Overview
Tucked beneath the peaks of the Wasatch Range, Salt Lake City pairs an easy-going, walkable downtown with some of the best mountain scenery in the American West. It's the gateway to Utah's ski country and nearby national parks, making it a great choice for UK travellers after both city culture and big outdoors. The price charts on this page show when flights to Salt Lake City are currently cheapest from the UK.
Best time to fly to Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has four distinct seasons, so when you fly depends on what you're after. Winter (December to March) draws skiers and snowboarders to resorts such as Park City, Alta, Snowbird and Brighton, all under an hour from the airport - book early, as this is peak season. Summer (June to September) brings warm, dry weather that's ideal for hiking and road trips to nearby national parks like Zion and Arches. For milder weather and better value, aim for April, May, September or October - the When to book chart above shows how fares typically move across the year.
Airlines and routes
There's no year-round nonstop flight between the UK and Salt Lake City, so journeys typically involve one connection via a major US hub. Delta, for whom Salt Lake City is a key hub, offers convenient connections via Atlanta, New York JFK and Minneapolis-St Paul. American Airlines routes UK travellers via Dallas-Fort Worth or Chicago O'Hare, while United connects via Denver or Newark; British Airways passengers can also travel on codeshare American Airlines flights via these hubs. Total journey time from London usually runs to around 12-14 hours including the connection, with the transatlantic sector itself taking roughly 9-10 hours. Comparing airlines and hub options is one of the easiest ways to save on both cost and travel time - the airline options on this page make that simple.
Things to do in Salt Lake City
Once you land, it's worth spending a few days exploring before or after a trip into the mountains or national parks:
- Temple Square: The historic heart of the city, with striking architecture, gardens and free guided tours.
- Natural History Museum of Utah: An award-winning museum built into the hillside, covering everything from dinosaurs to Utah's landscapes.
- Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island: A short drive from downtown for wide-open views, wildlife and striking sunsets over the water.
- Park City: A charming mountain town under an hour away, home to world-class skiing in winter and hiking, biking and a lively Main Street year-round.
- Utah State Capitol: A grand hilltop building with free entry and sweeping views across the Salt Lake Valley.
At Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) sits around 6 miles (10km) west of downtown, making it one of the most convenient major US airports to reach. The TRAX Green Line light rail runs directly into the city centre in about 20 minutes and is the cheapest option, while taxis and rideshares typically take 15-20 minutes and are readily available outside every terminal.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Salt Lake City
- Book ahead for winter: Ski season fares rise sharply from December to March, so booking three to six months out usually pays off.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are generally cheaper than weekend flights, especially outside peak periods.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting your trip by a few days can uncover noticeably lower fares - use the price charts above to spot the cheapest days to fly.
- Compare hub airlines: Since every route involves a connection, comparing Delta, American and United can reveal real savings on price and journey time alike.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for short trips to the US - most can travel under the Visa Waiver Programme with a valid ESTA, applied for online at least 72 hours before departure. The local currency is the US Dollar, and UK debit and credit cards are widely accepted, though it's worth carrying some cash for smaller purchases. Salt Lake City sits over 4,200 feet (1,300m) above sea level, so drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first day, especially before heading up into the mountains.
