posted on November 1, 2025
The Reno to Vegas drive takes you through the heart of Nevada, where vast desert landscapes run wide beneath starry skies. From the quiet stillness of ghost towns to the vibrant energy of Las Vegas waiting at the end of the road, this journey has a wild range waiting for you.
Whether you’re planning a quick escape or a multi-day adventure, this road trip guide has everything you need. With practical tips, scenic stops, and a detailed itinerary, prepare to turn miles into memories.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Reno to Vegas drive: Overview
- Your road trip map from Reno to Vegas
- Top tips for driving from Reno to Vegas
- Your stop-by-stop Reno to Vegas road trip itinerary
- Top places to stop between Reno and Vegas
- Frequently asked questions about the Reno to Vegas drive
An overview of the drive from Reno to Vegas
- Drive time: 7 hours (direct route)
- Drive distance: 442 miles (direct route)
- Suggested road trip length: 2 to 3 days
- Recommended itinerary:
- Stop 1: Reno to Carson City
- Stop 2: Carson City to Hawthorne
- Stop 3: Hawthorne to Tonopah
- Stop 4: Tonopah to Goldfield
- Stop 5: Goldfield to Beatty
- Stop 6: Beatty to Las Vegas
- Top stops: Tonopah and Beatty
- Gas stations and EV chargers along the drive: The US-95 has long stretches without refueling stations. Be sure to refuel/charge at Carson City and Tonopah.
- Driving conditions and recommended vehicle: The drive from Reno to Vegas along US-95 is mostly smooth and well-maintained. A reliable midsize SUV is recommended for optimal comfort and safety on long, remote stretches.
Distance from Reno to Vegas
Driving directly from Reno to Vegas will take approximately 467 miles. If you’re planning a detour along the way, the trip will end up being a bit longer.
Reno to Vegas drive time
It will take you approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes to travel directly from Reno to Vegas. If you are planning to make a few stops or you run into traffic, travel time may vary.
When to go from Reno to Vegas
The best time to drive from Reno to Vegas is from March to May. During the Spring months, you’ll avoid a scorching summer drive and the icy roads of winter. Enjoy the pleasant temperatures, and if you travel in May, try to score tickets to the EDC Festival, an electronic dance music festival held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The best Reno to Vegas route
Taking the US-95 south from Reno is the perfect route, getting you to Vegas in no time and simultaneously surrounding you with the open skies and grand vastness of Nevada’s desert scenery. The itinerary set out below follows the US-95, and details all the best stops along the way.
The best stop between Reno and Vegas
The whole journey is teeming with desert beauty and quirky towns. Roughly 4 hours into your journey, you’ll arrive at Tonopah, a historic mining town and the perfect halfway point. Here you can connect with the earth and the heavens. Stargaze up at some of the darkest skies in the whole US. For something more supernatural, check yourself in at the eerie Clown Motel.
Just before you reach Vegas, Beatty blends wild west nostalgia with paranormal activity. Don’t miss the Rhyolite Ghost Town and nearby Goldwell Open Air Museum, both hauntingly beautiful in their own right.
Your road trip map from Reno to Vegas
Top tips for the drive from Reno to Vegas
During peak hours, heavy congestion can occur around Reno and Vegas. Aim to start your journey early in the morning to avoid the morning rush. When leaving Beatty, your final detour, leave either after an overnight stay or aim to leave around 6pm to avoid heavy traffic in Vegas.
Driving conditions: What is the road from Reno to Vegas like?
- As the US-95 is a major highway, it’s kept in top condition for road trippers like yourself. This means you may run into some roadworks along your journey, particularly around Tonopah or Beatty. Other than that, expect a smooth sailing down to Sin City.
- Nevada’s boundless desert landscape, though beautiful, has long stretches of emptiness. It is important to be prepared for these periods of your journey. There are remote stretches between Carson City and Hawthorne, and Tonopah and Beatty, so it is a good idea to fill up your vehicle before entering them.
- Deer, coyotes, jackrabbits, and even wild horses love the US-95 as much as any road tripper. If you are travelling around dusk and dawn, be aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions with these visitors.
Recommended type of car for the drive
For the drive from Reno to Las Vegas, you can’t go wrong with a reliable midsize SUV. Cars like the Hyundai Santa Fe have good ground clearance, strong air conditioning, and reliable tires to handle long, remote desert drives.
All-wheel drive vehicles like the Subaru Outback are also a great choice, especially in winter when you’re driving up against snow or ice.
How to stay safe on this road trip
- Stops along the way aren’t just great for sightseeing; they also help prevent fatigue from long stretches of driving. Make sure to take plenty of breaks along the way to stay safe. If you have other licensed drivers joining you for the journey, you can share the drive with them.
- A desert adventure needs plenty of preparation. Plenty of water on board is paramount when driving in a dry environment. Same goes for sunscreen and some snacks.
- Before heading off, make sure you’ve prepped your tech for the long voyage: a charger for your phone, the perfectly curated playlist, and offline maps in case you lose internet connection out in the desert.
The perfect Reno to Vegas drive itinerary
Here is the ultimate itinerary for your Reno to Vegas road trip. Every stop is planned out for you, so you won’t miss a mile of the action.
Stop 1. Carson City
- Drive time: 33 min
- Drive distance: 31.6 mi
- What to do: Nevada State Museum, Capitol Complex, Governor’s Mansion
- Where to stay:
- $: Motel 6 Carson City
- $$: Hampton Inn and Suites Carson City
- $$$: Courtyard Carson City
- Where to eat: Red’s Old 395 Grill, Duke’s Steakhouse, San Marcos Grill
Learn more about the great state you are traveling across at the Nevada State Museum. Take an in-depth look at Nevada’s history, with fascinating exhibits on its natural environment. Before embarking on the next leg of your trip, be sure to fill up your car. You’re about to enter a more remote stretch of your journey.
Stop 2. Hawthorne
- Drive time: 2 hr 5 min
- Drive distance: 121 mi
- What to do: Mount Grant Trail, Hawthorne Ordnance Museum, Mineral County Museum
- Where to stay:
- $: Holiday Lodge
- $$: Travelodge by Wyndham
- $$$: Hawthorne’s Best Inn
- Where to eat: Pepper’s Place, El Capitan Restaurant, Old Nevada Pizza
Walker Lake is the perfect spot to cool off after a long stretch of driving while taking in the majestic mountain scenery. Swim, fish, or just relax next to its calm, clear waters.
Stop 3. Tonopah
- Drive time: 1 hr 35 min
- Drive distance: 103 mi
- What to do: Tonopah Stargazing Park, The Clown Motel & Old Tonopah Cemetery, Central Nevada Museum
- Where to stay:
- $: Mizpah Hotel
- $$: Best Western Hi-Desert Inn
- $$$: Belvada Hotel
- Where to eat: Strawberry Hill Diner, El Marques Mexican Restaurant, Tonopah Brewing Company
Halfway into your road trip, you’re pulling up to one of the most haunted towns in America. Spend the night at the eerie Mizpah Hotel, where the Lady in Red is rumoured to roam the fifth floor. Later, stop by the Clown Motel, located beside an old pioneer cemetery. You’ll be sure to leave with a few ghost stories of your own.
Stop 4. Goldfield
- Drive time: 27 min
- Drive distance: 27.3 mi
- What to do: Florence Mine, Goldfield Historic Walking Tour, Esmeralda County Courthouse
- Where to stay:
- $: Star Inn
- $$: Goldfield Stop Inn
- $$$: Shady Lady Bed and Breakfast
- Where to eat: Dinky Diner, The Mozart Tavern, Santa Fe Saloon & Motel
Quirky gems are scattered all across Nevada, waiting to be discovered, but you won’t find anything quite like The International Car Forest of the Last Church. A surreal, open-air art installation on the edge of Goldfield, this post-apocalyptic sculpture garden is a one-of-a-kind find.
Stop 5. Beatty
- Drive time: 58 min
- Drive distance: 66.6 mi
- What to do: Rhyolite Ghost Town, Goldwell Open Air Museum, Tom Kelly’s Bottle House, Death Valley National Park
- Where to stay:
- $: El Porta Motel
- $$: Death Valley Inn
- $$$: Exchange Club Motel
- Where to eat: Happy Burro Chilli & Beer, Mel’s Diner, Smokin’ J’s Barbecue
Nevada is haunted by ghost towns, with over 600 scattered around the state. One of the most surreally beautiful ones is Rhyolite Ghost Town, just outside of Beatty. Wander among the skeletal remains of stone buildings, the famous Cook Bank ruins, and the Bottle House. Watching the sunset over this eerie town is just breathtaking.
Stop 6. Las Vegas
- Drive time: 1 hr 42 min
- Drive distance: 117 mi
- What to do: Las Vegas Sphere, Bellagio Fountain Show, Cirque du Soleil Show, Fremont Street Experience, Las Vegas Strip, The Neon Museum, Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- Where to stay:
- $: Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- $$: Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino
- $$$: Bellagio
- Where to eat: Stubborn Seed, Barry’s Downtown Prime, LPM Restaurant & Bar
You’ve finally arrived in fabulous Las Vegas, so let the games begin. Vegas is absolutely jam-packed with things to do. Check out some A-List residencies, test your luck at one of the Casinos, or go see the Volcano Eruption at The Mirage.
Top places to stop between Reno and Vegas
The trip from Reno to Vegas offers an unmatched variety of stops for every type of traveller, from nature-loving families to history enthusiasts.
Top stops for nature lovers
- Lake Tahoe: A stunning lake on the edge of Reno, perfect for hiking, swimming, or kayaking.
- Lahontan State Recreation Area: With sandy beaches that are perfect for boating, fishing, and camping, Lake Lahontan is no mirage.
- Death Valley National Park: One of the most breathtaking landscapes in the whole of the United States, visit Death Valley National Park if you’re craving an unmatched view.
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Just outside Vegas, you’ll find the towering red cliffs of Red Rock Canyon. Perfect for a relaxing hike or some rock climbing, if you’re up to it.
- Tonopah Stargazing: Out in Nevada, one of the darkest regions in the U.S., the wide desert skies are ideal for stargazing.
Top stops for families
- Area 51 Alien Center: Located right near the real Area 15 base, this one-of-a-kind roadside find offers alien souvenirs, snacks, photo ops, and an all-around out-of-this-world experience.
- Nevada State Museum: Here you’ll find interactive exhibits exploring Nevada’s natural and cultural history, including a life-sized mammoth.
- Nevada State Railroad Museum: Take a great break from the car and take the whole family aboard real retro steam trains.
- International Car Forest: Get lost in an artful playground of painted, half-buried cars.
Top stops for art & history buffs:
- Nevada Museum of Art: A stunning modern art museum inside and out, and the only American Alliance of Museums-accredited art museum in the whole state of Nevada.
- National Automobile Museum: Explore over 200 rare and vintage cars, all with unique and fascinating ties to local history.
- Goldwell Open Air Museum: An unparalleled, weird, and wonderful outdoor sculpture park right next to the ghost town of Rhyolite.
- Washoe Club Museum & Saloon: Live out your wild west fantasy at this historic saloon, which is all good, no bad, and far, far from ugly.
- Fort Churchill State Historic Park: Immerse yourself in the preserved ruins of a 19th-century U.S. Army fort.
Frequently asked questions about the Reno to Vegas road trip
Is it worth driving from Reno to Vegas?
With an unmatched ensemble of unique stops and gorgeous desert scenery following you all the way, the Reno to Vegas drive is absolutely worth it.
How many days does it take to travel from Reno to Vegas?
You can drive it in one day if you are in a rush, but 2–3 days lets you enjoy all the key stops and sights along the way.
How long is the Reno to Vegas road trip?
The route outlined above is about 467 miles in total via the US-95, typically taking about 7.5 hours of driving.
Can you tackle the Reno to Vegas road trip in reverse?
Yes, the route works just as well in reverse, with the same stops and attractions to enjoy along the way. Take note of the isolated stretches of highway mentioned previously, and be sure to fill up your car before entering them when tackling the trip in reverse.
Can I get from Reno to Vegas by train or bus?
There’s no direct route from Reno to Vegas by rail, but buses like Greyhound or FlixBus run between the two cities, usually taking 9–11 hours.
Can I fly from Reno to Vegas?
Of course. Daily direct flights between Reno and Las Vegas take about 1 hour. However, opting to drive over flying allows you to fully immerse yourself in the vast beauty of the desert, rather than viewing it from a distance.
Is the drive from Las Vegas to Reno scenic?
With sprawling desert, auburn mountains, and sun-kissed skies, the Reno to Las Vegas road trip is picturesque from start to finish.
Is it cheaper to drive or fly to Las Vegas?
Unless you have booked your airfare far in advance, driving is generally more affordable, especially when travelling in a group.
What city is halfway between Las Vegas and Reno?
Tonopah is the main halfway point, a historic mining town made famous for its wide desert skies, unmatched for stargazing, and haunted hotels.
Is Reno as fun as Vegas?
Reno may not be as bombastic as Vegas, but it has its own charm. “The Biggest Little City in the World”, as it is known, blends the energy of a casino town with the soul of an outdoorsy mountain city. You can think of it as a more homely Vegas, and a great place to start your road trip.
Final word: Planning the Reno to Vegas road trip of a lifetime
Whether you’re chasing neon lights or desert nights, the Reno to Vegas drive offers a road trip experience like no other. With every stop along US-95, you’ll uncover a new puzzle piece of Nevada’s story. It’s a journey that invites you to slow down and connect with the wild beauty of the Silver State.
So, take your time planning your perfect route, find your perfect rental car in Reno with Turo, and prepare yourself for scenic detours, small-town stories, and the thrill of rolling into Vegas with the sunset behind you.
Book your rental car in Reno with Turo
Ready to get moving? With Turo, booking the perfect rental car in Reno is easy. Choose from a wide range of vehicles from local hosts – whether you need a spacious minivan or an eco-friendly EV.
Skip the hassle of traditional rentals and take control of your trip from the very beginning. With flexible pick-up and drop-off options, you can hit the road whenever you’re ready and make the most of every moment. Get started with Turo and make your Reno to Vegas road trip an adventure worth remembering!
Share your car, earn extra cash
Cover your car payments or earn some extra cash by sharing your car whenever you’re not using it.
Get startedHit the road
Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you’re going.
Browse cars
Hannah Chadirchi
Hannah is a seasoned traveller who has been flying back and forth across the world since she was just 1 year old, and isn't stopping anytime soon. From carefully curated road trips with her family around the U.S. to jumping on random trains in Europe and keeping her fingers crossed, Hannah is constantly seeking adventure. For her next trip, she'll either be running around Germany, trying to find the country's best Bratwurst and Sauerkraut, or tackling Route 66 with her sister in the States.
