Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
LA to Las Vegas: the drive
The drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas covers 270 miles (435 km) and takes about 4 hr 15 min without stops, mostly on I-15 and I-10.
It's an easy drive that leaves plenty of time to explore along the way. Allow about 5 hr 30 min with breaks.
We found 5 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Calico Ghost Town, Peggy Sue's 50's Diner, Seven Magic Mountains and Hoover Dam.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-15 | 227 |
| I-10 | 27 |
Best time to go: October to April for desert drives; summer highs regularly pass 105°F.
Best stops between LA and Las Vegas
- 1
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 - 2
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.
Near Las Vegas
- 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
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 - 5
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
Where to stay in Las Vegas
The Southwest's busiest road trip hub: cheap flights, huge rental car supply, and Zion, the Grand Canyon and Death Valley all within a day's drive.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Las Vegas →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at LAS. 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 LAX
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Los Angeles International Airport in one search. Dropping off near Las Vegas? 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 LA to Las Vegas:
LA to Las Vegas road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
About 4 hr 15 min without stops for 270 miles via I-15 and I-10. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 5 hr 30 min.
What is the halfway point between LA and Las Vegas?
Barstow, CA is about halfway, roughly 135 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from LA to Las Vegas in one day?
Yes. At 4 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 LA and Las Vegas?
Top stops include Calico Ghost Town, Peggy Sue's 50's Diner, Seven Magic Mountains and Hoover Dam. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from LA to Las Vegas?
About $35 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 Las Vegas?
October to April for desert drives; summer highs regularly pass 105°F.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
