How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to Cheyenne?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Cheyenne takes approximately 8h 3min, covering 443 miles via I-80. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $51 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 11–12+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
6h 51m
🔵 Typical
8h 3min
🔴 Heavy traffic
11h 40m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance443 miles (712 km)
Drive Time8h 3min
RouteI-80
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~14.8 gallons
Est. Cost$51
Route Tips: I-80
Crosses the country through the northern states. Mountain passes in Wyoming and Utah can see winter closures.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Salt Lake City to Cheyenne
For a long drive like Salt Lake City to Cheyenne, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Weekday mid-day
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
8h 3min
~$51 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 23m
~$80–$155 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~53 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
8h 3min
~$51
🚌 Bus
9h 51m
~$35–$80
🚂 Train
8h 3m
~$53–$133
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Steamboat Springs
📍 Grand Junction
📍 Vail
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Salt Lake City to Cheyenne?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Cheyenne takes approximately 8h 3min covering 443 miles via I-80. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Salt Lake City to Cheyenne?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $51 on gas for this 443-mile trip. You'll need about 14.8 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Cheyenne?
Weekday mid-day to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Salt Lake City to Cheyenne route?
Yes, expect approximately $13 in tolls along this route. Check with the local toll authority for transponder options to speed up toll payment.
