Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): The Complete Guide

SLC Airport Overview

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) completed a transformational reconstruction project in 2023-2024, replacing an aging multi-concourse facility with a sleek, modern single-terminal building featuring two linear concourses. The result is one of the best major airports in the American West — spacious, efficient, and significantly easier to navigate than the old complex. Delta Air Lines uses SLC as a western hub, which means excellent connectivity to the Pacific Rim, Europe via Salt Lake, and throughout the domestic network.

The airport is uniquely positioned for ski resort access — the Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts (Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, Alta) are 30 to 45 minutes from SLC, making it the closest major US airport to world-class skiing.

Terminal Layout

SLC has a single terminal building with two concourses — A and B — connected by two underground tunnels. The terminal has three levels: international arrivals on Level 1, security and baggage claim on Level 2, and check-in on Level 3. There is a single security checkpoint with 16 lanes, which is one of the most efficient arrangements at any major US airport.

Concourse A (47 gates)

Concourse A is the main Delta hub concourse, handling a large portion of both domestic and international Delta flights. All passport control and immigration for international arrivals are located in Concourse A. Delta's Delta Sky Club is located here. The concourse has the airport's strongest selection of dining and retail.

Concourse B (31 gates)

Concourse B serves Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and other non-Delta carriers. Domestic-focused, with a solid dining and retail selection. The two underground tunnels connecting A and B make transfers between concourses quick and easy.

Airlines at SLC

Delta Air Lines dominates with Concourse A operations and a significant share of total traffic. Other carriers include Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit. International carriers include Delta's SkyTeam partners including Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and others depending on the season. SLC offers nonstop service to 93 cities in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe, with 343 scheduled departures daily.

Getting To and From SLC

TRAX Light Rail (Best Downtown Option)

The TRAX light rail Green Line connects SLC directly to downtown Salt Lake City in about 30 minutes, with stops throughout downtown and the University of Utah campus. The airport station is inside the terminal. Fares are around $2.50. This is the most convenient and cheapest way to get downtown, avoiding I-80 and I-215 traffic.

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft pick up at the designated ground transportation area. Downtown Salt Lake City is 20 to 30 minutes and $20 to $35. The Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts (Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, Solitude) are 30 to 45 minutes and $45 to $70. Park City is about 40 to 50 minutes on I-80 and runs $55 to $85. Deer Valley and Sundance are similar distances.

Rental Cars

The consolidated rental car facility is inside the new terminal building and is accessed from the ground level. All major brands are available. For ski trips to Cottonwood Canyon, Park City, or other Wasatch Front resorts, a rental car or shuttle service is the standard option.

Parking

The new terminal has integrated parking garages. Daily garage rates run $22 to $28. Economy lots are around $14 to $16 per day. During ski season (December through March), parking demand spikes and advance booking is recommended.

Lounges

• Delta Sky Club (Concourse A) — Delta's full-service lounge in the new terminal, with hot food, a full bar, showers, workspaces, and a quiet area. One of the better Sky Club locations with modern design. Available to Sky Club members and eligible Delta passengers.
• The Club at SLC — A pay-per-use lounge open to any passenger. Day passes available at the door or online. Good option for non-Delta travelers without airline lounge access.

Dining and Shopping

The new SLC terminal has dramatically improved dining options, with a strong mix of local Utah concepts and national chains.

• Bruges Waffle & Frites — A Salt Lake City favorite serving Belgian waffles and crispy frites. One of the best airport food options in the Mountain West.
• Settebello Pizzeria — Neapolitan pizza from SLC's beloved pizzeria. Wood-fired, thin crust, excellent.
• Copper Common — SLC cocktail bar concept with craft cocktails and elevated bar food.
• The Market — Grab-and-go options including fresh salads, sandwiches, and snacks for quick departures.
• Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin' — National quick-service chains available throughout both concourses.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

SLC offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The new facility has excellent power outlet and USB charging coverage at most gates. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the central security checkpoint.

Tips for Navigating SLC

• SLC is exceptional for ski trips. No major US airport is closer to world-class skiing than Salt Lake City. Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude are all 30 to 45 minutes away. If you are visiting Utah for skiing, SLC is the right arrival airport.
• The new terminal is a genuine improvement. If you flew through the old SLC, the new facility is dramatically better — more space, better wayfinding, better food, and significantly less congestion.
• International arrivals use Concourse A. All international passengers clear customs and immigration in Concourse A regardless of which airline they flew.
• TRAX is excellent for downtown. The light rail connection to downtown SLC is fast and cheap. Skip the rideshare for downtown-bound travel.
• Ski season means busy airport. December through March sees heavy ski traffic at SLC. Book parking in advance and expect more crowded security lines during holiday weekends.

Nearby Hotels

The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City and the Grand America Hotel are in downtown SLC, about 20 to 30 minutes from the airport. The Marriott Salt Lake City Airport is adjacent to the terminal with shuttle service. For ski resort proximity, multiple lodging options in Little Cottonwood Canyon (Snowbird's Cliff Lodge) and Park City are 30 to 50 minutes from SLC.