How Long Is the Drive from New Orleans to Salt Lake City?
The drive from New Orleans to Salt Lake City takes approximately 31h 2min, covering 1862 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $217 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 43–44+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
26h 23m
🔵 Typical
31h 2min
🔴 Heavy traffic
45h
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1862 miles (2996 km)
Drive Time31h 2min
RouteI-10
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~62.1 gallons
Est. Cost$217
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 5 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from New Orleans to Salt Lake City
For a long drive like New Orleans to Salt Lake City, 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:Weekday mid-day
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
31h 2min
~$217 gas
✈️ Flying
6h 13m
~$279–$652 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 43m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
31h 2min
~$217
🚌 Bus
41h 23m
~$149–$335
🚂 Train
33h 51m
~$223–$559
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:
📍 Oklahoma City
📍 Wichita
📍 Taos Ski Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from New Orleans to Salt Lake City?
The drive from New Orleans to Salt Lake City takes approximately 31h 2min covering 1862 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for New Orleans to Salt Lake City?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $217 on gas for this 1862-mile trip. You'll need about 62.1 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from New Orleans to Salt Lake City?
Weekday mid-day to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the New Orleans to Salt Lake City route?
Yes, expect approximately $50 in tolls along this route. Check with the local toll authority for transponder options to speed up toll payment.
