The drive from Denver to Las Vegas takes approximately 10h 30min, covering 750 miles via I-70. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $87 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 14–15+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
8h 56m
🔵 Typical
10h 30min
🔴 Heavy traffic
15h 14m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance750 miles (1207 km)
Drive Time10h 30min
RouteI-70
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~25.0 gallons
Est. Cost$87
Route Tips: I-70
Crosses the Rocky Mountains with stunning scenery. Mountain passes can be challenging in winter.
You'll likely need 1 fuel stop along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Denver to Las Vegas
For a long drive like Denver to Las Vegas, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Weekday mid-day
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
10h 30min
~$87 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 0m
~$112–$262 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 30m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
10h 30min
~$87
🚌 Bus
16h 40m
~$60–$135
🚂 Train
13h 38m
~$90–$225
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Canyonlands
📍 Moab
📍 Arches National Park
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Denver to Las Vegas?
The drive from Denver to Las Vegas takes approximately 10h 30min covering 750 miles via I-70. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Denver to Las Vegas?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $87 on gas for this 750-mile trip. You'll need about 25.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Denver to Las Vegas?
Weekday mid-day to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Denver to Las Vegas route?
Yes, expect approximately $22 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a ExpressToll transponder for faster toll payment.