Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
Las Vegas to San Diego: the drive
The drive from Las Vegas to San Diego covers 331 miles (533 km) and takes about 5 hr 15 min without stops, mostly on I-15 and I-215.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 6 hr 45 min door to door.
We found 5 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Hoover Dam, Seven Magic Mountains, Peggy Sue's 50's Diner and Calico Ghost Town.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-15 | 255 |
| I-215 | 25 |
Best time to go: Year-round; desert legs east of the mountains are best October to April.
Best stops between Las Vegas and San Diego
Before you leave Las Vegas
- 1
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A 13-mile one-way scenic loop 25 minutes from the Strip. A timed-entry reservation has been required for most of the year.
Photo: Wilson44691 · CC0
- 2
Hoover Dam
Walk across the 726-foot Art Deco dam, or take the power plant tour. The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman bridge walkway gives the best view.
Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) · CC BY-SA 4.0 - 3
Seven Magic Mountains
Seven towers of neon-painted boulders in the desert just off I-15 south of Las Vegas. Free, quick and very photogenic.
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri · CC BY 3.0 - 4
Peggy Sue's 50's Diner
A kitschy 1950s diner in Yermo, right off I-15, and the classic meal stop on the LA–Vegas drive.
- 5
Calico Ghost Town
A restored 1880s silver mining town above Barstow, with a mine tour, small museum and old-west storefronts.
Photo: Alexander Mason · CC BY 4.0
Where to stay in San Diego
A mild-weather starting point with fast access to Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree and Arizona via I-8.
Map not loading? See places to stay near San Diego →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at SAN. One-way fees vary a lot between companies. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at LAS
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Harry Reid International Airport in one search. Dropping off near San Diego? Search a one-way rental; drop fees vary a lot between companies, so compare first.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Las Vegas to San Diego:
Las Vegas to San Diego road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to San Diego?
About 5 hr 15 min without stops for 331 miles via I-15 and I-215. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 6 hr 45 min.
What is the halfway point between Las Vegas and San Diego?
Barstow, CA is about halfway, roughly 166 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from Las Vegas to San Diego in one day?
Yes. At 5 hr 15 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between Las Vegas and San Diego?
Top stops include Hoover Dam, Seven Magic Mountains, Peggy Sue's 50's Diner and Calico Ghost Town. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Las Vegas to San Diego?
About $43 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
Year-round; desert legs east of the mountains are best October to April.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
