Closest Airport to Fly Into for Bryce Canyon National Park
If Bryce Canyon National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it absolutely should be. Picture towering red rock formations, endless scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails that transport you to another planet. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone with a curiosity for the great outdoors, your adventure to Bryce Canyon begins with a question—how do you get there, and what’s the closest airport? You’ve come to the right place. This article will help you discover the closest airport to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Spoiler alert: Bryce Canyon isn’t near major airports, but that’s part of its charm. This guide to different airports will help you map out your trip by breaking down the nearest airports, offering tips on scenic road routes, and setting you up for a road trip you’ll remember forever.
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Where Is Bryce Canyon National Park?
Located in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its jaw-dropping natural amphitheaters filled with hoodoos—those iconic, spire-like rock formations that look like they belong in a fantasy novel. It’s a dreamy spot for hikers, photographers, and anyone looking to escape into the rugged beauty of the Southwest.
The park is part of the “Mighty 5” National Parks of Utah, including Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Bryce Canyon sits roughly halfway between Salt Lake City, UT, and Las Vegas, NV, making it a potential stop on any road trip through the region.
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What Are the Closest Airports to Bryce Canyon National Park?
Because Bryce Canyon is a remote treasure, the closest airport to the Bryce Canyon National Park will still require a bit of driving. But don’t worry—the drives are half the fun, and we’ll show you why! Below are your four top options:
1. Bryce Canyon Airport (Bce)
- Distance from Bryce Canyon: Approx. 5 miles
- Best for: Proximity to the national park
Bryce Canyon Airport (BCE) is conveniently located just 5 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, making it the closest airport to the park. This proximity as the park’s nearest airport makes it an ideal choice for travelers who prioritize convenience and want to maximize their time exploring the park’s stunning hoodoos and scenic vistas. While Bryce Canyon Airport is smaller and primarily serves charter and private flights, it provides a hassle-free travel experience for those looking to access the natural wonders of Bryce Canyon quickly. As the closest regional airport, it’s perfect for adventurers eager to dive right into their outdoor adventures without the long drive from larger airports.
2. Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC)
- Distance from Bryce Canyon: Approx. 87 miles (a 1.5-hour drive)
- Best for: Those who want the closest possible airport.
This is the closest airport to Bryce Canyon National Park, and it is perfectly suited for those who don’t mind connecting through Salt Lake City or Dallas-Fort Worth to get there. Cedar City is small and charming, with limited flight options, so you’ll likely need to hop on a tiny plane. Once you land at Cedar City airport, it’s a scenic drive through southern Utah to Bryce Canyon.
3. St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
- Distance from Bryce Canyon: Approx. 125 miles (2-hour drive time)
- Best for: Access to Zion National Park along the way.
St.George Regional Airport is a modern airport offering more connections while putting you near Bryce Canyon. If you plan to hit multiple parks on your trip, this small airport is a fantastic hub. You can stop in Zion National Park (about 50 miles from the St. George Airport) before heading to Bryce, making for the ultimate desert road trip.
4. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Distance from Bryce Canyon: Approx. 270 miles (a 4-hour drive)
- Best for: Travelers looking for a direct flight hub.
Salt Lake City is the closest major airport with flights coming in from all over the country. As such, we think it’s the best option for most travelers in the United States. While it’s further from Bryce Canyon, the drive from Salt Lake City airport is an extended opportunity to take in Utah’s gorgeous landscapes—think sweeping mountains, rugged cliffs, and endless blue skies.
This airport services most major airlines and car rental companies. Along with Las Vegas Airport (LAS), this is one of the closest international airports to Bryce Canyon and a good option for international travelers.
We’ve selected to fly into Salt Lake City International Airport for several outdoor adventure trips, including travels to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. If you want to add additional Utah National Park destinations to your trip, this airport is a great option.
5. McCarran International Airport (LAS) (now called Harry Reid International Airport)
- Distance from Bryce Canyon: Approx. 260 miles (a 4-hour drive)
- Best for: Combining Bryce Canyon with a Las Vegas adventure.
Vegas, baby! Many people consider this the best airport for Bryce Canyon National Park visitors. With numerous direct flights from many destinations, you can land, rent a car, and be at the National Park about 4.5 hours after landing. McCarran International Airport is close to Bryce Canyon and a gateway to the two-for-one trip of a lifetime. You can enjoy the bright lights of Las Vegas before heading out on a tranquil drive that leads to Bryce’s peaceful desert atmosphere. Along with Salt Lake City International Airport, the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is the closest international airport and a good option for people coming in from international flights. This airport will be the best choice for many travelers.
Airport Options and What to Expect
Flying into Cedar City or St. George Regional means landing in smaller regional airports. While these airports lack the bustling energy of a major hub, they more than make up for it in charm and simplicity. Expect shorter lines, faster luggage pick-up, and personalized customer service.
On the other hand, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas airports are full-service hubs with plenty of dining, shopping, and lounge options. However, they come with typical urban challenges like longer car rental queues and higher chances of traffic leaving the airport.
Tip for Budget Travelers:
Las Vegas often offers the cheapest flight options due to its status as a popular tourist destination, while Cedar City may come with higher ticket prices because it’s smaller.
Best Roads to Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park
The beauty of Bryce Canyon lies not just in the park itself but in the scenic drives that lead you there. Each route offers incredible views:
From Cedar City
Take Route 14 East to Route 89 South, then transition to Scenic Byway 12. This drive is as short as it is stunning, with pine forests and rugged cliffs lining the way.
From St. George
Hop on Interstate 15 heading north, transitioning to Route 20 and then Route 89. Stop at Dixie National Forest along the way for a quick outdoor detour before arriving at Bryce.
From Salt Lake City
Drive south along Interstate 15 before connecting to Route 20 and Scenic Byway 12. Prepare for jaw-dropping mountain vistas, expansive deserts, and plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs.
From Las Vegas
Take Interstate 15 north toward Route 20 and then to Bryce on Scenic Byway 12. Along the way, make optional detours to Zion National Park or Snow Canyon State Park.
Scenic Byway 12
Regardless of where you’re coming from, Scenic Byway 12—dubbed “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway”—is a must-drive. Winding through red-rock canyons, alpine forests, and historic towns transforms a simple commute into part of the destination. Pro tip? Pull over frequently for photos; this route is Instagram gold.
Nearby National Parks
Zion National Park – About 1.5 hours away
Capitol Reef National Park – About 2 hours away
North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park – About 3 hours away
More Resources For Your Trip
Expedia – Our most used resource for flights, hotels, and rental cars. We recommend Expedia as a one-stop shop for making travel arrangements.
Rent Cars with Discover Cars – Explore your destination with a rental car. Use Discover Cars to compare options from multiple providers, ensuring you find the best price and vehicle type to suit your travel needs.
Welcome Pickups offers convenient airport and port transfers, with professional drivers ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start to your trip. They also provide private drivers for personalized sightseeing tours, allowing you to explore destinations comfortably and at your own pace.
Viator for Tours – Find curated tours from experienced local guides to make the most of your visit to a destination
Travel Insurance Master – Travel Insurance Master offers comprehensive travel insurance solutions, ensuring peace of mind with coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
Final Preparations for Your Bryce Canyon Adventure
Once you’ve landed and experienced the scenic drive to Bryce Canyon, you’re already halfway to the adventure of a lifetime. Take some time to plan your hiking trails. Our personal favorites include Navajo Loop and Fairyland Trail. Book your accommodations near the park, and pack plenty of water and sun protection.
Before you go, consider pairing your Bryce Canyon exploration with visits to nearby destinations like Zion National Park, Capitol Reef, or Escalante for a full Utah adventure.
Thanks for visiting this page. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
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