Best Roadway Trips from Las Vega

Last Updated on July 25, 2023 by Caitlin

Photo credit: Pixabay

Many travelers head to Vegas for the bright lights and excitement of the Strip. Others merely use the entertainment Mecca as a launch pad to explore. The best road trips from Las Vegas explore the iconic national parks in the desert Southwest.

Road trippers need to decide whether to pick up their rental car at Harry Reid International Airport or downtown Vegas. Either way, be prepared for some of the highest rental car fees in the nation.

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Wherever you’re heading, be sure to leave time to swing by the Hoover Dam. It’s only a 45-minute trip from downtown Vegas and an easy stop on your way to other destinations on this list. You’ll approach the dam when you’re near the Nevada-Arizona border. You can take in the views or enjoy a guided tour of the Dam and the power plant. It’s free to walk or drive across Hoover Dam and the Colorado River Bridge. But there is a charge for parking, admission to the visitor center and tours.

Fabulous Road Trips from Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon

273 miles / 4 hrs. 15 mins.
If you’re picking up a rental car on the Las Vegas strip or at Harry Reid International Airport, take highway 93 south from Las Vegas to Interstate 40 east to Arizona Highway 64 north. When you arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, head to the visitor center at the Grand Canyon Village to get oriented. From the village, you can get on the Bright Angel Trail. Be forewarned that it’s about nine miles to the bottom of the canyon so the experience isn’t for everyone.

Zion National Park

171 miles / 2 hrs. 45 mins
Hop on Interstate 15 North just west of the airport, and follow it all the way across the Utah border before taking exit 16 for Utah Highway 9, which will lead you to the southern entrance of the park. Stay on that road, or Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, for stunning views of the entire valley as you make your way east. Or, make your way to one of the shuttle stops for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and enjoy a stres-free view of the park as you wind your way through canyons and cliffs. You’ll find observation spots and entrances to hiking trails along either route. If you can stay a day or two, opt for popular (but strenuous) hikes like The Narrows, Angels’ Landing, or Emerald Pools.

Death Valley National Park

157 miles / 2 hrs. 48 mins.
Despite its unfortunate moniker, Death Valley is worth a visit for its stunning Mojave Desert landscape and bragging rights of being at the lowest elevation in North America. Although Death Valley is in California, the closest major airport is in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the fastest way to get there is also the least scenic. For a prettier drive, head west on NV-160 to Pahrump, then take NV-372 which heads south and turns into CA-178 at the state border. This scenic route goes into the Sierra Nevadas and turns north on CA-127 through Deadman Pass. From there, it’s 25 mils to Death Valley Junction, where you can take CA-190 west 38 more miles to the national park. Be sure to gas up before heading into Death Valley, as you do not want to run out of fuel there.

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Bryce Canyon National Park

260 miles / 4 hrs.
Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not technically a canyon—but that doesn’t make its towering red rock formations any less stunning. Head north on Interstate 15 as if you were going towards Zion, but stay on the interstate until you reach Utah State 20 highway, which takes you towards the park. You can enjoy most of the dramatic vistas in Bryce Canyon from your car, or explore one of the easy day hikes like Navajo Loop or the Queen’s Garden Trail. If time allows, catch a sunset at Sunset Point for an unforgettable evening.

Antelope Canyon

280 miles / 4 hrs. and 30 mins.
Take Interstate 15 away from the city again, and follow Utah state highway 9 and Arizona state highway 389 east along the Utah-Arizona border. Back on US Highway 89 you’ll pass Lake Powell, another popular road trip destination from Vegas. You may want to book a tour in advance–Antelope Canyon is a popular tourist destination and they fill up quickly. For the best views of the light beams falling along the canyon walls, visit midday in summer, but be warned you won’t be the only one looking for that perfect canyon photo. Visit from November to March to avoid the crowds.

Related:

• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Car Rental Guide
• The Best Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip
• How to Find Cheap Gas Wherever You Are
• How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip in a Rental Car

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are hail damage and my responsibility if I rent a car in the United States

All damage from natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and others will be covered by your insurance company. Your rental agency can clarify whether this applies to your vehicle.

Are you over 18 to rent a car abroad?

You must be 21 to drive legally in most European countries. If you are younger than 18, you may still be permitted to rent a vehicle from an adult (normally over 25). However, rental car policies vary by country. In some places, you may even be able to rent a car without being older than 15.

Do you need a car in Europe?

It all depends on where and what you are looking for. A typical European city may have priorities that are different from one in a rural area.

You should also consider how long you plan to stay in each country. You might need a more economical car if your plans are to move frequently.

In most cases, buying used cars is more cost-effective than renting. You can find many reasons why renting a car in Europe is more affordable than buying a used one. You can save money on fuel costs, parking fees, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and so forth.

Another benefit is that the car can be driven safely.

Many websites provide information about renting a car in Europe. Check out our recommendations.

Is Chase Sapphire covered for car rental insurance in Ireland

You can add EUR15 per day to your vehicle insurance. You also have the option to add a variety of optional extras such as breakdown assistance or theft insurance, as well personal accident insurance.

Statistics

• Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
• Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
• If you're a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
• For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
• I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)

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How To

Here are 12 things you need to know about renting a car in Europe

What information should I have when renting a vehicle in Europe?

There are many things to know before you drive off when you rent a car Europe. The type of rental car that you choose will have a huge impact on your experience. Here's a list of must-know tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

1. Your insurance policy. Check that your auto insurance covers you for travel to other countries before you hit the road. If not, check out our guide to finding cheap car insurance abroad.
2. You need the right documents. A driver's licence from your country and several identification cards (passports, visas, etc.) are required. to prove where you're going and why. It is best to have all the documents you need in order to meet any deadlines.
3. Road Rules. Be aware of signs indicating speed limits and one-way streets as well as pedestrian crossings. Driving in another nation could lead to accidents or fines.
4. Parking rules. Many cities require drivers to park in designated areas only. Before arriving in town make sure you read the parking regulations.
5. Gasoline. Gas prices vary by location and country, but generally, gas costs around three times more than that back home.
6. Insurance requirements. Some countries require additional liability insurance for rentals over 3 years old. Get more information from your rental company.
7. GPS navigation systems. These GPS navigation systems are growing in popularity among travelers. You should bring a map along and ask for directions if you aren't familiar with the use of these GPS navigation systems.
8. Radio stations. You might hear music from a radio station in your region. To change the frequency from English, press "0".
9. Seatbelts. Most European countries require seatbelts.
10. Road tolls Road tolls in Europe are very common. Many are charged at major intersections.
11. Speeding tickets. Speeding is strictly forbidden in large parts of Europe including Germany, Austria Switzerland, Italy France, Spain and Switzerland.
12. Tipping. Tipping isn’t the same in Europe and North America as it used to be. Tipping isn't customary anywhere in the world anymore. Instead, give a number such as 10% to 15%.

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