San Francisco to Las Vegas is a substantial Southwest road trip — about 570 miles, typically taking 8–9 hours. The scenic route via US-395 through the Eastern Sierra passes Mono Lake, Bishop, and Death Valley; the faster route runs I-5 south through the Central Valley and then US-58 or I-15 east.
The US-395 Eastern Sierra route is spectacular if you have the extra time, running along the base of the tallest peaks in the contiguous US. The fast I-5/I-15 route sacrifices scenery for efficiency.
Stops Along the Way
An alien-looking ancient lake with unique tufa towers — a stunning photo stop on the US-395 route.
Gateway to some of the Eastern Sierra's best hiking and the White Mountains — a good lunch stop with excellent Eastern Sierra views.
A detour on the scenic route, taking in the lowest point in North America and some of the most dramatic desert landscapes on Earth.
Tips for This Trip
The US-395 route adds 2+ hours but is spectacular
If you have the day, the Eastern Sierra route through Mono Lake and the Owens Valley is one of California's great drives.
Flying saves 7+ hours
Cheap flights make the 1.5-hour flight from SFO to LAS far more practical for most trips — but you'd miss some incredible scenery.
Death Valley in summer is dangerous
If you detour through Death Valley between June and September, travel early morning with ample water, a full tank, and a well-maintained vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Las Vegas is about 415 miles (668 km) from San Francisco in a straight line, and approximately 570 miles (917 km) by road — 8.5 hours via the Central Valley or 10+ hours via the scenic US-395 Eastern Sierra route.