How to make the most out of your layover in Salt Lake City

Utah's capital, Salt Lake City, is the economic and cultural hub of the state, and one of the most fascinating cities in the Western US. Surrounded by the unique landscape of Utah and its famous Salt Lake, this is a city where people come to experience both culture and the great outdoors. But even if Utah is not your final destination, you may find yourself on a Salt Lake City layover, waiting for connecting flights. This is one of the main hubs for Delta Air Lines, for example, so if you're flying Delta, you may well find yourself with a layover here.

If that's the case, there are better ways to spend your time than sitting around twiddling your thumbs. Salt Lake City Airport has good public transit connections into the heart of the city, so if you have enough time on your layover, you can explore downtown Salt Lake City before returning to the airport to make your next flight. Leave the bags behind with Bounce so you can really enjoy your time in the city hassle-free.

Things to keep in mind before leaving Salt Lake City Airport

Airport layout and TSA PreCheck

Salt Lake City International Airport has a single terminal with two concourses. It's not too big and is relatively easy to navigate. If you have TSA PreCheck, you’ll save time getting through security upon your return. For those with checked bags, baggage claim is located on the ground level. If you need to store bags for your venture into the city, use any of the Bounce Salt Lake City luggage storage locations near the airport or in town. Of the several companies operating here, Bounce is the most reliable, affordable, and convenient.

If you're from one of the countries that are allowed to visit the US without a visa, including the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, you can pop into the city even on a short layover without too much hassle. On the other hand, if you come from a country that requires visas to visit the USA, make sure you have them in place if you want to leave the airport.

Minimum layover times in Salt Lake City

The airport’s proximity to the city center and efficient public transit make Salt Lake City an easy destination to explore on a layover. Here are some time guidelines:

• In-airport short layover (2-3 hours): If your layover is brief, you can enjoy the airport’s dining options, relax in a lounge, or shop for local gifts. The single terminal layout makes it easy to navigate.
• Domestic flights (3-4 hours): With a bit more time, you can take the Trax Green Line light rail downtown to see a nearby landmark like Temple Square before your next flight.
• International flights (6-8 hours): This amount of time gives you a chance to venture into downtown Salt Lake City for a quick visit to a few key attractions, such as the Clark Planetarium and historic Temple Square, and still clear customs and security when you get back.
• Long layover (8+ hours): A long layover gives you time to explore Salt Lake City more thoroughly, enjoy a meal downtown, or even visit some nearby hiking trails.

Getting around Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City’s Trax Green Line light rail connects the airport directly to downtown in just about 20 minutes, making it an efficient and budget-friendly way to reach the city center. Taxis and rideshare services are also available if you prefer a quicker trip, though the Green Line is usually the most economical and convenient choice for shorter layovers. Either way, it'll be much easier to get into the city and to get around once you're there if you aren't dragging heavy bags. Leave yours behind with a Bounce luggage storage so that you can make the most of your time here.

What to do in Salt Lake City during a layover

Salt Lake City’s compact downtown, cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes make it a fantastic place to explore. From historic sites like Temple Square to the interactive Clark Planetarium, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Morning layover in Salt Lake City

If you have a morning layover, start your day with some fresh air or a scenic stroll through Salt Lake City’s historic and picturesque landmarks.

• Activities: First, visit Temple Square, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. This 10-acre complex is home to the Salt Lake Temple, Assembly Hall, and other historic buildings belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a peaceful place for a short walk and a great spot to learn about local history. If you have extra time, visit the nearby Family History Library, which has impressive resources for genealogy research.
• Breakfast spots: Eva’s Bakery on Main Street offers freshly baked pastries, coffee, and breakfast plates in a cozy, Parisian-inspired atmosphere. It’s just a short walk from Temple Square and ideal for a quick morning bite.

Afternoon layover in Salt Lake City

If you’re visiting in the afternoon, Salt Lake City’s museums, the planetarium, and public spaces offer plenty of options to explore.

• Activities: Begin at the Clark Planetarium, an interactive science museum with exhibits on space, geology, and more. The planetarium also features a state-of-the-art IMAX theater with shows about the cosmos. Afterward, you can walk through downtown to the Salt Lake City Public Library, an architectural gem with scenic rooftop views of the city. If you’re up for a bit of nature, nearby hiking trails at Ensign Peak offer panoramic views and a relatively easy climb. However you decide to spend your afternoon, it'll be much easier if you leave the bags behind at one of our luggage storage locations. We partner with local businesses to make sure you have plenty of choice of where to leave your bags, whether it's close to the airport or in the downtown core.
• Lunch spots: Stop by Red Iguana, a local favorite known for its award-winning Mexican dishes and flavorful moles. It’s located a bit west of downtown but is well worth the trip for a true taste of Salt Lake City. Another option is The Dodo, known for its comfort food and pies, located near Liberty Park.

Evening layover in Salt Lake City

For an evening layover, Salt Lake City’s downtown area offers scenic city views, dining, and relaxing spots to enjoy the city’s ambiance after dark.

• Activities: Start with a walk around downtown and Temple Square to see the city lights illuminating historic buildings and the surrounding mountains. Then, make your way to the City Creek Center, an open-air shopping and dining area where you can stroll, shop, or grab a quick snack. If you have a little more time, the nearby Utah State Capitol is also beautifully lit at night and offers great views of the city.
• Dinner spots: For dinner, try Copper Onion, a popular spot serving modern American fare with locally sourced ingredients. Bambara in the Hotel Monaco is another excellent choice, with creative cuisine and a vibrant setting.

Overnight layover in Salt Lake City

If you have an overnight layover, Salt Lake City’s hotels, food scene, and nearby trails make it a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

• Hotels: Consider staying at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City for a stylish and comfortable downtown option, or the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center, both conveniently located near popular sites. These hotels offer easy access to public transit and are only a short ride from the airport.
• Night activities: Salt Lake City has a laid-back nightlife scene with a mix of bars, breweries, and live music. Beer Bar and The Green Pig Pub are popular with locals, offering a fun place to unwind before your next flight.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Salt Lake City

Here are some quick tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable layover in Salt Lake City:

• Plan for security: Salt Lake City’s single terminal setup makes it easy to navigate, but be sure to allow enough time for TSA security screening, especially if you’re flying internationally.
• Transit options: The Trax Green Line is an efficient way to get downtown and back, so check the schedule to make the most of your visit.
• Currency and Payment: Salt Lake City uses the U.S. dollar (USD), and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, so you don't need to worry if you don't have any cash with you.

Salt Lake City is a beautiful and convenient city to explore on a layover, with everything from historic sites like Temple Square to hands-on exhibits at the Clark Planetarium. You can spend your time on a layover exploring nearby hiking trails, dining downtown, or visiting one of the city’s unique attractions, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy before your next flight.