Drive Time - Long Beach to Las Vegas?

[dogandcatlover]

We are tossing around the idea of picking up a rental car in Long Beach after our Splendor cruise and driving to Las Vegas. Can anyone give me approximate drive time from Long Beach to Las Vegas - taking the LA traffic into consideration. There are six in our group, so I would like to compare this against a Jet Blue flight out of LGB. Any and all information would be appreciated.

[PattiPB]

Without traffic we allow 5 hours.

 

If you leave right from debarkation (9 am +/-), you will be in Vegas around 2 pm. Vegas rush hour is a bit different from other places---from 3 pm on you will be in traffic, so don't linger over lunch on the road.

 

Have fun!

[MrOCT31]

A car would obviously be cheaper and yes it's a good 5 hours from the LBZ, but flying is so much nicer! If you can swing it I'd pick flying over that drive any day, in little less than an hour you arrive fresh and relaxed no comparison!

Driving was fun when we were younger but now...naw!

[EdSails]

The good news at least is that from Long Beach you don't have to go through LA to get to Las Vegas. 5 hours is about right for the drive. As was stated by PattiPB, don't linger long. Do allow enough time to pull through the In-n-Out Burger in Barstow though for a great on the road lunch!:D

[dogandcatlover]

Thanks everyone for the replies. A few more questions:

 

How long does it take by cab to get from the LB port to the LB airport, and how early do we have to be at the airport before a flight?

 

Is the drive between LB and Vegas boring - not much to see in between? We have been (and driven) in Vegas many times, so I know what to expect there, but have never been to LB.

 

I would prefer to fly but will have to run all this info thru the rest of the group.

[BSQ]

very boring drive IMHO. I prefer doing it at night so I don't have to look at all the nothingness. Well, there is the giant thermometer in Baker.

 

Time before the flight depends on JetBlue, if you are checking luggage I think it needs to be checked a minimum of 30 minutes before your flight takes off.

[PattiPB]

very boring drive IMHO.

 

That, my friend, is no opinion! A fact is a fact!!! :rolleyes:

 

I do agree a stop at In-n-Out is required if you make the trip. Hope you get good flight prices---got $49 for my parents one way, but couldn't get it any lower.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Well, see...

 

It also really, really depends on what day of the week you are driving from Long Beach to Las Vegas.

I drive to Las Vegas from various parts of LA a lot, so that day of the week has a major factor in it.

 

It can be terrible, or it can be really nice, fast, and breezy depending.

 

I mean seriously, there are times where it is faster to drive than it is to get to the airport, go through security, etc.

Get on the plane, wait for runway clearance, get to Vegas airport, wait for your luggage, taxi/shuttle to hotel, etc.

 

And for those of you who are saying it's a boring drive...

Have you really driven through this entire country?

I have several times, and there are way, way, way more boring drives to be had!

 

Los Angeles/Long Beach to Vegas has a lot of beautiful desert scenery, mountains, and some really great kitchy OG Route 66 type things to see or "tourist" at!

Maybe you need to drive with me next time, so you have more fun - and aren't so bored on your drives!:D

 

[Putterdude]

There is also the In N' Out at Victorville...if you get hungry before Barstow.:D

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Okay, come on now!:p

You SoCal to Vegas locals are falling down on your "totally unique to the area" Fast Food if you aren't stopping at Baker's on a LA to Vegas drive!

American Food, Mexican Food, and cutting edge Vegetarian Food all in one Fast Food place!?!?!

Fantastic!

 

http://www.bakersdrivethru.com/

 

'tis truly awesome, and can only get it in that specific area!

I wish, I wish, I wish, that they'd finally add one to the direct Los Angeles area - so that I can get my Baker's fix!

:D

[Putterdude]

Okay, come on now!:p

You SoCal to Vegas locals are falling down on your "totally unique to the area" Fast Food if you aren't stopping at Baker's on a LA to Vegas drive!

American Food, Mexican Food, and cutting edge Vegetarian Food all in one Fast Food place!?!?!

Fantastic!

 

http://www.bakersdrivethru.com/

 

'tis truly awesome, and can only get it in that specific area!

I wish, I wish, I wish, that they'd finally add one to the direct Los Angeles area - so that I can get my Baker's fix!

:D

 

What's the Barstow restaurant that advertises heavily on the "desert radio" stations. Baker's doesn't sound quite right.

[SeattleCruiselover]

There is also the In N' Out at Victorville...if you get hungry before Barstow.:D

 

Dude, They still haven't arrived (you know what I mean)......I think that I didn't bribe the UPS guy enough.

 

Seriously, though, as a former Victorville resident, I'm here to tell you that they are still doing a lot of road work on Highway 15, and weekend traffic can be brutal. An hour or more to go a mile, particularly in the 110 plus degree heat, is not my idea of fun. You have to turn the car's air conditioning off to avoid overheating/vapor lock on those kinds of days. Might want to think twice about it.

[SeattleCruiselover]

What's the Barstow restaurant that advertises heavily on the "desert radio" stations. Baker's doesn't sound quite right.

 

Bun Boy? The one where you go to find a cop or Chippie when you need one?

[SeattleCruiselover]

Okay, come on now!:p

You SoCal to Vegas locals are falling down on your "totally unique to the area" Fast Food if you aren't stopping at Baker's on a LA to Vegas drive!

American Food, Mexican Food, and cutting edge Vegetarian Food all in one Fast Food place!?!?!

Fantastic!

 

http://www.bakersdrivethru.com/

 

'tis truly awesome, and can only get it in that specific area!

I wish, I wish, I wish, that they'd finally add one to the direct Los Angeles area - so that I can get my Baker's fix!

:D

 

They've sure changed their menu since I've left. They used to be ten times worse than Mickey D's.

[Putterdude]

Dude, They still haven't arrived (you know what I mean)......I think that I didn't bribe the UPS guy enough.

\

 

Ok, I will try again tomorrow, let me know when they arrive.;)

[Curt Jerome Wild]

What's the Barstow restaurant that advertises heavily on the "desert radio" stations. Baker's doesn't sound quite right.

You thinkin' of this one?

http://www.peggysuesdiner.com/

Which has been heavily promoted on the "desert radio" stations for the past five years, and is so completely overrated?

:confused::cool::D

[Curt Jerome Wild]

They've sure changed their menu since I've left. They used to be ten times worse than Mickey D's.

See? That's why it pays to have a local, who does so much driving and traveling around SoCal!

 

You went from Victorville to Seattle?!?!?

(okay, in that context, can't say I blame you...;))

 

But, seriously, Baker's now is a pretty great Fast Food alternative - in the fact that for the $$, they've got great American/Mexican/Vegetarian combinations that aren't available anywhere else...

 

And as far as any overheating on driving, that's only a few weeks out of the year!

Because if anyone is even thinking about October to April, not even really a concern!

:D

[cigal]

I wish, I wish, I wish, that they'd finally add one to the direct Los Angeles area - so that I can get my Baker's fix!

:D

 

Now you know how I feel about a certain other fast food chain.......

 

:D:p:D:p:D

[EdSails]

Now you want some local flavor? Try the Mad Greek in Baker. Definitely unique to that area!

[earn]

Great Info. What are the bad days for a trip to Vegas? We are travelling uip on the Saturday of easter weekend, and back the next Wednesday. Are they good days?

 

Are these places to eat on the highway or do we need to turn off somewhere. I looked at the Baker's site, but don't know which outlet to pick.

[earn]

Great Info. What are the bad days for a trip to Vegas? We are travelling uip on the Saturday of easter weekend, and back the next Wednesday. Are they good days?

 

Are these places to eat on the highway or do we need to turn off somewhere. I looked at the Baker's site, but don't know which outlet to pick.

[PattiPB]

Great Info. What are the bad days for a trip to Vegas? We are travelling uip on the Saturday of easter weekend, and back the next Wednesday. Are they good days?

 

You'll be fine. Going to LA on Friday it's bumper to bumper coming into Vegas, with the reverse being true on Sundays. I'm going TO LA tomorrow, and TO LV Easter Saturday---I'm predicting a smooth ride. BUT, it's a four-lane highway. One serious car accident, and you're sitting...and sitting...and sitting. Can't predict that stuff.

[Putterdude]

You thinkin' of this one?

http://www.peggysuesdiner.com/

Which has been heavily promoted on the "desert radio" stations for the past five years, and is so completely overrated?

:confused::cool::D

 

Yes, that is the one...thanks for the review. I hate getting off the freeway at Barstow, I always seem to get turned around there...except fot In N' Out of course.:D

[mking8288]

We just did this ourselves 2 weeks ago after returning from the NCL Mexico Riveria cruise, did the express debarkation ourselves at 9 am - grab a waiting a taxi (no line) to the local Hertz, pickup a brand new Mazda 5 (19 miles only) for a one-way rental to Vegas. Had to wait for our car as Gold service didn't make any difference at the local mall's counter - used their bathroom and were off by 10:15 a.m. We always bring our own pre-programmed/customized GPS to use in the car (non-windshield mount required in CA = vent visor) & and make a quick stop in Westminster (a/k/a - Little Saigon) for Lee's Sandwich for a picnic lunch with ice latte, and started heading east & up Rt. 55 / Rt. 57, away from LA traffic & once we reach Hwy 15 in the outskirt, traffic begin to thin out a lot (this is Saturday before noon). Total driving distance of around 280 miles from LB area or 4 hours 30 minute per GPS calculation and it was right on. Posted speed limits vary from 55 to 65 to 75 with traffic flowing much faster, and with 6 people, you can use HOV lanes except for the toll road in LA for smoother drive - we're averaging 70 to 80 mph going with the flow, in the desert - doing 80+ is normal.

 

Bring along some CD's for music and/or MP3 with connecting cables to the car's stereo and you will enjoy the scenic drive. Many places to stop all along Hwy 15 for restrooms, outlets for shopping, gas stations & even photo opps. We've fly to LAS from LAX/LBG and the time involved is about the same, perhaps even quicker for doing the drive, especially if there are more than 1 driver doing the trip - and we did it on 3/4 tank of gas @ $2.09 gallon (not bad - 27 MPG) You will go up the mountain passes at 4,000 ft. and 4,200 ft. elevations, see the trains along and sometimes even planes flying above - the bordertown's casino/shopping outlets coming into Nevada and the outlying new developments as the Vegas strip's towering casino's come into full view - something you don't see flying into the ever-expanding airport (25 years ago, it was at the edge of Tropicana and now the terminals are like another 3 miles out).

 

Traffic in Vegas & on Rt. 15 are not as bad as LA, any hours of the day and into the late night, weekends being the worst.

On the other hand, several years ago, we rented a Ford Mustang & driving out in the open was simply .... fun, reaching triple digit speed while doing quick passes around those "slow" trucks climbing the hills (didn't want to risk those rental car tires & the blackbox ....)

[EdSails]

make a quick stop in Westminster (a/k/a - Little Saigon) for Lee's Sandwich for a picnic lunch with ice latte

 

That's a great place to stop!:D

It's still amazes me that you can get such a great sandwich for so little money. And great coffee too!