How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles takes approximately 11h 0min, covering 690 miles via I-80. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $80 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 15–16+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
9h 21m
🔵 Typical
11h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
15h 57m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance690 miles (1110 km)
Drive Time11h 0min
RouteI-80
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~23.0 gallons
Est. Cost$80
Route Tips: I-80
Crosses the country through the northern states. Mountain passes in Wyoming and Utah can see winter closures.
You'll likely need 1 fuel stop along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles
For a long drive like Salt Lake City to Los Angeles, 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
11h 0min
~$80 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 53m
~$104–$241 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 23m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
11h 0min
~$80
🚌 Bus
15h 20m
~$55–$124
🚂 Train
12h 33m
~$83–$207
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:
📍 Las Vegas
📍 Las Vegas Strip
📍 LAS
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles?
The drive from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles takes approximately 11h 0min covering 690 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 Los Angeles?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $80 on gas for this 690-mile trip. You'll need about 23.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles?
Early morning (6-8 AM) 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 Los Angeles route?
Yes, expect approximately $20 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a FasTrak transponder for faster toll payment.
