Welcome to Utah, land of towering red rocks, snowy peaks, and endless adventure. From the Mighty Five national parks in the south to the slopes of Park City in the north, having a rental car is the key to unlocking Utah’s wonders. Our Utah car rental page is your road map to a smooth, budget-friendly trip. Whether you’re flying into Salt Lake City for business, embarking on a national park road trip, or visiting family in Provo, we’ll help you find the perfect car at the perfect price. We combine competitive deals with local driving tips, so you not only get a cheap rental, but also hit the road in Utah informed about weather, terrain, and travel tips. Let’s get you on the road in the Beehive State with confidence!
Quick Search & Book
It’s easy to book your Utah rental: use the search form above by entering your pickup location (city or airport like SLC, Salt Lake City International), select dates, and hit search. In seconds, you’ll see all available cars from our Utah partners, from economy cars to 4x4 SUVs and vans. Use our filters to narrow by vehicle type, price, or features (like AWD, GPS, car seat, etc.). Most bookings require no prepayment, reserve now, pay at pickup, and come with free cancellation if your plans change. In short, renting a car in Utah is simple, transparent, and affordable with AirportVanRental.
Why Rent a Car in Utah?
Utah’s breathtaking destinations are spread out, and public transit is limited outside cities. A rental car gives you the freedom to experience it all. Renting a car in Utah lets you:
Our Utah Car Rental Benefits
When you rent with AirportVanRental in Utah, you get more than just a car, you get peace of mind and great value. Here are some of the benefits and features of booking with us in Utah:
Today’s Top Utah Car Rental Deals
(Note: “From” rates are based on recent bookings in Utah and include base rental rate only. Taxes and fees are additional. Deals subject to availability, search your exact dates above to see current prices for your trip.)
Driving in Utah: Tips and Local Insights
Driving in Utah is part of the adventure, you’ll encounter everything from urban freeways to winding scenic byways at high altitude. Here are key tips and Utah-specific rules to keep you safe and stress-free:
Mountain & Winter Driving: Utah’s mountains can get heavy snow from fall through spring. Traction laws may be enforced during snowstorms, meaning you might need snow tires or chains, especially in canyons (Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood) and routes to ski resorts. Most rental cars in winter will have all-season tires; if you’re visiting to ski, consider renting an AWD/4x4 vehicle. Always drive slowly on icy or snowy roads and leave extra distance when braking. On steep downgrades, use lower gears to avoid overheating your brakes.
Speed Limits: Utah’s interstate speed limits are higher than many states. On rural stretches of I-15, I-80, and I-70, the speed limit is 80 mph (129 km/h) in many areas. Always pay attention to posted signs, as limits drop approaching cities (typically 65–70 mph). Secondary highways and scenic byways often are 55 mph or lower, especially where curves or wildlife crossings exist. Utah Highway Patrol is active, speeding well above the limit can result in hefty fines.
Fuel & Services: When driving in Utah’s remote regions (like US-95 to Lake Powell or Highway 12 through Grand Staircase), plan your fuel stops. Towns can be over 100 miles apart. It’s wise to fill up when you can and avoid letting your tank drop below a quarter in rural areas. Carry water and snacks on long desert stretches, and a paper map as backup, cell service can be spotty in the wilderness. Most Utah gas stations are self-serve and offer 85 octane “Regular” gas (sufficient for most rentals at higher elevation), plus 87 or 91 octane.
Tolls: Good news, Utah has no traditional toll roads. All highways and interstates are free to drive. The only exception is the express lane on I-15 along the Wasatch Front: solo drivers can choose to use the HOV/express lane for a variable fee, but this requires an Express Pass transponder (generally not available in rental cars). Since it’s a minor convenience and not widespread, you can simply stick to the general-purpose lanes without worry of toll charges in Utah.
Wildlife & Open Range: In rural Utah, especially around dawn and dusk, be alert for wildlife on the roads. Deer, elk, and even cattle (in open-range grazing areas) can wander onto highways. If you see yellow animal-crossing signs, slow down and remain vigilant. Collision with large animals can be dangerous. If you do encounter an animal on the road, brake firmly but stay in control, do not swerve wildly, which could cause a worse accident.
Urban Driving (Salt Lake City): Salt Lake’s street grid is generally easy to navigate. Rush hour in the Salt Lake City/Ogden/Provo metro runs roughly 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM on I-15 and I-215, with some congestion. Downtown SLC has wide streets; just note that addressing is in a grid (e.g., 2100 South, 300 West). Parking in downtown Salt Lake City is usually plentiful in garages or meters (many free at night or on weekends). Note: Utah law prohibits using a handheld phone while driving, use hands-free if you must make a call. And everyone in the vehicle must wear seatbelts; it’s enforced.
National Park Roads: Within Utah’s national parks, roads are generally well-paved but can be steep and narrow. In summer, be prepared for slow traffic behind sightseers or RVs. Some parks, like Zion, require you to park and use shuttles for certain scenic drives during peak season, plan accordingly (e.g., Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is shuttle-only in summer, so you’d park at the visitor center). At Arches and others, parking lots at popular trailheads can fill early; start your day early for best access. Having a car lets you visit less crowded spots at ideal times (sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, for example). Always obey posted park speed limits (wildlife often roam parks) and never drive off established roads, which is illegal and can damage the fragile desert environment (and your rental car!).
Road Trip Ideas from Utah
Utah was practically made for road trips. Below are three amazing itineraries to showcase the diversity of journeys you can take starting in Utah. These include distances, routes, and highlights to inspire your adventure:
1. Mighty Five National Parks Loop (Round-Trip from Salt Lake City)
Distance: ~1,100 miles round-trip (1,770 km), plan 7–10 days to fully enjoy.
Route: Start in Salt Lake City. Head south on I-15 to Zion National Park (near St. George). Continue east on UT-9 through Zion and connect to US-89 north, then UT-12 East, a gorgeous scenic byway, to reach Bryce Canyon National Park. From Bryce, take UT-12/UT-24 through Capitol Reef National Park. Continue on UT-24 to Hanksville, then south on UT-95 and US-191 to Moab, home base for Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Finally, drive back north to Salt Lake City via US-191 and I-70 West to I-15 (or loop back through scenic US-6).
Highlights: This grand loop hits all five of Utah’s famed national parks. Experience Zion’s narrow slot canyons and hikes like Angel’s Landing; marvel at the hoodoos of Bryce at sunrise; drive the stunning red rock panoramas of Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley. In Moab, stand beneath the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and peer into the vast canyons of Canyonlands (Island in the Sky district). Along UT-12, don’t miss the twisting turns of the “Hogsback” ridge and a pie stop in the town of Torrey. This route takes you through alpine forests, slickrock deserts, and tiny frontier towns, truly the full Utah road trip experience.
(Travel tip: Summer is popular and hot, carry water and start hikes early. Spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Many parts of this route have limited gas, fill up in larger towns like Springdale, Panguitch, Moab whenever you can.)
2. Red Rock Odyssey (Salt Lake City to Moab and Monument Valley)
Distance: ~400 miles one-way to Monument Valley (645 km), about 3–4 days with stops (or 6–7 hours driving direct).
Route: From Salt Lake City, take US-6 Southeast through Price to I-70, then US-191 South to Moab (approximately 4 hours). After exploring Moab (Arches & Canyonlands), continue south on US-191 through Monticello. At Bluff, Utah, take US-163 to reach Monument Valley on the Utah-Arizona border. Optionally, return north to SLC via the same route or loop west through Page, Arizona, and back up US-89.
Highlights: This trip showcases Utah’s classic red-rock country. Moab is a paradise for outdoor lovers, spend a day or two hiking to Delicate Arch, driving the Island in the Sky mesa top, or even renting a 4x4 for off-road trails. Continue to Monument Valley, where giant sandstone buttes rise from the desert floor, take the 17-mile Valley Drive (dirt road, but usually rental-friendly with cautious driving) among the famous formations featured in countless films. Along the way, consider a side trip to Goosenecks State Park (near Mexican Hat) to see a stunning river bend, or stop at Bluff Fort to learn a bit of pioneer history. On your return, you could swing by Lake Powell or Goblin Valley State Park (if heading back north via Hanksville).
(Note: Monument Valley’s loop drive may be rough in spots; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended but many cars manage it, check conditions. Also, Monument Valley is on Navajo Nation land, respect local regulations and consider hiring a Navajo guide for a deeper experience.)
3. Canyons to Casinos (Salt Lake City to Las Vegas via Bryce & Zion)
Distance: ~580 miles total (933 km), about 5 days one-way to enjoy sights (9 hours driving if done straight).
Route: Depart Salt Lake City on I-15 South. Stop at Cedar City as a gateway and then take UT-14 East to US-89 South to reach Bryce Canyon National Park. After Bryce, backtrack to US-89 and head south to Mount Carmel Junction, then take UT-9 West through Zion National Park (the stunning Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway) to Springdale. Continue on to I-15 South in St. George and drive into Nevada, finishing in Las Vegas. (Drop your car in Vegas for a convenient one-way rental.)
Highlights: This itinerary combines Utah’s natural beauty with a flashy finale in Nevada. On the way down, stretch your legs at Cedar Breaks National Monument (a mini-Bryce Canyon often overlooked). Bryce Canyon offers otherworldly amphitheaters of orange spires, enjoy the viewpoints or hike among the hoodoos on the Queen’s Garden trail. Zion National Park will amaze with its towering canyon walls; drive carefully through the historic Zion tunnel and consider spending a day to hike Riverside Walk or simply admire Zion Canyon from the valley floor (the shuttle operates in peak season). As you cross into Nevada, you might detour to Valley of Fire State Park (just 1 hour northeast of Vegas via exit 93) to see fiery red rock formations up close. Then, hit Las Vegas for a complete change of pace, neon lights, shows, and dining. Dropping off your car in Vegas is easy with many rental locations near the Strip and airport.
(Tip: If traveling in winter, check road conditions on UT-14 and UT-9 for snow; they are plowed but can be temporarily closed during big storms. And remember, Utah is mostly dry, but once you enter Nevada, open container and DUI laws are strict, so celebrate your arrival in Vegas after you park the car for the night!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Utah does not have traditional toll roads. All interstate highways and state roads are free. The only “toll” you might encounter is the Express Lane on I-15 along the Wasatch Front (Salt Lake City area), but this isn’t a cash toll road, it’s an HOV lane that allows solo drivers to use it for a fee billed electronically via an Express Pass transponder. Rental cars generally do not come with these transponders. The simplest approach: unless you have a passenger (to use it as an HOV 2+ lane for free), stick to the regular lanes. Otherwise, you’d need to sign up for an Express Pass in advance to legally use the express lane solo. In summary, you won’t be paying tolls while driving in Utah like you would in some other states.
For most popular destinations and national parks in Utah, a standard 2-wheel-drive car is perfectly fine in good weather. All major parks (Zion, Arches, Bryce, etc.) have paved roads to main points of interest. However, if you’re visiting in winter, some park roads can be snowy or temporarily closed, a 4x4 or AWD can offer extra security in snow (and is required by law at times on certain canyon roads if there’s a storm). Snow chains are generally not provided by rental companies in Utah. If conditions require chains on certain routes, it’s often best to delay travel or rent an AWD vehicle with proper tires. If you plan to venture onto unpaved backroads (e.g., Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef, or Monument Valley’s dirt Valley Drive), note that driving off established, paved or well-graded roads is usually not allowed under rental agreements. Stick to maintained routes or consider a guided tour for rough trails. In summary: Choose an SUV/AWD if traveling December–March in snowy regions or if you want higher clearance for some gravel roads. Otherwise, a regular car suffices for Utah’s attractions.
Yes, but preparation is key. Utah’s roads are generally well-maintained, even in national parks. In summer, ensure you carry water for you and your passengers, the desert heat is intense and in remote stretches you’ll be glad to have it if the car breaks down. In winter, have warm clothing and supplies in case of an unexpected stop or road closure in snow. Cell phone service can be hit-or-miss in rural Utah, so don’t rely solely on GPS navigation, carry a map if possible. Wildlife (deer, elk, cattle) on roads is a real concern especially at dawn/dusk, remain alert on open highways (look for their eye-shine at night and slow down). If you stick to main highways and follow common-sense precautions, driving in Utah is very safe and incredibly rewarding scenically. Always let someone know your route if venturing into very remote areas (like the Maze district of Canyonlands, though most rental contracts wouldn’t allow that extreme anyway). And as always, don’t drink and drive, Utah has the strictest DUI limit in the country (0.05% BAC), so it’s best to avoid alcohol completely when you’ll be behind the wheel.
Renting a car is highly recommended in Utah if you’re comfortable driving. While there are some tour operators and shuttles, a car gives you unparalleled freedom. You can set your own schedule, catching sunrise at Bryce, staying late for stargazing in Arches (Utah parks have amazing dark skies), or detouring to a lesser-known viewpoint. Public transport between parks is virtually non-existent; tours will take you to highlights but often on a fixed timeline. With a rental car, you can also explore cool stops en route (like diners, photo ops, or hikes that tours skip). If you’re traveling with family or a group, a car/van rental can be more cost-effective per person than tour tickets. The roads in Utah’s tourist areas are easy to navigate with good signage. Unless you absolutely hate driving or want a very structured, hands-off experience, renting a car is the way to go for a true Utah adventure.