Is there a train from Sisters to Salt Lake City?

No, there is no passenger rail service connecting Sisters to Salt Lake City.

What is the best highway route?

US-20 East to I-84 East is the most direct and reliable route.

Are there tolls on this route?

No, there are no toll roads on the primary route between Sisters and Salt Lake City.

Bus service is limited and requires multiple transfers, making it impractical compared to driving.

What is the elevation change?

You will travel from approximately 3,180 feet in Sisters to 4,226 feet in Salt Lake City.

Sisters

Salt Lake City

Flight Driving

Sisters to Salt Lake City

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Sisters to Salt Lake City covers approximately 1,050 kilometers across the high desert. Driving via US-20 East through Burns and Ontario offers a scenic route through rural Oregon and Idaho. Alternatively, you can drive 30 minutes to Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) for a connecting flight to Salt Lake City International (SLC). This route traverses the Great Basin, requiring careful fuel management in remote stretches. Expect a total driving time of roughly 11 to 12 hours depending on stops. The landscape transitions from the Cascade foothills to the rugged terrain of the Wasatch Range.

Total Distance: 1,050 km driving, 820 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Redmond (RDM) is the fastest, taking roughly 4 hours including airport transit.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective option for groups or those carrying significant luggage.

Compare Sisters to Salt Lake City Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 15 mins	11 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	$250-$450	$120-$180 in fuel
Operator	Delta Air Lines	Personal Vehicle
Route	RDM to SLC via Seattle or Salt Lake City hub.	US-20 East to I-84 East through Boise and Ogden.
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance to secure lower fares from Redmond.	Fill your tank in Burns, Oregon, as gas stations are sparse for the next 150 miles.

Travel Tips

Fuel Up
Always maintain at least half a tank of gas when traveling through the remote stretches of Eastern Oregon.
Weather Check
Check the Oregon Department of Transportation (TripCheck) for winter road closures on US-20.
Hydration
The high desert climate is extremely dry; carry extra water for all passengers.
Time Zones
Be aware that you will cross from Pacific Time to Mountain Time during this trip.
Airport Parking
Use the long-term parking lot at RDM for the most affordable rates if flying out.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Be alert for deer and elk crossing the highway, especially during dawn and dusk.
Cell Service
Expect significant dead zones in rural Oregon and Idaho; download offline maps.
Emergency Kit
Carry a basic emergency kit including blankets, water, and a flashlight in your vehicle.
Fatigue
The long, straight roads can induce highway hypnosis; take breaks every two hours.