Is Salt Lake City a good place to visit?

Yes, it is a city with a great outdoor and museum scene.

Yes, multiple airlines offer direct service.

Is it better to drive or fly?

Flying is much faster for this distance.

Columbia

Salt Lake City

Flight Driving

Columbia to Salt Lake City

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Columbia to Salt Lake City is approximately 3,300 km. Flying from BWI to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the fastest option, taking about 4.5 hours. Driving via I-80 West takes roughly 35 hours, passing through the heart of the country. Salt Lake City is a major city in the Rocky Mountains, known for its outdoor recreation and historic sites. It is a very long drive.

Total Distance: Driving distance 3,300 km, air distance 2,800 km.

Fastest Way

Direct flight from BWI to SLC is the fastest at 4.5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective for groups.

Compare Columbia to Salt Lake City Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 30 mins	35 hours
Avg Price	$300 - $600	$400 - $600 in fuel
Operator	Delta Air Lines	Personal Vehicle
Route	BWI to SLC	I-80 W
Tip	SLC is a major hub for outdoor recreation.	The drive is very long; plan for multiple overnight stops.

Travel Tips

Traffic
Avoid driving through downtown Salt Lake City during rush hour.
Public Transit
Salt Lake City is best explored by car, but has a light rail system.
Dining
Try the local food in the downtown area.
Weather
Winters are cold; pack accordingly.
Events
Check the local calendar for events at the Vivint Arena.

Safety Tips

Driving
Be prepared for heavy traffic on I-80.
Personal Safety
Salt Lake City is generally safe, but use standard city precautions.
Emergency
Keep a roadside kit for the long drive.
Navigation
Use a GPS to navigate the city's streets.