Getting to Arches: Airports, Access & Transportation
Arches National Park is in southeastern Utah, 5 miles north of Moab on US 191. Salt Lake City (SLC) is the most convenient airport for most visitors, about 233 miles and a 4-hour drive away. From Moab, the park entrance is just 10 minutes away.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Canyonlands Regional Airport CNY · 9 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Grand Junction Regional Airport GJT · 63 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Montrose Regional Airport MTJ · 93 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Telluride Regional Airport TEX · 106 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Cortez Municipal Airport CEZ · 111 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to fly: which airport for Arches
Moab's regional airport (Canyonlands Field, CNY)
Canyonlands Field is the closest airport to the park, 8 miles from the entrance. Direct flights are available from Denver (DEN), operated by a single airline. The benefit is clear: you'll land just 15 minutes from the park. The downside is just as clear: limited frequency, often-high fares, and inflexible schedules. Consider it if you find a competitive fare for your exact dates, but don't count on it as your default option.
Salt Lake City's international hub (SLC)
Salt Lake City International Airport is the logical gateway for most visitors. Plan on a 4-hour drive from SLC, mainly along I-15 and then US 191 southeast. The airport has nonstop service to all major U.S. cities and international connections, making it the main hub for a Utah national parks road trip.
Denver International Airport (DEN), 354 miles and a 5.5-hour drive away, is a good alternative if your flights are cheaper there or if your itinerary starts in Colorado.
Getting to Arches from France: nonstop flight or connection
There are no nonstop flights between France and Utah. From Paris-Charles de Gaulle, the most convenient connections go through Salt Lake City, with a stop in Atlanta, Los Angeles, or Chicago depending on the airline, or through Denver. Las Vegas (LAS), another major transatlantic hub with competitive fares, is 444 miles from Arches, a 7-hour drive. It makes sense if you're combining your trip with other parks in the American Southwest.
Our advice is to always compare SLC and DEN as arrival airports. The price difference can exceed €200 per ticket, and an extra 90 minutes of driving is easy to make up. For the trip's overall costs, our Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and passes.
By car: distances and drive times from gateway cities
A car is the only truly independent way to reach and explore Arches. No public transportation serves the park from the major cities, and even inside the park, you'll need a car to get from one area to another.
| City | Distance | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Moab (UT) | 5 miles | 10 min |
| Grand Junction (CO) | 109 miles | 1 hr 45 min |
| Salt Lake City (UT) | 233 miles | 4 hr |
| Denver (CO) | 354 miles | 5.5 hours |
| Las Vegas (NV) | 444 miles | 7 hours |
Drive times exclude stops and heavy traffic.
From Moab, the route is straightforward. Head north on Main Street along US 191, then turn right at the traffic light. You'll see the entrance station right away. From I-70, take exit 182 at Crescent Junction, then head straight south.
The park entrance
Arches has just one entrance, on US 191 north of Moab. It's easy to find. During the busy season, however, it can become a serious bottleneck. From March through October, lines several hours long can form during peak times. The NPS recommends entering before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid the worst traffic.
Timed Entry (reserved entry times): Arches uses a timed-entry reservation system during the busy season, for certain time windows each day. If you're visiting between spring and fall, reserve your time slot before you leave. Without a valid permit, you could get stuck at the entrance. The Arches National Park page explains the exemptions, including very early morning arrivals and on-site camping, as well as where to reserve your slot.
Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle, $25 for a motorcycle, and $15 per person entering on foot or by bicycle. The park's annual pass costs $55. The America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers all U.S. national parks for one year.
Getting around Arches
Once you've entered, your vehicle remains your only way to get around. Arches doesn't have an internal shuttle. Getting around Arches covers Scenic Drive, area parking lots, and restrictions for RVs.
Other options: tours and transportation from Moab
Several local outfitters in Moab run guided Arches trips by 4x4, bicycle, or on foot. Transportation from your lodging and the entrance fee are generally included. This is worth considering if you're traveling without a rental car or want a guide on less-established trails.
You can also reach Moab by intercity bus from Salt Lake City, making a car-free trip possible with the help of local tours. This setup is less flexible, but it is an option. For lodging in Moab and in the park, the Where to Stay in Arches guide covers every option, from camping to hotels.
In summary: which route works best for your starting point
From France, the smoothest option is still flying into Salt Lake City, renting a car at the airport, and spending a night in Moab, or halfway there if you arrive in the evening. From the U.S. East Coast, compare Denver and SLC based on the day's fares. On a full Utah road trip, Arches fits naturally after Zion and Bryce Canyon, as you head north toward Salt Lake City. The detailed Arches itineraries offer several ways to plan your time, from a quick day trip to a multi-day stay in the area.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport should you use to visit Arches National Park?
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the standard choice for visiting Arches National Park, a 4-hour drive from Moab. Canyonlands Field (CNY) in Moab is closer, about 15 minutes from the park, but offers very few flights and often has high fares.
How do you get to Arches from France?
To get to Arches from France, you'll need a connecting flight to Salt Lake City or Denver, followed by a rental car to Moab, 4 hours from SLC or 5.5 hours from Denver. There are no nonstop flights from Paris to Utah.
How do you get to Arches National Park by car?
To reach Arches National Park from Moab, take US 191 north and turn right at the traffic light. The park entrance is immediately visible. From I-70, take exit 182 at Crescent Junction, then head south.
How much time do you need to visit Arches National Park?
How much time you need to visit Arches depends on your plans. One day covers the must-see sites, including Delicate Arch, The Windows Section, and Devils Garden. Two days let you hike without rushing. Our Itinerary & Length guide lays out the options based on your priorities.
What's the best time to visit Arches National Park?
The best time to visit Arches National Park is spring, from April through May, or fall, from mid-September through October. Daytime temperatures range from 59 to 81°F, and crowds are lighter than in summer. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, making hikes strenuous. The Arches seasons calendar breaks down each period.
Where should you stay to visit Arches National Park?
For lodging near Arches National Park, Moab has most of the area's hotels and campgrounds. Devils Garden Campground, inside the park, books up far in advance. Our Where to Stay page lists all the available options.