How Much Is a Road Trip to Vegas?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a road trip to Vegas but wondering how much it will cost you? Well, the answer is not straightforward as it depends on several factors. Let’s dive into the details and figure out the estimated cost of a road trip to Vegas.

Factors Affecting the Cost:

Before we discuss the cost, let’s take a look at some crucial factors that affect it:

  • Distance: The distance you have to cover from your starting point to Las Vegas is one of the most significant factors. The farther you are, the higher will be your expenses.
  • Mode of transportation: Another significant factor that can affect your budget is the mode of transportation you choose. Are you planning to drive your car or rent one? Do you prefer flying or taking a bus?

    Each option has its pros and cons.

  • Accommodation: Accommodation is another essential factor that can significantly affect your budget. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from several options like hotels, motels, Airbnb rentals, or even camping.
  • Food and drinks: Food and drinks are inevitable expenses during any road trip. Depending on where and what you eat, this expense can vary considerably.
  • Entertainment: No trip to Vegas is complete without exploring its various entertainment options like casinos, clubs, shows, etc. However, these activities come with their respective costs.

Cost Estimation:

Now that we know about the significant factors affecting our budget let’s calculate an estimated cost for a road trip to Vegas.

Distance:

The distance varies depending on your starting point; however, for simplicity purposes let’s consider Los Angeles as our starting point. The average distance between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is around 270 miles.

If your car gives 25 miles per gallon, you will need around 11 gallons of gas to travel one way. Assuming the average gas price is $3.00 per gallon, the round trip will cost you around $66.

Mode of Transportation:

If you don’t have a car and are planning to rent one for your road trip, the cost can vary anywhere from $30 to $100 per day. If you choose to fly, the average round-trip fare from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is around $100 – $150 per person.

Accommodation:

The accommodation expense depends on your preference and budget. If you are looking for an affordable option, motels or Airbnb rentals can cost anywhere from $50-$100 per night. On the other hand, if you prefer luxury hotels like Bellagio or The Venetian, the cost can go up to $300-$400 per night.

Food and Drinks:

Food and drinks expenses depend on how much you want to indulge during your trip. However, assuming that an average meal in Vegas costs around $20-$30 per person, and you have three meals a day for two days, it will cost around $120-$180 for food and drinks.

Entertainment:

Las Vegas has endless entertainment options like casinos, clubs, shows that cater to everyone’s preferences. The cost of these activities varies considerably; however, assuming that you attend one show and spend some time gambling at a casino; it can cost you anywhere from $50-$150 per person.

Total Cost:

Adding up all these expenses gives us an estimated budget as follows:

  • Gas: $66
  • Rental Car/Flying: $30-$150
  • Accommodation: $50-$400
  • Food and Drinks: $120-$180
  • Entertainment: $50-$150

Conclusion:

A road trip to Vegas can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on your preferences and budget. However, with proper planning and budgeting, you can enjoy all that Vegas has to offer without breaking the bank.