How Long Is the Drive from White Sands to Las Vegas?
The drive from White Sands to Las Vegas takes approximately 12h 33min, covering 691 miles via I-20. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $80 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 17–18+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
10h 40m
🔵 Typical
12h 33min
🔴 Heavy traffic
18h 12m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance691 miles (1112 km)
Drive Time12h 33min
RouteI-20
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~23.0 gallons
Est. Cost$80
Route Tips: I-20
Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.
You'll likely need 1 fuel stop along the way.
Best Time to Drive from White Sands to Las Vegas
For a long drive like White Sands 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:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
12h 33min
~$80 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 53m
~$104–$242 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
12h 33min
~$80
🚌 Bus
15h 21m
~$55–$124
🚂 Train
12h 34m
~$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:
📍 Petrified Forest
📍 Sedona
📍 Flagstaff
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from White Sands to Las Vegas?
The drive from White Sands to Las Vegas takes approximately 12h 33min covering 691 miles via I-20. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for White Sands to Las Vegas?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $80 on gas for this 691-mile trip. You'll need about 23.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from White Sands to Las Vegas?
Mid-morning (9-11 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the White Sands to Las Vegas route?
Yes, expect approximately $20 in tolls along this route. Check with the local toll authority for transponder options to speed up toll payment.
