Closest Airports to Zion National Park: 4 Best Airport Options

Looking for the closest airports to Zion National Park? You’ve come to the right place!

The last time we visited Zion National Park, we were left wondering, which airport would be best to fly into? We wanted to visit other places around Zion but had a hard time making an itinerary as there’s just so much to see and do.

So to help you out, we’ve created this post with all the best and closest airports to Zion National Park as well as the best things to see along the way and so much more.

So let’s find the best airport option for you and plan your itinerary!

What are the Closest Airports To Zion National Park?

The closest airport to Zion National Park is St. George Regional Airport. 

This airport is just under a 1-hour drive from Zion, which is about 45 miles.

Depending on where you’re coming from, you may be able to find nonstop flights here. But most flights make stops in large nearby cities.

Because this is a regional airport, you’ll likely be able to find flights from many places within the United States, but finding international flights will be impossible. 

Where is Zion National Park Located?

Understanding where Zion is located can help plan your trip.

Zion National Park is located in the southwest corner of Utah, in the small town of Springdale. It’s just a short drive to both the Arizona and Nevada borders. 

Springdale is just under 3 hours from Las Vegas and about 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City.

Zion National Park Closest Airport to Furthest Airport

There are four different airports that offer the fastest ways of getting to Zion National Park. Let’s go over these airports and determine which might be the best for your trip.

Here they are in order from closest to furthest from Zion:

• St. George Regional Airport, Utah
• Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Nevada
• Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona

1. St George Regional Airport (SGU)

As the closest airport to Zion National Park, St. George Regional Airport is the best option for those who are planning to only visit Zion, as it’s just under an hour away from the park.

Driving to Zion from St. George is easy and makes a great choice for those who are staying near Zion National Park.

But, since St. George is a regional airport, there are only a few flights that come in that are nonstop. You can take a connecting flight from larger nearby cities to get here, such as from Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Dallas, or Denver. 

If you’re hoping to have a non-stop flight and not have to worry about connections, we would consider flying into one of the larger international airports.

Getting from St George Regional Airport To Zion National Park

• 45 miles
• 1 hour

Since the distance from St. George Regional Airport to Zion National Park is so short, it’s a simple and easy drive to make.

You’ll follow Utah State Route 7 (UT-7) until you reach Hurricane, where you’ll then follow UT-9. Pass through La Verkin, Virgin, and a few other small towns before reaching Springdale.

St George Regional Airport Airlines

Skywest, American, United, Delta

Non-Stop Flights into St George Airport

Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City

Things to See Between St. George Regional Airport & Zion 

Although the drive between the two is short, it’s always fun to make a few stops along the way. Here are a few fun things to see on the way to Zion during your travels. 

• St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site: Explore 200-million-year-old dinosaur fossils and life-sized models from the creatures discovered in Utah.
• Bloomington Petroglyph Park: Adventure through a rustic park, filled with large boulders with petroglyphs, telling the stories of our ancestors.
• Red Cliffs National Conservation Area: This 45,000-acre park is home to a diverse landscape of red rocks, plateaus, mountains, and plains. 
• Sand Hollow State Park: Explore the blue lake at this state park by swimming or boating, or riding the dunes on an OHV.
• Zion Restaurants: There are quite a few delicious restaurants near Zion in Springdale, Utah.

2. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)

The closest major airport to Zion National Park is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, otherwise known as Harry Reid International Airport. 

Whether you’re flying internationally or domestically, you can likely find a flight to the Las Vegas airport. It services flights from all over the world on most major airlines.

A majority of people flying to Zion National Park fly into Las Vegas, because of the convenient location and options for flights. You can also find many nonstop flights into Las Vegas.

Because of these flexible options, flying into Las Vegas McCarron International Airport is the best way to get to Zion National Park.

Getting from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport to Zion National Park

• 170 miles
• 2 hours 45 minutes

Getting from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is pretty straightforward and offers a beautiful drive through the deserts of Nevada and Utah.

Follow I-15 past Glendale and over the Nevada-Utah border. After about 2 hours, you’ll reach St. George, and will follow UT-9 and UT-7 until you reach Springdale.

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport Airlines

Southwest, Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit, Delta, American, United, WestJet, Sun Country, Alaska

Non-stop Flights to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport 

140 cities offer direct flights to Las Vegas including:

Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Portland, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, New Orleans, Boston, Honolulu, Philadelphia and more.

Things to See Between Las Vegas McCarran International Airport & Zion

During your drive from Las Vegas to Zion, you may want to make a few stops, as there are a few great places to see along the way!

• Las Vegas: Spending time in Las Vegas itself is worthwhile! Check out the Las Vegas Strip, see Fremont Street, and snap a photo in front of the Las Vegas sign.
• Lake Mead: While slightly out of the way, Lake Mead offers opportunities for boating, water skiing, and recreation on the largest reservoir in the United States.
• Hoover Dam: What was once the highest dam in the world, the Hoover Dam is an engineering feat that is worth a stop. It sits right on the Nevada-Arizona border.
• Valley of Fire State Park: It’s hard to believe this red rock oasis is just an hour from Vegas. See Elephant Rock, hike to Fire Wave, and just drive through the beautiful rock formations.
• St. George: As you make your way through St. George, visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site and Bloomington Petroglyph Park.
• Antelope Canyon: Even though this isn’t on the way, Zion to Antelope Canyon is a short day trip, and definitely something to consider adding to your itinerary. You can visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon or check out Canyon X. Just make sure to pick a good Antelope Canyon tour as some are better than others.

3. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Flying into Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital city, is another way of getting to Zion National Park. It’s a bit longer of a drive but gives you the chance to really explore more of northern Utah, which isn’t traveled to as often.

Because of the distance, we recommend looking into the first two options before booking out of SLC, but if they don’t work out, this is a good choice.

You could also book a connecting flight from SLC to St. George Airport to make the trip shorter and easier.

Or, if you were hoping to visit Salt Lake City, the Bonneville Salt Flats, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, or anything else in the north, this would make a great option for you!

Since SLC isn’t the nearest airport to Zion, this option is best paired with flying out of a different airport. For example, fly into SLC and out of Las Vegas.

Getting from Salt Lake City International Airport to Zion National Park

• 300 miles
• 4 hours 30 minutes

The route from Salt Lake City International Airport to Zion National Park follows I-15 for the majority of the drive.

You’ll drive through Provo, Fillmore, Beaver, Cedar City, and several other small towns along the way. After about 4 hours, you’ll turn onto UT-17 near Hurricane, before jumping onto UT-9, which leads to Springdale. 

Depending on what season you’re visiting, you may see snow on the drive, as Salt Lake City does get a lot of snow in the winter. You can avoid this by visiting Zion during the best time which is spring or fall.

Salt Lake City International Airport Airlines

Delta, Southwest, America, United, JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, Spirit, Air Canada, Aeromexico, KLM, Eurowings

Non-stop Flights to Salt Lake City International Airport 

There are over 90 cities that offer direct flights to Salt Lake City including:

Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, Portland, New York City, Boise, Minneapolis, Miami, Nashville

Things to See Between Salt Lake City International Airport & Zion

Since the drive from Salt Lake City Airport to Zion is pretty long, it’s nice to make a few stops along the way. Some are right along the way, while others will require a slight detour.

• Great Salt Lake: As one of the country’s only saltwater lakes, Great Salt Lake is a must-see while in Salt Lake City. Boat, swim, kayak, or just enjoy the views of the lake.
• Park City Mountain: If you’re a skier or snowboarder, a detour to Park City Mountain may sound enticing. It’s the largest ski resort in the United States, offering over 300 runs.
• Midway Crater: This unique, geothermal hot spring has been formed over the past 10,000 years and has a consistent temperature of around 95°F. Swim or snorkel in the crater for something unique on your Utah vacation.
• Provo Beach: While not quite an actual beach, Provo Beach is an amusement center with plenty of fun for everyone. A surf simulator, laser tag, a ropes course, and an arcade are just a few of the fun activities. 
• Mystic Hot Springs: These iconic hot springs in central Utah allow guests to soak in pools or bathtubs filled with natural mineral water, all while taking in the beautiful view on the horizon.
• Cedar Breaks National Monument: Similar to Bryce Canyon National Park, the Cedar Breaks National Monument sits above a deep natural amphitheater. Hike amongst hoodoos, tall trees, and lush meadows.

4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is another option for your flights to Zion National Park, but it certainly isn’t the quickest or best way to get to Zion.

With a nearly 7-hour drive, this route is best if you’re adding on other stops to your southwest USA trip, such as checking out the Grand Canyon or hiking in Sedona.

Because it’s a large airport, many international flights fly directly into Phoenix, and you can catch a connecting flight from here to St. George Regional Airport.

Although it’s long, there are a lot of ways to enjoy the road trip from Phoenix to Zion, making the 7-hour drive seem shorter.

Getting from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Zion National Park

• 400 miles
• 6 hours 30 minutes

From Phoenix, you’ll follow I-17, past Sedona, until you reach Flagstaff. 

You’ll then follow US-89 until you cross the Arizona-Utah border. Along this route, you’ll pass through Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah.

Once you’ve reached Mount Caramel Junction, you’ll turn onto UT-9. Soon, you’ll enter Zion National Park and travel on Zion Park Boulevard. Springdale is on the other side of this road.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Airlines

American, Southwest, Frontier, Delta, WestJet, United, Spirit, Alaska, Breeze, Sun Country, Air Canada

Non-stop Flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport 

There are 136 cities that offer nonstop flights to Phoenix including:

Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Detroit, New York City, Nashville, Boston, Orlando, Miami, Honolulu, New Orleans

Things to See Between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport & Zion

The drive from Phoenix to Zion is beautiful and full of great stops to make it a full road trip.

Here are just a few of the best options for your travels:

• Sedona: This increasingly popular small Arizona town is nestled in deep red rock formations. With incredible Sedona waterfalls, beautiful views galore, and great Sedona camp spots, you’ll never run out of things to do.
• Grand Canyon South Rim: As one of the most popular national parks, a visit to the Grand Canyon is a must while in Arizona. Take in a sunset, hit the hiking trails, or take a helicopter tour over the deep canyon. Whatever you do, it’ll be gorgeous.
• Antelope Canyon: Hiking Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular things to do on this route. If you feel like breaking up your trip, consider staying at one of the awesome campgrounds near Antelope Canyon. It can get very busy here in the spring which is the best time to visit Antelope Canyon so make sure to book your tour in advance.
• The Wave: If you’re lucky enough to get a permit for The Wave, it’s a must-see. This breathtaking pink rock formation makes you feel like you’re on another planet.
• Buckskin Gulch: Slot canyons aren’t uncommon in the southwest, but are always captivating to visit. Buckskin Gulch can be shortened to a day hike or you can do the whole thing as an overnight backpacking trip.
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: This unique park is home to a sea of breathtaking red sand. Either walk out into the sand and just enjoy, or rent an ATV for some off-roading fun.

Which is the Best Airport for Your Zion National Park Trip?

When you’re trying to plan your trip and flights to Zion National Park, there are many things to consider to make the most of your travel days.

You should really consider the type of trip that you plan to take while you’re in Utah. 

Ask yourself these questions to help determine where to fly for a visit to Zion National Park:

• Are you only visiting Zion National Park?
• Will you visit any of the other 4 Utah National Parks?
• How long do you plan to spend in Utah?
• Will you make any stops before heading to Zion?
• Are you flying internationally or domestically?
• Do you plan to visit any large cities nearby such as Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, or Phoenix?
• Will you visit any other locations nearby such as the Grand Canyon, Page, or the Grand Staircase Escalante?

What to Consider When Choosing an Airport

There are many things to consider when booking your flight to the nearest airport to Zion National Park. 

Aside from the above questions that you’ve answered, you’ll also need to think about the type of flights, the rental car that you’re going to book and where exactly you want to stay near Zion.

Below are a few things to think about when booking.

Booking Your Flights for Visiting Zion National Park

Booking flights is a large expense when it comes to traveling, which is why we like to use Skyscanner to compare pricing on different flights to find the best choice for us.

Before booking your flight to Zion National Park, be sure to compare flights into all four airports close to Zion to find the best options.

Booking a Round Trip Flight from One Airport

Roundtrip flights are easy to book and allow you to fly in and out of the same airport. This option is best for those who are planning to stay close to Zion National Park.

Pros:

• Can save you money
• One itinerary and everything in one place
• Less research than booking one-way tickets
• Get to fly your favorite airline both ways
• Great for staying in one location

Cons:

• Tough for traveling around, bad for road-trips
• Not much flexibility

Booking One-Way Flights from Different Airports

Another option is to book one-way flights to and from different airports. If you’re taking a flight to Zion National Park but are going to road-trip somewhere, it may be best to fly out of another airport.

Pros:

• More options for flight times, airlines, prices, etc.
• Saves time driving back and forth from one airport
• Budget airlines offer several options
• Airlines sometimes offer deals for one-way flights

Cons:

• Can be more expensive
• Delays can cause problems with connecting flights
• Several different itineraries, flight numbers, times to keep track of, etc.

Booking Your Car Rental for Visiting Zion National Park

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the area around Zion National Park, because it gives you the freedom to go where you want.

We use Discover Cars and really like them because they offer 24/7 support, free cancellations, and show the best prices for the best cars.

Pick-Up/Drop-Off in the Same Location

One of the options for renting a car is to pick-up and drop-off the car in the same location. This just means that wherever you initially pick the car up from (likely the airport), you’ll drop it off at that same airport.

Pros:

• Works well if you’re only visiting Zion
• Avoid extra one-way fees
• You’ll already have knowledge of where to drop off

Cons:

• Makes visiting other locations tough

Pick-Up/Drop-Off in Different Locations

The second option for rental cars is to pick-up and drop-off the car in a different location. There are a few reasons that you would do this, and it offers a bit more flexibility.

Pros:

• Allows more freedom for flying in and out of different airports
• Best for road trips and added destinations
• Saves time driving back to the same airport
• Maximizes your travel days if taking a road-trip

Cons:

• Usually more expensive with one-way fees

Closest Airports to Zion National Park FAQs

Is the drive from Las Vegas to Zion pretty?

Yes, the drive from Las Vegas to Zion is beautiful. It offers views of red rock formations, gorges, and prairies. It’s best during sunrise and sunset when the sun glows over the land.

Where do you fly into for Zion & Bryce Canyon?

Since there is no dedicated Zion airport, the closest airport to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon is St. George Regional Airport. But if you’re flying internationally, the closest international airport is Las Vegas International Airport. 

Is Bryce Canyon or Vegas closer to Zion?

Bryce Canyon National Park is closer than Vegas to Zion National Park. The drive to Zion from Las Vegas is about 3 hours, while it’s about 2 hours from Bryce Canyon.

Which airport in Utah is closest to National Parks?

There are several airports close to the Utah National Parks. The best airport near Zion is the Las Vegas International Airport. On the other side of the state, Grand Junction Regional Airport is closest to Arches National Park. Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon are in the middle of these.

Wrap-Up: Airport Closest to Zion National Park 

Choosing travel plans can be tough, but when there are so many great choices, it makes it easier!

Whether you book a flight to the closest airport to Zion National Park, or book one further away and make a road trip of it, you’ll love visiting the southwest corner of the USA.