San Diego, United States → Las Vegas, United States · ✈ 1h 2min · 🚗 6h 55min
230 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: northeast
The distance from San Diego to Las Vegas is 426 km (265 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 2min.
The straight-line distance from San Diego, United States to Las Vegas, United States is approximately 426 kilometers (265 miles or 230 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Las Vegas is located northeast of San Diego. San Diego is in North America, in the West Coast region of United States, while Las Vegas is in North America, in Southwest, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 426 km | ~1h 2min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~554 km | ~6h 55min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~511 km | ~4h 16min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from San Diego to Las Vegas. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 554 km, fuel costs for driving from San Diego to Las Vegas are approximately $44–$83 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
San Diego sits at 32.7157°N, 117.1611°W, while Las Vegas is located at 36.1699°N, 115.1398°W. The initial compass bearing from San Diego to Las Vegas is 25° (NNE), so a great-circle flight path leaves San Diego heading roughly NNE. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 3.45° and the longitude difference is 2.02°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between San Diego and Las Vegas is approximately 34.4470°N, 116.1714°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 213 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
San Diego and Las Vegas share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
San Diego is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 1,423,851. Located in the West Coast region, it is an important hub in North America. San Diego is a significant metropolitan area in United States with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from San Diego
Las Vegas is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 641,903. Situated in the Southwest region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Las Vegas is a popular destination in the Southwest region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Las Vegas
426 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 426 km, the San Diego-Las Vegas route is about 1.1% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 2min.
At just 426 km within United States, the San Diego–Las Vegas corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
The straight-line distance from San Diego to Las Vegas is approximately 426 kilometers (265 miles, 230 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 2min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 6h 55min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Las Vegas is approximately Same timezone compared to San Diego.
The estimated road distance is approximately 554 km, which is about 30% longer than the 426 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.