Yes, Amtrak's California Zephyr runs from the Bay Area to Salt Lake City, but it takes over 18 hours.

How long is the drive?

Typically 12 hours, but weather and stops can make it a long day.

Yes, Greyhound and FlixBus offer service, but it is a very long journey.

How far is the airport?

Salt Lake City International Airport is about 10 kilometers from downtown.

Daly City

Salt Lake City

Flight Driving

Daly City to Salt Lake City

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Daly City to Salt Lake City covers approximately 1,200 kilometers. Flying from SFO to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the most efficient method, taking about 2 hours in the air. Driving via I-80 is a long road trip, taking roughly 12 hours of driving time. This route takes you through the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Great Basin.

Total Distance: 1,200 km driving, 950 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is the fastest, with a total travel time of about 4 hours including airport procedures.

Cheapest Way

Flying is often cheaper than the cost of fuel and potential overnight stays for a long drive.

Compare Daly City to Salt Lake City Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours	12 hours
Avg Price	120-300 USD	150-250 USD in fuel
Operator	Delta, United	Personal Vehicle
Route	SFO to SLC.	I-80 East.
Tip	Book in advance for the best rates on this popular route.	Plan for a stop in Reno or Elko to break up the drive.

Travel Tips

Airport Transit
Use BART to reach SFO easily from Daly City.
Driving Breaks
The drive is long; take breaks every 3 hours to stay alert.
Weather
Salt Lake City has cold winters; pack warm clothing if visiting in winter.
Flight Booking
Use flight comparison sites to find the best deals on SFO-SLC routes.
Public Transit
Salt Lake City has a light rail system (TRAX) connecting the airport to downtown.

Safety Tips

Highway Safety
I-80 can have severe weather in winter; check road conditions before driving.
Airport Security
Arrive at SFO at least 2 hours before your flight.
Urban Safety
Salt Lake City is generally safe, but stay aware of your surroundings in downtown areas.
Vehicle Safety
Do not leave valuables in your car while parked in public areas.