






Find competitive car rental prices in Ogden, Utah with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no reservation fees. Compare offers from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and more at downtown Ogden locations or Salt Lake City International Airport, and reach Snowbasin or Powder Mountain in under an hour. Book early for winter AWD deals and avoid airport surcharges by taking the FrontRunner train and picking up your car in town.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Ogden | • No airport fees • Multiple agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis) • Close to hotels and attractions • Often lower rates than SLC Airport |
• Limited operating hours • Closed Sundays at most locations • Smaller vehicle selection • Transportation needed from airport |
| Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies • Extended hours (some 24/7) • Pickup upon arrival |
• 40 miles (64 km) (45-60 min) from Ogden • Airport concession fees (around 10%) • Busier counters during peak times |
| Layton/Davis County | • Midway between SLC and Ogden • No airport fees • Alternative if Ogden sold out |
• Limited hours • Fewer agency options • Still requires transportation from airport |
Ogden Rental Agencies:
On average, car rentals in Ogden cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Skip airport counters when you can – Downtown Ogden and nearby Layton locations avoid the ~10 % SLC airport concession fee, often cutting $8-$12 per day. Fly in, hop on the FrontRunner train, and pick up in town.
Compare pickup spots and days in one search – Prices swing between SLC, Ogden, and Layton depending on stock, so run side-by-side quotes for each location and flex your pickup/return times by a few hours to catch lower inventory-based rates.
Ski season = earlier booking, shoulder season = relax – AWD SUVs sell out fast for Christmas and Presidents Day. Aim for 4-8 weeks ahead in winter. For spring, summer, and fall you can usually wait until 2-3 weeks out without paying extra.
Test "weekly" pricing tricks – Rentals of 5-7 days often drop into a cheaper weekly bucket. Add or remove a day in the search and see if the total falls.
Pick the smallest car your trip allows – A compact handles Ogden Canyon fine in summer and sips gas. Only bump up to an SUV if you're driving to ski resorts mid-winter or packing bulky gear.
Top off in town before drop-off – Gas on Washington Blvd is far cheaper than refueling at the counter; return with a full tank and avoid per-gallon penalties.
| Location | Parking Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Ogden | Street parking | Free (time limits) | 2-hour limits common on Washington Blvd |
| Public lots | Free/Paid | Several garages and surface lots downtown | |
| Junction Parking | Free | Shopping center with downtown access | |
| Ogden Canyon/Valley | Trailhead parking | Free | Limited capacity at popular trails |
| Ski Resorts | Resort lots | Free/Paid | Some resorts charge during peak season |
| Antelope Island | State park lots | Day-use fee | Included with park entry |
| Hill Aerospace Museum | Dedicated lot | Free | Ample space available |
| Union Station | Museum lot | Free | Historic downtown location |
| FrontRunner Station | Transit parking | Free | Commuter rail to Salt Lake City |
Speed Limits:
Important Rules:
Local Quirks:
Get a car so you can easily:
Snowbasin Resort – ski resort
Powder Mountain – ski resort
Nordic Valley – ski area
Antelope Island State Park – bison herds, Great Salt Lake vistas
Ogden Canyon & Trappers Loop – canyon drive, foliage
Bear Lake via Logan – lake recreation

Do I need an AWD/4WD vehicle in Ogden?
If you're visiting in the winter (December-March) and plan to drive to ski resorts or mountain areas, we strongly recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle. Officials sometimes require it during snowstorms. For summer visits or if you're staying mostly in the valley, a standard car is fine.
How does Ogden compare to Salt Lake City for a ski trip base?
In Ogden, you'll find more affordable places to stay and less crowded roads to resorts like Snowbasin and Powder Mountain. The city has a relaxed feel and a historic downtown. Salt Lake has more city attractions and is closer to several resorts, but you'll find higher prices and more traffic there.
Where's the best place to rent a car for visiting Ogden?
If you fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, you'll have the most choices if you rent there, even though you'll pay 10–15% more in airport fees. For better rates, you can take the TRAX Green Line light-rail from the airport to North Temple or Salt Lake Central Station. Then you can switch to the FrontRunner commuter train to Ogden. The whole trip takes about 90 minutes. Once you're in Ogden, you can rent locally from Enterprise or Hertz.
How difficult is the drive to ski resorts from Ogden?
Ogden Canyon (UT-39) is a winding road that has some narrow parts, but crews keep it in good shape. In good weather, it's an easy 30–40-minute drive to the resorts. During snowstorms, the drive can be tough, so you'll need an AWD/4WD vehicle. Crews plow the road regularly, but you might see delays when the snow is heavy.
Are there toll roads around Ogden?
Ogden has Utah's only toll road, the Adams Avenue Parkway. It's a short half-mile road that costs about $2. However, you can easily avoid this road and tourists don't usually use it. To use the Express Lanes on I-15, you need two or more people in your car or an electronic pass if you're driving alone.
What is Antelope Island and is it worth visiting?
Antelope Island is the biggest island in the Great Salt Lake. You can get there on a road from Syracuse, which is near Ogden. You'll find free-roaming bison herds, hiking trails, beaches and great views. Many visitors say it's a high point of their trip, especially if you like nature photography or outdoor activities.
How does the FrontRunner train work?
FrontRunner is a commuter train that connects Ogden to Salt Lake City, making many stops along the way. It's a great choice for day trips to Salt Lake City if you don't want to drive. Trains run about every 30 minutes during the busy morning and evening hours on weekdays. They run hourly during the middle of the day and on Saturdays. The train does not run on Sundays. The station is in downtown Ogden and has free parking. A one-way ticket to Salt Lake City costs about $4.10.
What's the best time of year to visit Ogden?
If you want to ski, January through March has the best snow. For hiking and other outdoor fun, July through September offers warm weather and lets you get to all the mountain areas. In the fall (late September–October), you can see amazing fall colors in Ogden Canyon and the Valley. Spring (April–May) is a good value because there are fewer people, but the weather in the mountains can change a lot.
Can I get to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain with a regular car in winter?
You can reach both resorts on paved roads that crews maintain regularly. However, we don't recommend you drive there during or after a snowstorm without an AWD/4WD vehicle. A regular car can make the trip on clear winter days when the roads are dry. But the mountain weather can change fast, which could make your drive back dangerous.
What should I know about parking in downtown Ogden?
On Historic 25th Street and in the downtown area, you'll find both street parking and public lots or garages. Street parking is free but usually limited to two hours on business days. If you need to park for longer, you can use the public garages near The Junction or the Municipal Building. They offer free or low-cost parking and you can walk to the main sights from there.