Yes! You can visit Arches National Park without a car, but how much of the park you experience depends on the transportation you choose.
With the introduction of the free Moab–Arches Shuttle in September 2026, visitors now have an easy way to reach two popular destinations. However, the shuttle covers only a small portion of the park.
If you’re visiting without a vehicle, you have two main options: take the public shuttle or join a guided sightseeing tour.
Option 1: Take the Free Arches Shuttle
The Moab–Arches Shuttle connects several locations in Moab with the Arches Visitor Center, where passengers transfer to a shuttle serving two destinations:
- The Windows Section: Explore North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and nearby Double Arch.
- Delicate Arch Trailhead: Access the famous 3-mile round-trip hike to Delicate Arch.
The shuttle is free, although a valid national park entrance pass is required.
The limitation? The shuttle does not stop at most of the park’s other famous attractions, including Park Avenue, Courthouse Towers, Balanced Rock, Fiery Furnace Viewpoint, or Devils Garden, home to Landscape Arch.
Unlike Zion National Park’s shuttle system, which serves much of its main canyon, the Arches shuttle provides access to only two destinations.
Option 2: Join a Guided Arches National Park Tour
If you want to experience more of Arches without renting a car, a guided sightseeing tour is an excellent alternative.
Tours typically include transportation from Moab and visits to multiple scenic viewpoints, arches, and walking trails throughout the park.
Depending on the tour, you may experience Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, the Windows, Delicate Arch viewpoints, and other remarkable landscapes inaccessible by shuttle.
An experienced local guide can also share insights about the park’s geology, history, and natural wonders.
Not all tours cover the same destinations. Compare itineraries, the number of stops, and walking distances before booking.
What If You Have a Car?
If you have your own vehicle, driving yourself generally offers the most flexibility.
You can explore different sections of the park, choose your hikes, stop for photographs, and stay for sunset without following a shuttle schedule.
The main drawbacks are traffic and limited parking at popular trailheads during busy periods.
Which Option Is Best?
| Your Priority | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Visit the Windows or hike Delicate Arch | Free shuttle |
| See more of Arches without driving | Guided tour |
| Explore independently at your own pace | Your own car |
| Avoid parking and navigation | Shuttle or guided tour |
| Visit multiple scenic viewpoints | Guided tour or own car |
Shuttle Schedule and Important Information
The free shuttle pilot began in September 2026, with its initial season running through October 31. Service is planned to resume in spring 2027.
During the 2026 season, service generally operates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., although departure times vary by route.
If you’re planning to hike Delicate Arch, check the final return departure carefully.
The Bottom Line
You absolutely can visit Arches National Park without a car.
The shuttle is a convenient way to reach two popular destinations, but it is not a complete sightseeing service. If you want to experience the park’s remarkable variety of landscapes, a comprehensive guided tour offers a much broader experience without the need to drive.
And if you already have a vehicle, driving yourself remains one of the best ways to discover Arches at your own pace.