Road Trip From San Francisco Airport
Salt Lake Airport Guide
SLC isn’t the same airport it used to be. A full rebuild completed in 2026 has replaced everything from the terminal to the concourses. Avis is here to walk you through how to navigate the Salt Lake City Airport so you can move through its new layout without the stress.
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Salt Lake City International Airport Quick Facts
Official name: Salt Lake City International Airport
Official website: https://slcairport.com/
Airport code: SLC, an abbreviation of Salt Lake City
Airport history: Salt Lake City International Airport began as a small landing strip in 1911 and slowly expanded, seeing its first commercial passenger flight in 1926 and getting its current name in 1968. The airport continued to steadily expand over the decades. In 2014, construction began on a complete rebuild known as “The New SLC.” Phases of the monumental redesign have rolled out between 2020 and 2026.
Number of terminals: Salt Lake City International Airport has one main terminal with two concourses, A and B.
Tricks to Navigating SLC
Here’s what you should know to help you navigate the newer Salt Lake City Airport layout:
- Centralized security: The SLC Airport has one main TSA checkpoint, which keeps things simple but can create longer lines during peak times. (A second security checkpoint on level 1 is for international passengers.)
- Gate assignments matter: Your airline can impact how far you walk to reach your gate. Delta flights are mostly in Concourse A, while other airlines often use B.
- Tunnel connection: Everyone exits security into Concourse A. Follow the signs for the underground tunnels if you need to reach the B Gates. The tunnels have moving walkways to speed up the journey, but each tunnel is about 1,200 feet (366 meters) long.
Outside the Terminal
Thanks to the new design, getting to Salt Lake City International Airport feels more streamlined than before. Most drivers come in off I-80, then follow a single, clearly marked approach into the terminal area. It’s straightforward, but everything funnels into the same general path, so traffic can bunch up during peak hours.
Arrivals and departures happen on separate levels, and rental car drop-off happens in the parking area across from the terminal. Signage points you to the correct lane.
Inside the Terminal
The Salt Lake City Airport layout is built around one central terminal that feeds into two long concourses, A and B. Instead of branching out like older airports, the two concourses run parallel to each other.
After security, you can find your gate in Concourse A or use the tunnels to cross to Concourse B. Moving between the two concourses takes about 5-10 minutes on foot, depending on which tunnel you use and whether you take advantage of the moving walkways.
Baggage claim is located on level 2 of the main terminal, which is the same level as the main TSA security line and the gates. If you’re heading to pick up an Avis car rental, use one of the two indoor skybridges to cross to the rental counter from the baggage claim area.
How to Change Concourses at SLC
Yes, you can walk between concourses at Salt Lake City International Airport. Concourses A and B are connected by underground tunnels, and the entire route is indoors. Moving walkways help you clear the distance between concourses faster.
No, there are no trains or airside shuttles between concourses. Walking through the underground tunnels is the only option to get from one concourse to the other.
Hidden Gems at Salt Lake City International Airport
Need a way to pass the time? These things to do in the Salt Lake City Airport go beyond just sitting at the gate:
- Sensory rooms: Designed for travelers with sensory sensitivities, these quiet spaces offer dim lighting, calming visuals, and a break from the noise of the terminal.
- Airport art: Throughout the concourses, you’ll find curated installations, local artwork, and large-scale pieces that reflect Utah’s landscapes and culture.
- World map in Concourse B: The old SLC had a world map inlaid into the floor of Terminal 1. When the airport moved, the map was salvaged and reinstalled in Concourse B.
Beyond the Salt Lake City International Airport
If you’ve got a few hours between flights, there’s no shortage of things to do in Salt Lake City. The airport is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car. Grab lunch downtown, walk around Temple Square, or check out the Utah State Capitol for a quick change of scenery. You can also check out our Things to Do in Salt Lake City Guide or our Business Travel in Salt Lake City Guide for must-see destinations and ideas to add to your itinerary.
Need a one-way rental from the airport? Just reserve a one-way rental by choosing a different drop-off location. Avis makes it easy to book a one-way from the airport to another Avis Salt Lake City location, or almost any Avis location in the country.
Rent a Car at SLC from Avis
Enjoy the freedom to explore Salt Lake City and beyond with an Avis car rental at SLC. We’re right on-site, offering a wide selection of vehicles and more ways to save so you can find the perfect ride for less. Book now.
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