How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to Moab?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 4h 26min, covering 244 miles via I-80. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $28 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 6–7+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
3h 46m
🔵 Typical
4h 26min
🔴 Heavy traffic
6h 26m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance244 miles (392 km)
Drive Time4h 26min
RouteI-80
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~8.1 gallons
Est. Cost$28
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 Moab
The best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is late evening (8-10 pm). Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when possible.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
4h 26min
~$28 gas
✈️ Flying
2h 59m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~29 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
4h 26min
~$28
🚌 Bus
5h 25m
~$20–$44
🚂 Train
4h 26m
~$29–$73
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:
📍 Sundance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 4h 26min covering 244 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 Moab?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $28 on gas for this 244-mile trip. You'll need about 8.1 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab?
Late evening (8-10 PM) 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 Moab route?
There may be minor tolls (around $7) on parts of this route. Some sections have toll-free alternatives.
