Salt Lake City works well as a base if you want downtown sights, outdoor spaces, mountain scenery, and easy day trips in one route.
Begin close to downtown
Start with Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, City Creek, or the downtown dining areas. Park once, then explore nearby stops on foot.
Keep the canyons in mind
Use the car for Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, or Millcreek Canyon. Check conditions before driving in winter.
Plan a wider Utah drive
With a rental car, you can head toward Park City, Antelope Island, Provo, or the Bonneville Salt Flats. Start early for mountain or desert routes.
What cars can I hire at Salt Lake City International Airport
The best vehicle for Salt Lake City depends on both the season and your route. A smaller car may suit city driving, while winter trips, mountain roads, ski gear, or national park drives may call for more space and added confidence.
Vehicle availability can vary by booking date, location, and travel period.
- Compact and economy cars: A good fit for light luggage, downtown hotels, short city routes, and easier parking around central Salt Lake City.
- Sedans: Useful for couples, solo travellers, and business visitors moving between the airport, downtown, the University of Utah area, and nearby suburbs.
- SUVs: Better suited to families, ski bags, winter travel, outdoor gear, and drives toward Park City, the canyons, or longer Utah routes.
- MPVs: Helpful when a small group wants more passenger comfort across airport transfers, shopping stops, or day trips.
- Vans: Suitable for larger groups, sports gear, ski trips, or itineraries with several suitcases.
- Premium vehicles: A comfort-focused choice for business plans, scenic drives, or longer highway routes across Utah.
Electric car rental at Salt Lake City International Airport
If you plan to hire a car at Salt Lake City International Airport, an electric rental can be a smart choice for city stays, hotel transfers, business trips, and planned drives around the valley. Hertz electric car rental at Salt Lake City International Airport gives you a quieter, lower-emission way to travel while keeping the flexibility of your own vehicle.
Value added services (VAS) – Enhance your rental experience
Available VAS products with Hertz car rental include:
- Loss Damage Waiver: Protects you from higher financial liability for eligible damage, theft, or accident-related charges.
- Liability Insurance Supplement: Helps protect you from eligible third-party liability linked to accidents or bodily injury during your rental.
- Infant seats: A travel add-on for babies who need rear-facing seating during airport transfers or longer drives.
- Child seats: Designed for younger children who still need their own secured seat during the journey.
- Booster seats: Helps older children sit higher so the vehicle seat belt fits more safely.
- Personal Protection Package: Combines Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) with Personal Effects Coverage to provide select accidental death, medical expense, and liability-related benefits.
Explore places within 30 miles of Salt Lake City International Airport
Temple Square and City Creek Center
- 7 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport (approx)
- 5,000 parking spaces available nearby (approx)
- 2 EV charging ports nearby (approx)
- Open Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 8 PM (approx) (Sunday closed)
Temple Square and City Creek Center are great to include in your itinerary if you want downtown landmarks, shopping, dining, architecture, and easy access to central Salt Lake City.
Natural History Museum of Utah and Red Butte Garden
- 13 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport (approx)
- Parking spaces available nearby (approx)
- 2 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open daily, museum usually 10 AM to 5 PM (approx)
This area works well if you want mountain views, museum exhibits, garden walks, and a quieter stop near the University of Utah. It is a good choice after collecting your car because you can combine indoor and outdoor sightseeing in the same part of the city.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo and Sunnyside Area
- 15 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport (approx)
- Parking spaces available nearby (approx)
- 2 EV charging ports nearby (approx)
- Open March to October, 9 AM to 5 PM (approx)
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a family-friendly stop near the mouth of Emigration Canyon, with animal exhibits, walking areas, and easy access to the east side of Salt Lake City.
FAQs
1. Can I get a car rental from Hertz directly at Salt Lake City International Airport?
Yes. After landing, follow the airport signs for Rental Cars from baggage claim to the Gateway Center. Hertz pickup is handled from the airport’s rental car area.
2. Does Hertz offer one-way car rentals from Salt Lake City International Airport?
Yes, one-way rentals may be available when booking. This is useful if you plan to start in Salt Lake City and return the car at another Hertz location.
3. Is it possible to modify or cancel my Salt Lake City International Airport reservation?
Yes, many bookings can be changed or cancelled before collection. Review your rate terms first, as changes to dates, pickup time, vehicle type, or return location may affect the price.
4. What are the requirements to get a car hire at the Salt Lake City International Airport branch?
To hire a car at Hertz Salt Lake City International Airport, the main driver should bring a valid driving licence, passport for identification, and an accepted payment card in their own name for the security deposit. The licence and payment details should match the booking name. If the licence is not in English, they should also carry an International Driving Permit along with their original national licence.
5. Can I return my car to a different location than specified in my contract?
Yes, but update the rental agreement before drop-off. If your plans change, contact Hertz so the new return branch and any one-way charges are confirmed.
