The drive from Los Angeles to Dallas takes approximately 21h 0min, covering 1435 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $167 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 29–30+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
17h 51m
🔵 Typical
21h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
30h 27m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1435 miles (2309 km)
Drive Time21h 0min
RouteI-10
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~47.8 gallons
Est. Cost$167
Route Tips: I-10
Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous — bring plenty of water.
You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Dallas
For a long drive like Los Angeles to Dallas, 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:Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
21h 0min
~$167 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 22m
~$215–$502 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 52m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
21h 0min
~$167
🚌 Bus
31h 53m
~$115–$258
🚂 Train
26h 5m
~$172–$430
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:
📍 White Sands
📍 Albuquerque
📍 El Paso
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to Dallas?
The drive from Los Angeles to Dallas takes approximately 21h 0min covering 1435 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Los Angeles to Dallas?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $167 on gas for this 1435-mile trip. You'll need about 47.8 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Los Angeles to Dallas?
Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Los Angeles to Dallas route?
Yes, expect approximately $43 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a TxTag transponder for faster toll payment.
