Getting Around Salt Lake City

Sparkling Salt Lake City, with its bluebird skies and powder-dusted mountains, is Utah’s capital city, yet it still manages to emanate a small-town feel. Downtown is easy to navigate and remains fairly quiet come evening. It’s hard to grasp that some 1.2 million people live in the metro area.

Two major interstates cross at Salt Lake City: I-15 runs north to south and I-80 east to west, while I-215 loops the city. The area around Temple Square is easily walkable, and free public transportation covers much of the downtown core. However, if you wish to venture beyond, you will need your own vehicle. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around in Salt Lake City.

Exploring Salt Lake City by Bike

Salt Lake City’s Transportation Department encourages bike riding throughout the city. They provide invaluable map resources showing the best cycling routes in the city and surrounding areas.

GREENbike, a nonprofit bike share program in Utah, aims to provide a sustainable travel option. Day passes are priced at $7; however, be sure to dock the bike every 30 minutes to avoid additional charges.

Utilizing Buses to Reach Ski Resorts

The Utah Transit Authority operates bus routes throughout Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front. The base fare is $2.50. During ski season, UTA buses service Park City for $5 and other Salt Lake resorts. Monthly and day passes are also available.

Convenient Travel Options: Cars and Taxis

For any travel beyond downtown, having a car is the best option. Note that if you are driving in downtown Salt Lake City, parking is metered.

National rental agencies have offices at the Salt Lake City airport. Alternatively, consider Rugged Rental, which rents out 4WDs, SUVs, and passenger cars, often at better rates than major companies.

Yellow Cab provides taxi service in the city, where the flag drop rate is $2.25, and the metered mile costs $2.20. Additionally, both Uber and Lyft operate in Salt Lake City for your convenience.

Commuter and Light Rail Transit Options in Salt Lake City

For longer distances, FrontRunner, the city’s commuter rail train, runs frequent service (one-way fare of $2.50) to neighboring Provo and Ogden. The light rail system, referred to as TRAX, serves Salt Lake City, its southern suburbs, and the international airport (one-way fare also $2.50).

Accessible Travel in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City International Airport offers a guide specifically for travelers with disabilities.

Wheelchair Getaways can provide a fully-accessible, ramp-equipped rental van upon your arrival at the airport. Additionally, United Access and Compassion Mobility offer a fleet of wheelchair accessible van rentals, including mobility scooter and power wheelchair rentals.

Furthermore, the UTA’s bus and rail system is accessible. They provide reduced fare options for qualified individuals with disabilities.

For bus riders, simply ask the bus driver to lower a ramp if necessary. Buses can also “kneel” to lower the first step, and tie-downs are available for wheelchair users. Lap/shoulder belts can be requested on demand.

On all rail vehicles, accommodations are made for riders with mobility devices. On the red and green lines, riders can press the blue “wheelchair accessible” button to access the door requiring assistance. The train operator will assist with boarding and disembarking. The blue line offers designated areas near the front for those using wheelchairs or walkers.

All FrontRunner trains are also fully accessible, provided you board the newer railcars, as the older “Comet” cars do not accommodate wheelchairs.

For further information, download Lonely Planet’s free Accessible Travel guides.

This article was first published on May 13, 2021, and updated on May 27, 2022.