How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to Casper?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Casper takes approximately 7h 1min, covering 386 miles via I-80. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $45 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 10–11+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
5h 58m
🔵 Typical
7h 1min
🔴 Heavy traffic
10h 10m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance386 miles (621 km)
Drive Time7h 1min
RouteI-80
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~12.9 gallons
Est. Cost$45
Route Tips: I-80
Crosses the country through the northern states. Mountain passes in Wyoming and Utah can see winter closures.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Salt Lake City to Casper
For a long drive like Salt Lake City to Casper, 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
7h 1min
~$45 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 16m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~46 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
7h 1min
~$45
🚌 Bus
8h 35m
~$31–$69
🚂 Train
7h 1m
~$46–$116
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:
📍 Jackson Hole
📍 Steamboat Springs
📍 Grand Teton
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Salt Lake City to Casper?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Casper takes approximately 7h 1min covering 386 miles via I-80. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Salt Lake City to Casper?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $45 on gas for this 386-mile trip. You'll need about 12.9 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Casper?
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 Salt Lake City to Casper route?
Yes, expect approximately $11 in tolls along this route. Check with the local toll authority for transponder options to speed up toll payment.
