las vegas to grand canyon

How to Visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas by Car: Distance, Road Trip Itineraries and Tours Available

This site may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Beyond its stunning luxury hotels and all the cool things to do on the Las Vegas Strip that have made it a famous kitsch oasis in the hot Nevada desert, the great advantage of Las Vegas is all about its strategic location for visiting the parks of the Southwest, not only those in Nevada (Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon), but also in California (Death Valley), Arizona (Grand CanyonAntelopeMonument Valley) and Utah (Zion and Bryce among others). In our in-depth exploration of how to visit the parks from Las Vegas, we have given tips for organized and independent tours in many of these places, but today I would like to focus particularly on one of them, perhaps the best known (though it’s quite challenging…): the Grand Canyon.

It’s not as simple as it may seem. Due to the vast expanse of the famous park in Arizona, I must give you specific directions to each section of the canyon. You may not know this, but the park is divided into three “districts”, which can be identified in the three sides of the canyon that can be visited. The most famous is the South Rim, but there are also the underrated North Rim and the West Rim (located on Hualapai reservation, made famous by the extraordinary and somewhat obstructive Skywalk). The last one is the closest to Las Vegas, while the other two (North and South Rim) are further away, not only from the city but also from each other, which makes it impossible to visit them both in a single day, as you can read in our article on how to choose between North Rim and South Rim.

Distance between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

Here are the travel times between Las Vegas and the three sides of the Grand Canyon. Below, a map that will help you better understand the distances.

  • The distance between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon South Rim is 280 miles, which can be covered by car in approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes on US-93 S, I-40 E and AZ-64 N.
  • The distance between Las Vegas and the West Rim is 130 miles, which can be covered by car in just over 2 hours along US-93 S, Pierce Ferry Rd and Diamond Bar Rd.
  • The distance between Las Vegas and the North Rim is 265 miles, which can be covered by car in about 4 hours and 30 minutes along I-15 N, AZ-389 E and US-89A S and AZ-67.


These distances, full of setbacks, are for the shortest routes between Las Vegas and the various areas of the Grand Canyon, and keep in mind that these are the travel times for each route without any intermediate stops. However, if you decide not to make any stops between destinations, you risk missing out when you are on a road trip in the U.S. In fact, there is a wealth of natural beauty, incredible works of human ingenuity, historical attractions and places of interest that, if you decide not to stop, you will definitely regret it.

from las vegas to Grand Canyon

For example? Going towards the West Rim and South Rim, by taking some short detours, you can reach some fantastic attractions along Route 66 and the Hoover Dam, while on the way to the North Rim we find the Valley of Fire and, a short distance away, the parks of southern Utah. Here are a number of recommended routes to cover the distance between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon and make the most of what the area has to offer.

Before you start reading, please note that some of these itineraries may require an overnight stay, but the location may vary depending on your next stop.

Best Road Trip Itineraries from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

In addition to a description of the various routes, take note of the travel time (without stops) and the town I recommend to choose for the overnight stay.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim


Travel Time: 6 hours in two days
Overnight stay: Williams

Leave Las Vegas early in the morning and head to Oatman. This will be the first stretch along Route 66 and, if you’ve never driven it before, it will be an unforgettable experience. After making it through a stretch of the “terrible” Bloody Route 66, a narrow, winding road that cuts through the rugged, desert Black Mountains, you’ll literally travel back in time. You’ll drive your car being mindful of the mules that graze on the dusty Main Street of a well-preserved old Far West town.

Yes, you’ve arrived in Oatman, a secret and mysterious ghost town that, just like Route 66, has stood the test of time and just won’t disappear! It won’t take more than two hours to visit the town even if you take your time to enjoy the atmosphere of the place, but I recommend eating a double buffalo burger for lunch at the Oatman Hotel Restaurant. If at around 1:30 pm, as you finish your lunch and may be wiping barbecue sauce from your mouth, you hear someone screaming in the street, get out and look out from the wooden porch. You can watch the duel between the Ghost Rider Gunfighters, cowboy-actors doing western charity shows.

las vegas to grand canyon distance
Seligman

As you descend from the mountains, you’ll come across the Cool Springs Station‘s vintage fuel pumps, where you can also take a photo of the nearby Route 66 sign. Continue to Kingman, where you’ll find a museum dedicated to Route 66 in the Powerhouse Visitor Center, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about the glorious history of the Mother Road, from its origins to its decline.

You’ll find another “living mausoleum” of Route 66 in Seligman, a tiny town just over an hour from Kingman. The few places that are still open in Seligman are full of nostalgia, but there’s another reason to visit them. The inspiration for some characters from the Pixar cartoon Cars came from here. If you pay attention, you can also see them with your own eyes!

Route 66 in Arizona
We have already discussed these and other interesting stops (such as the Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs) along Route 66 in our article on Route 66 in Arizona. Take a look at it to learn more!

The last stop on this route approaching the Grand Canyon South Rim is Williams, one of the last bastions of Route 66 to fall victim to I-40 E, the highway that led to the gradual downfall of the Mother Road. For some advice on how to visit the town read our in-depth guide, while below you’ll find specific tips on staying overnight in places with unique charm. There’s something for everyone!

Accommodations in Williams

To get to the entrance to the South Rim from Williams, you will drive an hour along AZ-64 N, unless you decide that instead of going straight to the Grand Canyon, you want to stop in…Bedrock!

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim


Travel Time: about 2 hours and 15 minutes

As mentioned earlier, the Grand Canyon West Rim is the closest rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, so much so that, with good and detailed planning, you may even consider a day trip back to Las Vegas for an overnight stay.

Depending on the time available, you may decide to spend a couple of hours in the morning at Hoover Dam, an impressive dam located in the Black Canyon on the Colorado River built in the 1930s. The Hoover Dam is a shining example of how human ingenuity and the power of nature can create a masterpiece. The Hoover Dam is practically on the way to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, so you won’t have to take a long detour to get there. To visit the dam on your own (as you will), you’ll need to plan well, which is why I refer you to our in-depth article on the Hoover Dam, which has information on schedules, tickets and tips on how to maximize your time.

how to get to Las Vegas to Grand Canyon
Hoover Dam

It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Hoover Dam to the West Rim, so ideally you should leave from the dam in time to get to the West Rim at lunchtime to make the most of the afternoon. To find out what awaits you on the western side of the Grand Canyon, I suggest you read our in-depth article, where you’ll also find coordinates and directions on how to get there (it might be a little more difficult than expected) and tips on where to stay overnight in case you’re not planning to return to Las Vegas.

Tips on where to stay in Las Vegas

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim


Travel Time: 6 hours and 40 minutes in two days (5 hours and 40 minutes without the Valley of Fire)
Overnight Stay: Kanab or in the surrounding area
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon west rim
Zion National Park

Let’s be clear, Las Vegas isn’t exactly near the Grand Canyon North Rim. Therefore, just as in the case of the South Rim, it will be worth it to stop somewhere along the way to spend the night. Northeast of Las Vegas there are plenty of national parks, but I suggest you take the following route:

  • Drive to the red desert of the Valley of Fire, a charming small state park that has the advantage of being able to be visited also on a scenic drive. Of course, taking the time to go on some short trails would be the best, but in your case, this will be a short visit. Be careful, though! If you have the national parks annual pass and think you can use it to get in for free, you won’t be able to do so, because being a state park is not included. Since you’ll only be passing through it, consider whether you’re really interested in visiting it. I… recommend it anyway!
  • The other natural wonder closer to the North Rim could be the Zion National Park (yes, Bryce Canyon is too far away, and you don’t have enough time to reach it. If you want to visit Bryce Canyon, you’ll have to arrange the trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon independently). Zion is a bit of a complicated park to visit quickly, as you can read in the article in the link. If you’re going to give it the time it deserves, you might also decide to skip the Valley of Fire and get to the park as soon as possible (it takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Las Vegas). However, even if you arrive at lunchtime, you can enjoy the views of the park by taking the scenic drive with the shuttle or your car (depending on the time of year) and also take a short walk, maybe to Lower Emerald Pools. Check the article top things to see in Zion National Park to get more information.
  • The ideal place for an overnight stay is Kanab, to shorten the drive the next day to get to the North Rim. However, you can also choose other locations closer to the Zion, in case you are tired. Below are some tips for accommodations.

Where to stay near Zion National Park

Tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

las vegas grand canyon distanza

If you don’t have time to plan a road trip to the Grand Canyon, you can always rely on a guided tour. Many of them leave from Las Vegas and it’s often difficult to choose among the dozens of available offers. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including helicopter and airplane flights, bus tours and jeep tours. Below you’ll find a list of articles that can help you choose the one that’s right for you.


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

bernardo pacini
Bernardo Pacini

I am an enthusiastic traveler. I have also published some poetry. Besides traveling, my interests include literature, prog music and good food,.

Related posts

da las vegas a yellowstone

Traveling from Las Vegas to Yellowstone: recommended on-the-road itinerary

Visiting Yellowstone can be quite a puzzle for those who would like to include the park in a larger Southwest tour. Due to the vast distances, this plan often remains ...
Where was "Back to the Future" filmed?

Where was Back to the Future filmed? The Main Filming Locations

Are you fan of the Back to the Future saga? Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to see with your own eyes the most iconic filming locations where the ...
things to do outside of las vegas

Places to Visit Outside of Las Vegas: Best Attractions and Nature Parks

What are the best things to do and see oustide of Las Vegas? How many people ask themselves this question while planning a road trip in America? Indeed, even though ...
navajo nation

Things to do in Navajo Nation: A Guide to the Indian Reservation in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico

What if we told you that some of the most symbolic photos of the United States, starting with the iconic Monument Valley, were not taken in any of the fifty ...

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.