Closest Airport to Zion National Park (And How to Get There)

Planning a trip to Zion National Park and flying in from out of state? One of the most common questions travelers ask is: what’s the closest airport to Zion? In this quick travel guide, we break down your airport options, drive times, and the best ways to get from the tarmac to the trail.


Closest Airports to Zion National Park

1. St. George Regional Airport (SGU)

  • Distance to Zion: 47 miles (~1 hour drive)
  • Location: St. George, Utah
  • Flights from: Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, and more
  • Pros: Closest airport to Zion
  • Cons: Smaller airport with limited flight options

2. McCarran International Airport (LAS) – Las Vegas

  • Distance to Zion: 160 miles (~2.5 hour drive)
  • Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Flights from: Most major U.S. cities + international
  • Pros: Affordable flights, car rental variety, entertainment stopover
  • Cons: Longer drive

3. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

  • Distance to Zion: 300 miles (~4.5–5 hour drive)
  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Pros: Major hub with more flight flexibility
  • Cons: Farther away; better for those doing Utah’s Mighty 5 road trip

How to Get to Zion from the Airport

From St. George:

  • Rent a car at SGU
  • Take I-15 N to UT-9 E toward Springdale

From Las Vegas:

  • Rent a car or book a Zion shuttle transfer
  • Drive I-15 N through Mesquite → St. George → UT-9 E

From Salt Lake City:

  • Ideal for those pairing Zion with other Utah parks (Bryce, Arches)
  • Drive I-15 S to UT-17 S → UT-9 E

Are There Shuttles to Zion?

  • Yes, but limited. A few private shuttle services operate between Las Vegas, St. George, and Springdale.
  • Not always daily or year-round—book ahead and check seasonal schedules

What to Pack for Arrival

If you’re flying in and heading straight to the trailhead, make sure to bring:

  • Lightweight layers
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Daypack
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

Need to gear up before you go? Shop Our Zion Travel Essentials for curated packs, hydration gear, and apparel ready for red rock terrain.


Final Thoughts

The closest airport to Zion National Park is in St. George, Utah, but Las Vegas is often the most practical and affordable for most travelers. No matter where you fly into, the journey to Zion is part of the adventure.

Fly in, gear up, and hit the canyon.Browse Our Trail-Ready Zion Collection

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