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Plan Your Trip

Getting Around

The smartest ways to travel to, through, and around Zion National Park

Important Travel Updates

  • Zion–Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel closed to large vehicles. — Vehicles over 11′4″ tall, 7′10″ wide, or 35′9″ long cannot enter the tunnel. Measure before you go. Check Vehicle Restrictions
  • Now open — The Zion Corridor Park & Ride in Virgin, Utah, offers parking (including oversize spaces) with shuttle connections to the park entrance. Enjoy the Ride

Plan your arrival

Getting to Zion National Park

Fly St. George Regional Airport (SGU) , only 45 minutes from the park.

Daily flights connect directly to major hubs in

  • Salt Lake City (SLC) – Delta
  • Denver (DEN) – United Airlines
  • Los Angeles (LAX) – United Airlines
  • Phoenix (PHX) – American Airlines
  • Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – American Airlines

Seasonal Destination(s):

  • Chicago (ORD) – United Airlines (operates May through August)

Alternatively, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) offers a wide array of flights, as does Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). From these airports, you can rent a car or take shuttle services to Greater Zion.

Drive Interstate 15 and State Route 9 from the north, south, or east.

Drivers and road-trippers can reach the breathtaking landscapes of Zion National Park faster than you might expect.

  • From the north/south: Take State Route 9 through Springdale.
  • From the east: The Zion‑Mount Carmel Highway (SR‑9) connects Zion National Park to I‑15 and scenic areas beyond. Large vehicle size restrictions apply.

Once you’re in Springdale, you can hop on the free town shuttle or simply walk or bike through the pedestrian entrance to the park. Follow the bridge that crosses over the Virgin River to the entry gate, where you will pay the pedestrian entrance fee (which is cheaper than the private vehicle fee), walk in, and find yourself only a few feet away from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the first shuttle stop in the park.

Shuttle Convenient travel from anywhere in Greater Zion

The SunTran Zion Route runs from St. George to Springdale year-round with about 11 stops ($5 one-way, Monday–Saturday). With wheelchair-accessible buses, space for bikes and strollers, and simple onboard payment options, SunTran makes travel feel effortless.

You can also use the Zion Corridor Park & Ride at Zion White Bison Resort in Virgin, Utah to reach the park without driving the final stretch.

Insider's Guide to the SunTran Zion Route
Motorcoach Prefer to drive other people? Or to be driven?

Motorcoach companies planning to travel through the park can find plenty of resources at the link below.

Motorcoach Resources

Once you arrive

Getting Around Zion National Park

Main Canyon (Zion Canyon)

Seasonal shuttle · Angels Landing · The Narrows

When you envision a visit to Zion National Park, the famous scenery from the Main Canyon is likely what comes to mind. The main and most popular section of the park is accessed from State Route 9. That’s heading eastbound from St. George or Cedar City or westbound when coming from the Bryce Canyon National Park. Two of the country’s most iconic hikes are accessed via the Main Canyon, along with other incredible trails. Due to high visitation rates, it is the only part of the park that runs a shuttle to accommodate more visitors and ease traffic.

Kolob Terrace Permit

About 40 min from the Visitor Center · The Subway

Kolob Terrace is accessible from Highway 9 via Kolob Terrace Road, near the small town of Virgin. Home to the famous Subway hike, Kolob Terrace is approximately 20 minutes away from the Main Canyon. Most of the hiking trails in this section are long, backcountry hikes that are best-suited for advanced hikers with wayfinding skills. The scenic drive on Kolob Terrace Road is a breathtaking experience, especially during the fall months.

Kolob Canyons

I-15 exit 40 · about 1 hour away

Sometimes referred to as Kolob Fingers, this upper section of the park is located off Interstate 15 at exit 40, near New Harmony. Double Arch Alcove on the Taylor Creek Trail and the scenic lookout from Timber Creek Overlook Trail are the highlights of this area.

Don't mix them up

Which shuttle do I take?

SunTran Zion Route

Paid
Route
St. George → Springdale (42-mile route)
Stops
About 11 stops
Hours
5:40 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Mon–Sat (no Sunday)
Good to know
Year-round · $5 one-way · wheelchair accessible

Springdale Town Shuttle

Free
Route
Through the Town of Springdale to the Zion National Park Pedestrian Entrance.
Stops
9 Stops in Town
Hours
Every 10–15 min in season
Good to know
Seasonal · connects to Zion Canyon Village
Springdale Town Shuttle

Zion Canyon Shuttle

Free
Route
Visitor Center → Temple of Sinawava
Stops
9 stops to major trailheads
Hours
Shuttles arrive every 5 - 10 minutes
Good to know
Approx. March 7 – November 28, 2026
Zion Canyon Shuttle Schedule

Tip: During the shuttle season, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. This includes before shuttles start for the day and after they stop running. Don't wait for the last shuttle of the day to start heading back to the visitor center. During peak season the shuttles can fill up. If you miss the shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava, you'll have a nice trek back to your car.

Behind the wheel

Driving & parking

Driving in the park

Can you drive a private vehicle in Zion National Park? The answer is … yes, but restrictions apply.

  • Private vehicles are only allowed onto Zion Canyon Scenic Drive when shuttles are not running (typically late fall through early spring)
  • Shuttles do run on certain holidays, check the schedule

For the majority of the year, the shuttle is the best (and only) way to travel.

At any time of the year, private vehicles can drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel on SR-9; however:

  • the road is susceptible to light congestion (people want to take in the grandeur)
  • the tunnel is closed to large vehicles
  • winter road conditions may warrant temporary closures

Parking

Parking spaces inside the park boundaries are limited.

  • Arrive early for the best odds of finding a spot in the Visitor Center parking lot.
  • Observe all signage and park only in designated areas for your safety and the preservation of the park
  • Alternative option: park in Springdale, the town immediately adjacent to the South Entrance of the park. Pay for a space and revel in the time you save getting to the park. Jump on the free town shuttle and exit at the pedestrian entrance near Zion Canyon Village, a public plaza with access to parking, adventure outfitters, groceries, and adventure-fueling restaurants.
Learn how to park like a pro

Take it with you

Maps & Travel Guides

National Geographic Interactive Map

Explore the park with an augmented-reality, interactive map experience. (This map is owned by National Geographic. ZionNationalPark.com is not responsible for the information provided.)
National Geographic Interactive Map