Transportation near Zion National Park

Where you fly into shapes your whole trip's driving time — and one 2026 rule change matters if you're bringing an RV.

By Air

St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest, about 44 miles and roughly an hour from the South Entrance, with a limited set of commercial routes on Delta, American, United, and Allegiant. Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS) is farther at about 160 miles (2.5-3 hours) but offers far more flights and often better fares, making it the most common choice for visitors from outside the region. Salt Lake City International (SLC) is about 307 miles (4.5 hours) — usually only worth it if you're combining Zion with other stops in Utah.

By Car

Interstate 15 is the main regional route, with Zion reached via UT-9 through Hurricane, La Verkin, and Springdale to the South Entrance, or via US-89 and UT-9 to the East Entrance through Mount Carmel Junction.

Getting Around Once There

Roughly March through November, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles and the free shuttle is the only way up-canyon — see the Zion Shuttle Planner for stop-by-stop timing. In winter, the road reopens and you can drive your own car.

The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and Oversized Vehicles

As of June 7, 2026, the park permanently eliminated the old escort system for oversized vehicles through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel — there is no longer a paid escort option. Vehicles exceeding the posted size and weight limits are simply not permitted past Canyon Junction toward the East Entrance and must reroute. If your RV exceeds the limits, you can still reach Zion through the South Entrance, where parking and camping options are available.