Relocating to Draper: Discover TRAX, FrontRunner & I‑15 Options

Thinking about moving to Draper and wondering how the commute will fit your day? You want a plan that saves time, keeps costs predictable, and works with your lifestyle. In this guide, you’ll see how TRAX, FrontRunner, and I‑15 compare on speed, convenience, and everyday tradeoffs. Let’s dive in.

Quick commute snapshot

• FrontRunner from Draper station to Salt Lake Central: about 20 to 30 minutes train time. It is usually the fastest rail option to downtown’s Salt Lake Central. Check typical patterns.
• TRAX Blue Line from Draper Town Center to Salt Lake Central: about 50 to 55 minutes end to end, with frequent service. See route details and typical trip times.
• Driving I‑15 to downtown Salt Lake City: roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Express Lanes can improve reliability for carpools or with a paid pass. Review Express Lanes basics.

TRAX Blue Line from Draper

Where it runs and how often

The TRAX Blue Line terminates at Draper Town Center and also serves Kimballs Lane. Weekday trains typically come every 15 minutes during peak periods, with different frequencies off peak and on weekends. Always check current service on the TRAX Blue Line page before you go.

Travel time and fares

From Draper Town Center to Salt Lake Central, plan on about 50 to 55 minutes of train time. Actual time depends on your exact stop and wait time. See examples on this schedule reference. TRAX uses UTA’s local fare structure. The regular one‑way local fare is shown as about $2.50, and fare capping options may apply. Verify the latest fare details on UTA before riding.

Park and ride and last mile

Draper Town Center offers Park & Ride, and Kimballs Lane has parking access as well. Overnight rules and availability vary. You can confirm locations and policies on UTA’s Park & Ride list. For short trips to the station, UTA On‑Demand South Valley can help with flexible corner‑to‑corner rides within the zone. Learn how it works on UTA On‑Demand.

FrontRunner from Draper

Why it’s fastest to Salt Lake Central

FrontRunner is a commuter rail line with fewer stops, so it usually beats TRAX on speed to Salt Lake Central. Typical Draper to Salt Lake Central train times run about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the schedule. See recent patterns in the Transit app’s FrontRunner view.

Schedule and fares

FrontRunner generally runs more often at weekday peaks and less often off peak. Riders pay a premium, distance‑based fare that adds a per‑station increment to a base fare. Check UTA’s current FrontRunner schedule and fare details before you go.

Parking at Draper station

The Draper FrontRunner station sits near I‑15 with a multi‑level parking garage and kiss‑and‑ride areas. Some UTA facilities may charge nominal parking fees. For the most current parking rules and locations, see UTA’s Park & Ride info.

Driving I‑15: what to know

Express Lanes basics

I‑15 includes Express Lanes that prioritize steady speeds. Carpools with 2 or more people, buses, and motorcycles typically use these lanes at no charge. Solo drivers need an Express Pass transponder and pay a variable toll by zone. Review rules and how pricing works in UDOT’s Express Lanes FAQ.

Costs and Clean Vehicle Pass update

Toll prices change with congestion, and you need an active Express Pass account to be billed correctly. UDOT notes that the Clean Vehicle Pass program has been deactivated as of September 30, 2025. For current eligibility and any updates, start at the UDOT Express Lanes page.

Travel time reality check

Off‑peak, driving can be faster than TRAX for many trips. During rush hour, backups and construction can slow you down. Regional reports show the Salt Lake area often fares well compared with larger metros, but day‑of conditions matter. Keep an eye on real‑time maps and UDOT updates, and see context from this commute overview.

Which commute fits your lifestyle

Downtown Salt Lake job

• If you can park at Draper FrontRunner, FrontRunner is usually the fastest to Salt Lake Central.
• If you prefer not to drive to a station, TRAX is a simple one‑seat ride to downtown TRAX stops.
• If you want maximum flexibility, driving I‑15 with an Express Pass can help at peak times. Factor in downtown parking costs.

Mid‑valley jobs in Sandy or Midvale

• TRAX often wins here because it directly serves many mid‑valley stops.
• FrontRunner has fewer stations in the mid‑valley, so you may need a bus or ride‑hail transfer.
• Driving can work well if you have easy ramp access and flexible hours.

First and last mile tips

• Live close to Draper Town Center or Kimballs Lane for an easy TRAX walk or bike.
• Use UTA On‑Demand or a local bus to reach either Draper station without needing to park. Learn about On‑Demand.
• If you plan to park, confirm lot locations and rules on UTA’s Park & Ride page, and arrive a little early on peak mornings.

What’s changing next

FrontRunner 2X improvements

UTA’s FrontRunner 2X program aims to add double‑tracking and capacity, targeting more frequent peak service and better reliability. That could make Draper to Salt Lake City trips faster and more frequent over time. Get the latest on the FrontRunner 2X project.

I‑15 projects and The Point

UDOT plans and construction along I‑15, plus growth around The Point development, will shape traffic in the coming years. Expect some construction impacts, followed by potential long‑term capacity improvements. See recent coverage of the I‑15 plan here: UDOT’s final plan for I‑15 Farmington to Salt Lake City. Always check UDOT’s official pages for current timelines.

Ready to plan your move?

Your commute is a big part of daily life, and the right choice depends on where you live, where you work, and how you like to get around. If you want help finding a Draper home that fits your commute, I’m here to make the process smooth and clear. Reach out to Isabel Hutchings for personalized, bilingual relocation support and thoughtful, hands‑on guidance.

FAQs

How long is the commute from Draper to downtown Salt Lake City?

• By FrontRunner it is typically about 20 to 30 minutes to Salt Lake Central, while TRAX is about 50 to 55 minutes; driving can range from roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Which Draper rail option is faster to Salt Lake Central?

• FrontRunner from the Draper station is usually the fastest rail option to Salt Lake Central because it makes fewer stops than TRAX.

Where can I park to ride TRAX or FrontRunner in Draper?

• Draper Town Center (TRAX) and Draper FrontRunner both offer Park & Ride options; check UTA’s Park & Ride page for locations, availability, and any fees or overnight rules.

Do I need a pass to use the I‑15 Express Lanes when driving solo?

• Yes, solo drivers need an Express Pass transponder and pay a variable toll by zone; carpools with 2 or more people, buses, and motorcycles typically use the lanes at no charge.

Is the Clean Vehicle Pass still available for I‑15 Express Lanes?

• No, UDOT deactivated the Clean Vehicle Pass program on September 30, 2025; review UDOT’s Express Lanes page for current programs and requirements.