How to Get to Zion: Airports, Access & Transportation
The short answer: The most convenient airport for Zion is Las Vegas (Harry Reid International, code LAS), about 160 miles from the park, or a 2.5-hour drive. St. George Regional Airport (SGU, Utah) is closer (28 miles, 45 minutes), but flights are limited and often more expensive. Once you're in the park, you'll still need a car to reach the entrance. Inside the main canyon, the free shuttle takes over.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Cedar City Regional Airport CDC · 28 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport St George Regional Airport SGU · 32 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Page Municipal Airport PGA · 91 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Grand Canyon National Park Airport GCN · 105 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Boulder City Municipal Airport BLD · 138 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to Fly: Which Airport for Zion
The Closest Regional Airport
St. George Regional Airport (SGU), 28 miles west of Springdale, is the closest airport to Zion's main entrance. Plan on about 45 minutes via US-9. A few airlines, including Southwest and United, offer flights from Salt Lake City, Denver, and Los Angeles. Flights are limited, and fares are often higher than a Las Vegas ticket with a connection. It's a good option if you find a good deal or you're traveling from Colorado and want to avoid a major hub.
The Major International Hub
Las Vegas (Harry Reid International, LAS) is the natural gateway to Zion. From the airport, the route is straightforward: take I-15 north to St. George, then US-9 east to Springdale (160 miles, 2.5 hours). You'll find a wide selection of rental cars at competitive prices, and transatlantic flights arrive daily from major U.S. hubs.
Salt Lake City (SLC) is a solid alternative if you're combining Zion with Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, or the parks of northern Utah. From SLC, plan on 267 miles and about 4.5 hours via I-15 south.
Getting to Zion from France
There is no year-round nonstop Paris–Las Vegas service. Flights usually connect through a U.S. airport such as New York JFK, Los Angeles, Atlanta, or Chicago, for a total door-to-door travel time of 13 to 16 hours. A few seasonal Paris–Las Vegas charters operate in summer. Keep an eye out for them if you're traveling in July or August, but they remain infrequent.
Typical options from Paris-CDG:
- Air France or Delta via Atlanta or Los Angeles to Las Vegas (1 connection).
- United via Chicago O'Hare or Newark to Salt Lake City (1 connection, useful if you're starting your road trip in northern Utah).
Our Itinerary & Trip Length guide explains how many nights to plan for your stay, while our Springdale lodging guide lists places to recover from jet lag as soon as you arrive.
By Car: Distances and Drive Times from Gateway Cities
A car is the only practical way to reach Zion from outside the park. No intercity public transportation serves the park. The distances below assume normal conditions outside the busy season.
| Departure city | Distance | Drive time | Main route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas (NV) | 160 miles | 2.5 hours | I-15 N, then US-9 E |
| St. George (UT) | 28 miles | 45 min | US-9 E |
| Cedar City (UT) | 53 miles | 1 hour | I-15 S, then US-9 |
| Bryce Canyon NP | 75 miles | 1.5 hours | US-89 S, then UT-9 |
| Salt Lake City (UT) | 267 miles | 4.5 hours | I-15 S, then US-9 |
In July and August, US-9 between Springdale and the east entrance gets backed up in the morning. Leaving Las Vegas before 8 a.m. lets you reach the entrance stations before traffic builds.
For entrance fees, our Fees & Passes page covers the details ($35 per private vehicle at the time of writing).
Zion's Entrances
Zion National Park is open 365 days a year, day and night. It has four main access points, depending on which area you're visiting.
South Entrance (Springdale): The main entrance and the busiest one. It provides access to Zion Canyon and the free shuttle departure point. This is the natural arrival route from Las Vegas via US-9.
East Entrance (Zion-Mount Carmel): Reach it via UT-9 from the east, through Mount Carmel Junction. The road passes through a 1.1-mile tunnel carved into sandstone in 1930. Keep in mind that vehicles over 13 feet wide or 15 feet high require a paid escort and temporary one-way traffic through the tunnel. Check the current requirements before you leave if you're traveling in an RV or camper van. Our RV guide explains these restrictions in detail.
Kolob Canyons Entrance (northwest): Accessible from I-15 Exit 40. Far less crowded than the main canyon, this area reveals sheer cliffs and provides access to the Taylor Creek Trail. Consider this option if you're arriving from Salt Lake City and don't want to detour all the way to Springdale.
Kolob Terrace Road: Access it from the town of Virgin via US-9. The road climbs toward the plateau, with scenery that differs sharply from the canyon: wooded areas and open views of the mesas. Part of the road is unpaved and closed in winter.
Getting Around Zion: Cars, Shuttles, and Parking
Here's the key thing to know as you plan your arrival: private vehicles are prohibited on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from roughly March through November. Park in Springdale and take the free Springdale shuttle to the south entrance. Our guide to getting around Zion has the schedules, stop list, and seasonal advice.
Other Options: Tours and Public Transportation
There is no train or direct intercity bus service to Zion. Several agencies offer day trips from Las Vegas, with an early-morning departure, an evening return, and admission to the south entrance included. This works for a first look without renting a car, but you won't be on the trails at dawn, which matters on The Narrows or Angels Landing, and you won't be able to set your own pace in the park.
In Summary: The Best Way to Get There from Your Starting Point
From France, fly into Las Vegas. You'll have frequent one-stop flights, rental cars available right away, and a direct 2.5-hour drive to Springdale. Enter through the south entrance, park in Springdale, and take the free shuttle. If you're continuing to Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, or other parks, consider routing your return trip, or your departure, through Salt Lake City depending on the direction of your road trip.
If you're visiting several national parks on the same trip, the America the Beautiful pass costs $80 and covers unlimited entrance for one year. It pays for itself after visiting two parks. See our Fees & Passes page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into for Zion National Park?
The most convenient airport for Zion is Las Vegas (Harry Reid International, LAS), 160 miles and 2.5 hours by car. St. George Regional Airport (SGU, Utah) is closer (45 minutes), but flights are limited and often more expensive.
How do I get to Zion from France?
From France, fly from Paris to Las Vegas with one connection, usually through New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, or Chicago depending on the airline. Plan on 13 to 16 hours of door-to-door travel, followed by about 2.5 hours in a rental car from Las Vegas.
How do I drive to Zion?
From Las Vegas, take I-15 north to St. George, then US-9 east to the south entrance in Springdale. From Salt Lake City, follow I-15 south, then take US-9 from Cedar City.
How much does it cost to enter Zion Canyon?
Admission costs $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, and $20 per person entering on foot or by bicycle. Our Fees & Passes page compares these rates with the America the Beautiful pass ($80 per year, paying for itself after two parks).
How much time do I need to visit Zion?
Plan on at least two full days to explore the signature trails, including The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Emerald Pools. Our Itinerary & Trip Length page suggests plans for different amounts of time.
When is the best time to visit Zion?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best temperatures and somewhat lighter crowds than the peak of summer. Our guide to the best times to visit Zion covers each season.
Where should I stay to visit Zion?
Springdale, just outside the south entrance, has most of the lodging. Our Where to Stay guide and Zion camping guide cover lodging options and reservations to make ahead of time, especially during the busy season.
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