Traveling from San Diego to Las Vegas: Transportation Tips

San Diego is fairly close to the adult wonderland that is Las Vegas, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. However, getting to Vegas from San Diego isn’t just a matter of hopping in a car. Here are some transportation tips to ensure your vacation is enjoyable from the moment you leave San Diego until your return.

Driving to Vegas from San Diego

Las Vegas is approximately 330 miles from San Diego. Typically, this drive takes around four and a half hours without traffic; however, traffic can be a significant concern since Southern California can become quite congested. If you plan a Friday to Sunday trip, there’s a strong possibility you’ll encounter traffic delays if you leave during peak hours. Generally, peak traffic occurs after 4 p.m. on Fridays. Therefore, it is advisable to leave work early or after 8 p.m. to enjoy a late start to your weekend. Many bars in Las Vegas remain open 24 hours.

On your return trip to San Diego on Sunday, you will likely face heavier traffic. Many travelers check out of hotels around 11 a.m. or noon, leading to significant delays. Consequently, it is best to leave your hotel by 9 a.m. to minimize waiting time on the road. Traffic conditions worsen significantly on holiday weekends or after major events in Las Vegas.

Flying to Vegas from San Diego

If you want to steer clear of that dreaded Sunday traffic, consider flying to Las Vegas from the San Diego airport. While there’s still a chance your flight could be delayed, you’ll be able to relax in the airport lounge, which offers some entertainment options like slot machines. The flight from San Diego to Las Vegas takes around one hour.

Las Vegas’ airport (LAS) is conveniently located just a few miles from the city center, making it an affordable taxi ride to your accommodations. Therefore, you won’t lose the time saved by flying due to excessive transit time to and from the airport.

Several airlines operate nonstop flights from San Diego to Las Vegas, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest, Spirit Airlines, United, and Virgin America. Southwest Airlines is generally popular among San Diegans searching for budget-friendly flight options to Vegas; however, flights can fill up quickly, so last-minute travelers may end up paying higher fares.

For those with flexible schedules, traveling to Vegas mid-week can yield great savings. Budget airline Spirit offers roundtrip flights for often under $100, but do keep in mind that fees may apply for carry-on luggage that doesn’t fit under the seat. An expert packer can sometimes fit all necessary items into a large purse or duffel bag, especially since the warm summer months in Vegas require minimal clothing.

Another option for cheaper flights is to take routes with a layover in Los Angeles (LAX). Additionally, be aware that flights to Las Vegas may increase significantly during holiday weekends.