Driving Time between Abilene, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada

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Road Trip to the City of Lights: How Long Does it Take to Drive From Abilene, Texas to Las Vegas?

Are you planning a road trip to Sin City? If you're coming from Abilene, Texas, you're in for a journey! Driving from Abilene to Las Vegas can be a long haul, but it doesn't have to be a chore. In this post, we'll explore the different routes you can take, the distances, and the time it takes to drive each route. So buckle up, grab some snacks, and let's hit the road!

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take when driving from Abilene, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada. The fastest and most direct route takes you through West Texas and New Mexico. However, there are other longer, more scenic routes that can add an extra day or two to your trip. Here are the most common routes:

Fastest Route (I-20 W and I-10 W)

The fastest route to Las Vegas takes you through West Texas and New Mexico. From Abilene, you'll take I-20 W and get on to I-10 W in Fort Stockton. From there, you'll continue through El Paso and cross into Arizona before arriving in Nevada. This route covers a distance of 1,071 miles and usually takes around 16 hours to drive.

Scenic Route (US-285 N)

If you have some time to spare and want to enjoy some scenic views, you can take US-285 N. This route takes you through the Texas Hill Country and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico before rejoining I-25 N. You'll travel through Santa Fe, New Mexico, and pass through Alamosa, Colorado while enjoying some fantastic scenery. You'll rejoin I-25 N at Santa Fe and then take US-550 W and US-93 N to reach Las Vegas. This route is approximately 1,243 miles long, and can take around 19 hours to complete.

Traffic and Drive Time

The time it takes to drive from Abilene, Texas to Las Vegas can vary depending on the time of day and traffic patterns. As with any road trip, it's important to plan your route and driving hours wisely. Rush hour traffic on weekdays can significantly impact your driving time, so try to avoid driving during peak hours if possible. Here are some estimates for the driving time based on traffic and route:

  • Fastest Route (I-20 W and I-10 W):

    • Low Traffic: ~16 hours
    • Peak Traffic: ~19 hours

  • Scenic Route (US-285 N):

    • Low Traffic: ~19 hours
    • Peak Traffic: ~22 hours

Final Thoughts

Driving from Abilene, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a road trip worth taking, and there are a few different routes to take based on your preferred travel style. If time is of the essence, the fastest route through West Texas and New Mexico is your best bet. However, if you have time to spare and want to enjoy some picturesque views, the scenic route through Santa Fe, New Mexico is worth considering. Remember to plan your driving hours wisely and avoid peak traffic where possible. Whatever route you decide to take, enjoy the ride, and take in all the beauty that this part of the country has to offer!