Best Airports To Access Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a popular destination for travellers seeking to explore the dramatic landscapes and hiking trails of Southern Utah. The closest airport to the park is St. George Regional Airport, which is approximately 45-48 miles away, but flights to this airport are limited. For those flying from outside North America, the best option is to fly into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, which is a 2.5-3 hour drive from the park. This airport is served by non-stop flights from most US airports and has low-cost airlines, making it an ideal entry point for those visiting Zion exclusively. However, travellers planning to visit other destinations like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Sedona may prefer flying into Phoenix or Salt Lake City.

Airports for Zion National Park

Las Vegas International Airport

The airport is about a 2.5-hour drive from the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park. The route to the park from the airport takes you north on I-15, briefly crossing through Arizona before entering Utah. Past St. George, take UT-9 east to Springdale and the west entrance of the park. This route also provides access to other iconic parks such as Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon's North Rim, and Valley of Fire State Park. The drive offers breathtaking desert landscapes and the opportunity to explore multiple national parks.

If you're looking for a shorter drive to Zion National Park, St. George Regional Airport is the closest airport to the park, located just an hour away from the west entrance. However, it is a regional airport with very limited flights, making it a less convenient option for most travellers.

When planning a trip to Zion National Park, it's important to consider your overall itinerary and the airports you'll be using. While Las Vegas International Airport is the closest major international airport, there are other regional airports in the area, such as St. George Regional Airport and Cedar City Regional Airport, that may be more convenient depending on your travel plans.

Additionally, consider renting a car at the airport to create a flexible itinerary and explore the region's natural wonders at your own pace. By choosing Las Vegas International Airport as your entry point, you can easily access Zion National Park and other nearby attractions, making it a convenient and popular choice for travellers.

St. George Regional Airport

The airport is ideal for those who want to maximise their time in Zion with minimal travel, as it is a quick, scenic drive to the park. From the airport, travellers can drive east on UT-9 E for about an hour to reach Zion National Park. This route also provides access to other iconic parks such as Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon's North Rim.

When flying from St. George Airport, it is recommended to arrive early to account for parking, baggage drop-off, and other pre-flight procedures. Most airlines suggest arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

The airport covers 3,400 acres (14 km2) at an elevation of 1,135 ft (346 m) and features three parallel concrete runways that can accommodate aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 900,000 lb (410,000 kg) or more. In 2021, it was the 14th-busiest airport in the US and 33rd-busiest worldwide. The airport offers convenient parking options and was ranked the best airport overall among the 20 largest US airports by The Wall Street Journal in 2019 and again in 2023.

When considering which airport to use for a trip to Zion National Park, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a good option if you plan to visit other destinations in the region, such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Page, Arizona. The drive from Phoenix to Zion via this route takes about 6 hours and offers diverse landscapes. However, if Zion is your only destination, Las Vegas's airport, about a 2.5-hour drive from Zion, may be a more convenient option.

For those seeking a direct route to Zion, the St. George Regional Airport is the closest option, located just 45 miles from the park. Alternatively, the Cedar City Regional Airport is about an hour away, but flight options are limited. When planning a trip to Zion, it's important to consider your overall itinerary and choose airports that align with your desired destinations and time constraints.

Salt Lake City International Airport

If you are looking to create a wider road trip route, it can be more efficient to use different airports at the start and end of your trip. For example, you could fly into Salt Lake City and then, on the way back, drop down to Phoenix, which is closer to the Grand Canyon.

Cedar City Regional Airport

The airport covers 1,040 acres of land at an elevation of 5,622 feet and has two asphalt runways. In 2022, the airport recorded 119,544 aircraft operations, averaging 327 per day, with 99% being general aviation, 1% air taxi, less than 1% airline, and less than 1% military. The airport is owned by the Cedar City Corporation, and airline flights are subsidised by the Essential Air Service program.

While Cedar City Regional Airport is a convenient option for those travelling to Zion National Park, it is important to note that it does not offer many flight options. For travellers looking for more flight choices, Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport, about 2.5 hours' drive from Zion, is a popular entry point. This airport offers numerous direct flights, convenient rental car options, and the opportunity to visit multiple national parks along the route to Zion.

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