Los Angeles: Day Trips and Tours from Las Vegas

The City of Angels is a glittering hub of glamour, where walking on golden beaches and spotting A-list celebrities are both on the cards. This is the beating heart of the film and television industry, with enough sparkling attractions to keep you busy for some while.

You can easily see the main highlights on a day trip to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, giving you a taste for Hollywood life where dreams can indeed come true.

Check out what you need to know about Los Angeles, one of the most glamorous day trips from Las Vegas.

How can you get to Los Angeles from Las Vegas?

Los Angeles is over on the Pacific coast, 265 miles southwest of Las Vegas. If you plan your time well and get up early, a day trip to Los Angeles is not only possible but heaps of fun too.

From Las Vegas to Los Angeles by car

Driving to Los Angeles from Las Vegas is fairly simple. The quickest route takes you south on the I-15 all the way to the outskirts of LA. Then you will pick up the CA-210 west and continue into the heart of the city.

This should take you about 4 hours, unless you are traveling over the weekend, in which case it can be a lot longer.

From Las Vegas to Los Angeles by public transport

Feeling adventurous? Then you can travel to LA by bus, train, or even plane. For a day trip, the quickest option is to fly.

Non-stop flights from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas depart regularly and take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The bus journey between the two cities takes 5 – 8 hours, depending on traffic. Some buses make stops along the way, so try to choose an express trip which reduces the travel time.

Meanwhile, there are five daily trains from Las Vegas to Los Angeles with Amtrak, with most journeys lasting just over 8 hours. There is one faster train which does the trip in 5 hours and 40 minutes.

Guided tour to Los Angeles from Las Vegas

Taking an organized day trip to Los Angeles from Las Vegas saves a whole lot of hassle when it comes to transport and logistics planning. These tours allow you to sit back and relax as you are driven to all the top sits by your guide.

The convenience of being collected at your hotel or central departure point in Las Vegas makes this an easy day trip to enjoy.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Los Angeles from Las Vegas?

Day tours to Los Angeles are long, so get ready for an early start and a late finish. After all, you want to pack in as much sightseeing as possible.

You will be picked up at your hotel or central point in Las Vegas, for the 4-hour journey to the coast. Tours often travel through Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park along the way.

Once in Los Angeles, you will visit all the top sights, enjoy lunch, and see how many famous faces you can spot.

After a jam-packed but thrilling day, you will be driven back to Las Vegas ready for a good night’s sleep!

What kind of tours are available to go to Los Angeles?

Guided day tours to Los Angeles from Las Vegas

These small-group tours have a maximum of 14 passengers, with travel in comfortable minivans and hotel pick-ups provided.

In just 14 hours, you will see the very best that Los Angeles has to offer, visiting the major sights and coming away with enviable photos.

These day trips to Los Angeles from Las Vegas include breakfast, lunch, snacks, and water throughout the day.

Private day trip to Los Angeles from Las Vegas

Up the luxury and opt for a private tour, with just you and up to six companions. You will enjoy round-trip travel by luxury air-conditioned vehicle, and the attention of your personal guide.

Feel like a star as you cruise by famous viewpoints and stop at all the best attractions for photos.

Water, soda, and snacks are provided.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Los Angeles from Las Vegas

If you intend to spend longer than a day in Los Angeles, you can book an easy private transfer between the two cities.

This takes the stress out of public transport navigation, and will also save you a lot of time.

How much does a tour to Los Angeles from Las Vegas cost?

Small-group guided day trips to Los Angeles cost $250 per person, including round-trip transport, breakfast, lunch, and a guide.

A private Los Angeles day tour is $1118 for up to seven participants, with hotel pick-ups, refreshments, and a personal guide provided.

Private transfers in a luxury vehicle between Las Vegas and Los Angeles cost $999 for a group of up to three. This is a much faster way to travel than using a bus or train.

What will you see and do in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is one of the most popular cities to visit in the US, and with so much to do, you could easily spend a week here. Yet, you can see a lot in a day too – here are some of the highlights:

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Anyone visiting Los Angeles for the first time should make a pilgrimage to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the handprints of celebrities have been immortalized on the sidewalk. Find your favorite star and pose for photos!

You will also see the magnificent Chinese and Dolby Theaters where the Oscars are held, as well as the iconic Roosevelt Hotel.

Santa Monica Pier

The beaches of Santa Monica are famed throughout the country, and you will recognize the pier from the big screen.

Walk barefoot in the sand and paddle in the warm Pacific Ocean, before having fun in the amusement park. The beach is the perfect place for lunch too.

Rodeo Drive

This famous shopping area is home to all the best brands and luxury designer stores. You might remember it from the “Pretty Woman” movie, and all these years later, it remains the place for the ultimate retail therapy.

A drive past Sunset Boulevard is also included on most tours.

Beverly Hills

Most Los Angeles excursions swing by Beverly Hills, which is home to stars like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Tom Cruise. They may not invite you in for lunch, but it sure is fun seeing how the other half live.

Hollywood Sign

You will have a fantastic view of the iconic Hollywood sign from the patio of the Kodak Theater.

When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

The best time to visit Los Angeles is arguably between March and May, and also September and November, when crowds are smaller and the weather is pleasant. Do not visit during the height of summer if you want to avoid the soaring temperatures and heavy city smog.

Winter can be a great time to explore Los Angeles when the city attractions are less busy. Just take an umbrella, as it can rain a little in January and February.

Are there any tours to Los Angeles from other cities in the USA?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in the USA:

• Day trips to Los Angeles from San Francisco

Travel tips

• Tickets for Los Angeles day trips do book up fast so make sure you reserve your places in advance to avoid disappointment.
• The day will be long so wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking the city streets.
• Los Angeles is warm and sunny, so remember to pack sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Charge your camera batteries the night before so you are good to go as soon as you hit those glittering streets.