From the Strip to Hollywood
How to Have a Safe & Memorable Drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Road trip time!
The call of the open road has run deep in American car culture since car culture existed, and there’s hardly been a better time to take a road trip. GPS services make struggling with maps or getting lost for hours a thing of the past; improved fuel efficiency means being able to drive for longer without stopping to fuel up. And in our unbiased opinion, the Las Vegas to Los Angeles drive is one of the best in the country. Here’s how to make the most of your trip.
Sights to see on a Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip
There’s plenty to see out in the desert on the way from Vegas to LA (or while driving Los Angeles to Las Vegas), especially for nature lovers. Hiking and camping enthusiasts should make time for Mojave National Preserve. Located alongside the I-15S just across the border with California, this majestic desert wilderness offers 1.6 million acres to explore.
Heading further into California, you may want to spend a night or two at the renowned Joshua Tree National Park in Twentynine Palms. The one-of-a-kind rock formations invite both newbie and seasoned bouldering and climbing enthusiasts, and the unparalleled night skies are unforgettable for astronomy buffs.
If civilization is more your thing, head off the I-15 at Barstow to pay a visit to Barstow Station, where you can shop and dine while people-watching in the famously quirky desert town. Foodies and UFO buffs alike should also stop in Baker, CA to grab some alien-themed souvenirs and cult favorite beef jerky at Alien Fresh Jerky.
Driving Los Angeles to Las Vegas or vice versa: Things to know
The most efficient route from Vegas to LA encompasses about 270 miles, most of it along the I-15S, for a total drive time of between 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic conditions and approximately a 4.5-6 hour drive time LA to Las Vegas. So plan for about a half day of driving if you choose to drive straight through.
That may not sound like much, but the road between Las Vegas and LA passes through long, uninhabited stretches of desert, and depending on the time of year, weather conditions may make the drive more hazardous.
Keep these basic desert travel tips in mind:
- Know the road ahead. Pay attention to the signage indicating how far away the next gas station or rest facility is so that you know when you need to stop for fuel, food, or bathroom breaks, and so you know how far help is, should you have a roadside emergency.
- Reduce the risks of a roadside emergency by making sure your vehicle is in excellent shape for the drive before you set out. Whether you perform your own auto maintenance or take it to a shop, check your brake pads, tire pressure and fluid levels and make sure all headlights and taillights are operational.
- Stock your trunk up with emergency items. While proper planning will minimize your risk of getting stranded, some risk will always exist. In the desert, daytime temperatures can reach well above 100F, while nighttime temperatures can drop dangerously low. Two of the most important items you can pack are bottled water and blankets. Food, first aid, a spare tire and jack, cash, and a flashlight can also mean the difference between an inconvenience and a catastrophe.
- Finally, stay alert! Pull over to rest when you feel tired or drive in shifts if you’re traveling with someone else.
We recommend everyone try driving Los Angeles to Las Vegas and vice versa at least once. With a little preparation, the trip can be a truly unforgettable adventure.