Most visitors reach Zion National Park by driving 163 miles from Las Vegas via Interstate 15 and State Route 9 into Springdale. The park sits in southwestern Utah, where the main south entrance connects directly to the town.
State Route 9, Springdale, UT
Interstate 15 North heads toward Salt Lake City for 163 miles. Take exit 27 for UT-17 toward Toquerville and Hurricane. Connect to UT-9 East. The two-lane highway runs directly into Springdale and terminates at the park's south entrance.
Expect heavy traffic at the entrance gate during summer mornings. The $35.00 private vehicle pass covers all occupants for seven days.
Large vehicles measuring 11 feet 4 inches tall or 7 feet 10 inches wide require a paid ranger escort to traverse the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Escorts operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Drive south on Interstate 15 for 307 miles from the airport. Take exit 27 onto UT-17 toward Toquerville and Hurricane. Connection to UT-9 East brings drivers straight to the main entrance in Springdale.
The route crosses high desert terrain where winter brings freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Arrive before 8:00 a.m. to secure one of the 350 free parking spaces at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Late arrivals must pay $15.00 to $25.00 for a spot in town.
Personal vehicles are prohibited on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from March through November.
The SunTran Zion Route runs 42 miles from St. George to Springdale. Buses operate Monday through Saturday from 5:40 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Route stops pick up passengers in Washington, Hurricane, La Verkin, and Virgin.
Riders avoid the stress of finding parking at the visitor center. Fares cost $5.00 each way. The transit system does not run on Sundays or major holidays.
Disembark in Springdale to access the pedestrian entrance, where youth 15 and under enter for free.
A free shuttle covers the 3-mile stretch through Springdale and drops riders at the park's pedestrian entrance. Visitors pay a $20.00 individual pedestrian fee at the gate. Download the Flowbird app to pay for town parking and extend time remotely while exploring the canyon.
Bypassing the vehicle line saves hours on busy summer mornings. Walk straight from the drop-off to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to catch the separate in-park shuttle.
The 8-mile canyon shuttle runs every 5 to 15 minutes to the Temple of Sinawava.
The free Zion Canyon Shuttle runs 8 miles from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava. Services operate from March through November, departing every 5 to 15 minutes. Personal vehicles cannot access this scenic drive during these months.
The narrated ride provides a low-effort way to view the 1,000-foot sandstone walls and the Court of the Patriarchs. Buses feature lifts capable of transporting up to two wheelchairs.
The last bus leaves the canyon at 8:15 p.m. Missing it forces an 8-mile walk back in the dark.
Over 350 free, accessible parking spaces sit at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. They routinely fill before 9:00 a.m. during peak season. Visitors with medical needs can request a Yellow Permit here to drive the restricted Scenic Drive. Overflow parking in Springdale costs $15 to $25 daily; use the Flowbird app to pay before catching the 3-mile town shuttle to the entrance.
| From | Mode | Time | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) | Car | 02:45 | $40 per day | Take Interstate 15 North to exit 27, then follow UT-9 East to reach the south entrance. |
| Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) | Car | 04:30 | $40 per day | Drive 307 miles south on Interstate 15 before exiting at UT-17 toward Toquerville. |
| St. George, UT | Bus | 01:15 | $5 each way | Catch the SunTran Zion Route between 5:40 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., keeping in mind buses do not operate on Sundays or major holidays. |
| Springdale, UT | Shuttle | Varies (3-mile route) | Free | Pay $15 to $25 for daily town parking and use the Flowbird app to extend your meter remotely before riding into the park. |
Arrive before 8:00 a.m. to secure one of the 350 free parking spaces at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The lot fills completely by 9:00 a.m. during peak months. Late arrivals must pay $15 to $25 for a daily spot in Springdale.
Download the Flowbird mobile app before arriving to manage municipal parking in Springdale. The software lets you pay for a space and add time remotely while hiking. Use this tool to extend your meter while dining or exploring the park.
Ride the SunTran Zion Route bus from St. George to reach the park for $5 each way. The 42-mile route stops in Washington, Hurricane, La Verkin, and Virgin. Service runs Monday through Saturday from 5:40 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., but stops completely on Sundays and major holidays.
Fly into Las Vegas International Airport and drive 163 miles to reach the south entrance. Take Interstate 15 North to exit 27, then follow UT-17 and UT-9 East directly into Springdale. The trip takes two hours and 45 minutes.
Measure your vehicle before driving the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Rigs larger than 11 feet 4 inches tall or 7 feet 10 inches wide require a paid ranger escort to traverse the tunnel. These escorts only operate from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The drive takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to cover 163 miles. Take Interstate 15 North to exit 27 for UT-17, then follow UT-9 East straight into Springdale. Rental cars at the airport average $40 per day.
The SunTran Zion Route runs 42 miles from St. George to Springdale for $5 each way. Buses operate Monday through Saturday from 5:40 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., stopping in Washington, Hurricane, La Verkin, and Virgin. Services halt completely on Sundays and major holidays.
Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, which has over 350 free spaces. Arrive before 8:00 a.m. during peak season, as the lot fills completely by 9:00 a.m. Late arrivals must pay $15 to $25 per day for parking in Springdale and ride the 3-mile town shuttle to the entrance.
Personal vehicles are banned from the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during the shuttle season from March through November. You can drive year-round on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive, and Kolob Terrace Road. Visitors with medical needs can request a Yellow Permit at the gate to bypass the scenic drive restriction.
Vehicles measuring 11 feet 4 inches tall or 7 feet 10 inches wide require a paid ranger escort to cross the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Escorts operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arriving outside these hours means large vehicles cannot pass through the tunnel.
The free 8-mile shuttle system runs every 5 to 15 minutes from March through November between the Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava. No tickets or reservations are required to board. Missing the final 8:15 p.m. departure from the Temple of Sinawava forces an 8-mile walk back in the dark.
A private vehicle pass costs $35 and covers all passengers for seven consecutive days. Pedestrians and bicyclists aged 16 and older pay $20 for entry. Download the Flowbird app before arriving if you plan to park in Springdale, as cell service drops near the gates.
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