Distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Complete travel guide: 270 miles | 4-hour drive | 1-hour flight
Quick Facts
Total Distance
270 miles
435 kilometers
Driving Time
4 hours
Non-stop driving
Flight Time
1 hour
Direct flight
Cost Calculator
18
$3.50$6.00
Driving Cost
Fuel Cost:$48.60
Total:$48.60
$24.30 per person
4 hours total driving time
Flight Cost
Avg. Ticket Price:$80
Travelers:×2
Total:$160.00
$80.00 per person
1 hour total flight time
Weekend Warrior Tip: For 2 travelers, driving saves $111.40 and gives you freedom to explore the desert!
Route Information
Best Driving Routes
1
I-15 North (Most Popular)
The fastest and most direct route through the Mojave Desert. Scenic desert landscapes with minimal stops.
Distance
270 miles
Time
4 hours
2
Scenic Route via Route 66
Historic route through Barstow and Victorville. Adds time but offers nostalgic Americana experience.
Distance
290 miles
Time
5 hours
Best Time to Drive
Best Times
Early Morning (5-7 AM): Beat traffic and desert heat
Late Evening (8-10 PM): Cooler temps, see Vegas lights approaching
Weekdays: Less traffic than Friday/Sunday
Avoid
Friday 3-8 PM: Heavy LA to Vegas traffic
Sunday 2-7 PM: Return traffic to LA
Summer Midday: Desert temps exceed 110°F
Gas Stops & Rest Areas
Barstow, CA
Halfway point | Multiple gas stations & restaurants
135 miles
Baker, CA
Home of the World's Tallest Thermometer | Last major stop
180 miles
Primm, NV
First Nevada stop | Outlet mall & casinos
230 miles
Flight Options
Airlines
Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Alaska
Frequency
30+ daily flights
Airports
LAX, BUR, LGB → LAS
Pro Tip: Southwest often has $49-79 one-way deals. Book on Tuesday afternoons for best prices.
Things to Do
In Los Angeles
Hollywood Sign
Iconic landmark visible from Griffith Observatory with stunning city views
Santa Monica Pier
Historic pier with amusement park, aquarium, and beautiful Pacific Ocean views
Walk of Fame
2,700+ stars honoring entertainment industry legends along Hollywood Boulevard
Getty Center
World-class art museum with stunning architecture and panoramic LA views
In Las Vegas
The Strip
4.2-mile boulevard featuring world-famous casinos, shows, and entertainment
Bellagio Fountains
Spectacular choreographed water show with music, free every 15-30 minutes
Red Rock Canyon
Stunning desert landscape 17 miles west, perfect for hiking and photography
Fremont Street
Historic downtown Vegas with LED canopy light shows and vintage casinos
Travel Tips
Driving Tips
- Fill up in LA: Gas is $0.50-1.00 cheaper per gallon than in Vegas or desert stops
- Check your car: Desert heat is brutal on tires and cooling systems
- Bring water: Keep 1 gallon per person in case of breakdown
- Use cruise control: Easy to speed on empty desert highways (expensive tickets!)
Flying Tips
- Book Southwest: Free checked bags and no change fees make it the best value
- Burbank Airport: Smaller, less crowded, and often cheaper than LAX
- Rent car in Vegas: You'll need one anyway, and rates are competitive
- Early flights: 6-8 AM departures are cheapest and most reliable
Money-Saving Tips
- Weekday travel: Hotels are 40-60% cheaper Sunday-Thursday
- Off-Strip hotels: Save $50-150/night staying downtown or off-Strip
- Pack snacks: Vegas food is expensive; bring road trip snacks
- Free attractions: Bellagio Fountains, Mirage Volcano, and Fremont Street are free
Important Warnings
- Summer heat: Desert temps reach 115°F+ in July/August, dangerous for breakdowns
- Friday traffic: Can add 2-3 hours to drive time, leave before 2 PM or after 9 PM
- Cell service: Spotty between Baker and Primm, download offline maps
- Resort fees: Vegas hotels add $30-50/night in mandatory fees not shown in initial price
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
The drive takes approximately 4 hours without stops via I-15 North. However, Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings can add 1-3 hours due to heavy traffic. Early morning (5-7 AM) or late evening (8-10 PM) departures are fastest.
What is the distance from LA to Las Vegas?
The distance is 270 miles (435 kilometers) via I-15 North, the most direct route. Alternative scenic routes through Route 66 add about 20 miles but offer a nostalgic Americana experience.
Is it better to drive or fly from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
For solo travelers or couples, flying is often faster and similarly priced ($80-150 round-trip). For groups of 3+, driving is more economical and gives you a car in Vegas. Consider that you'll likely need a rental car in Vegas anyway if you fly.
How much does it cost to drive from LA to Vegas?
Expect to spend $50-70 for fuel one-way (based on 25 MPG and $4.50/gallon gas). There are no tolls on I-15. Total cost for a round trip is typically $100-140 in fuel, making it economical for 2+ people.
What is the best time to drive to Las Vegas from LA?
Best times are early morning (5-7 AM) to beat traffic and heat, or late evening (8-10 PM) to see Vegas lights approaching. Avoid Friday 3-8 PM (heavy outbound traffic) and Sunday 2-7 PM (return traffic). Weekdays have significantly less traffic.
Where should I stop between LA and Las Vegas?
Popular stops include Barstow (halfway point with restaurants and gas), Baker (home of the World's Tallest Thermometer), and Primm (first Nevada stop with outlet mall and casinos). The drive is short enough that stops are optional.
Can you do a day trip from LA to Vegas?
Yes, but it's exhausting. You'll spend 8 hours driving round-trip, leaving only a few hours in Vegas. Most people prefer a 2-3 day weekend trip to make the drive worthwhile and avoid fatigue.
Is the drive from LA to Vegas dangerous?
The drive is generally safe on well-maintained I-15. Main risks are summer heat (bring water), speeding tickets (use cruise control), and Friday/Sunday traffic. Avoid driving in extreme heat (110°F+) if your car has cooling issues.
How much is gas from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
For a typical car (25 MPG), you'll use about 11 gallons one-way. At $4.50/gallon, that's $50 each way or $100 round-trip. Fill up in LA where gas is cheaper than desert stops or Vegas.
What should I bring for the LA to Vegas drive?
Essentials include: water (1 gallon per person), snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, phone charger, and downloaded offline maps. In summer, also bring a hat and extra water in case of breakdown. Check tire pressure and coolant before leaving.
Related Routes
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Weekend Warrior Tip
Leave LA Friday before 2 PM or after 9 PM to avoid brutal traffic. Return Sunday before noon or after 8 PM!