Long Beach to Las Vegas: Flying, Driving, TIPS – and More!

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Long Beach and Las Vegas are two popular tourist destinations that offer unique experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach vibes or try your luck at the casinos and experience the nightlife, these two cities have something to offer everyone. If you’re planning a trip from Long Beach to Las Vegas, you might be wondering about the best mode of transportation, the travel time, and the cost. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ways to travel from Long Beach to Las Vegas and share some tips to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

What Is the Best Way to Get From Long Beach to Las Vegas?

There are several options available for traveling from Long Beach to Las Vegas, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most convenient way to get there is by flying, as there are direct flights available from Long Beach Airport to Las Vegas.

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flying over palm trees

However, if you prefer to drive, you can take Interstate 15, which is the most direct route and takes about four to five hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or book a shuttle service, which can be more cost-effective but may take longer.

Ultimately, the best way to get from Long Beach to Las Vegas will depend on your budget, schedule, and personal preferences.

Is Driving to Vegas Cheaper Than Flying?

Whether driving to Vegas is cheaper than flying depends on several factors, including the distance, the number of people traveling, the current price of gas, and the type of vehicle used. While driving may seem like a more cost-effective option, and it often is, it’s not always the case.

Driving one way from Long Beach to Las Vegas is about 289 miles and can cost anywhere from $50 to $75. If you are traveling with a group of people that can split the cost of gas, this is likely the cheaper option over flying.

road to Las Vegas

However, if you’re traveling on your own, it’s possible that if you book your flights in advance you may be able to find cheaper airfares, and you won’t have to worry about the cost of gas or vehicle wear and tear. Additionally, flying may save you time, which could be valuable if you have a tight schedule or want to maximize your time in Las Vegas.

Transportation Options to Get From Long Beach to Las Vegas


Option One: FLY

Long Beach to Las Vegas Flight Time:

Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes direct.

What Airlines Fly Out of Long Beach Airport?

Only Southwest flies from Long Beach (LGB) to Las Vegas (LAS). They do have a couple of direct flight options, they range from about $100 on the cheap end to $400 for business. Of course, this varies depending on the time of year.

Long Beach Airport

What Are the Cheapest Flights to Las Vegas From Long Beach?

You will likely have better luck finding cheap flights from either LAX or John Wayne Airport. I’ve seen flights as low as $40 roundtrip!

✈️ SEARCH FOR YOUR FLIGHTS – CLICK HERE ✈️
Skyscanner is my go-to flight search engine to consistently find the best deals and most affordable prices.

What Is the Cheapest Month to Go to Vegas?

The cheapest months to go to Las Vegas are typically in the off-season of mid-November through the end of February. During these months, hotel and flight prices tend to be lower due to the fact that they are outside the peak travel season.

Additionally, weekdays tend to be cheaper than weekends, so if you’re able to be flexible with your travel dates, you can save even more money. However, it’s important to keep in mind that prices can vary depending on specific events or conventions taking place in the city, so it’s always a good idea to check for any major events or holidays that might affect prices.

Las Vegas strip

Option Two: DRIVE

How Long Does It Take to Drive From Long Beach to Las Vegas?

Without any stops or much traffic, it takes about 4.5 hours to drive.

Is the Drive From Long Beach to Vegas Worth It?

The drive from Long Beach to Las Vegas is an iconic one – a desert highway that stretches out for hours under the hot sun. It’s true that it’s not exactly a road trip for the easily bored, as there is not much in the way of scenery to take in along the way, but if you take a few fun stops along the way and time your departure correctly, you’ll have an adventure that won’t soon be forgotten.

The drive from Long Beach to Vegas can be worth it too if you’re a group and especially if you’re looking to visit during high tourist season when tickets to fly are at their highest. The group can split the gas, save some money, and make a bit of a fun, quick road trip out of the drive!

driving through the desert to Vegas

Best Route to Take When Driving From Long Beach to Las Vegas

Leaving from Long Beach, you would take the 105 East to the 210 East to get onto I-15 North, which you essentially stay on all the way to Vegas. The drive is fairly easy and straightforward, for most of the way it’s 2 lanes on each side of the freeway.

Stops and Highlights on the Drive From Long Beach to Las Vegas

From seeing fascinating rock formations in the Mojave National Preserve to modern marvels of engineering like the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, there are plenty of sites to explore between Long Beach and Vegas. A few of the highlights include:

  • SevenMagic Mountains (Nevada) – rainbow-colored stacked rocks
  • Pioneer Saloon – the oldest bar in Southern Nevada
  • Mojave National Preserve – massive sand dunes, lava beds, and the densest population of Joshua Trees in the world
  • World’s Tallest Thermometer – stands at 134 feet tall and reads temperatures up to 134 degrees
  • California Route 66 Museum – open Friday–Sunday with free admission
rainbow rocks on the drive from Long Beach to Las Vegas

Where to Eat Along the Drive to Vegas

There are several options for food along the drive from Long Beach to Las Vegas, depending on your preferences and tastes. As you get closer to Las Vegas, you can find numerous fast-food chains and casual dining options, such as In-N-Out Burger or Chipotle.

Additionally, there are several gas stations along the route that have convenience stores with pre-packaged food items and snacks. Here are a handful of other options for where to eat along your route.

  • Mad Greek Cafe – a diner that serves everything from Greek favorites to Mexican cuisine and sandwiches and burgers.
  • Eddie World – a gas station attraction with surprisingly good, fresh food such as hand-rolled sushi and delicious pizza.
  • Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner – for all the nostalgic favorites of burgers, fries, pizza, and shakes.
  • Alien Fresh Jerky – sells a variety of jerky flavors and other snacks, along with quirky alien-themed souvenirs.
eating at a diner

Are There Plenty of Gas and Charging Stations Along the I-15?

Yes, there are plenty of gas stations along the I-15 highway. The I-15 is a major interstate highway that spans over 1,400 miles and passes through several cities, towns, and rural areas. Along this route, there are numerous gas stations that offer fuel, food, restrooms, and other amenities for travelers.

In fact, gas and charging stations are typically located at regular intervals along the highway, making it easy for drivers to fuel up and continue their journey without worrying about running out of gas. However, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and check the location of service stations before embarking on a long road trip to avoid any unforeseen issues.

Make sure to stop at the World’s Largest Chevron Station! Located off Exit 12, it boasts 96 gas pumps and 60 restrooms along with a huge retail space that includes a White Castle, Candy Village, and phone-charging lounge.

gas station near Las Vegas

Option Three: Bus

You can take the bus to Las Vegas, however, it will take you about 8 to 11 hours to get there. Taking the bus is the cheapest option to get from Long Beach to Las Vegas, it will cost you anywhere from $26 to $104 USD.

From Long Beach, you will have to take the 232 metro from the Downtown Long Beach Station and make your way (with a few transfers) to Los Angeles (Hope St/Jefferson Blvd – University Of Southern California) where you will get on a 6-hour Flixbus to Las Vegas.


pool in Las Vegas

In conclusion, whether you choose to fly or drive from Long Beach to Las Vegas, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and budget. Flying is the quickest and most convenient option, but driving offers the opportunity to see some scenic routes and make pit stops along the way.

Whatever mode of transportation you choose, it’s important to plan ahead, pack appropriately, and consider your travel preferences. Remember to check for any events or holidays that might affect prices and availability, and book your accommodations and activities in advance. By following these tips and suggestions, you can make the most out of your journey from Long Beach to Las Vegas and enjoy a fun and memorable trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Need some ideas for what to do in Vegas? Check out these tours, shows, and unique adventures!
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☀️ California FAQs ☀️

✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to California?
1. Scott’s Cheap FlightsFREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. SkyscannerFREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal

Is Travel Insurance Required in the U.S.?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing. It covers some medical as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care.
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☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit California?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. Some parts of the state get “June Gloom” where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).

🏠 Where Should You Stay in California?
Hotels, vacation rentals, and house-sitting are all available for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
Booking.com
Vrbo
Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)

🌴 Where Can You Find Tours?
I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.

🚘 Should You Rent a Car in California?
I very highly recommend renting a car in California so you don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! California is fantastic for road trips – there is SO much to see up and down the coast. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option.
>>> Best car rental rates and deals

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