Getting Around Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has transformed into a modern public transit hub while remaining a car-oriented city. Visitors have several practical options for moving around, from an extensive bus network to light rail and commuter trains. The city's logical street grid also makes navigation straightforward whether you're driving or walking.
The Street Grid and Navigation
Salt Lake City's street system is based on a numbered grid radiating from Temple Square downtown. Streets are labeled by their distance from the center—500 East means five blocks east, 1300 South means thirteen blocks south. This system makes it easy to understand where you are and how to reach your destination. Major streets run precisely east-to-west or north-to-south, and a few key streets have names instead of numbers: State Street (100 East), North Temple (100 North), and South Temple, which runs east-west through downtown.
A few neighborhoods, like the Avenues in northeast Salt Lake City, have their own separate grid systems that don't align perfectly with the main grid, but directional street signs usually provide coordinate information to help you navigate.
Walking in Salt Lake City
Downtown Salt Lake City and the surrounding neighborhoods are walkable for visitors. The city's wide streets and grid layout make it easy to explore on foot. Much of downtown is compact and accessible, and the Free Fare Zone (see Public Transit section below) makes short transit hops convenient if you need them.
Public Transit Overview
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates nearly all public transportation in Salt Lake City, including buses, light rail, commuter trains, and a streetcar. The system is well-developed for a city of its size and is heavily used by both residents and visitors. A major advantage for visitors is the Free Fare Zone in downtown Salt Lake City and the adjacent area extending up to the State Capitol—transit is completely free in this zone, making it easy to explore without worrying about fares.
Light Rail (TRAX)
TRAX is Salt Lake City's light rail system, with three lines that connect downtown with surrounding areas. The system is modern, clean, and straightforward to use:
- One line runs from downtown south to Draper
- A second line connects the University of Utah with downtown and extends southwest to South Jordan
- The third line (the Green Line) runs from Salt Lake City International Airport through downtown and southwest to West Valley City
TRAX is an excellent way to reach major destinations throughout Salt Lake County. All lines converge downtown, making it easy to transfer between lines. Fares vary by distance; visitors can purchase single rides or multi-day passes. The light rail is particularly useful for reaching the airport affordably, and for exploring neighborhoods beyond downtown without a car.
Commuter Rail (FrontRunner)
The FrontRunner is a commuter rail line that runs from Ogden in the north through Salt Lake City to Provo in the south, following the Wasatch Front urban corridor. This is useful if you're visiting areas outside Salt Lake City proper, such as Provo or Ogden, or if you're arriving from those regions. One-way fares range from $2.50 to $9.70 depending on distance traveled. The FrontRunner connects with the TRAX system at Salt Lake Central Station downtown.
Bus System
UTA operates an extensive bus network that covers Salt Lake City and extends throughout the Salt Lake Valley and beyond. The bus system reaches almost everywhere within the city limits and serves many destinations in the surrounding valley and along the Wasatch Front. Express buses run between Salt Lake City and its major suburbs, and UTA also provides winter service to ski resorts in the Wasatch Range for visitors interested in winter sports.
Like TRAX, bus fares vary by distance, and single trips or multi-day passes are available. The buses are a flexible way to explore neighborhoods and reach destinations not served by light rail. Paratransit service with curbside pickup is available for travelers with disabilities.
Streetcar
The S Line (Sugar House Streetcar) is a modern streetcar that connects the Central Pointe TRAX station in South Salt Lake with the Sugar House business district. This is a lower-speed, neighborhood-oriented transit option that links one of Salt Lake City's popular shopping and dining areas with the broader transit network. It's a useful option if you're visiting Sugar House or want a scenic ride through that neighborhood.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Salt Lake City and can be hailed at the airport, downtown, and major hotels. Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft operate in the city and offer convenient alternatives to taxis, particularly if you have a smartphone. Both services are readily available from the airport and throughout the city.
Driving in Salt Lake City
If you choose to drive, Salt Lake City's wide streets and logical grid make navigation relatively straightforward. One-way streets are rare, and outside of downtown, parking is generally easy to find. However, traffic during morning and evening rush hours slows considerably.
The city is served by major interstate highways. Interstate 15 runs straight north-to-south through the city near downtown. Interstate 80 comes from the west and merges with I-15, then continues east through largely residential areas and the Sugar House neighborhood. Interstate 215 forms a loop around much of the city and serves as a useful bypass route around downtown if needed. State Route 201 heads west from I-15 into the western suburbs.
Getting from the Airport to Downtown
Salt Lake City International Airport is located on the western side of the city, just off I-80. You have several options for reaching downtown and other parts of the city:
- TRAX Light Rail: The most affordable option is the UTA TRAX Green Line, which provides a direct connection from the airport to downtown. This is a convenient and economical choice for visitors traveling alone or in small groups.
- Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft services operate from the airport and provide point-to-point service to hotels and other destinations throughout the city.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport terminal and offer a traditional alternative to ride-sharing services.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer complimentary or paid shuttle service from the airport—check with your hotel in advance.
- Car Rental: If you're planning to drive during your stay, rental car agencies are available at the airport.
The TRAX option is recommended for visitors staying downtown or near the light rail line, as it's economical and requires no advance arrangement. If you're staying elsewhere or have luggage, ride-sharing or a taxi may be more convenient.
Purchasing Transit Passes
UTA offers various fare options. Single-trip passes are available, and visitors staying multiple days can purchase multi-day passes for unlimited travel on TRAX and buses. These passes provide good value if you plan to use public transit frequently. Remember that travel within the Free Fare Zone downtown is always complimentary, so you can explore the city center without any transit cost.