Affordable Car Rentals in Salt Lake City are no problem, as all major car rental companies operate here. They are primarily concentrated at the local airport, although smaller branches are also available in the city center. Compared to other U.S. cities, Salt Lake City ranks as average in terms of rental prices. Read on to find out when car rental rates are highest and the most common mistakes to avoid.
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Car Rental Prices in Salt Lake City
When arranging a car rental, never assume the first car rental agency in Salt Lake City you find will be the cheapest option. It would be pure luck if that were the case in the final comparison. Instead, book your car through the RentalCars.com website, which compares rates across more than 200 car rental companies and guarantees the lowest rental prices for its customers.
For an accurate price calculation, I recommend using the following form. It includes all major rental agencies in Salt Lake City, meaning you’re more likely to find a better deal.
How Much Will You Pay to Rent a Car in Salt Lake City?
- No Hidden Fees
The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses. - Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
- No Hidden Fees
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How to Save on Car Rentals in Salt Lake City
The final price for a car rental in Salt Lake City isn’t just determined by the rental company or the duration of the rental. Many factors come into play, including the following:
🗓️ When You Make the Reservation
The lowest rental rates are typically available one to two months before the pickup date.
You can book a car in advance and cancel the booking at the last minute if needed. The RentalCars.com booking portal offers free cancellations and guarantees the lowest price on rental cars.
⏳ When You Rent the Car
Rental rates fluctuate throughout the year based on demand. Prices are typically higher during summer vacations and right after, when the main U.S. tourist season occurs. Prices also spike around public holidays.
Car rental companies charge per 24-hour period. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the pickup time aligns with the return time. For instance, if you pick up a car at 8 a.m. but return it at 9 a.m., you may end up paying for an additional day unnecessarily.
🗺️ Rental Location
Larger rental agencies located at airports tend to be more affordable due to higher competition than smaller branches in city centers.
Downtown rental agencies in Salt Lake City come with the added cost of transportation from the airport. Opting for an airport location can often be more cost-effective, even if the base car rental rate is slightly higher.
🏎️ Vehicle Class
Economy cars are the cheapest option, though they offer limited interior space and basic features. Mid-range cars, which cost about 10% more, provide more comfort and space for passengers and luggage.
For long road trips or extended hours on the road, SUVs offer excellent comfort but typically cost about 25% more. Convertibles are categorized as Premium, and in Salt Lake City, they aren’t widely available. Expect at least a 100% price increase.
Below is a table with estimated daily prices for the cheapest car rentals in Salt Lake City. To check current prices, perform a quick calculation—it only takes a few clicks.
Economy Class Mid-Range Class SUV Convertible 
from $47 from $47 from $51 from $75 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔞 Driver’s Age
The driver’s age also influences the cost of the car rental. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 25 typically incur an extra fee of $16.00 to $37 per day. The exact amount varies by rental company and compensates for the higher risk of damage associated with younger drivers.
Drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 may either be ineligible to rent a car or face double the extra fee.
☂️ Insurance
Basic liability insurance (SLP) and collision damage waiver (CDW) are usually included in the rental price in Salt Lake City. With zero driver liability in case of damages, it’s still advisable to review the terms of each contract.
If the coverage limits, such as for theft or damage to tires and windows, are insufficient, you can purchase additional insurance.
🛰️ Optional Add-Ons
You can pay for additional services and accessories with your rental car. One of the most useful is an additional driver listed on the contract, allowing you to share driving responsibilities. Car rental companies in Salt Lake City typically charge $13.00 to $15.00 per day for a second driver, with some companies like Avis capping the fee at $65 for the entire rental period.
If someone not listed on the contract drives the car and causes damage, the insurance won’t cover the expenses. If you’re traveling with children, you can rent a child seat or booster seat, with various sizes typically available.
Avoid unnecessary add-ons like mobile internet modems (which can be replaced by an eSIM from Airalo) or GPS devices (which you can replace with Google Maps on your phone).
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Affordable Car Rentals in Salt Lake City
◻️ Airport Car Rentals
Budget is the only car rental agency at Salt Lake City Airport that operates 24/7. Other agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty, offer services with varying operating hours.
Rental desks are located in the separate Gateway Center building near the parking garages. You can reach it on foot via two walkways located near the baggage claim area.
◻️ Downtown Salt Lake City Car Rentals
There’s a wide selection of car rental agencies in downtown Salt Lake City, with several branches operated by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Other options include Budget, Hertz, Avis, and lesser-known companies like Easirent Car Rental.
Rental Company Rating 
Alamo Rent a Car 8.7/10 
Avis Car Rental 8.2/10 
Budget Car Rental 8.1/10 
Dollar Car Rental 8.3/10 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8.6/10 
Hertz Rent a Car 8.3/10 
National Car Rental 8.6/10 
SIXT Rent A Car 8.3/10 
Thrifty Car Rental 8.3/10 -
Road Trip Ideas Around Salt Lake City
1️⃣ National Parks
Salt Lake City is surrounded by some of the most famous and beautiful national parks. To the north, you’ll find Yellowstone, home to the popular character Yogi Bear, and Grand Teton with its stunning mountain peaks. Both parks are less than 311 mi from Salt Lake City and can be reached in about five hours.
South of Utah’s largest city, you’ll have an even wider selection, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and the iconic Grand Canyon, which is slightly farther away.
2️⃣ Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats are among the most well-known natural wonders in Utah. This vast salt plain is famous for its smooth, firm surface, making it a popular site for car speed records. On October 23, 1970, Gary Gabelich set a speed record at Bonneville Speedway, driving the rocket-powered Blue Flame at an incredible 622.41 mph.
For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll across the salt flats. If you arrive just before sunset, you’ll capture stunning photos, as the reflective surface turns the area into a giant mirror. Bonneville Salt Flats are about 111 mi from Salt Lake City, and the drive takes roughly an hour and a half.
3️⃣ Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is located just a half-hour drive from Salt Lake City. One of the largest saltwater lakes in the world, it’s a favorite among photographers due to the spectacular sunsets reflected on its shallow surface. With its high salt content, swimming in the lake is easy, much like floating in the Dead Sea.
4️⃣ Timpanogos Cave National Monument
The Timpanogos Cave National Monument is located in the Wasatch Mountains, about 35 mi southeast of downtown Salt Lake City. It features three interconnected limestone caves, famous for their stalactite formations and crystal-clear pools.
Visiting the caves isn’t free—you’ll need a ticket, and you’ll have to hike up a steep trail with an elevation gain of 1,093 ft to reach the entrance. Guided tours are available, and it’s best to book tickets in advance through the monument’s official website.
5️⃣ Antelope Island State Park
Located about 40 mi northwest of downtown Salt Lake City, Antelope Island State Park is known for its wildlife. Here, you can spot herds of free-roaming bison, antelope, and various bird species. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the park, including the 7 mi long Frary Peak Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake.
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