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How to get from Las Vegas to San Diego
Driving from Las Vegas to San Diego on I-15 takes about 5 h without traffic. Direct flights take about 1 h 15 and are often the fastest option door to door. Coaches take about 7–8 h, and there is no passenger train.
Best option: Flight. A direct flight of just over an hour avoids the long desert drive and heavy traffic on I-15 near Los Angeles.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Direct flights from Harry Reid International (LAS) to San Diego International (SAN) (Southwest among the airlines) | about 1 h 15 in the air | several a day | about US$60–200 one way | San Diego airport is only about 10 minutes from downtown. |
| car I-15 south through the Mojave Desert via Barstow and Temecula to San Diego (about 530 km) | about 5 h, often longer on Sunday afternoons | fuel only, no tolls | Traffic heading back from Las Vegas is heavy on Sundays and holiday weekends; carry water in summer. | |
| bus Long-distance coaches from Las Vegas to San Diego (Greyhound and FlixBus have served the route) | about 7–8 h, often with a connection | a few a day | about US$30–80 | Check whether the trip requires a change in Los Angeles or elsewhere. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Fill up before leaving Las Vegas; fuel is more expensive in California.
- Summer temperatures in the Mojave can exceed 45°C; check your car and carry water.
- Leaving Las Vegas on a Sunday afternoon can add hours of traffic.
- One-way car rentals between Nevada and California may have a drop-off fee.
Common questions
Is there a train from Las Vegas to San Diego?
No. There is no passenger rail service from Las Vegas. A high-speed line from Las Vegas to Southern California (Brightline West) has been planned, but it would not reach San Diego directly. Fly, drive or take a coach instead. Amtrak serves San Diego from Los Angeles, but not from Las Vegas.
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to San Diego?
About 5 h for about 530 km on I-15, without traffic. Delays are common on Sunday afternoons and holiday weekends, as many drivers return from Las Vegas. There are no tolls. Barstow is a common stop for fuel and food.
Is it better to fly or drive?
Fly if you want to save time: about 1 h 15 in the air, and San Diego's airport is close to downtown. Drive if you want a car in San Diego or plan stops on the way. One-way rentals can be expensive, so compare costs.
What is the cheapest way from Las Vegas to San Diego?
Coaches are often cheapest, from about US$30, but take 7–8 h. Low-cost flights booked in advance can be very cheap too. Driving is cheaper for a group sharing fuel, but one-way rental fees can add a lot. Compare the total before you book.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.