- Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) is the closest option, just 25–30 minutes from Moab, but flights are limited and sell out fast.
- Grand Junction (GJT) offers the best balance of flight availability and drive time, with a scenic 2-hour drive to Moab.
- Salt Lake City (SLC) usually has the cheapest flights and most rental cars, but requires a long 4–5 hour drive to Moab.
- If visiting during spring or fall, book flights and rental cars early—Moab inventory fills quickly during peak seasons.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Map of Airports Near Moab, Utah
- Flight Routes & Airline Services
- Transportation & Ground Transfers
- Costs & Convenience Comparison
- Best airport based on trip type
- Seasonal & logistical considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Moab is out there. In fact, that’s kind of the point. Getting in isn’t hard, but it does require just a little bit of finagling.
So you’ll need to choose, do you want to fly straight into town, or land elsewhere and drive?
Each option has its pros and cons; you’ll need to decide what matters most to you—money, time, or flexibility.
Map of Airports Near Moab, Utah
Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY)
Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) is a small regional airport designed specifically to serve Moab and nearby national parks. It handles commercial jets, but on a limited scale—few gates, few flights, quick in-and-out operations.
Location & distance from Moab
- Address: 126 Aviation Way, Moab, UT 84532
- Distance: 18 miles north of Moab
- Drive time: About 25–30 minutes via US-191
Airlines and destinations served:
CNY is served exclusively by Contour Airlines. Routes are limited but direct:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX): year-round
- Denver International (DEN): starting April 1, 2025
Contact & website
- Phone: (435) 259-0333
- Canyonlands Regional Airport Website
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
Image from Flickr by Road Travel America
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is a mid-sized regional commercial airport. It serves western Colorado and eastern Utah with multiple daily flights and standard airline infrastructure.
Location & distance from Moab
- Address: 2828 Walker Field Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81506
- Distance: 113 miles from Moab
- Drive time: About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Why use it
More airlines, more daily flights, and the shortest drive of the regional options.
Contact & website
- Phone: (970) 242-3213
- Grand Junction Regional Airport Website
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a major international hub airport. It handles long-haul domestic and international flights and serves as a primary hub for Delta Air Lines.
Location & distance from Moab
- Address: 776 N Terminal Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84122
- Distance: About 236 miles from Moab
- Drive time: Roughly 4–5 hours
Why use it
The widest selection of nonstop routes, frequent departures, and usually the lowest base airfare, followed by a long desert drive.
Contact & website
- Phone: (801) 575-2400
- Salt Lake City International Airport Website
Flight Routes & Airline Services
| Daily Flights via Canyonlands Regional (Contour Airlines) | |
|---|---|
| Service to Phoenix (Phoenix Sky Harbor) | Contour flies nonstop from Phoenix to Moab daily. Flight time runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes. PHX makes connections easy, which is why this route works so well. |
| Service to Denver (Denver International) | Note: As of April 1, 2025, Contour adds nonstop Denver service. Flight time is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. This opens cleaner one-stop access from the Midwest and the East Coast. |
| Connections via Grand Junction or Salt Lake City | |
|---|---|
| Shuttle from Grand Junction (Moab Express) | Moab Express runs private, pre-booked transfers from Grand Junction to Moab. You pick the time. Drive time is about two hours, longer if you stack stops. |
| Shuttle from Salt Lake City (Salt Lake Express) | Salt Lake Express runs scheduled routes from SLC Airport to Moab. Expect 5.5–7 hours, depending on stops. Reliable. Not fast. |
Transportation & Ground Transfers
| From Canyonlands Airport to Moab Town | |
|---|---|
| Shuttle companies & booking requirements | Ground transport at CNY is limited. Book ahead or don’t count on it. |
| Car rental options on-site | CNY has on-site rentals, usually Enterprise. Inventory is small and sells out early in spring and fall. Rates are higher, but you’re driving within minutes. |
| Driving distances from regional airports | |
|---|---|
| Grand Junction drive time, pros/cons |
GJT to Moab takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to two hours. Pros: shortest drive, manageable after a flight. Cons: winter weather on I-70, fewer late arrivals. |
| Salt Lake City drive time, pros/cons |
SLC to Moab is a 4–5 hour haul. Pros: cheap flights, massive rental inventory. Cons: long, empty stretches and snow risk in winter. |
Costs & Convenience Comparison
Typical Flight Costs to Phoenix or Denver
- Flying into Moab costs more. Prices swing hard by season. Promotional Denver fares have dipped as low as ~$149 round-trip, but don’t plan around that.
Self-Driving vs Shuttle Costs
- Driving adds fuel and rental costs. Moab Express prices like a private transfer—often several hundred dollars. Salt Lake Express prices like a bus. You get what you pay for.
Is Saving Time Worth the Extra Cost?
- Flying straight into CNY can save three to six hours, easily, once you factor in driving and transfers.
Shuttle Reliability and Scheduling Limits
- Shuttles run on their schedule, not yours.
Best Airport Based on Trip Type
There’s no universal best airport—just the right one for your trip. But, in general, short stays favor speed. Long stays favor options. Peak season punishes indecision. (Don’t wait on rental cars!)
Seasonal & Logistical Considerations
Flight frequency by season
If I could predict flight prices, I’d be one wealthy Shaka Guide. In general, though, Spring and fall fill fast and price high. Summer is steadier.
Winter schedules thin out, especially midweek. And, of course, holiday weekends can really clear out the wallet.
Weather, Roads, and Rental Cars
Snow can shut down I-70 or slow mountain routes near SLC. Rental cars in Moab disappear early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the closest airport to Moab, Utah?
Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY), about 18 miles north of town.
Can you fly directly into Moab?
Yes. Contour Airlines flies nonstop from Phoenix, with Denver service starting April 1, 2025.
Is it cheaper to fly into Salt Lake City and drive?
Often. But the 4–5 hour drive, fuel, and rental costs eat into savings fast. After it’s all said and done, it may not be cheaper at all.
Are there airport shuttles to Moab?
Yes. Moab Express (private transfers from Grand Junction) and Salt Lake Express (scheduled service from SLC). Both require advance booking.
Do I need a rental car in Moab?
For sure. Moab is spread out. Public transit is minimal. You’ll need that rental.
Explore with Shaka Guide
Once you’re here, let Shaka Guide handle the rest. Our GPS-based audio tours across Utah guide you through Arches, Canyonlands, and the backroads in between—stories, directions, and smart stops included. No cell service needed. Just drive and listen.
Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. Before venturing to the far corners of Utah, she knew the sweeping red vistas of the Navajo Nation would steal her heart—but what truly surprised her was how deeply they stayed with her.
It’s more than just the views; it’s the vast silence and open space, rich with histories patiently waiting to be shared. Today, she’s continuing on her mission to share the stories that live in the land and the spaces that make us feel small in the best way.
Ready to explore Utah?
Take Shaka Guide’s Arches National Park Audio Tour for turn-by-turn directions, local stories, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Visiting more parks in the region?
Don’t miss our Moab Bundle and Utah MIghty 5 Tour Bundle — it includes tours for Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion, and many more!
Still planning?
Check out our Plan Your Trip guides to prep for your trip.
Have questions?
We’re happy to help — email us at aloha@shakaguide.com.
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