Are you planning a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas? If so, you’re in for a treat! The route will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in the Western United States. You’ll see snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and rolling hills, and pass through picturesque towns and cities. In this ultimate road trip guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the journey, including the distance, drive hours, stops along the way, and the best driving route.
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Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas Drive
The drive from Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas takes around 7 hours and 19 minutes, depending on traffic and stops along the way. The route covers a distance of approximately 451.5 miles and passes through California and Nevada.
To reach Las Vegas from Lake Tahoe, take Highway 50 East from South Lake Tahoe until you reach Highway 95 South. Follow Highway 95 South until you reach Las Vegas.
Lake Tahoe: How far is Lake Tahoe from Las Vegas?
The distance between Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas is approximately 451.5 miles. As mentioned, the drive takes around 7 hours and 19 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.
How far is Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas by plane?
The distance between Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas by plane is approximately 326 miles. There are several flights available from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. The flight time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
What is the time difference between Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas?
Lake Tahoe is in the Pacific Time Zone, while Las Vegas is in the Mountain Time Zone. This means that Las Vegas is one hour ahead of Lake Tahoe. So, if it is 2 PM in Lake Tahoe, it will be 3 PM in Las Vegas.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Lake Tahoe
If you’re on a budget and want to save money, consider taking a bus or shuttle from Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas. There are several bus and shuttle companies that offer daily service between the two destinations, including Amtrak, Greyhound, and Megabus.
The cost of the bus or shuttle varies depending on the company you choose and the time of year you’re traveling. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 for a one-way ticket.
Lake Tahoe Drive – Rent A Car In Lake Tahoe
Another cheap way to get from Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas is to drive. Renting a car is a great way to save money, especially if you’re traveling with a group of people. Here are rental car companies to rent a car from in Lake Tahoe:
- Alamo: starts at $35 per day
- Avis: starts at $41 per day
- Budget: starts at $37 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $48 per day
- Hertz: starts at $49 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $45 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.00 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
You’re expected to pay anywhere between $120 to $180 for a one-way trip (including car rental and gas). If you’re accounting for a full family of 4 with luggage, it’s cheaper to rent a car and drive than it is to fly.
Lake Tahoe – Driving Stops Along The Way
There are several stops you can make along the way from Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Carson City, NV
Carson City, located just 30 minutes south of Lake Tahoe, is the capital of Nevada and offers plenty of historical sites and outdoor activities. Visitors can tour the Nevada State Capitol Building, which was constructed in 1870 and features a beautiful dome. The Nevada State Museum showcases the history of the state, including exhibits on mining, transportation, and the Wild West. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in nearby Lake Tahoe National Forest.
Virginia City, NV
Virginia City is a former mining town and a popular tourist destination, located in western Nevada. The town is known for its historic buildings and is home to the famous Virginia and Truckee Railroad, which takes visitors on a scenic ride through the mountains. Visitors can also explore the many shops and restaurants in town, which offer a taste of the Old West. Other attractions include the Virginia City Cemetery, the Mark Twain Museum, and the Piper’s Opera House.
Goldfield, NV
Goldfield is a historic town located in the middle of the Nevada desert and is known for its mining history and abandoned buildings. Visitors can explore the town’s many abandoned buildings, including the Goldfield Hotel, which has been featured in several ghost hunting shows. The Esmeralda County Courthouse, built in 1907, is another popular attraction and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the nearby Goldfield Mountains, which offer hiking, camping, and rock climbing opportunities.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is located in southeastern California and is known for its rugged desert landscape and extreme temperatures. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, including the popular Badwater Basin Trail, which leads to the lowest point in North America. Other attractions include the Artist’s Drive, which features colorful rock formations, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, which offer scenic views of the desert. Visitors can also explore the park’s many historic sites, including the abandoned mining town of Rhyolite and the Harmony Borax Works.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas is a journey full of stunning scenery, history, and adventure. Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take a bus, the trip is approximately 450 miles and takes around 8 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Along the way, you can explore historic towns like Carson City, Virginia City, and Goldfield, or visit natural wonders like Death Valley National Park. No matter how you choose to travel or where you decide to stop, a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas is sure to provide unforgettable memories and experiences.
