How to Get to Bryce Canyon: Airports, Access, and Transportation
The short answer. You'll reach Bryce Canyon almost entirely by car. The closest regional airport is Cedar City (CDC), about 1.5 hours away by road. The two major international hubs are Las Vegas (LAS) and Salt Lake City (SLC), both 4 to 4.5 hours from the park. From the entrance station on UT-63, the first overlooks are just a few minutes away.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Cedar City Regional Airport CDC · 51 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Page Municipal Airport PGA · 61 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport St George Regional Airport SGU · 82 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Grand Canyon National Park Airport GCN · 112 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Canyonlands Regional Airport CNY · 155 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to Fly: Which Airport for Bryce Canyon
The park doesn't have its own airport. Your choice depends on your flight connections and the rest of your itinerary.
The Closest Regional Airport
Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC), in southwestern Utah, is the fastest option on paper: about 75 miles and 1.5 hours by road. The airport has only a few domestic routes, mainly from Salt Lake City. If you're traveling from France, you'll need to connect through a hub before Cedar City, which significantly reduces the time saved on the final leg.
The Major International Hubs
Las Vegas (LAS) is the preferred gateway for French travelers visiting this part of Utah. Harry Reid International Airport has good connections from European hubs, and the road to Bryce Canyon, about 270 miles and 4.5 hours, runs alongside or through Zion National Park depending on your route. It's the natural starting point if your road trip covers the parks of the Southwest.
Salt Lake City (SLC) is the other strong option. A major Delta and Southwest hub, it has several transatlantic connections. From SLC, plan on about 265 miles and 4 hours heading south on I-15, then UT-12. It's the right choice if your itinerary includes Arches, Canyonlands, or the parks of northern Utah.
Getting to Bryce Canyon from France
There are no direct flights between French airports and the hubs that serve Bryce Canyon. The standard route includes a layover on the U.S. East Coast, in New York, Atlanta, or Chicago, followed by a connection to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. Plan on 14 to 18 hours of door-to-door travel, depending on your layovers.
During the summer, some charter or low-cost airlines offer direct Paris to Las Vegas flights. Check the available options when you book. They can save you three to four hours of connection time.
Once you're there, a rental car is essential. No intercity public transportation serves Bryce Canyon. Reserve your vehicle early, especially in July and August, when rental fleets sell out.
By Car: Distances and Drive Times from Gateway Cities
Bryce Canyon lies in southern Utah, on the Paunsaugunt Plateau, at an elevation of about 7,900 feet. The main access road is UT-63, which branches south from UT-12.
| Starting point | Approximate distance | Estimated drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NV | ~270 miles | ~4.5 hours |
| Salt Lake City, UT | ~265 miles | ~4 hours |
| St. George, UT | ~96 miles | ~2 hours |
| Cedar City, UT | ~75 miles | ~1.5 hours |
| Zion NP (east entrance) | ~90 miles | ~2 hours |
From the north, via Salt Lake City: Take I-15 south to Exit 95 (UT-20), then UT-20 east to US-89. Follow US-89 south to UT-12, then take UT-12 east to the UT-63 junction. Head south on UT-63. The entrance station is at the end.
From Zion National Park: Head north on US-89 from the Mount Carmel Junction, near Zion's east entrance. The road passes through red-rock country and stays open year-round except during unusual snow events. Plan on 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
The Bryce Canyon Entrance
Unlike Yellowstone, with five entrances, or Zion, with two main access points, Bryce Canyon has just one official entrance for cars, on UT-63. The entrance station is just before the Visitor Center. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Current fees are $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, and $20 per person on foot or by bicycle. For applicable passes and discounts, see the National Parks Fees and Passes page.
Getting Around the Park
Once you're inside, the Scenic Drive runs 18 miles from the entrance to Rainbow Point and serves all the major overlooks. A free shuttle operates from late May through early October from Ruby's Inn, just outside the park. For schedules, stops, and parking tips, see the Getting Around Bryce Canyon guide.
Other Options: Tours and Excursions
Without a car, a few operators offer guided day trips from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. Round-trip drive times, about 9 hours from Vegas, leave little time in the park, but they're enough to see the highlights from the Rim. Choose an option that includes an overnight stay if you want to photograph the hoodoos at sunrise. That remains the park's central experience.
No regular intercity bus service reaches Bryce Canyon.
In Summary: The Right Route for Your Starting Point
- From France: Fly with a layover to Las Vegas (LAS) or Salt Lake City (SLC). A rental car is essential.
- From Las Vegas: Take US-89 north or I-15, depending on your itinerary. The drive takes 4.5 hours. It's ideal for a road trip that includes Zion and the Grand Canyon.
- From Salt Lake City: Take I-15 south, Exit UT-20, then UT-12 and UT-63. The drive takes 4 hours.
- Once you're there: Use a car for the Scenic Drive, and take the free summer shuttle to the main overlooks.
To plan the next part of your trip, the Bryce Canyon guide gives you the big picture, while the Itinerary and Length of Stay guide helps you decide how much time to spend in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into to visit Bryce Canyon?
Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) is the closest airport to Bryce Canyon, about 75 miles and 1.5 hours away by road. For international travelers, the major hubs are Las Vegas (LAS, about 4.5 hours by road) and Salt Lake City (SLC, about 4 hours). Both have good connections from French airports with a layover.
How do I get to Bryce Canyon?
You get to Bryce Canyon by car via UT-63, the park's only official entrance. From Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, plan on a 4- to 4.5-hour drive. No intercity bus or train serves the park directly from major U.S. cities.
How can I get to Bryce Canyon by shuttle?
The NPS shuttle runs inside the park during the busy season, roughly from late May through early October. It connects Ruby's Inn with the main overlooks, all the way to Bryce Point. It doesn't serve towns outside the park, so a rental car remains the only practical way to reach Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.