Route map
Start / endStops
LA to Phoenix: the drive
The drive from Los Angeles to Phoenix covers 373 miles (600 km) and takes about 5 hr 45 min without stops, mostly on I-10.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 7 hr 15 min door to door.
We found 2 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Cabazon Dinosaurs and General Patton Memorial Museum.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-10 | 351 |
Best time to go: October to April. Summer days in Phoenix often top 110°F, so start drives at dawn.
Best stops between LA and Phoenix
- 1
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Giant roadside dinosaurs off I-10 near Palm Springs, built in the 1960s and made famous by Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
Photo: CityMorgue · CC BY-SA 4.0 - 2
General Patton Memorial Museum
A WWII desert training center museum at Chiriaco Summit on I-10, with tanks parked outside. A good leg-stretch on the long desert run.
Where to stay in Phoenix
Arizona's hub, two hours from red-rock Sedona and three and a half from the Grand Canyon's South Rim.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Phoenix →
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 PHX. 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 Phoenix? 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 Phoenix:
LA to Phoenix road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Phoenix?
About 5 hr 45 min without stops for 373 miles via I-10. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 7 hr 15 min.
Can you drive from LA to Phoenix in one day?
Yes. At 5 hr 45 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 Phoenix?
Top stops include Cabazon Dinosaurs and General Patton Memorial Museum. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from LA to Phoenix?
About $48 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 Phoenix?
October to April. Summer days in Phoenix often top 110°F, so start drives at dawn.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
