How Long Is the Drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles?
The drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles takes approximately 4h 0min, covering 270 miles via I-15. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $31 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 6–7+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
3h 24m
🔵 Typical
4h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
5h 48m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance270 miles (434 km)
Drive Time4h 0min
RouteI-15
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~9.0 gallons
Est. Cost$31
Route Tips: I-15
The Vegas highway. Friday/Sunday traffic between LA and Vegas can be extreme — plan accordingly.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
The best time to drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles is late evening (8-10 pm). Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when possible.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
4h 0min
~$31 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 2m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~32 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
4h 0min
~$31
🚌 Bus
6h 0m
~$22–$49
🚂 Train
4h 55m
~$32–$81
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:
📍 Barstow
📍 Big Bear Lake
📍 Palm Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles?
The drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles takes approximately 4h 0min covering 270 miles via I-15. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Las Vegas to Los Angeles?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $31 on gas for this 270-mile trip. You'll need about 9.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Las Vegas to Los Angeles route?
There may be minor tolls (around $8) on parts of this route. Some sections have toll-free alternatives.
