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Finding a rental car in Orem is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across Utah with no booking fees. Use our filters to spot free cancellation, unlimited miles and money-saving weekly rates at Orem city branches, Provo Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport. Book a compact for campus visits or pick a 4WD SUV for Provo Canyon and Sundance Resort, all in a few clicks.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Orem City Locations | • No airport fees • Multiple agencies (Enterprise, Budget, Hertz) • 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 |
| Provo City | • Nearby alternative • Additional rental options • Close to BYU | • Still requires transportation from airports • Similar limitations to Orem locations |
| Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies • Extended hours (some 24/7) • Pickup upon arrival | • 45 miles (45-60 min) from Orem • Airport concession fees (around 10%) • Distance from Utah Valley attractions |
| Provo Airport (PVU) | • Closest airport to Orem • Convenient for air travelers | • Very limited flight service • Limited rental options (mainly Enterprise) • Restricted hours based on flight schedule |
Orem Rental Agencies
- Enterprise: University Parkway location
- Budget: State Street location
- Hertz: Limited presence
- Some dealerships offer rentals (Ken Garff and others)
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- Compare local vs airport pickup: Orem city branches skip the 10 % airport concession fee. Even after a FrontRunner ride from SLC (≈ $7) and a short Uber, you usually save money.
- Avoid UVU/BYU surge dates: Move-in (late Aug), graduations (Apr & Aug) and conference weekends push prices up fast. Shifting pickup by a day or two outside these windows can cut rates sharply.
- Test weekly pricing: In Orem a 7-day booking often costs less than 5–6 individual days. Always run both quotes before you lock in.
- Go small unless it's snowing: For city and canyon drives an economy/compact handles fine, burns less gas and rents cheaper. Upgrade to AWD only for mid-winter mountain trips.
- Use free branch pickup: Some local desks will fetch you from your hotel or the Orem FrontRunner station at no charge, trimming rideshare costs and still dodging airport fees.
Car rental prices in Orem 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
| Location | Parking Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Place Mall | Surface lots | Free | Plenty of shopping center spots |
| Downtown Orem | Street parking | Free | Limited in some areas |
| Public lots | Free | Near city buildings | |
| Utah Valley University | Campus lots | Paid permits/hourly | Visitor spots in designated areas |
| Utah Lake State Park | Dedicated lots | Fee applies | Day-use fee includes access |
| Provo Canyon/Recreation Areas | Trailhead parking | Free | Limited capacity at popular sites |
| BYU Campus (nearby) | Campus lots | Paid hourly/permits | Visitor areas have time limits |
| FrontRunner Stations | Transit parking | Free | Orem station has park-and-ride lot |
- Speed Limits:
- Residential areas: 25 mph
- Main streets: 35–45 mph
- I-15: 70 mph through Utah County
- Provo Canyon (US-189): 50–55 mph
- School zones: 20 mph when lights flashing
- Important Rules:
- Utah's DUI limit is 0.05% blood alcohol content
- Hands-free phone use only (no holding phones while driving)
- Right turn on red permitted after a complete stop unless prohibited
- Seat belts required for all occupants
- Express Lanes on I-15 require 2 or more occupants or a transponder
- Four-way stops: the first to arrive has right-of-way
- School zones are strictly enforced during designated hours
- Local Quirks:
- Drivers in Utah Valley are generally courteous but sometimes hesitant
- A "Utah left" is an unprotected left turn made just after the light turns red
- University traffic can cause congestion around the UVU campus
- Snow removal prioritizes main roads; side streets may remain snowy
- Canyon roads can experience closures during winter storms
Why rent a car in Orem
Book a rental car so you can easily:
- Provo Canyon – waterfalls, Sundance Resort, trailheads
- Utah Lake – state park, boating, fishing
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument – cave tours, American Fork Canyon
- Alpine Loop Scenic Byway – mountain drive, fall colors, viewpoints
- Park City – Main Street, ski resorts, outlets
- Salt Lake City – Temple Square, museums, dining
Local Rental Locations
- Car Rental Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Layton, UT
- Moab, UT
- Ogden, UT
- Park City, UT
- Provo, UT
- SGU Airport
- St George, UT
- Utah
- Vernal, UT
FAQs
Do I need a car to visit Orem and nearby attractions?
Yes, we highly recommend you rent a car. While UTA buses and the FrontRunner train can take you to parts of Utah Valley, you'll need a car to reach Provo Canyon, mountain recreation areas and many attractions not on the main bus or train lines.
Where is the best place to rent a car for visiting Orem?
If you fly into Salt Lake City, renting a car at the SLC Airport gives you the most choices, but it is a 45-minute drive. To get better rates, you can rent from local places like Enterprise or Budget in Orem. This is a good option if you don't need a car as soon as you arrive.
Is it difficult to park at Utah Valley University or BYU?
Both universities have parking for visitors, but the lots can fill up fast during busy times. It's usually easier to find visitor parking at UVU than at BYU. You should look for lots marked for visitors or spots where you can pay by the hour. Always read the signs carefully because many lots on campus require a permit.
Do I need an SUV or 4WD vehicle in Orem?
For city driving, no. However, if you plan to visit Sundance Resort, drive on mountain roads or travel during winter, we recommend an AWD/4WD vehicle, especially for Provo Canyon and the Alpine Loop. Summer visitors will be fine with a standard car unless they plan a lot of mountain driving.
How far is Sundance Resort from Orem?
Sundance Resort is about 20 miles from Orem. The drive takes 30 to 35 minutes through scenic Provo Canyon on US-189.
Are there toll roads around Orem?
No, there are no toll roads where you have to stop and pay. The Express Lanes on I-15 through Utah County require you to have two or more people in your car or an electronic pass if you're driving alone. Most rental cars don't have these passes.
What's the best scenic drive from Orem?
Provo Canyon (US-189) is a spectacular drive where you can see mountain views, waterfalls and access to Sundance Resort. The Alpine Loop (UT-92) through American Fork Canyon has stunning mountain scenery, especially when the leaves change color in the fall. The loop is usually open from May through October.
Is winter driving difficult in Orem?
The city usually clears Orem's main streets quickly after it snows, but neighborhood streets might stay snowy longer. Canyon roads like US-189 to Sundance can be hard to drive on during storms. You should consider getting an AWD/4WD vehicle if you visit in winter, especially for mountain areas.
Can I get by using just public transportation in Orem?
In central Orem and between UVU and BYU, you can use the UVX bus and local UTA buses. The FrontRunner train also connects Orem to Salt Lake City. However, you will need a car to reach places like Provo Canyon, Utah Lake or Sundance Resort.
What should I know about parking during university events?
During big events at UVU and BYU, like sports games, graduation and conferences, it gets very hard to find parking on campus. For BYU events, consider using public parking garages in downtown Provo or parking in lots farther away that offer a shuttle service. For UVU events, arrive early to find a spot in the main lots.
