Panguitch sits on US-89 in southwestern Utah, which is the main north-south corridor connecting the national parks of the Grand Circle. From Zion National Park and Springdale, the drive north on US-89 is about 90 miles (1.5 hours). Bryce Canyon is 25 miles east via UT-12. Capitol Reef is about two hours northeast on UT-12 through Torrey — a stretch of highway consistently rated among the most scenic drives in America.
From Salt Lake City, the drive south takes about 3.5 hours via I-15 to US-89. Las Vegas is roughly 3 hours to the southwest.
There is no scheduled public transport to Panguitch. A car is essential — not just to get here but to reach any of the surrounding attractions. Cedar City, about 55 miles to the west, has the nearest Greyhound stop and a regional airport (CDC) with connections to Salt Lake City.
Panguitch itself is a practical base specifically because it is cheaper than the gateway towns right at the park entrances. Motels here run significantly less than those in Bryce Canyon City or Springdale, which matters if you are spending several nights while exploring the region.