Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) Car Rental Deals Your Ticket to Adventure

Welcome to Jackson Hole Airport, the only airport in the US inside a National Park (Grand Teton)! If you’re flying into Jackson Hole, chances are you’re eager to hit the ground running (or driving) toward those towering mountains you saw from the plane. Renting a car directly at JAC gives you the freedom to start exploring Wyoming’s wonders the moment you land from downtown Jackson’s rustic charm to scenic highways leading to Yellowstone. This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable Jackson Hole Airport car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with insider tips on navigating the airport rental process and driving in the area, so you can grab the keys with confidence. Whether you’re arriving on the first flight of the day or a late-night hopper, our goal is to get you on the road quickly and hassle-free. Read on to learn why savvy travelers choose AVR at JAC, and how we make renting a car at the airport fast, convenient, and budget-friendly.

Renting a car directly at JAC comes with a ton of advantages for both domestic and international travelers. Here’s why experienced visitors to Jackson Hole grab the keys at the airport instead of relying on shuttles or tours:

Ultimate Flexibility for Exploring: Jackson Hole Airport isn’t just the gateway to the town of Jackson it’s the jumping-off point to all of Grand Teton and Yellowstone country. With a rental car, you can literally land and then drive 15 minutes to a trailhead for an afternoon hike, or head north to Yellowstone for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Public transport won’t get you to those sunrise snake-river overlooks or hidden waterfalls. A rental car lets you craft your own itinerary and discover charming spots on a whim: stop at a scenic turnout when the mood strikes, detour to a wildlife viewpoint if you hear about a bear sighting, or drive into Idaho for a spontaneous day trip. From Harvard Hill Road in Grand Teton to the backroads of Bridger-Teton National Forest, having your own wheels means no limits on where you can go.

Skip the Hassle of Shuttles & Rideshares: After a long flight, the last thing you want is to juggle bags on a shuttle bus or pay surge pricing for a rideshare (if you can even find one available). Picking up a car at JAC means door-to-door convenience: step off the plane, walk a short distance to the rental car counters, and soon you’ll be driving yourself directly to your hotel or cabin. No waiting around in the cold for a hotel van, no multiple stops dropping others off. For families with kids or travelers with ski gear, this is a game-changer you can load everything into your rental and go, with minimal fuss. Jackson Hole’s weather can be chilly or snowy; having a private car ensures you’re not standing outside or squeezing into a full shuttle. In short, renting at the airport lets you start your trip relaxed, not stressed.

Save Time on Business or Short Trips: If you’re flying in for a quick business meeting, a conference, or even a short weekend getaway, a rental car can be a major time-saver. JAC is a small, efficient airport you can land and be in your car in under 30 minutes in many cases. With your own car, a 30-minute drive might get you to a meeting at Teton Village or to a reservation at a remote guest ranch, whereas waiting for a scheduled shuttle or arranging a taxi could double that time. Likewise, if you’re leaving on an early morning flight, returning a car at the airport is typically faster than coordinating a 5 AM ride with an unreliable service. Your time is valuable, and renting at the airport eliminates the “last mile” headaches. Drive straight where you need to go, on your timeline. Especially for Jackson, where points of interest are spread out, you’ll accomplish more with a car than if you’re bound by tour schedules or ride availability.

Freedom for Early or Late Arrivals: Flights to Jackson often arrive from hub cities at all hours some mid-day, some late evening. If you land after dark (which is common in winter when it gets dark early), having your own car ensures 24/7 mobility. Jackson Hole Airport’s rental car counters typically align with flight schedules (and will stay open for last flights if you have a reservation and provide flight info). This means even if you land at 11 PM, you can still pick up your car and drive 15 minutes into town to your lodge. Conversely, if you have a crack-of-dawn departure, you can drop the car off very early (key drop boxes are usually available) and avoid trying to find a cab at 4 AM. Unlike some large airports, JAC is small enough that rental car pick-up and drop-off are very convenient at any time. The shuttles and buses in this area do not run late nights or very early, so your own car is essentially the only way to guarantee transportation outside of normal hours.

Winter-Ready and Comfortable: Especially for winter visitors coming to ski Jackson Hole’s famous slopes, renting at the airport is ideal. You can specifically book a winter-ready vehicle (like an SUV with AWD) and have it right when you land, meaning you’ll be prepared if the roads are snowy between the airport and your accommodations. Our AirportVanRental partners maintain fleets that include vehicles suited for the local climate (many with all-wheel drive, and they’ll be equipped with the appropriate tires/gear by season). Sliding into a warm car with heated seats (many rentals have them!) is a lot nicer than waiting for a shuttle bus in freezing temperatures. Plus, if you’re unfamiliar with the area, driving yourself can feel safer: you can set the pace you’re comfortable with, and you won’t worry about whether a shuttle will make additional stops or run on time. We also provide maps and directions so if it’s your first time driving here, we’ll help you get oriented quickly. All in all, renting at JAC is about comfort and peace of mind you control the route, the schedule, and the playlist on the radio as you drive into one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.

In short, a rental car from Jackson Hole Airport gives you the keys to the kingdom the Tetons and beyond are yours to explore. You’ll maximize your trip by having reliable, personal transportation from the moment you arrive. Next, we’ll detail how AirportVanRental makes the process at JAC smooth and the extra perks you get by booking with us.

Our Jackson Hole Airport Car Rental Advantages

When you book your JAC rental through AirportVanRental, you’re not just getting a car you’re getting a seamless experience from start to finish, plus perks you wouldn’t get by walking up to the counter last-minute. Here’s what sets AVR apart for your Jackson Hole Airport car rental:

Best Rates at JAC Guaranteed: Airport rentals can sometimes be pricier due to facility fees, but we work hard to find you the cheapest rates available at Jackson Hole Airport. By scanning deals from all the on-site rental brands (and even some off-site ones with shuttles), we make sure you’re seeing the lowest price for your dates. We often have exclusive promo rates thanks to our partnerships whether it’s a weekend special on SUVs or a weekly discount on 4x4 trucks, we’ll show it. If you somehow find a lower publicly available rate for the same car and terms, let us know and we’ll match or beat it. Our goal is simple: get you the most bang for your buck on your Jackson Hole rental, so you have more money to spend on adventures, not transportation.

Wide Vehicle Selection (Including 4x4s & Winter SUVs): Need a zippy economy car just to get into town? An SUV with four-wheel drive for a family ski trip? A roomy minivan or 12-passenger van for a group visiting Yellowstone? We’ve got them all lined up at JAC. AirportVanRental specializes in van and specialty vehicle rentals, which means even at a smaller airport like Jackson Hole, you’ll find more options through us. We partner with reputable national companies (like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) as well as local providers to ensure that if there’s a specific vehicle type you want, you can find it. In winter, many travelers specifically want AWD or 4WD on our booking platform, you can filter for those to secure a winter-ready ride. In summer, maybe you want to splurge on a luxury SUV or need a pickup truck for a fishing expedition you’ll see those options too. Essentially, by booking through AVR, you tap into a bigger fleet than any single company offers, all in one place.

Fast, Easy Pick-Up Process: We know you don’t want to waste time at the airport. With your reservation confirmed through us, the pick-up at Jackson Hole Airport is straightforward. All the rental car counters are located in the baggage claim area of the terminal (JAC is small you can’t miss them). Because you booked in advance, your paperwork is largely prepared; you’ll just present your license and credit card, sign, and be on your way. The cars are parked just outside the terminal in a designated rental lot no shuttle needed. We also encourage you to provide your flight number when booking. Why? Because if your flight is delayed, the rental agency will know and will typically hold your car and even stay open if they know you’re arriving late (within reason). This communication helps ensure a car will be ready even if, say, a snowstorm delays your flight by an hour. Many of our partner agencies at JAC also offer skip-the-counter or expedited programs if you’re eligible, we’ll include those details in your confirmation. Our aim is to get you from plane to car and on the road in 15-20 minutes or less.

No Pre-Payment Required & Free Cancellation: Travel can be unpredictable flights change, weather happens, itineraries evolve. We believe your car rental should adapt with you. With AirportVanRental, most Jackson Airport rentals do not require any upfront payment to reserve. You lock in your vehicle with a credit card but aren’t charged until pick-up. Plans changed? No problem you can cancel up to 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up with zero fees (and often even closer to pick-up for standard bookings, but 48 hours is a safe guideline). This means you can take advantage of a great rate weeks or months in advance without worrying “what if something comes up.” The peace of mind this provides especially in uncertain times or if you’re planning a trip far ahead is huge. We all know flights into Jackson can occasionally be rescheduled (especially winter weather disruptions); with free cancellation, you won’t be penalized if you need to adjust your car rental timing or even cancel entirely. Flexibility is a core AVR promise, because customer-friendly policies are just as important as low prices.

Transparent Pricing (Know Before You Go): Ever heard horror stories of rental counters adding unexpected charges? Not with us. The rate you see on our website for your Jackson Hole Airport rental includes all mandatory taxes and fees. We itemize everything in your quote: Wyoming sales tax (~6%), the airport concession fee (~10% that the airport charges rental companies), any customer facility charge or tourism fee it’s all in there. Jackson Hole Airport does impose a few extra surcharges (for example, a flat per rental fee for transportation infrastructure), but again, we show them in your quote. There are no hidden fees. When you get to the counter, you’ll recognize the total it will match what we quoted (unless you opt for extras like GPS, ski racks, or insurance add-ons at pick-up). We believe in honest pricing. If you opt out of add-ons, you should walk out paying exactly what you expected. This transparency also helps you compare realistically sometimes an “amazingly low” base rate elsewhere doesn’t include energy surcharges or airport fees and ends up higher. With AVR, what you see is what you pay, so you can budget your trip with confidence.

Insider Local Tips & 24/7 Support: Through this page and our customer service, we strive to provide more than just a car we provide local knowledge. Not sure if you need snow tires in January? Curious about the best route to avoid traffic when leaving the airport? We’ve got you covered (keep reading below for detailed driving info). And if you ever have questions or issues maybe your flight got canceled and you need to shift your reservation, or you can’t find the rental return lot our support team is available 24/7 by phone. Being an OTA (Online Travel Agency) that specializes in car rentals, we have the experience to solve problems on the fly. We’ll liaise with the local branch for you if needed, so you’re not left stranded or waiting on hold with a national call center. Our goal is to ensure your Jackson Hole car rental experience is smooth, from booking to drop-off. We love this area and want you to have a fantastic trip consider us your first friendly local contact, here to help make everything go right.

By choosing AirportVanRental for your JAC car rental, you’re setting yourself up for a convenient, cost-effective rental experience tailor-made for Jackson Hole’s conditions. Now, let’s go over what to expect when picking up your car at the airport and some tips for driving out of JAC into Jackson and beyond.

Navigating Jackson Hole Airport Car Rentals (Pick-Up & Return Tips)

Picking up a rental car at Jackson Hole Airport is a breeze compared to larger airports. Here’s a step-by-step on what to do once you land, and how to return your car at the end of your trip:

On-Site Rental Car Counters: Jackson Hole Airport is small and user-friendly. After you deplane, you’ll go through the single terminal building. The rental car counters are located in the baggage claim area, which you’ll reach shortly after entering the terminal (follow signs for Baggage Claim/Rental Cars). At JAC, the major rental brands (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo/National, and Thrifty) all have service desks right there. If you booked with us, check your confirmation for which company it’s with (we partner with these brands). Proceed to that counter. There may be a short line if multiple flights arrived together, but generally it’s quick. Have your driver’s license and credit card ready (and any discount or membership cards if applicable). The agent will pull up your reservation, verify details, offer any add-ons like insurance or GPS (it’s up to you you can decline if you’re already covered), and then have you sign the rental agreement. Because you booked in advance, the process is mostly confirming and signing usually done in 5-10 minutes.

Vehicle Pick-Up Location: Once paperwork is done, the agent will direct you outside to the rental car lot. This lot is directly adjacent to the terminal no shuttle bus needed (a huge perk of Jackson’s small size!). In fact, as you walk out, you’ll likely see the cars parked in clearly marked rows by company. Many rentals are within a 1-3 minute walk from the counter. The agent will either give you a specific parking spot number or have an attendant guide you. Before you drive off, take a moment to inspect the car. Do a quick walk-around to note any existing scratches or dents and ensure they’re marked on your rental form. If not, take photos and inform the lot attendant or go back to the counter to have it noted it’s rare to have issues, but always good practice. Also check that the gas tank is full (it almost always will be at JAC rentals). Adjust your mirrors, locate the headlights (you’ll likely need them, especially in winter or early evenings) and familiarize yourself with controls. Set up your GPS or phone map before leaving the lot, since you want to drive distraction-free.

Driving Out: Exiting the airport is straightforward. There’s essentially one main road (Airport Road) that leads from the terminal area to the highway. Follow the signs to “Exit / Jackson”. In about 2 miles, you’ll reach a T-intersection with US Highway 89/191 (also signed as the road to Jackson or Moran). If you’re heading to Jackson or Teton Village, you’ll turn left (south) toward town. If somehow you were heading north into the national park first, you’d turn right (north) toward Moran. Most likely, you’re going south from the airport to the town of Jackson is about 8 miles (15 minutes) on a beautiful stretch of road with the National Elk Refuge on your left and the Tetons behind you. Watch your speed here; it’s 45 mph (and remember at night it’s reduced to 35-45 in spots for wildlife). Congratulations you’re on your way! Cell service is decent on this road, so you can use Google Maps, etc., to navigate to your exact lodging. It’s basically one road all the way into town, so it’s hard to get lost. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you drive it’s not uncommon to spot bison or deer even before you leave the airport vicinity.

If Your Flight is Late: If you arrive later than expected (especially if it’s after the rental counter’s closing time), don’t panic. As long as you provided your flight details when booking or the flight delay is common knowledge, rental staff often remain to meet that flight’s passengers with reservations. In the rare case the counter is closed, look for instructions some companies might have you go to an adjacent brand’s counter (e.g., if National is closed, Enterprise (same parent company) might handle your pick-up) or an after-hours procedure. JAC is quite customer-friendly the airport doesn’t have flights 24/7, so rental folks generally know the flight schedule and accommodate. If you foresee a big delay, you can also call the rental counter directly (we provide local numbers in your confirmation). They might arrange to leave keys with an agent or security if needed. But again, if you’ve given your flight info and have a confirmed booking, you should find your car even if you land at midnight.

Returning Your Car: When your trip wraps up, returning the car at JAC is just as easy. The airport is about 15 minutes north of Jackson; aim to get there at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight (JAC can get busy with security lines during peak times, especially mid-day). Follow signs on Highway 89/191 for “Airport” you’ll turn in and retrace the road to the terminal. As you approach the airport, look for Rental Car Return signage (usually a right-hand turn into the same lot where you picked up, but designated return lanes). Park in any spot labeled for returns (or as instructed in your rental agreement). There’s often an attendant on duty to check you in. They’ll quickly inspect the car for major new damage and ensure fuel is full. This typically takes a minute or two. Assuming all is well, you hand over the keys (and your contract if they gave you a paper one), and you’re done! If it’s completely unattended (say you have a very early flight), simply park and lock the car, then drop the keys and contract in the drop box on the rental counter inside. The companies check the box first thing when they open and will email your receipt. Since the terminal is small, even dropping keys inside isn’t much trouble a very short walk. Don’t forget to remove all your belongings! It sounds obvious, but ski gloves, sunglasses, phone cables, etc., often get left behind in rental cars. Do a final sweep of the back seat and trunk.

Rental Car Shuttle (Off-site returns): If by chance you rented from an off-airport company (some visitors do if they got a deal; e.g., Hertz is on-site but say Dollar/Thrifty might shuttle you to town), the return process will involve driving to their downtown location first. They’ll then shuttle you to the airport (allow extra time for this, maybe 30 extra minutes). But if you booked via AVR at JAC, likely you chose an on-airport option unless explicitly noted. We generally show which are airport pick-up vs. shuttle required. On-site returns are more convenient. If you do have a shuttle return, follow the provider’s instructions (address in Jackson to return to) and coordinate with them.

Fueling Up Before Return: Remember to fill your gas tank before returning, to avoid those expensive refuel fees. As mentioned earlier, there’s no gas station right next to the airport. The closest option coming from Jackson is the Conoco at the corner of E Broadway and Willow (or the Phillips 66 on Broadway) fill up in town, then drive the 7-8 miles to the airport; your tank will still read full. If coming from the north (say you stayed in GTNP), you can fill at Dornan’s in Moose or in Jackson Lake area if open, but generally most will top off in Jackson. Plan this into your departure timeline.

Dropping Keys & Catching Flight: Once you’ve returned the car and keys, the terminal is only a minute’s walk away. Jackson Hole Airport is small but has modern facilities if you have bags to check, the check-in desks are right there, and security is usually efficient. In winter, budget a bit more time as bad weather can slow things.

With these tips, you should find the rental process at JAC simple and stress-free. Now, since many of you will be driving out of the airport into potentially unfamiliar conditions, let’s cover some specific driving tips for the immediate Jackson Hole area and winter considerations as you depart the airport.

Driving from Jackson Hole Airport: Tips for Your First Miles

Once you’ve got your rental car and are leaving JAC, you’ll quickly find yourself on one of the most scenic roads in America. Driving in Jackson Hole and its surroundings can be an adventure the views are distracting (in a good way!), wildlife is abundant, and winter conditions can be serious. Here are essential tips for navigating traffic, tolls (there are none), and road conditions right after you rent a car at JAC:

Leaving the Airport & Heading to Jackson: The road from the airport (Highway 89) to the town of Jackson runs through the National Elk Refuge and along the base of the Tetons keep your eyes open. Speed limit is 45 mph, and importantly, it drops to 35–45 mph at night (dusk to dawn) because hundreds of elk (and bison) roam the refuge and often cross or approach the road in low light. Adhere to these limits; locals know to drive cautiously here after dark. If you’re arriving in winter or spring, you might even see the large elk herds in the distance. It’s about 8 miles to town you’ll know you’re close when you see the welcome sign or the road widens. There’s a traffic light at the junction for the hospital (Spring Gulch Road) and then at the “Y” intersection where 89 meets Broadway in Jackson. Jackson has a handful of stoplights and four-way stops; just drive slowly in town as pedestrians often cross near the square.

Winter Driving Right After Pick-Up: In winter months, it’s possible the road from the airport could be snowy or icy, as it’s not a big highway but a two-lane scenic road. WYDOT (Wyoming Dept. of Transportation) does plow and sand it promptly, but weather can change fast. If it’s actively snowing when you arrive, take it slow leaving the airport. Your rental likely has all-wheel drive (if you requested one) and all-season tires which handle typical snow reasonably well. Keep a larger following distance from any cars ahead. If a plow or sander truck is ahead of you, it’s okay to follow it it’s clearing the path. Use low-beam headlights in falling snow for better visibility. Bridges and shaded spots can be slick even if the sun is out (watch for the bridge over Gros Ventre River as you leave the airport area). One more winter tip: The airport provides windshield scrapers/brushes in rental cars you might find one in the trunk or back. If it’s snowy, clear all windows, mirrors, and lights of snow before you depart (it’s Wyoming law to have unobstructed view, plus flying snow off your roof is dangerous to cars behind you).

Orientation & Navigation: The road network here is simple. From the airport to Jackson is south; to Yellowstone is north. If you need to head to Teton Village (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort) straight from the airport, note that you’ll go through Jackson first, then continue west/north on WY-22 and WY-390 (about 40-45 minutes total). So virtually every place you go will pass through Jackson or that highway junction. Have a map or GPS ready, but don’t stress there are basically a couple of main roads. Phone signal is good near the airport and in town, but if you go into the national parks, it becomes spotty consider downloading offline maps for Grand Teton and Yellowstone areas if those are on your itinerary.

No Tolls Just Park Entry Fees: As mentioned, you won’t hit any toll booths leaving the airport. If your plans involve driving into Grand Teton National Park (which is very likely), remember you’ll need a park pass. The park entrance on the highway just north of Jackson (Moose Entrance) has a station in summer it’s manned, in winter it may be self-service. The fee is $35 for a 7-day vehicle pass (or if you already have an annual pass, just show it). Yellowstone has a separate fee unless you buy a combined pass. These are not related to your rental, just travel expenses to be aware of.

Wildlife Caution First Experiences: Many visitors get their first wildlife surprise en route from the airport. It could be a bald eagle flying overhead or a group of bison near the Elk Refuge fence. Always slow down if you see brake lights or cars ahead pulling over they might be viewing animals. It’s okay to carefully pull over on the shoulder to take a quick look or photo, but ensure you’re completely off the road and use your hazard lights if you’re going very slow. Never stop in the travel lane this road, while not busy like a city, does see constant traffic flow of people coming/going from the airport or park. Also, never approach wildlife stay in your car or at a safe distance. The rule of thumb: 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears or wolves. In a car, you’re safe, but you don’t want to inadvertently startle an animal into the road.

Car Rental Return in Winter: If you’re returning the car in winter for a flight out, one tip: give yourself a few extra minutes to fuel up and clean off the car. There’s a car wash in Jackson if needed (like after a very muddy spring trip), but in winter at least clear excessive mud or slush from the license plate (some rental checks need to see it) and windshield. Rental companies appreciate a car returned reasonably clean (you won’t be charged for normal dirt, but if you went off-roading and it’s caked in mud, cleaning fees could apply so try to hose it off). Fuel up as usual. And leave earlier if there’s snowfall that 15-minute drive can become 30 in a snowstorm. It’s better to be early at the small Jackson airport (there’s a nice cafe and views in the terminal) than to cut it close on a slippery road.

With these pointers, your first drive from Jackson Hole Airport should be smooth sailing or more aptly, smooth driving. Next, we’ll dive into some broader road trip ideas, but many of those start right from the airport as well, given its convenient location between Jackson and the parks. Buckle up and enjoy the ride few airport drives are as stunning as the one you’re about to take!

Popular Road Trips from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

Many visitors use Jackson Hole Airport as the starting point for incredible road adventures through Wyoming and the greater Yellowstone region. If you’re picking up your car at JAC and want to hit the road, here are a couple of road trip ideas that make the most of your rental, complete with distances, highlights, and tips:

1. Jackson Hole to Yellowstone & Grand Teton LoopRoute: JAC ➔ Grand Teton National Park (Moose Entrance) ➔ Yellowstone South Entrance ➔ Grand Loop (Old Faithful) ➔ back to JAC via Jackson, ~170 miles loop (minimum, variable by route).

Highlights: This is the classic National Park road trip most people dream of when flying into Jackson Hole. Start at the airport and within 5 minutes you’re at the park boundary of Grand Teton NP. Drive north past the stunning Tetons (stop at scenic points like Schwabacher Landing or Oxbow Bend) into Yellowstone National Park through the South Entrance (56 miles from JAC). Head toward Old Faithful (another 30 miles) to witness the iconic geyser eruption and explore the other geothermal features nearby (Grand Prismatic Spring is a short drive further, with a must-see rainbow-colored hot spring). Depending on time, you could also swing by West Thumb Geyser Basin on Yellowstone Lake. Loop back down south via West Thumb to the South Entrance and return toward Jackson. If you’re making it a multi-day trip, consider staying a night in Yellowstone (at Old Faithful or West Yellowstone town). On your way back to JAC, drive the Teton Park Road for closer views of the mountains (if open; it’s seasonal). By the time you return to the airport area, you’ll have seen towering peaks, likely some bison or elk, spouting geysers, and alpine lakes all in one epic journey.

Pro Tip:Plan your fuel and timing carefully. Start with a full tank (gas up in Jackson before heading into the parks). Gas stations are available at limited points in Yellowstone (Old Faithful, Lake, etc.), but distances are large. In peak summer, start very early from Jackson Hole (sunrise departure) to avoid entrance station lines and secure parking at popular sights by mid-morning. If you’re doing this as a single long day, Old Faithful is roughly your halfway point leaving JAC early and aiming to be back by evening is feasible (about 8-10 hours total including major stops). Always check the seasonal road openings/closures: the direct Inner Park Road in Grand Teton and some Yellowstone roads close in winter (generally November-April). In winter, you can still do a modified trip: drive to Flagg Ranch (~South Entrance, road closed beyond) and take a snowcoach tour of Yellowstone’s interior. Also, carry a cooler with snacks/lunch it gives you flexibility to stop at a beautiful spot rather than needing to find open restaurants. Finally, don’t try to “see everything” in one go Yellowstone alone is huge. Pick a few major sights and enjoy them, rather than racing through. This trip is about quality of experience over quantity of stops.

2. One-Way Alpine Adventure to Salt Lake CityRoute: JAC ➔ Jackson ➔ Bear Lake (via US-89 through Star Valley) ➔ Salt Lake City, ~300 miles one-way (with option to drop car at SLC).

Highlights: If your travel plans have you flying into Jackson Hole and out of Salt Lake City (a common combo to save on fares or see more), this road trip turns the transfer into a scenic journey. From JAC, drive south through Jackson and continue on US-89 South through Star Valley, WY a picturesque valley flanked by the Salt River Range. You’ll pass small towns like Afton (check out the world’s largest Elkhorn Arch over Main Street) and see classic Western ranchland. Continue into Idaho, where US-89 leads you to the stunning Bear Lake, often called “the Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise-blue water. In summer, Bear Lake State Park is a great stop for a swim or at least a raspberry milkshake from a famous roadside shake stand in Garden City. From Bear Lake, climb over Logan Canyon (US-89) a beautiful drive through forests and cliffs and emerge in Logan, Utah. From there, it’s an easy drive on US-89/US-91 to I-15 south into Salt Lake City. The whole drive is around 5.5 to 6 hours of driving time, not counting stops. If you have a day, you can take it leisurely: stop in Star Valley for a picnic, enjoy Bear Lake’s beaches, and maybe take a short hike in Logan Canyon. Salt Lake City is a vibrant city where you can drop your car at the airport or downtown if arranging a one-way rental (AVR can facilitate one-way rentals just check “return to different location” when booking to see any drop fees).

Pro Tip:One-way rental info: Not all companies allow a one-way drop from JAC to SLC, but many do (typically with a drop fee, which we’ll include in the quote). It can be worth it for the convenience of not backtracking. Book one-way rentals early, as availability can be tighter. Also, plan this drive in daylight if possible the scenery is worth it, and driving unfamiliar mountain passes (like Logan Canyon) is easier before dark. In winter, this route is generally kept clear, but check weather Logan Canyon can get snowy. If it’s stormy, an alternate (less scenic but flatter) route is JAC to Idaho Falls to I-15 (bypassing Bear Lake). Summer travelers: Bear Lake gets busy on weekends; if you want to swim, weekdays are quieter. Don’t forget to try a raspberry shake (Bear Lake region is famous for raspberries). Lastly, as you near Salt Lake City, you might hit traffic on I-15 try to avoid rush hour (7-9 AM northbound, 4-6 PM southbound, though you’ll be going south into the city likely in afternoon). This road trip showcases a mix of high mountain vistas, serene lakes, and the shift from alpine Wyoming to the metro buzz of Salt Lake a fantastic way to cap off a Jackson Hole adventure with a bit of Utah flavor.

These road trips illustrate just a couple of ways to extend your journey after landing at Jackson Hole Airport. Whether you’re doing a loop through nature’s grandeur or a one-way expedition to a distant city, having a rental car gives you the freedom to make the most of the American West. Enjoy the drive, and as always, drive safely and savor every vista!

Quick-Reference Info Box: Jackson Hole Airport Car Rental Key Facts

• Location of Rental Cars:On-site at JAC rental counters in terminal, cars in adjacent lot. No shuttle needed for Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo/National, Thrifty (all have desks at the airport). Off-site options: A few companies (Dollar, etc.) use free shuttles to their Jackson town office (5-10 min ride). Check your reservation most AVR bookings default to on-airport for convenience.
• Rental Car Hours: Generally aligned with flight schedule. Counters typically open by the first arrival of the day (around 8–9 AM) and stay open through the last arrival (often 9–10 PM). If you have a delay past closing, arrangements are usually made (see FAQs above). There are no 24-hour operations at JAC, but as long as flights are coming in, agents are there.
• Distance to Town/Resorts: JAC to Jackson town = 8 miles (15 minutes south). JAC to Teton Village (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort) = ~22 miles (30-40 minutes southwest). JAC to Grand Teton Park HQ (Moose) = 5 miles (10 minutes north). These short distances make rental cars very practical you’re never far from your lodging or activities once you land.
• Fuel Nearby:No gas station at the airport. Nearest fuel is in Jackson (e.g., a gas station on Hwy 89 as you enter town from the airport, about 7 miles from JAC). Plan to refuel in town before returning your car. Prices in Jackson ~$3.70/gal. If coming from north, the last gas might be Dornan’s in Moose (open seasonally). Always return full to avoid ~$7/gal refuel fees.
• Parking at JAC: If you need to park at the airport (picking up/dropping off someone later), JAC has short-term and long-term parking lots. However, as a renter, you likely won’t need this. When returning your car, follow “Rental Car Return” signs straight to the lot. If you arrive early, there’s 30-minute free parking in cell phone lot or paid parking if you want to come inside. But typically, you’ll just drop and go.
• Winter Considerations at JAC: The airport is at ~6,400 ft elevation and gets snow. Runway closures are rare (snow removal is efficient). The main road is plowed frequently. Dress warmly for picking up/returning car (it can be windy on the tarmac). Allow extra travel time to the airport in snow, as mentioned. Rental cars come with ice scrapers; use them to clear windows. In deep winter (Jan), rental cars might already have engines warmed if plugged into engine block heaters overnight by staff a nice touch some companies do in extreme cold. If you find a plug, remember to unplug before driving off!
• Cell & GPS Signal: Cell service (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) is strong at the airport and en route to Jackson. Using smartphone navigation from the airport is generally reliable until you go into national park areas, where it gets spotty. For trips starting at the airport and going north (Yellowstone), consider a paper map or offline map download as backup once past Moran. But for just getting from JAC to your hotel, your phone or the car’s GPS will work fine.
• Rental Returns After Hours: If you have an early flight before rental counters open (say a 6 AM flight), don’t worry there’s a key drop box for each company, usually at the counter or sometimes outside by the return lot. Park in the return area, lock the car, note the mileage/fuel on your contract if needed, drop the keys & contract in the labeled drop box. Make sure interior lights are off and car is fully locked (and no personal items left behind). The company will process it when they open and email your receipt. We recommend taking photos of the car (fuel gauge, odometer, and car exterior) when dropping after hours just for your records.
• Luggage and Vehicle Choice: Flying into JAC often means a lot of gear (ski bags in winter, fishing rods in summer). When choosing a car, consider cargo space. SUVs and wagons are popular for a reason they fit skis without much fuss. Standard sedans might require folding a seat. Most rental SUVs come with roof rack bars; some agencies offer ski racks for an extra fee if you don’t want wet skis inside (reserve in advance). If you have oversized luggage, mention it at pick-up sometimes they’ll give you a vehicle with more room if available. Jackson’s elevation can also slightly reduce engine power (thin air), so if you’re on the fence between an economy car and a mid-size and have 4 adults + bags, mid-size might feel better on mountain grades.
• Local Regulations: As noted, no handheld phone use while driving in Jackson (hands-free only). Wildlife crossings: legally, you must yield to wildlife on roads obviously for safety, but also it’s against the law to harass or approach animals. If an animal is on the road, come to a full stop and wait until it moves or go around slowly if safe. Airport to Park road speed: strictly enforced at 45 mph, especially by park rangers at night tickets are not uncommon if you speed, so don’t.
• Airport Facilities: JAC has limited food options (a café/gift shop) and no massive shopping, so plan accordingly if you need snacks or supplies upon arrival you’ll likely head into Jackson for those. However, the small size means quick in/out, which is one reason renting here is so pleasant.

Whether you’re arriving in the heat of summer or depths of winter, Jackson Hole Airport is one of the most convenient places to grab a rental car and start your adventure. We hope this quick-reference guide helps you navigate the basics and we’re always here to assist if you have more questions. Enjoy your Jackson Hole journey!