Getting to Moab: Flights, Trains & Buses
Moab is a place that leaves its mark on the soul. The red rock formations, quiet desert expanses, and sweeping canyon vistas define the American Southwest. For travelers chasing adventure, serenity, or a renewed connection with nature, Moab delivers spectacularly. Getting here can feel like a journey, yet every mile brings you closer to landscapes that truly reward the effort.
This guide explores getting to Moab by air, train, bus, shuttle, or road trip. Each mode offers its own advantages, whether you want to arrive quickly or prefer a slow and scenic approach. With a bit of planning, you can choose the route that sets the tone for your desert escape.
How to Get to Moab
Flying into Moab
Flying is the fastest way to start your adventure. Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) sits just 18 miles north of Moab, making it the most convenient gateway into the region. Select airlines offer daily service, letting you trade long drives for more time exploring.
As you descend toward Moab, the view becomes a preview of what is to come: sculpted sandstone, winding canyons, and mesas tower beneath the plane windows. Renting a car is easy upon arrival and gives you the freedom to explore Arches, Canyonlands, and the greater desert landscape at your own pace. Rental cars are in high demand (especially during peak seasons) from this smaller regional airport, so it’s best to reserve one before you arrive.
If you are arriving from farther away or looking for more flight options, several major international airports are within a half-day drive from Moab. Many travelers enjoy flying into Denver, Salt Lake City, or Las Vegas first. Starting your journey in one of these iconic cities lets you savor the sights along the road to Moab. Scenic roadside stops, state-line viewpoints, and national parks help turn your trip into an even more memorable experience.
Check out our guide to the closest airports to Moab to help you choose the best arrival option for your trip.
Driving to Moab
There is nothing more classic than a great American road trip. Driving to Moab gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace, pull off for quick hikes, pack (and shop) as much as you like, and take the long way if adventure calls to you. From Salt Lake City, the route winds through mountains and vast open desert. From Denver, the drive follows the Colorado River near dramatic canyon walls. From Las Vegas, the red rock country slowly unfolds until Moab’s landscapes appear on the horizon. If you’re considering driving from Salt Lake City to Moab, explore the must-see stops in our road trip guide.
No matter which direction you arrive from, road tripping into Moab builds anticipation in the best way. The final stretch, as the landscape becomes unmistakably Moab, is unforgettable.
Most visitors want a car of their own to explore the best of Moab, from scenic drives and national park visits to searching for petroglyphs.
Train to Moab
If you are looking for a slower and scenic arrival, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a rail journey like no other. The two-day “Rockies to the Red Rocks” route begins in Denver or Glenwood Springs, Colorado, before arriving in Canyon Country. Sit in glass-domed coaches as you glide along winding canyons where the desert meets the river. Upscale dining and storytelling guides elevate the experience beyond a typical train ride.
This route is popular and books up in advance, so planning is important.
Amtrak services Green River, Utah, which is about 50 miles from Moab, from a handful of big cities. From there, you can take a shuttle or taxi to town. It is scenic and straightforward, perfect for travelers who prefer to avoid long drives but appreciate the gentle pace and views along the way.
Moab Shuttle Services
Nearby cities offer shuttle bus connections to Moab. The Salt Lake Express runs twice daily from Salt Lake City International Airport, while Grand Junction Shuttles provides convenient service from Grand Junction based on your flight time and pick-up location.
If you’re arriving directly into Moab, shuttle services make the last leg easy. The Moab Express offers private and shared rides between Canyonlands Airport and Moab, with a travel time of about 30 minutes. Moab Taxi Service (435-210-4297) is another convenient choice if you prefer direct pickups, including rides to/from Salt Lake City, Grand Junction, and other nearby hubs. They accept advance bookings and same-day requests by phone or text, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Once you are in Moab, you can pick up a car at one of the agencies on Main Street. Uber rides may be available, though service can be limited. It’s smart to have a backup plan or a shuttle number handy, and ideally, prearrange your transfer so a driver is expecting you and tracking your flight.
If you would rather leave the keys behind entirely, guided tours are a great way to explore. Expert guides lead the way while you soak in every view. Whether you choose a Sunset Hummer Safari, canyoneering adventure, hike in Arches or Canyonlands national parks, or a scenic driving tour, our ULUM Adventure Team can help coordinate excursions with transportation included. Select your date and group size, and we will handle the details.
Where to Stay in Moab
After the journey comes the reward. ULUM Moab invites you to immerse yourself in luxury and nature all at once. Set against vast red rock horizons, this Two MICHELIN Key outdoor resort offers stylish Suite Tents with king-size beds, premium linens, ensuite bathrooms, and private deck lounging space. Elevated dining, warm hospitality, and wellness amenities, including daily yoga and hot and cool dipping pools, create an experience that is both rejuvenating and inspiring.
Wake each morning with adventure right outside your door, then end each evening gathered around the fire, roasting gourmet s’mores beneath some of the darkest, most starlit skies in the country.
Not sure when to visit Moab? Read our seasonal guide to discover the perfect time.
