The drive from Los Angeles to Denver takes approximately 15h 0min, covering 1020 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $119 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 21–22+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
12h 45m
🔵 Typical
15h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
21h 45m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1020 miles (1641 km)
Drive Time15h 0min
RouteI-10
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~34.0 gallons
Est. Cost$119
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 2 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Denver
For a long drive like Los Angeles to Denver, 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:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
15h 0min
~$119 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 32m
~$153–$357 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 2m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
15h 0min
~$119
🚌 Bus
22h 40m
~$82–$184
🚂 Train
18h 33m
~$122–$306
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:
📍 Horseshoe Bend
📍 Antelope Canyon
📍 Bryce Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to Denver?
The drive from Los Angeles to Denver takes approximately 15h 0min covering 1020 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Los Angeles to Denver?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $119 on gas for this 1020-mile trip. You'll need about 34.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Los Angeles to Denver?
Mid-morning (9-11 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 Denver route?
Yes, expect approximately $30 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a FasTrak transponder for faster toll payment.
