Los Angeles to Yellowstone National Park

19h 29m
Drive Time
1072
Miles
$125
Gas Cost
8
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Los Angeles to Yellowstone?

The drive from Los Angeles to Yellowstone takes approximately 19h 29m, covering 1072 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $125 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 27–28+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
16h 34m
🔵 Typical
19h 29m
🔴 Heavy traffic
28h 15m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1072 mi
Drive Time19h 29min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$125
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$140-$175

Route Tips: I-15

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Yellowstone

For a long drive like Los Angeles to Yellowstone, 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
19h 29m
~$125 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 39m
~$161–$375 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 9m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
19h 29m
~$125
🚌 Bus
23h 49m
~$86–$193
🚂 Train
19h 29m
~$129–$322

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:

📍 Zion National Park
📍 Bryce Canyon
📍 Sundance

FAQ

How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Yellowstone National Park?
The drive takes approximately 19 hours and 29 minutes covering 1072 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 35 gallons of gas, costing approximately $125 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.