In short
- Drive 120 miles west of Salt Lake City on Interstate 80.
- Stop at the Westbound Rest Area (Mile Marker 10) for easy access.
- Take Exit 4 to reach the Bonneville Speedway and drive on the salt.
In this article
Getting to the salt flats is straightforward because Interstate 80 cuts directly through the landscape. Whether you drive your own vehicle or book a guided tour, you only need to travel about two hours from Salt Lake City to reach the crust.
How far are the Bonneville Salt Flats from Salt Lake City?
The salt flats are 120 miles west of Salt Lake City.
The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours under normal conditions. You will follow Interstate 80 West the entire way. There are no tolls or entry gates on this route.
Where is the best place to stop first?
The Westbound Rest Area at Mile Marker 10 provides the easiest pedestrian access.
This pull-off allows you to park safely and walk directly onto the salt crust. It features bathrooms and an outdoor foot-washing station to rinse the corrosive salt off your shoes. Do not attempt to drive your car onto the salt from the rest area parking lot.
How do I drive my car onto the salt flats?
Take Exit 4 off Interstate 80 to access the Bonneville Speedway.
A paved access road leads straight from the exit to the edge of the salt flats. Stop at the end of the pavement to check conditions before driving further. Avoid the light brown mud flats surrounding the white crust, as vehicles easily sink there.
Can I take a tour instead of driving?
Yes, you can book a guided day trip departing from Salt Lake City.
Guided tours typically last 4 to 8 hours and cost between $100 and $250. These trips usually include round-trip transportation. Taking a tour means you do not have to worry about renting a car or washing salt off your vehicle afterward.
Do I need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to visit?
No, a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is not necessary to reach the flats.
The rest areas and the Exit 4 access road are fully paved. You only need a standard vehicle to reach the main viewing areas. If you plan to explore the Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway nearby, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
What transportation options exist?
Driving a car or booking a guided tour are the only ways to access the flats.
There is no public transportation that stops at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Compare the two main transit methods below.
Questions travellers ask
What is the closest city to the Bonneville Salt Flats?
Wendover is the closest city, located just 10 miles west of the flats on the Utah-Nevada border. It offers gas stations, restaurants, and hotels.
How much does it cost to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats?
General public access and personal photography are free. There are no entry gates or toll roads to reach the flats on Interstate 80.
Does the salt ruin your car at Bonneville Salt Flats?
Salt residue is highly corrosive. If you choose to drive onto the crust at Exit 4, you must wash the underside of your vehicle thoroughly afterward.
