Zion’s natural wonders sooner.
• Airport Options: There are several airports serving Zion. The closest is St. George Regional Airport (SGU), a mere hour’s drive away. McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) are also nearby options, offering more flight choices.
• Time Savings: Air travel reduces the time spent on the road, leaving you with more hours to explore the park.
• Family-Friendly: If you’re traveling with the family, flying can be a more comfortable and time-efficient option, especially if you have kids in tow.
• Connections: Major airports like LAS and SLC offer numerous connections, making it easier to find a flight that suits your schedule.
• Car Rentals: Most airports have car rental services, allowing you to pick up a vehicle right after you land for convenient access to Zion National Park.

So, flying to Zion is not just about convenience; it’s about maximizing your time and enjoying a hassle-free journey.

What to Consider Before Choosing An Airport?

Before you book your flight to Zion National Park, there are some key factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey:

• Proximity to Zion: Consider how close the airport is to the park. St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest, just an hour away, while Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) are further away but offer more flight options.
• Seasonal Variations: Think about the time of year you plan to visit. Some airports may have more flight availability during peak tourist seasons.
• Budget: Compare flight prices to different airports. Sometimes, flying into a larger airport might be cheaper, but you’ll need to factor in the extra driving time.
• Family-Friendly Facilities: If you’re traveling with kids, consider which airport provides family-friendly amenities like play areas or changing facilities.
• Flight Availability: Check the number of flights and airlines serving each airport. This can impact your flexibility in choosing a convenient flight schedule.
• Airport Size: Smaller airports like SGU may offer a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter security lines, but larger ones like LAS and SLC have more amenities.
• Ground Transportation: Look into rental cars, shuttles, or public transportation options from the airport to Zion. Some airports may have better transportation services than others.
• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or cancellations, especially if you have a tight schedule.
• Activities: Consider your bucket list destinations that are near the airports. For example, if Vegas is on your bucket list, then it makes sense to fly into Las Vegas and explore from there.

By taking these considerations into account, you’ll be better prepared to choose the airport that aligns with your travel plans and preferences, ensuring a stress-free start to your Zion vacation.

Closest Airports To Zion National Park

St. George Regional Airport is the closest airport to Zion National Park. It’s only an hour’s drive to Zion.

Here is a list of the closest airports to Zion National Park starting with the closest one:

1. St. George Regional Airport (SGU) – (Approx. 1 hour drive)
2. Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) – (Approx. 1-hour and 6-minute drive)
3. Harry Reid (McCarran) International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas – (Approx. a 3-hour drive)
4. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – (Approx. 4 hours & 37 minutes drive)

Now, let’s dive into each airport’s details and what they have to offer.

St. George Regional Airport (SGU)

If you’re all about convenience, St. George Airport (SGU) should be on your radar. Located just a short 45-minute drive from Zion National Park, it’s the closest airport to your outdoor paradise.

SGU may not be a bustling mega-airport, but it gets the job done. You’ll find flights from major carriers, and a few direct flights, making it easier to plan your trip. Once you land, renting a car is a breeze, and you’ll be on your way to Zion in no time.

This airport offers a smoother, less crowded experience compared to major airports. Plus, you’ll avoid those long drives from distant airports, giving you more time to immerse yourself in the beauty of Zion.

What Airlines Fly Into St. George Regional Airport

• United Airlines.
• American Airlines.
• Delta Air Lines.
• Alaska Airlines.

Car Rental Companies

• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise
• Hertz

Pros of St. George Regional Airport (SGU):

• Closest to Zion: SGU is the closest airport to Zion National Park, reducing your travel time to the park significantly.
• Convenience: Despite being smaller, SGU offers flights from major carriers, making it easy to find suitable connections.
• Shorter Security Lines: Smaller airports often mean shorter security lines and a quicker check-in process.
• Car Rental Ease: Car rental facilities are right at the airport, allowing for a seamless transition to your Zion adventure. (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz)
• Less Crowded: SGU is less crowded than larger airports, offering a more relaxed start to your trip.

Cons of St. George Regional Airport (SGU):

• Limited Flight Options: While it has major carriers, flight options may be more limited compared to larger airports.
• Higher Ticket Prices: Smaller airports sometimes have slightly higher ticket prices due to limited competition.
• Smaller Facilities: SGU’s facilities are smaller, so don’t expect a wide range of dining or shopping options.
• Limited International Flights: If you’re coming from outside the U.S., you may need to connect through a larger airport.
• Limited Ground Transportation: While car rentals are easy, alternative transportation options like shuttles may be limited.
• Budget Airlines: Budget airlines don’t fly into St. George Regional Airport.

Address: 4550 S Airport Pkwy, St. George, UT 84790
Phone: (435) 627-4080
SGU Website

Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC)

Looking for an alternative gateway to Zion National Park? Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) could be your ticket. Situated about an hour’s drive from the park, CDC is the second closest regional airport to Zion.

Cedar City Regional Airport may be a small airport, but it’s well-connected with flights. You can expect a smoother, less crowded experience compared to bigger hubs. Once you touch down, it’s easy to grab a rental car and head straight for Zion.

What Airlines Fly Into Cedar City Regional Airport

• Delta Airlines

Car Rental Companies

• Avis
• Enterprise

Pros of Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC):

• Closer than Major Airports: CDC is closer to Zion than larger airports like Las Vegas (LAS) or Salt Lake City (SLC), reducing your travel time.
• Shorter Lines: Smaller airports often mean shorter security lines and a quicker check-in process.
• Car Rentals On-Site: Car rental facilities are conveniently located at the airport, streamlining your journey to Zion. (Avis & Enterprise)
• Quicker Arrival: Smaller airports often lead to quicker arrival and departure processes.

Cons of Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC):

• Limited Flight Options: CDC primarily offers regional flights, which may limit your choices and could lead to higher ticket prices.
• Smaller Facilities: Expect fewer dining and shopping options compared to larger airports.
• No International Flights: If you’re traveling from outside the U.S., you may need to connect through a larger airport.
• Weather Delays: Being a smaller airport, CDC may be more susceptible to weather-related delays.
• Higher Ticket Prices: Smaller airports are known to have higher ticket prices.
• No Budget Airlines

Address: 2560 Aviation Way St, Cedar City, UT 84721
Phone: (435) 867-9408
CDC Website

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas

If you’re considering a flight to Zion National Park, Harry Redi International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is a major option to weigh. Although it’s not the closest airport, it is the closest international airport.

The Las Vegas Airport (LAS) is one of the busiest airports in the region, serving numerous domestic and international destinations. It’s approximately a 3-hour drive from Zion, making it a feasible choice for many travelers.

What Airlines Fly Into Harry Reid International Airport

You’ll have plenty of airline options when opting to fly into LAS airport. Here are some of them:

• Southwest Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Alaska Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines

Some On-Site Rental Car Options at LAS

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National
• Thrifty

Pros of Harry Reid International Airport (LAS):

• Extensive Flight Options: LAS offers a wide range of flights from major airlines.
• International Connectivity: If you’re arriving from outside the U.S., LAS provides international flight options.
• Ample Facilities: The airport boasts plenty of dining and shopping choices, allowing you to stock up before heading to Zion.
• Car Rentals: Car rental options are available, ensuring a smooth transition to your destination.
• Cheaper Flights: Given that McCarran is a major airport, you are more likely to find cheaper flights.

Cons of Harry Reid International Airport (LAS):

• Distance: LAS is further from Zion than other airports, resulting in a longer drive to the park.
• Traffic and Crowds: Being a busy airport, LAS can be crowded, especially during peak travel times.
• Security Lines: Expect potentially longer security lines and wait times.

Address: 5757 Wayne Newton Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 261-5211
LAS Website

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

If you’re contemplating the best way to reach Zion National Park, Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) is another major airport worth considering. While it’s further from the park than some other options, it has its own unique benefits.

SLC is Utah’s primary international airport and offers a broad range of flight options, including both domestic and international routes. The drive to Zion from SLC takes approximately 4 hours & 37 minutes, so it’s essential to factor in this additional travel time.

Here’s what you need to know about Salt Lake City Airport, along with a list of pros and cons:

What Airlines Fly Into Salt Lake City Airport

Many airlines fly into SLC Airport. Here are some of them:

• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Alaska Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines

On-Site Rental Car Options at SLC

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National
• Payless
• Thrifty

Pros of Salt Lake City Airport (SLC):

• Diverse Flight Choices: SLC provides access to a wide variety of flights, including international destinations.
• Rental Car Availability: There are plenty of rental car options available at the airport, simplifying your journey to Zion.
• Ample Amenities: You’ll find plenty of dining and shopping options within the airport.
• Multiple Airlines: Numerous airlines operate at SLC.
• Cheaper Flights: A major perk of a larger airport is its ability to offer more competitive prices.
• Budget Airlines: You have the option of using a budget airline

Cons of Salt Lake City Airport (SLC):

• Distance: SLC is further from Zion National Park compared to other airports, resulting in a longer drive.
• Travel Time: The approximately 4-hour drive from SLC to Zion may be less convenient for those seeking a quicker arrival.
• Crowds: As a major airport, SLC can be crowded during peak travel times.

Address: W Terminal Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84122
Phone: (801) 575-2400
SLC Website

Learn More About Zion National Park

• Zion to Horseshoe Bend Road Trip
• Zion National Park Packing Guide
• Shuttle & Parking Guide in Zion
• Zion – Fees, Passes & How To Get In Free
• Easy Hikes In Zion National Park
• Kanarra Falls
• Best Hiking Apps
• Awesome Amazon Travel Essentials
• 1 to 5 Day Zion National Park Itinerary

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve explored your airport options for reaching Zion National Park is southwestern Utah, let’s summarize what you’ve learned. Each airport has its own advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your preferences and circumstances.

• St. George Regional Airport (SGU): Only a short drive to Zion, SGU is the closest option. Flights might cost more than the bigger airports, but this is the best option for those seeking less driving time.
• Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC): A nearby alternative with ease of access and less congestion.
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas: The closest major airport with a wide range of flight options, although it requires a longer drive than the smaller regional airports. This is a great option for those seeking cheaper flights as well as more flight options.
• Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Utah’s primary international airport with diverse flight choices including non-stop flights, but it also involves a longer drive time.

Consider factors such as your location, budget, flight availability, and the experience you want for your Zion trip. Whether you prioritize proximity or flight options, one of these airports will help you kickstart your journey to the stunning Zion National Park.

Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below; we’d love to hear about your experiences and help with any travel inquiries!

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