A Guide to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Quick insights
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is located approximately 4 miles from downtown Salt Lake City.
- SLC has one main terminal that connects to the parking garage via a pedestrian bridge.
- The “Gateway Center” building adjacent to the parking garage houses airline check-in desks and car rental services.
SLC is just a few miles west of Downtown Salt Lake City and is the busiest airport in Utah. Due to its proximity to several ski resorts, it’s also a popular airport for winter sports fans.
Passing through SLC during your next trip? Below, we cover its ground transportation options, parking, terminal details and more.
Navigating to and from SLC
Those headed to and from SLC can choose from a range of different transit options:
- Taxi: Taxis are available 24/7 via Yellow Cab of Utah.
- Rideshare: Rideshare app pickup is in the middle traffic lane on the ground level outside the terminal. Follow curbside signs to find your exact pickup location.
- TRAX/Light Rail: The TRAX light rail’s Green Line stops at the ground level of SLC outside the terminal on the east side.
- Shuttle: There are multiple on-site shuttle companies located on the ground level of the terminal. Hotel shuttles also pick up outside the ground level (visit an airport information desk for additional details).
- Rental car: Rental car counters are in Gateway Center, which is adjacent to the parking garage. Passengers can access it from the terminal by the two bridges in baggage claim. There are also several off-airport rental car agencies accessible via shuttle service (pickup is west of the parking garage).
- Bike: SLC is also accessible via a 2.8-mile bike bath that connects to the south side of the airport from North Temple at 2500 West to the International Center.
Parking options at SLC
SLC’s parking garage is connected to the main terminal through pedestrian walkways. Parking options are as follows:
- Premium reserved parking (garage level 2)
- Daily garage parking (garage levels 2 and 3)
- Hourly garage parking (levels 2 through 5)
- Lot E
- Long-term economy parking (free shuttle service to terminals provided)
The parking garage features a Parking Guidance System that uses colored lights to indicate available parking, handicap-accessible spots, electric vehicle spots and reserved/in use spots.
Drivers picking up passengers may use the free Park and Wait lot located west of Terminal Drive. The lot features large electric flight information signs that indicate when passengers are ready for pickup.
Visit SLC’s website for additional parking information.
How early to get to SLC
Most airport officials suggest heading to the airport two hours before takeoff for domestic flights. It may be beneficial to add an extra hour of buffer time for international flights. You may want to consider programs like TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry to save time in security if you travel frequently.
If you’re traveling during a holiday or need additional time to park, you may want to arrive at the airport a bit earlier.
SLC airport map
Headed to SLC for a long layover and want to plan your downtime? Or want to check out pre-flight snack options? Refer to SLC’s interactive airport terminal map to find shops, restaurants, parking, airlines and more.
SLC terminal information
SLC’s main terminal is made up of two concourses linked by an underground tunnel. Passengers do not need to re-clear security when walking between concourses unless they are arriving from an international flight.
The main terminal is broken up into three levels:
- Level 1: Houses international arrivals, customs and immigration, baggage claim and a security checkpoint for international travelers. Ground transportation and rideshare pickup is outside this level of the terminal.
- Level 2: Connects to Gateway Center and the parking garage via a pedestrian bridge and moving walkways. There’s also a second security checkpoint (for all concourses) and baggage claim.
- Level 3: Includes airline check-in counters and self-service kiosks.
Does SLC have lounges in the Priority Pass network?
As of June 2025, SLC does not have any lounges in the Priority Pass network.
If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card or are interested in applying for one, you may be eligible for complimentary Priority Pass membership as a credit card benefit (note that the card has an annual fee).
Things to do at SLC
Have a few hours to spare before takeoff? Here are a few things you can do at and around SLC:
- Go shopping: Whether you forgot to pack enough outfits for your trip or have extra time during a layover, you’ll have plenty of shopping options at SLC. In addition to Salt Lake City Dufry Shopping (the duty-free store), there’s a variety of local boutiques that sell clothing, handbags and gifts.
- Have a bite to eat: SLC has a range of restaurant and cafe options. Visit White Horse Spirits and Kitchen for modern American fare and a broad drink selection; Uinta Brewing Company for made-from-scratch bar food and local craft brews; or Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for award-winning, hand-crafted cheeses and comfort dishes.
- Visit downtown Salt Lake City: If you have several hours to spare, head downtown via the TRAX Green Line (40 minutes) or taxi (15 minutes). Explore Temple Square (the historic headquarters to the Mormon Church), visit the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art or take a walk in Brigham Young Historic Park for some fresh air.
In summary
If you’re passing through SLC for your travels, you’ll have plenty of shopping and dining options available to you.
Though SLC doesn’t have any lounges in the Priority Pass network as of June 2025, members can access over 1,300 lounges worldwide plus additional benefits. Learn more about the different tiers of Priority Pass membership before your next vacation.
This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.
