How Long Does It Take to Drive to Las Vegas?
Quick Answer
4–5 hours from Los Angeles, 8–9 hours from San Francisco, and 36+ hours from New York City. Drive times depend on your starting city and traffic conditions.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Driving to Las Vegas takes 4–5 hours from Los Angeles, the most common starting point. From other major US cities, the drive ranges from 2 hours (from St. George, Utah) to 36+ hours (from New York City). Las Vegas sits in the Mojave Desert at the intersection of Interstate 15 and US-95, making it accessible by highway from almost anywhere in the country.
Drive Times from Major Cities
| Starting City | Distance | Drive Time (No Stops) | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 270 miles | 4–4.5 hours | 4.5–6 hours |
| San Diego, CA | 330 miles | 5–5.5 hours | 5.5–7 hours |
| Phoenix, AZ | 300 miles | 4.5–5 hours | 5–6 hours |
| San Francisco, CA | 570 miles | 8–9 hours | 9–10 hours |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 420 miles | 6–6.5 hours | 7–8 hours |
| Denver, CO | 750 miles | 10.5–11.5 hours | 12–13 hours |
| Dallas, TX | 1,230 miles | 17–18 hours | 19–21 hours (2 days) |
| Chicago, IL | 1,750 miles | 24–26 hours | 2–3 days |
| New York, NY | 2,530 miles | 36–38 hours | 3–4 days |
"Recommended time" includes fuel stops, meals, and rest breaks.
Most Popular Route: LA to Las Vegas
The drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on I-15 North is one of the most-traveled road trips in America. Here is what to expect:
Route Breakdown
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| LA to Barstow | 130 miles | 2 hours |
| Barstow to Primm (NV border) | 80 miles | 1 hour |
| Primm to Las Vegas Strip | 45 miles | 40 min |
| Total | 270 miles | 4–4.5 hours |
Traffic Considerations
- Friday afternoon/evening (outbound): Expect 5–7 hours due to heavy congestion through Cajon Pass and near Primm.
- Sunday afternoon/evening (return): Even worse – the drive can take 6–8 hours with bumper-to-bumper traffic south of Primm.
- Best departure times: Leave LA before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on Fridays. Return to LA on Monday morning or Sunday before 10 a.m.
Other Popular Routes
Phoenix to Las Vegas (US-93)
- 300 miles via US-93 through Kingman and Hoover Dam
- Scenic route passes near the Hoover Dam bypass bridge
- Allow extra time if stopping at the dam
San Francisco to Las Vegas (I-5 to I-15)
- 570 miles taking I-5 South to I-15 through Barstow
- Alternative: US-395 through the Eastern Sierra for scenery (adds 1–2 hours)
Salt Lake City to Las Vegas (I-15)
- 420 miles straight down I-15
- Passes through stunning red rock country in southwestern Utah
- Consider stopping at Zion National Park (30 minutes off the route)
Road Trip Tips
- Fill up before the desert – gas stations are sparse between Barstow and Primm on I-15.
- Carry extra water especially in summer, when temperatures can exceed 115°F in the Mojave.
- Check for road closures – I-15 occasionally closes due to flash floods or accidents.
- Use real-time traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze, especially on the LA–Vegas corridor.
- Avoid holiday weekends – Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve create massive congestion.
- Plan fuel and restroom stops at Baker, CA (home of the famous thermometer) or Primm, NV.
Is It Worth Driving vs. Flying?
From LA, driving is usually faster and cheaper than flying when you factor in airport time, security, and rental car costs. From cities farther than 600 miles away, flying is generally more practical. A nonstop flight from San Francisco takes about 1.5 hours versus 8–9 hours of driving.