Los Angeles to Zion National Park

8h 42m
Drive Time
479
Miles
$55
Gas Cost
3
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Los Angeles to Zion?

The drive from Los Angeles to Zion takes approximately 8h 42m, covering 479 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $55 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 11–12+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
7h 24m
🔵 Typical
8h 42m
🔴 Heavy traffic
12h 37m

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

Route Details

Distance479 mi
Drive Time8h 42min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$55
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$70-$105

Route Tips: I-95

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

This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.

Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Zion

For a long drive like Los Angeles to Zion, 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
8h 42m
~$55 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 27m
~$80–$168 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~57 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
8h 42m
~$55
🚌 Bus
10h 39m
~$38–$86
🚂 Train
8h 43m
~$57–$144

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Los Angeles to Zion National Park?
The drive takes approximately 8 hours and 42 minutes covering 479 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 15 gallons of gas, costing approximately $55 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.