Trip Snapshot: ~270 miles; 4–5 hours direct. Best time is October–April for cooler weather (summer heat often 100–110°F+). Ideal for couples, first-timers, neon seekers, and Route 66 fans. Route: LAX → I‑10/I‑210 → I‑15 North through Barstow & Mojave Desert → Las Vegas. Top 3 highlights: Route 66 museum • Kelso Dunes in Mojave • Vegas “Welcome” Sign.
Reserve your ride → Los Angeles Airport → Rent the Perfect Vehicle
Route Overview: Watch urban Los Angeles give way to lunar-like Mojave landscapes within an hour. It’s straight desert highway from Barstow onward, with long sightlines and occasional crosswinds. Timing: Friday LA→Vegas and Sunday Vegas→LA are notoriously busy (think stop-and-go) leaving early can help beat the rush. Good news: there are no tolls on I‑15. Fuel up at Barstow or Baker and carry extra water in summer.
Top Stops & Experiences:
(Optional detour:) Death Valley National Park If you have an extra day, a side trip here is unforgettable. It’s about 2 hours from Vegas (each way). Start at dawn to avoid midday heat, and you can see Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America) and Zabriskie Point’s otherworldly badlands. Only attempt in cooler months and with a full tank of gas and ample water.
Where to Eat & Stay: On the way, Barstow offers classic diners and the original Del Taco (a bit of local fast-food lore), plus the Mad Greek in Baker for kitschy Mediterranean. In Vegas, indulge in everything from budget buffets to celebrity chef restaurants. For lodging, consider staying off-Strip for easier parking (hotels on West Tropicana or near the High Roller/Ferris wheel have family suites and parking decks). If you plan to explore the Strip with kids, hotels like Excalibur or New York-New York have arcades and pools. For a quieter night, many off-Strip resorts in Summerlin or Henderson cater to families and have free parking.
Detours & Extensions:
Practical Tips:Heat: Desert temps soar in summer. Stay hydrated, use car AC wisely (engines can overheat climbing grades in extreme heat), and avoid strenuous hikes at midday. Traffic: Expect heavy traffic leaving LA Friday afternoon and returning Sunday. Plan to depart early to beat gridlock (or consider traveling on less busy days if possible). Fuel: Keep at least a half tank after Barstow gas stations get sparse until Primm at the NV state line. Emergencies: Cell service is generally fine along I‑15, but carry a car charger and an extra water jug just in case.
Rentals & Logistics: A midsize SUV handles the open road and any crosswinds better than a compact, and it gives you extra room for luggage and snacks. For summer trips, consider requesting a vehicle with a strong AC and maybe sunshades. If traveling with kids, a minivan’s rear entertainment system can be a sanity-saver. (Don’t forget sunglasses for everyone—the desert sun is intense!)
Reserve your ride → Los Angeles Airport → Rent the Perfect Vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
No I 15 is toll-free. Just enjoy the open road.
Early mornings are best, especially on Fridays and Sundays to avoid traffic. Leaving LA before 10 AM Friday (or returning from Vegas before noon Sunday) can save hours.
Absolutely, if you have time. The Kelso Dunes and the starry night skies in Mojave National Preserve are a serene contrast to Las Vegas’s lights. Just be prepared with water and a full tank, as services inside the Preserve are minimal.