Zion is the closest national park to Las Vegas: according to the National Park Service, it is about 163 miles (260 kilometers) north on I-15, a drive of roughly two and a half to three hours. Bryce Canyon is farther, in south-central Utah, and together they make the most popular nature trip from the gambling capital. They are two very different landscapes: Zion is a deep canyon with red walls that you explore from the bottom, and Bryce is an amphitheater of orange stone spires that you look down on from above. This guide explains how to get to Zion from Las Vegas, what it costs to enter in 2026, how Zion's mandatory shuttle works, the Angels Landing permit and how to add Bryce. Last checked October 27, 2026.
Key facts
- Distance. Las Vegas to Zion, about 163 miles on I-15. Zion to Bryce, two to three hours by car depending on the route.
- Entrance. $35 per vehicle at each park, plus $100 for each foreign visitor aged 16 or older, at each park.
- The pass worth buying. The $250 America the Beautiful nonresident pass, which covers both parks and waives the surcharge.
- In Zion, cars can't drive into the canyon while the park's free shuttle is running.
- Angels Landing requires a lottery permit: $6 per application plus $3 per person.
- Time change. When you cross into Utah, clocks move forward one hour.
What it costs to enter Zion and Bryce in 2026
Both parks charge the same, according to their official pages: $35 per private vehicle, valid for 7 days, $30 per motorcycle and $20 per person on foot or by bike. And since 2026 both apply the $100 per person surcharge to visitors aged 16 or older who are not US residents.
The bill for two foreign adults in one car visiting both parks: $35 plus $200 at Zion, and $35 plus $200 at Bryce, $470. With the $250 America the Beautiful nonresident annual pass, the car and its passengers enter both parks without the surcharge. In this case the pass saves $220, and it also covers the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone for a year. See our guide to US national parks for international visitors.
How to get from Las Vegas to Zion
The route is simple: I-15 north, crossing a short stretch of Arizona through the Virgin River Gorge into Utah, then the state highway to Springdale, the town right outside the park's south entrance. Plan on two and a half to three hours of driving.
Three things to keep in mind:
- The time change. Nevada uses Pacific Time and Utah uses Mountain Time: when you cross, clocks move forward an hour. If you have a shuttle time or a permit, go by Utah time.
- Kolob Canyons. A separate section of Zion with its own entrance at I-15 exit 40, about 40 miles from the main canyon. If you are short on time, it works as a quick stop.
- Without a car. There are day tours from Las Vegas; they are long days of 12 hours or more. Check whether the price includes the entrance fee and the surcharge.
To rent a car as a visitor, see our guide to driving in the US with a foreign license.
The Zion shuttle: why you can't drive into the canyon
The most famous part of Zion is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the road that follows the river along the canyon floor. While the park shuttle is running, that road is closed to private cars, except for Zion Lodge guests with a reservation. You park at the visitor center or in Springdale and board the shuttle, which is free and doesn't require a ticket.
In fall 2026, according to the park, the shuttle runs as follows: September 13 to October 24, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; October 25 to November 28, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; no service from November 29 to December 25; and back from December 26 to January 2, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Springdale shuttle, which runs from town to the entrance, is also free.
Arrive early: the visitor center parking lot fills up quickly in season.
What to do in Zion in one day
- Riverside Walk. An easy trail at the end of the canyon, along the river, to where The Narrows begin.
- The Narrows. Hiking up the river itself, between walls hundreds of meters high. It depends on the water flow and the flash flood risk: check conditions at the visitor center the same day.
- Angels Landing. The most famous hike, along a ridge with chains and drop-offs on both sides. Requires a permit.
- The Scenic Drive viewpoints, hopping off the shuttle at several stops.
The Angels Landing permit
According to the park, Angels Landing requires winning a lottery on recreation.gov. The application costs $6, and if you are selected you pay $3 more per person. There are two lotteries:
- Seasonal, months in advance. For September to November it opens on July 1; for December to February, on October 1; for March to May, on January 1; and for June to August, on April 1.
- Day-before, which you enter between 12:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. Utah time the day before your hike.
Without a permit you can still hike to Scout Lookout, where the ridge begins, and already enjoy a huge view.
How to add Bryce Canyon
From Zion, Bryce Canyon is two to three hours by car, depending on the route. Zion's park page puts it at about 150 miles via Highway 20. The practical approach is to spend a night between the two parks or near Bryce, rather than trying both in one day from Las Vegas.
Bryce is higher and cooler than Zion. Its main attraction is the amphitheater of hoodoos, columns of eroded rock, seen from viewpoints such as Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, and you can hike down among them on marked trails. In 2026 its free, optional shuttle ran from April 3 to October 18.
When to go
Spring and fall are the best times for Zion: in summer the canyon floor gets very hot and afternoon storms bring a risk of flash floods. Bryce, thanks to its altitude, is pleasant in summer and snowy in winter. If you also want to see the Grand Canyon, our Grand Canyon South Rim guide has its fees and shuttles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Las Vegas to Zion?
About two and a half to three hours, covering about 163 miles of I-15, according to the park.
How much does it cost to enter Zion?
At Zion, a car pays $35 for seven days and each foreign visitor aged 16 or older adds a $100 surcharge. Bryce charges the same separately.
What can you do in Zion in one day?
Ride the free shuttle along the Scenic Drive, walk the Riverside Walk and, with a permit, climb Angels Landing.
Can you drive into Zion Canyon?
Not while the park shuttle is running. You park and take the free shuttle.
When is the best time to visit Zion?
Spring and fall. In summer the canyon floor is very hot and there is a risk of flash floods.
Can you see Zion and Bryce in one day?
From Las Vegas, that is too much. It's better to spend a night between the two parks.