• Salt Lake Express

Salt Lake Express

Bus Reviews

Salt Lake Express

Salt Lake Express Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Bus for You?

Salt Lake Express is the premier regional transit lifesaver for the Intermountain West. While massive nationwide carriers focus almost exclusively on densely populated coastal corridors, Salt Lake Express specializes in connecting the vast, beautiful, and often isolated communities of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and Montana.

Catering heavily to college students (serving major campuses like BYU, BYU-Idaho, and Utah State), national park tourists heading to Yellowstone or Zion, and regional commuters, they offer a vital network of shuttles and large motorcoaches. Here is everything you need to know about riding with Salt Lake Express in 2026.

Salt Lake Express at a Glance

  • Operator: Salt Lake Express (and partner carrier Northwestern Stage Lines)
  • Route Network: Intermountain West (Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, and Washington state). Major hubs include Salt Lake City, Boise, Las Vegas, and Idaho Falls.
  • Best For: Students at regional universities, airport transfers to SLC or LAS, and tourists visiting national parks.
Salt Lake Express

Onboard Experience: What to Expect

Because Salt Lake Express operates a mix of full-sized 56-passenger motorcoaches and smaller transit sprinter vans depending on the route density, your exact vehicle type can vary.

Standard Coach & Shuttle Features

The full-sized motorcoaches offer standard reclining seats, climate control, and an onboard restroom. The sprinter shuttles lack a restroom but offer a more intimate, car-like ride. Across the entire fleet, Salt Lake Express provides free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, though cellular data drops are common when crossing high-altitude mountain passes or remote desert stretches.

Stops and Driver Changes

Because they traverse rugged and sprawling geography, routes feature highly coordinated multi-stop itineraries. Full-sized buses stop frequently at regional gas stations or transit hubs to drop off mail/packages and allow passengers to stretch their legs.

Luggage Allowance & Policies (Updated 2026)

Salt Lake Express accommodates the heavy gear needs of outdoor enthusiasts and college students moving back and forth from dorms.

Luggage Type Allowance Cost
Carry-On Baggage 1 small piece (Up to 15 lbs) Free (Must fit in overhead compartments or under the seat)
Checked Baggage 2 pieces (Max 50 lbs each) Free (Stored in under-bus bins or back cargo hold)
Additional Bags 3rd bag or overweight bags $10 to $20 per bag (Paid online during booking)
Oversized Items Skis, snowboards, boxed bicycles Permitted in luggage bays for a standard oversized fee

Pros & Cons of Traveling with Salt Lake Express

Pros:

  • Incredible regional coverage—reaches towns completely ignored by airlines and trains.
  • Highly generous free luggage allowance (two 50 lb checked bags).
  • Direct drop-offs at major airport terminals (SLC and LAS).
  • Frequent, reliable daily schedules across core university routes.

Cons:

  • Vehicle sizes vary; you may end up in a passenger van rather than a large coach.
  • Winter mountain weather in Idaho and Wyoming can trigger sudden delays or cancellations.

Share Your Experience!

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did you take Salt Lake Express to Yellowstone, or commute to BYU-Idaho?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Salt Lake Express

Do Salt Lake Express vehicles have toilets?

The full-sized 56-passenger motorcoaches are equipped with a standard restroom at the rear. However, if your specific route is operated by one of their smaller transit sprinter shuttles, there is no onboard restroom (though drivers make frequent stops).

Is there Wi-Fi on Salt Lake Express?

Yes, free Wi-Fi and power outlets are standard across the fleet. Keep in mind that because the system relies on cellular towers, you will experience connectivity blackouts when driving through deep mountain canyons or remote valleys.

Can I take my skis or snowboard on the bus?

Yes! Salt Lake Express heavily accommodates winter sports enthusiasts. Skis and snowboards are permitted and will be stored securely in the under-bus luggage compartments or rear cargo bays for a standard oversized baggage fee.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the operator before booking.