Uber / Lyft or rental car for short visit? (Salt Lake City, Sandy: to buy, taxi)

[manyroads]

This is sort of a stupid question, but are Uber and Lyft both active in the Salt Lake City area? If I fly into the SLC airport, will I be able to request a rideshare car?

I ask this because a couple of years ago I flew to Orlando to buy a car. Before I left my hometown, I went onto Uber's website to get an estimate of a ride from the Orlando airport to another city. But when I actually arrived at the airport and tried to request an Uber, I found out that due to city regulations my only options were the high end Uber service or SUVs, or taking a local taxi service. My ride ended up costing me much more than I had anticipated based on the estimate I got from Uber's website.

If I only plan to make a short 2 day trip to SLC and expect to spend all of my time in SLC proper or the surrounding areas in the valley (I don't imagine I'll have to go any farther than to Cottonwood Heights or Midvale), do you think I'd be better off renting a car for that time or just using Uber to get around?

[Code Stemi]

Another option to consider is the Trax system. They go all over and may be more affordable.

[manyroads]

Originally Posted by chahunt

Another option to consider is the Trax system. They go all over and may be more affordable.

I'm aware of the UTA TRAX system, and that UTA operates buses in SLC as well. But as someone who rarely uses public transit, I'm not sure I want to take the time to have to learn it in a city that I'll only be visiting for a short time.

[berly57]

manyroads -- Yes to both Uber & Lyft. My son-in-law actually drives for Uber and constantly is picking up from SLC airport. Hope that helps!

[manyroads]

Originally Posted by berly57

manyroads -- Yes to both Uber & Lyft. My son-in-law actually drives for Uber and constantly is picking up from SLC airport. Hope that helps!

Thanks, berly57!

[slomofo]

2-4 Uber rides is about the cost of a cheap rental from a major rental company or turo.

I would just rent a car.

[markg91359]

I vote for a rental car too. Salt Lake is not a crowded city. The street numbering system makes it easy to find your way around. I prefer to drive myself around. If the OP does it a rental car is definitely the best option.

[manyroads]

Originally Posted by slomofo

2-4 Uber rides is about the cost of a cheap rental from a major rental company or turo.

I would just rent a car.

Originally Posted by markg91359

I vote for a rental car too. Salt Lake is not a crowded city. The street numbering system makes it easy to find your way around. I prefer to drive myself around. If the OP does it a rental car is definitely the best option.

I did decide to rent a car. Now, my only concern is which roads around SLC have tolls on them? I have an E-Z Pass that works on highways here in the East, but not sure that will work in your area on toll roads.
I expect I'll be driving anywhere between the airport and Sandy during my visit. Not further to the north and won't be heading into the mountains. Do the I-15 or I-215 have tolls on them? What roads should I avoid if I don't want to pay tolls?

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by manyroads

I did decide to rent a car. Now, my only concern is which roads around SLC have tolls on them? I have an E-Z Pass that works on highways here in the East, but not sure that will work in your area on toll roads.
I expect I'll be driving anywhere between the airport and Sandy during my visit. Not further to the north and won't be heading into the mountains. Do the I-15 or I-215 have tolls on them? What roads should I avoid if I don't want to pay tolls?

Just don't use the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on the interstates and you'll be fine. There are no toll roads in Utah.

[manyroads]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

Just don't use the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on the interstates and you'll be fine. There are no toll roads in Utah.

Thank you!