Car rental in USA Utah

Why rent a car in Utah

Utah is one of the best road trip states in the US. Salt Lake City has light rail and buses, but its five national parks, Monument Valley, and the ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains are much easier to reach by car. With a rental car, you can plan your days around sunrise viewpoints and trailheads instead of tour schedules.

Tips for finding a cheap car rental in Utah

Looking for a cheap car rental in Utah? With EconomyBookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal in Utah, from Salt Lake City Airport to Moab. For winter ski trips or longer park routes, an SUV is worth comparing alongside budget options.

• Compare pickup locations - Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including potential off-airport savings.
• Slightly adjust pickup times and dates - Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
• Choose economy or compact cars - These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
• Consider both price and availability - Rental prices are often lowest 2-31 days before pickup, but booking earlier may give you a better choice of cars, especially during busy periods.
• Use free cancellation to look for a better deal - If your booking includes free cancellation, you can keep checking prices and rebook if you find a better deal.

Car rental requirements in Utah

Requirements can vary by rental supplier, but you'll generally need the following when picking up a rental car in Utah:

• Driving licence - A valid licence from your home country is generally accepted for visitors. If your licence is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation, as some suppliers may ask for one. US drivers only need their valid state license.
• Passport or ID - International visitors should bring a valid passport. US residents can use a valid driver's license as photo ID.
• Payment card - A credit card in the main driver's name is usually required for the deposit. Accepted card types and deposit amounts vary by supplier.
• Booking voucher - Have your EconomyBookings voucher ready, either digital or printed if the supplier requires it.
• Insurance - Basic liability cover is required by state law, but what is included in the rental price varies by supplier. Check whether your booking includes liability and damage cover, and consider supplemental liability protection, especially if you don't have US car insurance.

Always check your rental terms before pickup, as licence, age, deposit, payment, and insurance requirements can vary by supplier.

Driving in Utah

Parking

In downtown Salt Lake City, street parking can be paid with the ParkSLC app, by text, or at kiosks that accept card and cash, and there are many public garages. In national parks, parking at popular trailheads fills up early in the day, and some parks use shuttles or timed entry in busy seasons, so check the park website before you go.

Tolls

Utah has very few tolls. The I-15 Express Lanes between Spanish Fork and Layton require an Express Pass for solo drivers, and the short Adams Avenue Parkway near Ogden charges a small toll. Out-of-state transponders may not be accepted, so ask your rental supplier at pickup how express lanes are billed, or simply use the free lanes.

Road conditions & driving culture

Roads are generally well maintained, but distances in southern Utah are long and gas stations can be far apart. Mountain canyons and ski resort roads can need snow tyres or chains in winter. Some famous routes, such as the roads to remote canyons and viewpoints, are gravel or dirt, so check your rental terms before leaving paved roads.

Popular road trips from Utah

Utah's national parks and canyons are made for road trips. Popular drives include:

• Park City - approx. 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, a former mining town with ski resorts and a lively main street.
• Arches and Canyonlands National Parks - approx. 4 hours from Salt Lake City, natural stone arches and huge canyon views near Moab.
• Bryce Canyon National Park - approx. 4 hours from Salt Lake City, colourful rock spires best seen at sunrise.
• Zion National Park - approx. 1 hour from St. George, famous for the Narrows and Angels Landing hikes.
• Las Vegas - approx. 2 hours from St. George, the entertainment capital of Nevada. Check your supplier's policy on travel to other states.

Final checklist before you pick up your rental car in Utah

• Bring your documents - Driving licence (plus IDP if applicable), passport or ID, booking voucher, and the payment card required by your rental supplier.
• Check your rental terms - Review the deposit, fuel policy, mileage, insurance coverage, and any additional fees before signing.
• Confirm cross-border travel - Most suppliers allow travel to neighbouring states such as Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, but confirm any restrictions and one-way fees in advance.
• Inspect the car - Take clear photos and videos of the vehicle before leaving and make sure any existing damage is recorded on the rental agreement.