Plan the Los Angeles, CA to Las Vegas, NV drive with real weather risk, fuel savings, and a clear-eyed comparison of your alternatives.
Low-Moderate. Summer heat (June–Sep) creates extreme temperatures in the Mojave Desert. Check your coolant before driving.
Open the live RouteWeather planner → to see today's exact conditions for every waypoint on this drive.
Based on a 25 MPG vehicle and the AAA CA state average of $4.52/gal.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | 270 miles |
| Fuel needed (25 MPG) | ~11 gallons |
| State avg price (CA) | $4.52/gal |
| Est. fuel cost | $28–$38 |
RouteWeather identifies gas stops ~every 60 miles. Current best discount: ~$4.24/gal (SAVE 6%) vs. CA average. How is this calculated?
Thursday evening or very early Friday for weekend trips. Return Sunday after 6 PM or Monday morning to bypass I-15 backup at Primm.
The LA to Las Vegas drive is approximately 270 miles along I-15 North and takes around 4 hours under normal conditions. Friday evening traffic can push this to 6–7 hours.
For solo travelers, flying at ~$70 can be cheaper when you factor in Vegas parking and fuel. For groups of 2–4, driving on I-15 is usually faster door-to-door outside of peak Friday times.
Extreme Mojave Desert heat (115°F+) is the primary hazard June–September. Ensure your vehicle coolant is topped, carry extra water, and do not ignore the temperature gauge on the Cajon Pass or Baker grade.