If you’re looking for a scenic drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah, then the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is a must-see. This route takes you through the heart of Utah’s stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. Whether you want to make the drive in a single day or plan to take several stops along the way, this guide will help you plan your journey from start to finish.
Hertz
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Fox Rent-A-Car
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Salt Lake City to Moab Drive
Driving from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. The distance between Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is 233.8 miles (376.2 km). The quickest way to get from Salt Lake City to Moab is via I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S.
The route takes you through some breathtaking scenery, including the Wasatch Mountains, which are part of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll pass by the Provo River, which is a popular spot for fly-fishing, and through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, which is home to some of Utah’s most stunning scenery.
If you’re looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. This route takes you through the small towns of Mount Pleasant and Fairview, and past the beautiful Sanpete Valley. You’ll then turn onto Highway 24, which will take you through Capitol Reef National Park and into the town of Hanksville. From there, it’s a short drive to Moab.
How far is Salt Lake City to Moab by plane?
The flight distance from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is approximately 196 miles (315.4 km). The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.
There are several flights that depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and arrive at Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Salt Lake City to Moab
If you’re on a budget and looking for the cheapest way to get from Salt Lake City to Moab, taking a bus is your best option. Greyhound and Salt Lake Express offer daily bus services between Salt Lake City and Moab, with prices starting at around $35 for a one-way trip.
Another option is to take a shuttle service, such as Moab Express or Road Runner Shuttle, which offer door-to-door service from Salt Lake City to Moab. Prices for shuttle services start at around $60 for a one-way trip.
Salt Lake City to Moab Drive – Rent A Car In Salt Lake City
If you’re planning to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, renting a car is the best option. There are several car rental companies at Salt Lake City International Airport, including:
- Alamo: starts at $40 per day
- Avis: starts at $43 per day
- Budget: starts at $45 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $40 per day
- Hertz: starts at $44 per day
- National: starts at $46 per day
Rental car prices can vary depending on the type of car and the rental period. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. Gas prices in Utah are relatively low compared to other states, and you can expect to pay around $35 for a full tank of gas.
Salt Lake City to Moab – Driving Stops Along The Way
If you’re looking to make some stops along the way, there are plenty of great places to visit on the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab. Here are some of the top attractions and scenic stops:
Helper
Helper is a small town that is famous for its mining history. It’s a great place to stop for a meal or to explore the historic downtown area.
Price
Price is another small town with a rich mining history. You can visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum to learn more about the area’s past.
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is known for its unique rock formations, which look like goblins or mushrooms. It’s a great place to take a hike and explore the otherworldly landscape.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning park with towering cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. You can take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. It’s a great place to watch the sunset.
Moab
Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. You can also visit Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, which are both located nearby.
Salt Lake City to Moab – Best Driving Route
There are two main driving routes from Salt Lake City to Moab:
I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S
The quickest route is via I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S, which takes you through Spanish Fork and Price before reaching Moab. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes.
Highway 89 and Highway 24.
The more scenic route is via Highway 89 and Highway 24, which takes you through Mount Pleasant, Fairview, and Capitol Reef National Park before reaching Moab. This route is approximately 225 miles long and takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. While it’s a bit longer, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the extra time.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is a scenic and unforgettable experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah. Whether you’re looking to make the journey in a single day or take your time and explore the many stops along the way, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. From majestic mountains and deep canyons to national parks and charming small towns, this road trip offers something for everyone. Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take a bus or shuttle, the journey from Salt Lake City to Moab is sure to be an adventure that you’ll never forget.