Los Angeles to Las Vegas Distance
Road Distance
270 miles / 435 km via I-15 North, the direct and most commonly used route.
Driving Time
~4 hours in light traffic. Friday evenings and Sunday returns can take 5–6+ hours.
Flight Time
A direct flight takes only 1 hour, though airport time often makes driving comparable for short trips.
Straight-Line Distance
228 miles (367 km) as the crow flies — the shortest theoretical distance between the two cities.
How to Calculate the Distance from LA to Las Vegas
Getting the exact road distance for your specific starting point takes seconds:
Type Los Angeles, CA — or your specific LA neighborhood — in the "From" field.
Type Las Vegas, NV in the "To" field.
See the road distance, driving time, and full route on the interactive map instantly.
Best Time to Drive from LA to Las Vegas
Traffic on I-15 through the Cajon Pass and into Barstow is notoriously heavy at peak times. Here's when to travel:
Best Times
- Weekday mornings (before 10am)
- Weekday evenings (after 8pm)
- Saturday midday
- ~4 hours travel time
Worst Times
- Friday 3pm–8pm (heading to Vegas)
- Sunday 2pm–7pm (returning to LA)
- Major holiday weekends
- Can take 6–7+ hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Las Vegas from Los Angeles by car?
The driving distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is approximately 270 miles (435 km) via I-15 North. Use our calculator above for the exact distance from your specific location.
How long does it take to drive from LA to Las Vegas?
In normal traffic, the drive takes about 4 hours. On Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings, heavy weekend traffic can push this to 5–7 hours, especially through the Cajon Pass and near Barstow.
Is it cheaper to fly or drive from LA to Las Vegas?
For a solo traveler, flying can be similarly priced to gas costs. For groups of 2 or more, driving is usually cheaper since fuel cost is shared, and you avoid airport parking and baggage fees.
What is the best route from LA to Las Vegas?
Interstate 15 North is the fastest and most direct route, covering the entire 270-mile distance. It passes through San Bernardino, the Cajon Pass, Barstow, and Primm before reaching Las Vegas.
Are there good stops between LA and Las Vegas?
Popular stops include Barstow (roughly the halfway point, good for fuel and food), the outlet mall in Barstow, and Primm on the California-Nevada border, which has casinos and a roller coaster.
Planning Your LA to Vegas Trip
Weekend Getaway
Calculate exact travel time to plan your arrival before check-in or dinner reservations on the Strip.
Fuel Cost Estimate
At 435 km, expect to use roughly 35–45 liters of fuel depending on your vehicle's efficiency.
Bus & Shuttle Planning
Popular shuttle services also run this route — use the distance to estimate arrival times for scheduled transport.
Multi-Stop Trips
Combine with Grand Canyon or Death Valley — calculate distances for a full Southwest road trip itinerary.
Other Popular US Distances
Continuing your Southwest road trip? Check out our complete Route 66 map guide for more iconic American routes.