How to Get Around Salt Lake City on the Cheap

This updated guide explains how to Get Around Salt Lake City on the Cheap through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

Method 1 of 3:

Ride the Light Rail

Plan a ride on Salt Lake City's light rail system, known as TRAX. You can access the system via 28 stations in the downtown, business district and residential areas. Routes begin around 5:00 a. m. and continue past midnight. Each route has its own operating hours, so check the TRAX route maps for times.
Pay for your TRAX tickets online at the Utah Transit Authority website, or find a ticket kiosk located at TRAX stations. Ticket vending machines for TRAX only take cash. (Note: Most ticket kiosks now accept credit/debit cards as well as cash). You cannot purchase one-day or single-ride fare online.
Drive your car to one of the transit's park-and-ride lots and board a TRAX light rail train to get to your destination. If TRAX doesn't lead directly to your destination, there are many areas where you can catch a city bus right off the TRAX light rail.
Stay downtown to travel for free on the TRAX light rail. Riding in the areas around the Temple Square and close to the state capitol is completely free.

Method 2 of 3:

Ride the Commuter Rail

Ride the Utah Transit Authority's FrontRunner. This commuter rail will take you from Salt Lake City's outskirts and suburbs into the heart of the city. The locomotive travels up to 79 miles (127 km) an hour.
Choose a route. Keep in mind that you can use a round-trip FrontRunner ticket for any TRAX or bus transit as well.
- Ride Trax from the University of Utah medical complex to downtown or travel to the Sandy Civic Center and back to Salt Lake City downtown quickly. Scheduled stops vary depending on the route, but most run from 5:00 a. m. past midnight on weekdays and even later on weekends.
Buy passes for the FrontRunner fast commute train online or at the FrontRunner stations located in Salt Lake City, Farmington, Woods Cross, Roy, Layton, Clearfield, Ogden and Pleasant View.

Method 3 of 3:

Take a Bus

Choose the bus rapid transit (BRT), also known as the MAX bus, as a fast route in or out of the city. The MAX bus runs on its own roadway separate from other vehicles along 3500 South between Magna and the 3300 South TRAX station. The bus runs a second fast route between 5600 and 2700 West.
Ride MAX from 5:00 a. m. to 1:00 a. m. daily. Scheduled start and stop times may vary depending on the route.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Get Around Salt Lake City on the Cheap?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.