How to get from San Diego to Las Vegas, United States

15 Nov 2019 5 min read No comments United States Travel Guide

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Planning to go from San Diego to Las Vegas? Don’t be discouraged by the long distance between the two cities!

There are many ways how you can reach Las Vegas from San Diego.

You can opt for the fastest way and fly to Nevada. Another efficient way is driving directly to Las Vegas in a private vehicle.

To avoid the hassle or boredom of driving the lengthy highway, you can take the bus coming from San Diego.

A more complicated way to go is to travel by train. At the end of the day, though, what’s important is that you arrive at your destination.

Tip: We offer detailed guides about United States transportation.

How far is it from San Diego to Las Vegas?

The distance from San Diego to Las Vegas is 332 miles or 534 kilometers.

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Transportation Options from San Diego to Las Vegas

The following table outlines all transportation options from San Diego to Las Vegas:

MethodTravel timePrice
Flight from San Diego to Las Vegas1 hour 30 minutesUSD 34-USD 53
Bus from San Diego to Las Vegas8-10 hoursUSD 31-USD 113
Train from San Diego to Las Vegas8 hours 30 minutes~USD 50
Rental Car from San Diego to Las Vegas5-8 hoursUSD 293-USD 390

How to get from San Diego to Las Vegas

1. Flight from San Diego to Las Vegas

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Traveling by air is preferred by many people traveling to Las Vegas because it reduces travel time.

Some carriers that fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Las Vegas McCarran (LAS) are Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Delta Air, and Spirit Airlines.

A one-way direct flight fare ranges from 34 USD to 53 USD. Book at least three months in advance to avail of the best deals for this route.

Traveling from San Diego to Las Vegas via air will take about one hour and 30 minutes. Adjust your total travel time to include check-in and baggage retrieval.

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2. Bus from San Diego to Las Vegas

Journey Duration: 8-10 hours

Going by bus from San Diego to Las Vegas is a good option for those not in a hurry to reach the city. 

The transport company Greyhound offers daily trips to the City of Lights that can quickly be booked online.

Its new fleet of buses offers free Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and personal power outlets. The bus fare depends on the ticket option you choose. 

You pay 31 USD for a nonrefundable economy ticket which gives you one checked-in baggage for free.

Fare goes up to 39 USD for a nonrefundable economy plus ticket, adding priority seating and same-day changes to your benefits.

If you want the most convenient option, the 113 USD flexible ticket gives you additional baggage to check-in for free, no extra charge for booking changes, and a completely refundable fare.

Depending on your departure time, a bus ride from San Diego to Las Vegas will take eight to ten hours. There will be comfort stops along the way for your convenience.

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3. Train from San Diego to Las Vegas

Journey Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

There is no train coming directly from San Diego to Las Vegas. However, you can take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to Los Angeles, where you shall catch a bus to Las Vegas.

Megabus offers daily trips from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Book ahead of time and ask which bay number you can find at the Union Station.

The train ride lasts three hours while the bus ride lasts five and a half hours. Your total transport fare for this option is about 50 USD. 

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4. Driving from San Diego to Las Vegas

Journey Duration: 5-8 hours

The convenience of traveling at your own pace and time is truly remarkable. That is why many visitors opt to drive their vehicles from San Diego to Las Vegas instead of public transportation.

If you want to rent a car instead of bringing your own, rental companies offer one-way deals from San Diego to Las Vegas. Your fee is highly dependent on the type of vehicle you choose.

Your best deal starts at 293 USD, while a luxury car costs up to 390 USD daily. All options come with unlimited miles. 

To drive from San Diego to Las Vegas takes five to eight hours – depending on which route you would like to take and the heaviness of traffic that awaits. Read on to learn more about the roads leading to Las Vegas.

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Directions to Las Vegas Nevada

To drive from San Diego to Las Vegas, you must decide whether to take the fast or scenic routes.

For the fast route, take the I-15 N. This leads you directly to Las Vegas in about five hours.

When you have extra time, stretch at any worthwhile stops you will pass on the road. This includes the famous Route 66, the Bottle Tree Ranch, and the town of Baker.

You must take the I-10 eastbound to the CA-62 eastbound for the scenic route. You will reach Las Vegas in six hours.

With this option, you will pass by the Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave Memorial Cross, among many other spots.

Adding about two hours to your travel time is another scenic route that exits San Diego on the I-8 eastbound and connects you to the I-15 eastbound near the borders of California and Nevada. 

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Valley of Fire

Best day tours in Las Vegas

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

The following widget shows some of the best tours in Las Vegas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from San Diego to Las Vegas?

Depending on your chosen route, you should plan on driving for at least five hours from San Diego to Las Vegas. However, this trip can sometimes take up to 8 hours as well.

Can I take a train from San Diego to Las Vegas?

There isn’t a direct train running between San Diego and Las Vegas. However, you can travel from San Diego to Los Angeles on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and then board a bus to Las Vegas.

Can you catch a bus to Las Vegas?

Every day, multiple bus operators such as FlixBus, Greyhound, and Amtrak bring people from major cities to Las Vegas. Fortunately, there is also a route from San Diego!

Is it better to fly or drive to Vegas?

For most tourists, flying from San Diego to Las Vegas is better than driving since it is affordable, fast, and convenient!

What is the cheapest way to get from San Diego to Las Vegas?

The cheapest way to get from San Diego to Las Vegas is by catching a flight that costs USD 34-USD 53. 

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