Is I-70 the best route?

Yes, I-70 is the most direct interstate highway connecting Missouri to Utah.

Are there trains available?

Amtrak offers the California Zephyr, but it requires a connection in Chicago or other hubs.

What is the drive time?

The drive typically takes 18 to 20 hours of pure driving time.

Do I need a rental car?

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the surrounding mountains and parks.

The stretch through the Colorado Rockies is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Westphalia

Salt Lake City

Flight Driving

Westphalia to Salt Lake City

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Westphalia to Salt Lake City spans approximately 1,900 kilometers across the American heartland. Most travelers drive north to Jefferson City before connecting to I-70 West, which serves as the primary artery through Kansas and Colorado. Alternatively, you can drive to St. Louis Lambert International Airport for a direct flight to Salt Lake City International. This route traverses the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, offering dramatic elevation changes. Expect a driving time of roughly 18 to 20 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. The transition from the rolling hills of Missouri to the high desert of Utah provides a unique perspective on the American landscape.

Total Distance: 1,900 km driving distance; 1,650 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from St. Louis Lambert International Airport is the fastest, taking roughly 6 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective method if traveling with multiple passengers.

Compare Westphalia to Salt Lake City Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours including layovers	19 hours
Avg Price	$300-$600	$250-$400 in fuel
Operator	Southwest Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	STL to SLC via Denver or Las Vegas.	I-70 West through Kansas City, Denver, and Grand Junction.
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance to secure lower fares from St. Louis.	Check mountain pass conditions on the Colorado Department of Transportation website before departure.

Travel Tips

Altitude Awareness
Salt Lake City sits at a high elevation; drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Fuel Stops
Fill up in major cities like Denver, as fuel prices can spike in remote mountain stretches.
Weather Prep
Carry tire chains if traveling between November and April due to heavy snow in the Rockies.
Time Zone
You will cross from Central Time to Mountain Time during your journey.
Parking
Downtown Salt Lake City offers paid parking garages; use the TRAX light rail to avoid city traffic.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Be cautious of deer and elk crossing the highway, especially during dawn and dusk.
Emergency Kit
Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle with blankets, water, and non-perishable food.
Cell Service
Expect intermittent cell service in rural parts of Western Kansas and Eastern Utah.
Fatigue
Take breaks every three hours to prevent driver fatigue on long, monotonous stretches of I-70.