Driving from LAX to Las Vegas

[jncvh]

I am taking my wife on a surprise getaway to Vegas. I am looking at flying into LAX, renting a convertible, and then driving to Vegas to stay at the Mandalay Bay for three nights? Has anyone ever done this drive and if so what is it like? I googled the map and the trip will takes about 4 hours, depending on LA traffic. One-third of the trip is through LA and the remainder is through the desert, which is the part that I am looking for. I could fly to Vegas but I get a better deal flying to LAX and would like to go on the drive with my wife.

 

[gouodux]

Used to live in LA and had a convertible. Have made this drive about 20 times. Depending upon the time of year - a portion of this drive will be too hot to have the top down. The drive itself isn't bad, but can be very crowded on a Friday night. Lots of desert once out of LA.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Depending on when you go - look more for a 5-hour drive. I live about 15 minutes from LAX, and that is how long it takes me 4.5 - 5 hours.

If you should go during high traffic time, then count on taking more time.

If you can manage it - do not return from Las Vegas to Los Angeles on a Sunday. Las Vegas is a major getaway for the locals, and many will leave on Friday, and return on Sunday. It has taken people up to 8 hours to return on a Sunday due to all of the return traffic.

Personally, I like the drive to Las Vegas - it is always interesting to drive through the desert for me.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

The desert part is on the 15. It is 2 lanes for the most part and it's under construction. What day of the week/time of day were you planning on?

The drive, without traffic can take 3-4 hours. There is not much scenery to see, just 4 lanes of road and desert.

You mention it is cheaper to fly into LAX but you may want to factor the cost of gas from LA (around $3.25/gal) to Vegas (slightly cheaper) and back and also make sure that your rental car has unlimited mileage and that you can take it out of state. Renting a car to go to Vegas is a common thing in CA and rental agencies will notice the mileage.

I understand wanting to take the drive, but if part/most of your decision is based upon the cheaper flight you may want to reconsider.

 

[va32h]

I'm surprised the flights to LAX are cheaper than the ones to Vegas. We actually fly into Vegas and drive to California, because the Vegas flights are so cheap!

In my experience, traffic is at a crawl heading into Vegas on a Friday night.

The drive is not bad - but it's only 2 lanes in either direction, and limited places to stop (Baker and Barstow are where we usually stop). You will be driving through the hottest part of the California desert - like 104 degrees hot! Look for the "world's tallest thermometer" at the Bun Boy restaurant in Baker.

I don't pay much attention the scenery because I grew up out west and have seen plenty of scrub bushes and cactus. But for people not used to that view, I suppose it is nice. But hot. And kind of boring. And my ears are always bothered by the altitude.

Personally, I would not consider this drive very fun, and would rather fly straight to Vegas.

Mandalay Bay is a gorgeous hotel, BTW, you will have fun there!

 

[Stacerita]

Not sure when you are planning on going. But they are supposed to be closing the 15 for constrution or something soon. Not sure of the exact dates. Thats got a lot of people worried about getting to Vegas from here. You might want to check into that.

 

[Honu]

The most boring thing to do in Nevada is to drive through it. Combine that with traffic and it's a baaaad way to start your vacation. Get a car at McCarran and you can drive around to see the desert and mountains.

 

[jncvh]

Thank for the replies. I am arriving in LAX on Monday July 3rd @ 10:00 and departing Thursday, July 6th at noon. I wouldn't expect too much traffic on the 3rd but unsure of traffic back into LA on the 6th. As for cheap flights, I am coming from Toronto and flying in direct to LAX, as I am a corporate pilot I get a rate of $150 CDN roundtrip. Can't be beat. I could fly from LAX to LAS on SouthWest but am going on the trip to just relax and don't really mind the drive as I have never seen that type of scenery. You know Canada, trees and snow.

 

[jncvh]

Another question for the regulars. What are the must do's in the Vegas areas? We are interested into going to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon is probably a must, but what else would you recommend. Looking for that I have never done that before thing. The wife really expects to go to LAS and find or run into the CSI crew !

 

[Mom2Angels]

Have you checked the rates into Ontario, it is right off the 10 and 15 and probably an hour closer to Vegas then LAX. It is also so much easier to get in and out of then LAX.

Debbie

 

[DisnyMama]

The best part about driving to Vegas is 3 things:

First, I agree about not heading out there on a Friday but do leave in the late afternoon. The drive will give you both time to chat and connect or re-connect.

Second, If you guys like to shop you can stop at the Outlet Mall in Barstow for a break and good shopping.

Third, The reason I suggested that you leave in the late afternoon is so that you are sure to descend into the Vegas area when it is dark and the entire city is lit to the hilt. First you will see a glow from the lights over the horizon as you get closer then as you begin your descent into the Vegas area the lights are simply breathtaking. I took my DS to Vegas for the 1st time when he was 8 years old and did this exact thing and you should have heard his reaction when he saw the lights. It was worth the entire trip right there.

Have a great trip!!

 

[golfgal]

The Grand Canyon is another 3 hours past Las Vegas so you might want to consider that. If you want to do the Grand Canyon, have you looked into flying into Phoenix and driving up from there? I don't know if you bought tickets or not so I don't know if you can change your destination but it would save you about 2-3 hours of driving that way.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Another question for the regulars. What are the must do's in the Vegas areas? We are interested into going to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon is probably a must, but what else would you recommend. Looking for that I have never done that before thing. The wife really expects to go to LAS and find or run into the CSI crew !

I think CSI: Las Vegas is filmed in CA. As is the TV show Las Vegas. And there is no Monticento hotel either (I had some friends go looking for it and then were upset that it wasn't there )

I love the Bellagio buffet on Sundays (champaign brunch rocks!). Mandalay Bay has a shark experience that is amazing as well. You can visit lions and tigers as well as dolphins in the MGM. The Rio is supposed to have a great seafood buffet too. People watching is always fun. If you like to dance check out one of the clubs (Mandalay Bay has the Rum Jungle but I don't recommend it). NYNY and Paris have unique stores and Ceasers has a giant mall (indoors, be sure to look up). Drive over to the Hard Rock Hotel and if you enjoy Star Trek be sure to visit the Hilton Hotel and do the Star Trek Experience.

The hotels I'd recommend exploring are: Paris, NYNY, Mandalay Bay, Hard Rock and Ceasers.