Why the LA to Vegas Road Trip is Your Ultimate US Adventure (Plus UK Driver Tips!)

Why Drive from LA to Las Vegas? The Ultimate Road Trip Unlocked

While flights between LAX and LAS might seem like a quick, cheap option (you're only in the air for 1.5-2 hours!), the true cost and time can quickly add up.  Think about it: getting to and from airports, navigating security queues, and battling potential delays.  However the drive, typically takes around 4-5 hours without stops, transforming a simple commute into an epic adventure.  Here's why hitting the road truly comes out on top:

The Journey is the Destination: This isn't just a stretch of road; it's a gateway to diverse landscapes and quirky Americana.  The drive through the Mojave Desert, often dismissed as barren, is surprisingly captivating with its vastness, unique flora (like the iconic Joshua Trees), and stunning rock formations.

True American Experience: There's something undeniably "American" about a road trip.  It's an iconic part of the culture, and driving from LA to Vegas allows you to truly immerse yourself in that classic experience.

Cost-Effective (Especially for Groups): While a single flight might seem cheap, consider the cost for a family or group.  Car rental, even with fuel, often works out to be more economical, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to enjoying Vegas itself.  Plus, with a car in Vegas, you can easily explore beyond the Strip, visiting attractions like the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire.

Flexibility and Freedom: Your itinerary is your own.  Fancy a spontaneous detour to a desert outpost?  No problem.  Want to spend extra time exploring a particular spot?  You can.  A car gives you the ultimate control over your travel pace and experience, something impossible with rigid flight schedules.

Uncover Hidden Gems and Roadside Attractions: Flying means missing out on the unique stops that make American road trips legendary. Imagine pulling over to explore:

• Calico Ghost Town: A preserved 19th-century silver mining town, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Old West.
• Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch: An eccentric, colourful art installation made entirely of glass bottles, a true Route 66 marvel.
• Peggy Sue's 50's Diner: Step back in time for a classic American diner experience with milkshakes and burgers.
• The World's Tallest Thermometer (Baker): A quirky roadside attraction that proudly displays the desert's temperature.
• Seven Magic Mountains: A vibrant art installation of stacked, brightly coloured boulders contrasting beautifully with the desert landscape, perfect for that Instagram shot!
• Mojave National Preserve: For nature lovers, this vast desert offers stunning views, sand dunes, and unique volcanic formations.

Tips for UK Drivers Navigating the US Roads

Driving in the USA from the UK may seem daunting at first, and I certainly worried the roads would be overwhelmingly busy.  Thankfully, it was nowhere near as bad as I expected, we found that drivers were calmer and more courteous than the UK.  I expected people to be honking their horns everywhere which was certainly not the case.  Here's some of our tips to get you cruising comfortably in no time:

Driving on the Right: This will be the most significant change. You'll need to pay extra attention, particularly at junctions and when pulling out, as your muscle memory from driving on the left in the UK will be strong at first.  However, it quickly starts to feel natural.  We found that American drivers were generally more relaxed, which meant I could take my time without feeling pressured.

Automatic Transmission is King: Most rental cars in the US are automatic, and for good reason.  It simplifies driving significantly, allowing you to focus on the road and surroundings.  Embrace it!

Speed Limits are in MPH: US speed limits are in miles per hour, the same as back home.  Generally, expect 65-75 mph on interstates, but always pay attention to signage.  Like anywhere else, some drivers exceed the speed limit, but it's always best to stick to it to avoid tickets.

Right Turn on Red: In most states, including California and Nevada, you can turn right whilst a traffic light is on red after coming to a complete stop and ensuring the way is clear.  This seemed strange at first but it makes so much sense and eases congestion.  There are some junctions where you cannot do this but there will be an obvious "No Turn on Red" sign when this applies.

Stop Signs Mean STOP: A complete stop, even if the junction appears empty, is mandatory at stop signs.  "Rolling stops" can earn you a ticket.  At a junction where there are a number of stop signs, the first car to arrive has priority.  We found other drivers very courteous, waiting for us to go even if we took a little while longer.

Lane Discipline: American highways can be more fluid with lane discipline than in the UK.  Cars may pass on both sides, so be extra vigilant when changing lanes and use your mirrors frequently.  Generally if you indicate an move over the cars will slow down to let you in.  Also be aware that many US cars have red indicators which surprised us at first.

Fueling Up: Gas stations are everywhere along I-15.  Like the UK, you'll typically pump your own fuel. but the key difference is that you pay inside for your fuel first although some stations accept credit cards at the pump.  Fuel prices are priced by the gallon and are significantly lower than in the UK 

Sat Nav is Your Friend: We found Google Maps invaluable.  Set your route before your drive and chose to avoid tolls if you want to avoid extra charges.  You can download offline maps just in case you lose signal in more remote areas but the signal is generally good. 

Traffic in Los Angeles: Be prepared for potentially heavy traffic when exiting Los Angeles, especially during peak hours (commuter times and weekend departures).  Planning your departure to avoid these times can save you significant delays.b  We left our hotel at around 8.30am and hit very little traffic. 

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: The desert can be hot.  Keep plenty of water in the car, and take regular breaks to stretch your legs and avoid driver fatigue.  We stopped regularly at Walmart, Target and Ralphs to keep the car stocked with water, drinks and snacks for the kids.

A Taste of Your LA to Vegas Road Trip Itinerary

While the direct drive is roughly 4-5 hours, stretching it out allows for fantastic exploration.  We followed the below Itinerary and our journey took around 6-7 hours.