How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas takes approximately 6h 30min, covering 420 miles via I-80. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $49 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 8–9+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
5h 32m
🔵 Typical
6h 30min
🔴 Heavy traffic
9h 26m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance420 miles (675 km)
Drive Time6h 30min
RouteI-80
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~14.0 gallons
Est. Cost$49
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 Las Vegas
For a long drive like Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, 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
6h 30min
~$49 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 20m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~50 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
6h 30min
~$49
🚌 Bus
9h 20m
~$34–$76
🚂 Train
7h 38m
~$50–$126
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
📍 Capitol Reef
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas takes approximately 6h 30min covering 420 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 Las Vegas?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $49 on gas for this 420-mile trip. You'll need about 14.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas route?
Yes, expect approximately $12 in tolls along this route. Check with the local toll authority for transponder options to speed up toll payment.
