How to get from Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Adventure & Exploration · Scenic Journeys (Road & Rail) · United States of America · Las Vegas · Los Angeles

Los Angeles to Las Vegas is one of America’s most popular corridors. Choose a quick flight (LAX/LGB/BUR → LAS), a budget intercity bus, the classic I-15 road trip by car, or a door-to-door private transfer. Below you’ll find the best options, how to book, step-by-steps, and map links.

At A Glance (Los Angeles to Las Vegas)

Mode Duration Best For
✈️ Flight (LAX/LGB/BUR → LAS) ~1h10 flight + 30–60m airport transfers Fastest overall
🏷️ Cost: ~US$40–180 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | alt. fares
🚌 Intercity Bus (Day/Night) ~5–7.5h (traffic/stop-pattern) Budget, no driving
🏷️ Cost: ~US$20–65 one-way » curated bus picks
🚘 Self-Drive (I-15 via Barstow–Baker–Primm) ~4–6h (weekends/holidays longer) Flexibility & roadside stops
🏷️ Cost: Car ~US$45–120/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals
🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van ~4.5–6.5h door-to-door Families, groups, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~US$450–900 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | onward Vegas transfers

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly to LAS, then quick taxi/ride-hail to the Strip.
  • Cheapest (no car): Intercity bus from LA boarding points to Las Vegas South Strip/Downtown.
  • Most Scenic/Flexible: Self-drive I-15 with stops in Barstow (outlets), Baker (world’s tallest thermometer), Primm (state line).
  • Door-to-door comfort: Private transfer/van—ideal with kids, elders, or lots of luggage.

How to Book and Practical Tips

✈️ Option #1 — Flight (LAX/LGB/BUR → LAS) — Fastest Overall

Fast Frequent Airport transfers

  • Overview: Frequent nonstop flights from Los Angeles area airports (LAX, Long Beach LGB, Burbank BUR) to Las Vegas (Harry Reid Int’l, LAS). After landing, it’s a short ride to the Strip or Downtown.
  • How to book (with price): ~US$40–180 one-way depending on date/time. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For your LAS→hotel leg, browse Vegas airport transfers or use Uber/Lyft.
  • Pros: Quick, many departures. Cons: Security/boarding time reduces the time savings if you’re far from the airport.

Step-by-step: Flight

  1. Choose the closest LA airport (LAX/LGB/BUR) and compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  2. Get to your departure airport by Uber/Lyft or local transit; arrive 2 hours early (more on peak holidays).
  3. Fly ~1h10 to LAS. After baggage claim, follow signs to rideshare/taxis or meet a prebooked airport transfer.
  4. Ride 10–20 minutes to your Strip/Downtown hotel depending on traffic.

Getting to the main embarking points (LAX/LGB/BUR & LAS)

  • Los Angeles airports: LAX (most flights), LGB (smaller/easy), BUR (great for the Valley). All have rideshare zones.
  • Las Vegas (LAS): Clear signage for rideshare, taxis, shuttles, and rental cars.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Intercity Bus (Budget & No Driving)

Cheapest Multiple daily Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: Multiple operators run coaches from LA (Union Station area, Downtown/USC, El Monte, North Hollywood) to Las Vegas (South Strip Transfer Terminal, Caesars Palace area, Downtown).
  • How to book (with price): From ~US$20–65 one-way depending on time/amenities. Compare curated departures on Trip.com bus picks. Bring layers (A/C) and snacks; buses usually have Wi-Fi/USB.
  • Pros: Low cost, frequent. Cons: 5–7.5 hours; holiday traffic & rest stops add time.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

  1. Pick a convenient LA boarding point (e.g., Union Station area or Downtown/USC) and a Vegas drop-off (South Strip or Downtown).
  2. Compare times/prices and book e-tickets via Trip.com.
  3. Arrive 20–30 minutes early; staff will scan your QR/e-ticket. Stow large bags below.
  4. On arrival in Vegas, ride Uber/Lyft or hotel shuttle for the last mile to your resort.

Getting to the main embarking points (Union Station & South Strip)

  • Los Angeles: LA Union Station is transit-rich (Metro Rail/Bus); Downtown/USC and El Monte pickups are also common—use Uber/Lyft for last mile.
  • Las Vegas: South Strip Transfer Terminal (SSTT) has easy rideshare/taxis; Downtown stops are walkable to Fremont hotels.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive on I-15 (Classic Road Trip)

Flexible Scenic Traffic-prone

  • Overview: Drive I-10/US-101/CA-60 feeders to I-15 North via the Inland Empire, then Barstow → Baker → Primm → Las Vegas. Great for groups and detours.
  • How to book (with price): Rentals from ~US$45–120/day (compact to full-size). Compare LAX vs. downtown pickups on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Leave when you want; add outlet malls or desert stops. Cons: Heavy Friday PM and holiday traffic; high desert heat in summer—carry water.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car in LA (airport or downtown). Check insurance, roadside assistance, and toll policy.
  2. Navigate to I-15 North; plan rest stops in Barstow (fuel/food), Baker (snacks), and Primm (last Nevada stop).
  3. Enter Las Vegas via I-15; follow signs to your Strip/Downtown exit. Hotel self-parking may be paid—check policies.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & I-15)

  • LA pick-up: LAX consolidated rental car facility or city depots (often cheaper on fees).
  • Vegas arrival: Most resorts have garages; oversize vehicles check hotel guidance.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door)

Comfort Group-friendly Higher cost

  • Overview: A professional driver collects you anywhere in LA and drops you at your Vegas hotel—no stations, no parking, no rental paperwork.
  • How to book (with price): ~US$450–900 per vehicle depending on size/date. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. For onward LAS→hotel legs (if flying one way), see airport transfers.
  • Pros: Door-to-door ease, child seats on request, stress-free. Cons: Pricey vs. bus/self-drive; still traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and departure time on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm what’s included (fuel, tolls, wait time) and vehicle size for luggage.
  3. Meet your driver at your door; ride I-15 to your Vegas hotel entrance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

  • Pickup: Any LA address (home/hotel/office). Drivers track live traffic.
  • Drop: Any Vegas resort or short-term rental address; coordinate garage access if needed.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Los Angeles to Las Vegas)

Flight or drive—what’s quicker door-to-door?
If you’re near LAX/LGB/BUR and not checking bags, flying wins. If you’re far from the airport or traveling at off-peak road times, driving can be similar door-to-door.

When is I-15 traffic worst?
Friday afternoons LA→Vegas and Sunday afternoons Vegas→LA, plus holiday weekends. Leave early morning or late evening to avoid the worst.

Do any trains run LA–Vegas?
There’s no regular intercity passenger train in service between LA and Las Vegas at the moment. Most travelers fly, bus, or drive.

Where do buses drop off in Las Vegas?
Common stops include South Strip Transfer Terminal (SSTT), the Strip (operator-specific stops), and Downtown near Fremont Street.

Do I need to pay for hotel parking in Vegas?
Many resorts charge for self/valet parking (policies change). Check your hotel’s current parking fees and consider rideshare for short hops once in town.

What if I have time before check-in?
Store bags via Radical Storage Las Vegas and explore the Strip or Downtown without luggage.

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