Introduction
Barstow, California, often regarded as a pivotal stop on the road, lies between prominent destinations like Las Vegas, Nevada, and Los Angeles, California. Its strategic location makes it a common point of reference for travelers moving through the southwestern United States. If you’ve wondered how far is Barstow CA from Las Vegas, you’re not alone. Understanding the distance and travel options can greatly enhance your trip planning, whether you’re driving, flying, or considering public transportation like buses and trains.
Throughout this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of how far Barstow is from Las Vegas, examine different routes, and discuss alternative travel methods. Additionally, we’ll explore other related routes, including how far Barstow is from Los Angeles and Victorville from Las Vegas. Whether you’re venturing to Las Vegas for some nightlife or cruising through California, this guide is your go-to source for all travel insights.
The Distance Between Barstow CA and Las Vegas
The distance between Barstow, CA, and Las Vegas, NV, depends on your mode of transportation. By road, the two cities are separated by a span of approximately 156 miles. This route typically follows Interstate 15 (I-15), a major highway well-known to California and Nevada commuters.
If you’re considering other options, you might be curious about flying or public transportation. Flights between Barstow and Las Vegas, while less common than road travel, reduce travel time significantly. Similarly, bus and train services provide budget-friendly alternatives to driving. Below, we’ll break down these options to help you evaluate the best method for your travel needs.
Breakdown of Travel Methods
Driving from Barstow CA to Las Vegas
Driving is by far the most popular way to travel between the two cities. The road trip from Barstow to Las Vegas covers about 156 miles and takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes without stops. Interstate 15 is the primary route, offering relatively straightforward navigation. You’ll encounter scenic desert views, the historic town of Baker (home to the world’s tallest thermometer), and ample opportunities to stop for refreshments or gas.
For families, adventurers, or anyone who prefers a leisurely pace, driving offers flexibility. You can stretch your legs, discover roadside attractions, and truly enjoy the openness of the region.
Flying From Barstow CA to Las Vegas
When it comes to air travel, there are no direct commercial flights departing from Barstow. The nearest major airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), located about 80 miles south of Barstow. From Ontario, flights to Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International) in Las Vegas take about 1 hour.
Including driving time to the Ontario airport, overall travel time by air can average 3–4 hours. Thus, while flying isn’t significantly faster than driving for this particular route, it may still appeal to travelers seeking an alternative to road trips or avoiding long hauls behind the wheel.
Bus Options Between Barstow and Las Vegas
Bus travel is an accessible and affordable option for those seeking to minimize travel costs. Several companies, including FlixBus and Greyhound, operate trips between Barstow and Las Vegas along I-15. Travel time by bus is typically closer to 3-4 hours, depending on the number of stops.
Though bus trips are slower, they provide a convenient alternative for travelers without access to a car. Tickets can often be secured for less than $30, making buses a budget-friendly method to travel between the cities.
Travel by Train
Currently, there is no direct Amtrak or other train service connecting Barstow and Las Vegas. The closest available option involves taking an Amtrak Thruway Bus to a train station and then connecting to other cities like Los Angeles or Victorville. However, this option can be time-intensive and not generally recommended for direct travel between the two cities.
Efforts to reintroduce high-speed rail service between Southern California and Las Vegas remain ongoing, which may, in future years, make train travel more viable and faster than today.
Table of Distances
To help visualize the distances and travel times between key locations, here is a table that summarizes essential routes and data:
| Route | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Barstow, CA to Las Vegas, NV (Driving) | 156 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Barstow, CA to Las Vegas, NV (Bus) | 156 | 3–4 hours |
| Barstow, CA to Las Vegas, NV (Plane via Ontario) | 190 (including driving to airport) | 3–4 hours |
| Barstow, CA to Los Angeles, CA | 115 | 2 hours |
| Victorville, CA to Las Vegas, NV | 180 | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Barstow, CA to Bakersfield, CA | 131 | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Bakersfield, CA to Las Vegas, NV | 285 | 4 hours 20 minutes |
| Barstow, CA to Ontario, CA | 80 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Barstow, CA to Victorville, CA | 32 | 30 minutes |
| Los Angeles, CA to Las Vegas, NV | 270 | 4 hours |
Explaining the Table and Its Insights
This table highlights the relative distances and travel times between Barstow, Las Vegas, and other important cities in the region. The quickest journey, unsurprisingly, is by car along direct highways like I-15. The Barstow to Victorville route stands as the briefest trip, while venturing between Bakersfield and Las Vegas represents one of the longest connections in the region for driving.
For those relying on public transportation, it’s clear buses offer decent connectivity but sacrifice speed for affordability. Meanwhile, airfare shines when covering longer journeys between major cities outside the immediate vicinity.
Other Routes of Interest
How Far Is Barstow From Los Angeles?
Barstow lies approximately 115 miles northeast of Los Angeles. This drive is generally about 2 hours via Interstate 15 and Interstate 10, depending on traffic. This route connects you through important hubs like San Bernardino, forming part of the much-traveled path to Las Vegas.
How Far Is Victorville From Las Vegas?
Victorville, another key city along Interstate 15, is about 180 miles away from Las Vegas. The drive takes just under 3 hours and offers similar desert surroundings as Barstow’s route to Las Vegas. Victorville is a well-frequented stop for those beginning their desert crossings from Southern California.
How Far Is Bakersfield From Las Vegas?
Bakersfield, CA, is roughly 285 miles from Las Vegas. This route takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes of driving time. It involves traveling eastward toward Barstow before continuing north on Interstate 15. Although longer than the Barstow or Victorville routes, it plays a significant role in connecting California’s central cities with Nevada.
Additional Travel Tips
When planning your travel between Barstow and Las Vegas, consider your priorities. If budget is key, buses and carpooling may be attractive options. If time is critical or you prefer convenience, driving or flying (though less common) are more appropriate. Make sure to account for potential delays due to traffic, particularly on weekends, holidays, and event-heavy periods in Las Vegas.
Whatever your choice, the connection between these cities is packed with fascinating landmarks and experiences. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy every mile of your trip!
