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![Salt Lake City International Airport [SLC] – Ultimate Terminal Guide](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Salt-Lake-City-International-Airport.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1420&height=650&fit=crop)
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Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) served 22 million passengers in 2021, with around 370 daily commercial departures. SLC is the fifth-biggest hub for Delta Air Lines, accounting for approximately 70% of the airport’s operations.
Only an hour’s drive from 10 major ski resorts, SLC is Utah’s gateway for many winter sports enthusiasts. It is also home to Temple Square, the most popular tourist attraction in Utah, which draws 3 to 5 million tourists annually.
Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Terminals: 1 main terminal and 2 concourses
Airport Address: 776 N. Terminal Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84122
Distance From Downtown Salt Lake City: Approximately 6 miles (10 km)
Website: slcairport.com
Phone Number: 800-595-2442
Passengers Served: 22.3 million
Daily Departures: 370
Destinations Served: 98 nonstop destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed online
Salt Lake City International Airport unveiled phase 1 of its major airport expansion project in the fall of 2020. The “New SLC” has seen the old 5 concourses replaced with 2 linear concourses that ease passenger congestion and allow for quicker connections.
The new main terminal is at the airport’s south end and is served by a new 4-lane road system for passenger pick-up/drop-off and ground transportation. A new parking garage is located across the roadway and is connected to the terminal via a pedestrian bridge.
Adjacent to the parking garage is the Gateway Center, with quick-service airline check-in desks and car rental services.
The terminal has 3 levels: international arrivals on Level 1, security and baggage claim on Level 2, and check-in on Level 3. Once through security, you’ll arrive at The Plaza, where a good selection of restaurants and shops can be found, along with access to the Delta Sky Club on level 3.
International arrivals are on the lower level of the main terminal, with customs and immigration, baggage claim, and a security checkpoint for international arrivals connecting to onward flights.
Ground transportation is located outside the terminal, with rideshare pick-up areas, shuttle buses, and taxis.
Level 2 is connected to the Gateway Center and terminal parking lot via a pedestrian bridge with moving walkways. Baggage claim and a greeting room are on this level, as well as the consolidated security checkpoint for all concourses.
Curbside drop-off is possible outside the terminal on level 3, and passengers will find airline check-in counters and self-serve kiosks inside. After checking in, passengers must take the escalator or lift to level 2 for the security checkpoint and other facilities.
Concourse A is located west of The Plaza and is primarily used by Delta Air Lines. Apart from access to the underground tunnel to Concourse B, all gates and facilities are on 1 level.
Concourse A has 35 gates numbered A1 to 25, A27, A29, A31, A33, and A35. There are several shops and restaurants along the full length of the concourse and a Delta SkyClub. An additional area remains under construction.
Concourse B is connected to Concourse A via an underground pedestrian tunnel between gates A13 and A15. All other airlines currently use Concourse B and its 23 gates numbered B1 to B22 and B24.
Moving walkways are positioned along most of the length of the concourse, along with a good selection of shops and restaurants.
SLC is in Phase 2 of its expansion. Phase 2 includes the build-out of Concourse A to the east with 22 gates, which opened in May 2023. The remaining 17 are scheduled to open in October 2023.
Phase 3 will see the opening of “The Central Tunnel,” which will connect the A and B concourses.
Both concourses within the secure area are interlinked via an underground tunnel, so passengers do not have to exit and re-clear security for flight connections unless arriving on an international flight.
The image above shows the distances and average walking times between concourses. This displays the existing Concourses A and B and the future concourses once the development has been completed.
SLC has 2 security checkpoints — the main checkpoint located on level 2 of the main terminal and 1 for international arrivals connecting to other flights. The main checkpoint is open 24/7.
Hot Tip:According to our study, Salt Lake City International Airport had the best average TSA security wait time of 9.1 minutes. Couple this with our best ways to get through TSA; you’ll be on your journey in no time.
TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the main security checkpoint from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There is currently no TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center at SLC. The closest is IdentoGO, 3667 W. 1987 S., Bldg. 6, Salt Lake City, UT 84104-4904.
SLC has Global Entry kiosks for expedited clearance of pre-approved passengers.
Conditionally approved applicants may arrange an interview at the airport’s Enrollment Center, located at the west end of level 1, near the international arrivals area. The Enrollment Center is open daily from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and interviews must be arranged beforehand.
SLC also participates in Enrollment on Arrival, and conditionally approved applicants may opt to conduct their interview when arriving at SLC. Enrollment on Arrival is processed daily from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Hot Tip:Considering Global Entry? These are some practical, frequently asked questions about the program and our expert answers on what to expect from the program.
CLEAR lanes and enrollment are available daily at the main terminal security checkpoint from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Passengers have access to only 1 lounge at SLC — the Delta Sky Club. Once you’ve cleared security, this is located on level 3 of The Plaza and is open daily from 4:45 a.m. to 12:15 a.m.
Access is possible with a Sky Club membership or for eligible premium cabin passengers, eligible frequent flyers, or credit cardholders.
Hot Tip:Do you typically pay for day passes when flying from the airport? These are the best credit cards for lounge access.
Around 2 dozen restaurants and shops are open in the terminal and concourses.
Passengers can view a list of open shops and restaurants at SLC.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for all guests and passengers. Users can connect by selecting “SLCAirport.wifi” from the available connections.
Charging Stations: Free charging stations are available in baggage claim, The Plaza, and both concourses.
Hot Tip:If you struggle with a Wi-Fi connection when traveling, check out the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots.
Passengers who lose an item within the airport’s public areas or at security need to contact the lost and found office located at the west end of baggage claim on level 2. The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Alternatively, passengers may browse items on the airport’s lost and found online gallery or submit a claim. This can be helpful if SLC isn’t your home base. If you’ve forgotten an item and your claim is approved, you can arrange to have the item shipped to you.
For items lost onboard an aircraft, passengers must contact the relevant airline.
SLC has an information desk in the baggage area on level 2.
SLC currently does not have a children’s play area, so SLC didn’t rank among the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S.
SLC has nursing rooms in almost every women’s restroom in the airport.
SLC has 3 pet relief areas located inside and outside of the secure areas:
Unfortunately, SLC didn’t earn a spot in the best pet-friendly airports in the U.S.
SLC has 1 duty-free store 1 located in Concourse A, near gate A23.
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside terminals, at least 25 feet from the building.
SLC has ATMs inside and outside the secure area:
Main Terminal:
Concourse A:
Concourse B:
Airport Information: 800-595-2442
Paging: 801-575-2600 or “0” on a paging phone
Ground Transportation: 801-908-7204
Lost and Found: 801-575-2427
Parking: 801-575-2887
Services operate to/from the temporary airport station, and passengers can ride the shuttle bus every 15 to 30 minutes from the level 1 ground transportation area to the station. SLC is on the green line, and passengers can reach the city center and suburbs of Salt Lake County.
Bus route 453 runs between Salt Lake City and Tooele, and route 454 between Salt Lake City and Grantsville. Both services stop at the airport and offer a limited weekday service. Route 551 operates in the mornings from the airport to the International Center and from the International Center to the airport in the afternoon.
Buses run from the level 1 ground transportation area outside the main terminal.
Bus and light rail fares are $2.50 per one-way ticket.
SLC recommends these shuttle providers that have booking facilities at the airport:
Transportation can be arranged in advance or on arrival at the airport in the baggage claim area of the main terminal.
Taxis operate from the airport but have attracted controversy over the lack of pricing regulation. Taxis are often not metered, and passengers have reported being charged exorbitant rates when not agreed upon at the journey’s start.
The airport states that maximum rates for specific zones are enforced ($25 for journeys within 500 East and $30 outside of 500 East), but some passengers have reported being charged these maximum limits for just a few miles. Outside of these zones, there is no regulation, so agree on the rate before you leave!
App-based ride services like Uber or Lyft can operate to/from SLC. Drivers may pick up passengers from the ground transportation area on level 1 outside the main terminal. Passengers may be dropped off on level 3 at check-in.
Take 500 S/Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. until you reach a fork where you keep right for the I-80 E/I-80 W slip road to Cheyenne/Reno/S.L. International Airport. Continue onto I-80 W and take exit 115 B towards Salt Lake International Airport, where you’ll merge onto Terminal Drive.
The parking garage is connected to the main terminal via pedestrian walkways from the Gateway Center. Different types of parking are available on various levels:
Economy parking is located further away from the terminals, with a courtesy shuttle service operating to and from the parking lot. Daily parking costs $12, with the ability to reserve a space in advance for an additional $3 per day.
Hot Tip:Electric charging points are located in all parking lots if you’ve got an electric car to charge up while you’re away. Dual ports are available in the economy parking lot and on every parking garage level.
Family and friends picking up passengers may use the Park and Wait Lot on Terminal Drive, southeast of the terminal. As an alternative to waiting for a phone call from the passenger, the lot has large screens that indicate when a flight is “ready for pick-up.”
SLC has a split-level road for vehicles picking up or dropping off passengers. Departing passengers should be dropped on the elevated roadway to access level 3 check-in. Vehicles collecting arriving passengers should remain on the lower level roadway for curbside pick-up from level 1 arrivals.
Long-term parking at SLC is reasonably priced, but you can get it cheaper if you’re prepared to park a little further away at an off-site parking lot.
Daily parking starts at just $5.75 when booking with a third-party site such as airportparkingreservations.com. Most external sites provide courtesy shuttle services to/from the airport, so you don’t need to worry about transportation.
There are 135 parking bays in the parking garage opposite the terminal for those with disabilities, with a charge of $10 per day. Further parking is available in the economy parking lot, with bays next to every shuttle bus stop.
Passengers can contact 801-575-2887 for parking assistance.
General Parking Inquiries: 800-468-6294
SLC’s rental car counters are in the Gateway Center opposite the main terminal. Passengers can access the Gateway Center by walking across the terminal’s pedestrian bridge from level 2. These rental car companies are based at the facility:
These off-airport rental agencies operate shuttle buses to and from SLC:
Check out these credit cards with car rental insurance to avoid paying expensive insurance through the rental agency.
SLC has no hotels on airport property, but the closest is only 1.5 miles away. Most hotels closest to the airport are 2- or 3-star, so if you’re looking for a little more luxury, you’ll need to venture into the city.
Nearly all hotels offer courtesy shuttle services to and from the airport, so even if you’re a little further away, you’ll still have easy access to the airport and could even book an accommodation and parking package.
| Hotel | Address/Phone Number | Star Rating |
Distance From Airport (Miles)
|
| Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport | 52 N. Tommy Thompson Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-363-1400 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Airport Inn Hotel | 2333 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-539-0438 | 3 | 1.6 |
| Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport | 61 Tommy Thompson Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-895-2843 | 2 | $2 |
| Courtyard Salt Lake City Airport | 4843 W. Douglas Corrigan Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-532-4085 | 3 | 1.7 |
| La Quinta by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport | 4905 W. Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-366-4444 | 3 | 1.7 |
| Residence Inn Salt Lake City Airport | 4883 W. Douglas Corrigan Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-532-4101 | 3 | 1.7 |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Airport | 4955 Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-532-6633 | 3 | 1.7 |
| Comfort Suites Airport Salt Lake City | 171 2100 W., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-715-8688 | 2 | 1.8 |
| Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City – Airport | 200 2100 W., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-741-1500 | 3 | 1.8 |
| Holiday Inn Salt Lake City – Airport West | 5001 W. Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-741-1800 | 3 | 1.8 |
| Homewood Suites By Hilton Salt Lake City Airport | 4923 W. Douglas Corrigan Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-433-4943 | 3 | 1.8 |
| Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Airport | 2177 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-364-5800 | 3 | 1.8 |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salt Lake City Airport | 5151 Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-539-1515 | 4 | 1.9 |
| Hilton Garden Inn – Salt Lake City Airport | 4975 Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-519-9000 | 3 | 1.9 |
| Motel 6 Salt Lake City West – Airport | 1990 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-364-1053 | 2 | 2 |
| Comfort Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport | 202 N. Jimmy Doolittle Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-783-3165 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Tru By Hilton Salt Lake City Airport | 206 N. Jimmy Doolittle Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-783-3170 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport | 223 N. Jimmy Doolittle Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-533-8878 | 2 | 2.2 |
| Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites | 5433 W. Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-428-0900 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport | 230 N. Admiral Byrd Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-355-3331 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Four Points by Sheraton Salt Lake City Airport | 200 N. Admiral Byrd Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-746-5200 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport | 307 N. Admiral Byrd Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-530-0088 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Quality Inn & Suites Airport West | 315 Admiral Byrd Blvd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-539-5005 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Clarion Inn | 5575 W. Amelia Earhart Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-537-7020 | 2 | 2.3 |
| Econo Lodge Downtown Salt Lake City | 715 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-363-0062 | 2 | 3.8 |
| Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Downtown / The Gateway | 55 N. 400 W., Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-456-6300 | 3 | 4.2 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown | 345 W. 100 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84101 385-290-6500 | 3 | 4.4 |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown | 423 W. 300 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-363-6700 | 3 | 4.4 |
| Hotel | Address / Phone Number | Star Rating | Distance From Airport (Miles) | Nightly Point Cost |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport | 307 N. Admiral Byrd Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-530-0088 | 3 | 2.3 | From 30,000 Hilton Honors points |
| Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport | 52 N. Tommy Thompson Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-363-1400 | 3 | 1.5 | From 6,500 World of Hyatt points |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Airport | 4955 Wiley Post Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801-532-6633 | 3 | $2 | From 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
The Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport offers the best of both worlds: close access to the airport and easy access to attractions like Temple Square, museums, and the Hogle Zoo. Guests are just a few minutes from their airport via the 24-hour hotel shuttle and receive complimentary breakfast each morning. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but you can expect award nights to cost from 30,000 points per night.
The Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport is near the airport and 7 minutes west of downtown Salt Lake City. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk assistance, a business center with audiovisual equipment, a fitness center, elevators, a heated pool, meeting facilities, a spa and sauna, and a complimentary breakfast each morning. The property is a Category 2 Hyatt hotel, meaning award nights start at just 6,500 points per night.
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Airport offers a free 24-hour shuttle to the airport and a complimentary breakfast — buffet or to-go. The hotel is also near several attractions and can be the perfect starting point for visits to Energy Solutions Arena, Gateway Plaza, Temple Square, and Salt Palace Convention Center. Award nights at the hotel start at 20,000 points per peak night.
Hot Tip:If you want to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or World of Hyatt points.
Despite ongoing construction work since 2014, SLC has maintained strong on-time performance for departures, and the airport’s efficiency should only improve with the unveiling of its new facilities.
The new linear concourses will provide convenient access to passengers to connect inside the secure area and allow for expansion if a third concourse is required for future growth.
Salt Lake City International Airport is open with flight operations from its main terminal and 2 concourses. Further development work is in progress to expand the 2 new terminals with additional gates.
Passengers can sleep overnight at Salt Lake City International Airport, with armrest-free seating available in some areas of the airport. The security checkpoint is open 24 hours, so passengers with a valid boarding card can access the secure area to get some shut-eye.
As with all major airports, arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight is recommended. This allows check-in/bag drop time, time to clear security, and time to reach the departure gate.
According to our report that analyzed airport security wait times, Salt Lake City International Airport took the top spot with an average wait time of just 9.1 minutes. This can depend on the time of day, so leave plenty of time.
Salt Lake City International Airport operates flights to 90+ nonstop destinations and you can view a list of destinations from SLC on the airport’s website.
Short-term parking is $5 per hour. Daily parking is $20 to $40 in the parking lot opposite the terminal or $10 per day in the economy parking lot.
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Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
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7 comments
Matt H.
August 30, 2020
Consolidated rental car facilities have been located on the first floor of the parking garage, for a number of years now. No shuttle is needed.
The International Terminal and Concourse E have been demolished.
The first phase of the New SLC Airport opens on September 15, 2020, with Delta Airlines moving their operations over that day. Other airlines will make the transition later in the year.
Catherine Luther
August 31, 2020
Hi Matt,
Thanks for flagging the rental car information, we’ve updated the article. Once the airport has updated its website and maps to reflect the new terminal, we’ll also be updating our article.
Thanks!
Duska Dee Green
April 01, 2021
I am so saddened by the money spent to enlarge the SLC airport, without the consideration of the travelers. The layout of the two concourses and the distance necessary to walk to any of the flights other than Delta is over 1/2 a mile and takes an elderly walker about 45 minutes. This layout was thoughtless and so inconvenient. As one man said walking to the baggage claim from a Southwest arrival…”who does this? Who puts the baggage claim so very away from the gate?” I have found it necessary to utilize the w/c option just to get to and from a gate in the B concourse; extremely inconvenient. One person told me they tried carts to transport people (logical way to do it), but the halls were not big enough to accommodate them during busy travel times. Bull crap! Use a horn and make people move out of the way! If they can do it in Fort Worth, they certainly can do it in SLC. This new airport is a DISGRACE to our city. Please, I pray, something will be done with the new allotment of funds being provided to SLC. I will use another airport as often as I can.
Sharon Katherine Sweeney
July 02, 2021
Because of the distance from gates to baggage claim or ticketing, anyone who is not in GREAT physical shape should get wheelchair service. I ordered a wheelchair for my 86-year-old husband, because he has some difficulty walking, but did not order one for me on arrival. I was sorry that I didn’t.
Katie Seemann
July 03, 2021
Hi Sharon,
Sorry to hear you had such a hard time getting around at SLC. There can definitely be a lot of walking involved at some of these larger airports!
Val Conover
July 04, 2021
Very sad statement that with all the complaints about the distance between ticketing and a departure from concourse B nothing has been done to correct this inexcusable error in judgment. How hard can it be to have a half dozen golf carts transporting those of us who are over 50 or those who are traveling with young children.
Bob Richmond
June 14, 2022
Don’t forget about to consider the regional B-concourse connections that must use multiple shuttle buses per flight to move people from the plane to a single-lane walking “tube” (with a ramp from ground level to concourse level) to the B-Concourse. Depending on the size of the aircraft, this might require 3 buses so add a minimum of 10-minutes to get to the concourse before you walk to your connection or the terminal.
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