When you think of Park City, you may think of snow-covered mountains, speeding down the slopes and cozy fireplaces. What may not come to mind is a top-notch, free public transportation system.
Below is a basic guide to getting around the Park City area without a car. This is an update of our 2018 Park City Transportation guide. Be sure to check the respective sites for updates and changes.
*Note that some alterations may be in effect for special events such as the Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance Film Festival Map shows all venues, theaters and shuttle routes. With the crowds of Sundance, heavy traffic is inevitable and utilizing public transportation is highly recommended.
Hotel Shuttle
Many hotels in town offer shuttle services to local ski hills as well as shopping and dining destinations. Simply ask the front desk or hotel concierge.
Park City Transit
Park City Transit runs the buses that circulate within the Park City municipal limits. Think Deer Valley to the edge of Park Meadows and Thaynes Canyon near the White Barn. This system operates free of charge. The myStop mobile app has route maps and you can set it up for alerts so you will know when your bus is expected to arrive. Information about the bus including printable timetables can be found here.
The Park City Transit website is the best place for up-to-date information about the Park City Transit system. I have found the Park City Transit system to be the best way to get in and out of Deer Valley concert traffic in the summer and during winter events. I have clients who insist that riding the bus to Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Lodge in the winter gets them first tracks midmountain. The buses are equipped with ski storage racks, making your trip to the mountain much easier. With parking at the resorts at a premium, the fee bus is an alternative that makes a lot of sense.
High Valley Transit
High Valley Transit offers several bus lines in Park City, Wasatch County, Kamas and even Salt Lake City! There is also a “micro transit” (think free Uber.) All transportation is provided free of charge. To get started, download the High Valley Transit app here.
The micro transit works “on demand” in the Park City and Heber Valley areas. Just like Uber or Lyft, at busy times, you could be waiting a very long time for a ride, and the system may place several passengers in the same vehicle to maximize efficiency. I recommend using micro transit at less busy times, or when time is not of the essence. This free transit system has proved invaluable for area residents too young to drive, commuters, and travelers who prefer an environmentally sustainable way of getting around.
Taxi/Uber
The taxi/Uber/Lyft transportation options are abundant in Park City. Call one for a ride, utilize the appropriate app or flag one down on the street. Many also offer rides to and from Salt Lake City and the SLC International Airport.
Car Service
If your transportation needs are more extensive than simply a bus or taxi, a car service can be arranged. A number of local companies exist, such as Utah Private Car, ProTrans and Snow Country Limo, to name a few. MoodyBlu Express services the Kamas and Heber Valleys. This type of transportation is great for those wanting white glove service, large groups with an active schedule or someone traveling with disabilities. You can also book these services outside the hours of public transportation.
Walk, Bike or e-Bike
If foot travel is your speed, the city provides a very useful walking map. It shows all of the sidewalks, stairs, paved pathways and bike lanes in the Old Town and Prospector neighborhoods. It also highlights Parking, Parks, Lodging and Grocery Stores.
Town is also very bike-able, and in 2017, launched the nation’s first all-electric bike program. For a small rental fee, users can rent one of the 88 pedal assisted e-bikes. The electric bikes can be found at 9 charging stations around the town and are available during the spring, summer and fall.
Kimball Junction Circulator
The Kimball Junction Circulator is intended to limit traffic for folks shopping and dining in the Kimball Junction area. From 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, these white vans circulate through a designated loop every 15 minutes. They wind through the Kimball Junction area, from Redstone to the Transit Center and out to the Outlet Mall. If you are looking for a lift, simply flag one down. There is no charge to ride the circulator.
Park City Trolley
The Park City Trolley runs up and down Park City’s Historic Main Street from 7:50am-8:05pm. You can catch the Trolley at a designated stop or stand anywhere along the route and wave the driver down. The Trolley also stops at the Old Town Transit Center, where transfers can be made to other routes in Park City’s free transportation system. The Trolley is operated by Park City Transit. Back in the old days, when my kids were little, we would ride the trolley to Java Cow on Main Street. After our ice cream, we would walk downhill and shop in the stores.
Sometimes the adventure is found at the destination, and sometimes it can be found in the journey. When navigating Park City, we hope it’s both! So, sit back and relax. No matter the route, you can enjoy fresh air and beautiful views.