Getting around Salt Lake City

Public transport

UTA (Utah Transit Authority) (tel: +1 801 743 3882; www.rideuta.com) runs Salt Lake City's bus network, TRAX light rail service and FrontRunner commuter trains. There are also services to nearby cities such as Ogden and Provo, and during the winter a special ski bus operates to Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta, Brighton and Sundance ski resorts.

Buses and the TRAX rail system operate a single, standard fare across the main valley area. A large portion of central downtown Salt Lake City (including Temple Square) is a fare-free zone. Tickets purchased here are valid for two hours from the time of purchase and can be used on both buses and light rail. Day Passes covering both these systems are also available. FAREPAY smartcards, available at UTA customer service centres and sales outlets across the city, offer discounts on regular fares.

Taxis

Several taxi companies in Salt Lake City offer a 24-hour service, including City Cab (tel: +1 801 363 5550), Yellow Cab Company (tel: +1 801 521 2100) and Ute Cab Co (tel: +1 801 359 7788). Cabs can be hailed in the street and there are taxi stands around the city.

Driving

With wide streets laid out in the standard American grid system, navigating around Salt Lake City poses few problems. A good freeway system provides quick access to the canyons and suburban areas and there are many scenic routes into the surrounding mountains. Parking is plentiful and there are free Park & Ride lots located near all the light rail stations.

Car hire

All main service providers are here, including Avis (tel: +1 801 575 2847; www.avis.com), and Hertz (tel: +1 801 575 2683; www.hertz.com). The minimum age to hire a car is 25 years. A full driving licence from your home country is usually sufficient. You should enquire exactly what will be covered in the accompanying insurance and whether the rate includes unlimited mileage.

Bicycle hire

Cycling is popular in Salt Lake City and the surrounding region, with mountain biking trails available. Utah Ski and Golf, 134 West 600 South (tel: +1 801 355 9088; www.utahskigolf.com), offers bicycle hire from different locations in the city.

Greenbike (tel: +1 801 333 1110; http://greenbikeslc.org) is the city's bikeshare system. The best options for visitors are the 24-hour or four-day passes; once you buy a pass, the first 30 minutes of any journey are free.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.