Death Valley National Park is like no other place on earth. It’s the hottest and driest park in the US, and is also where you’ll find the lowest point in the continent. With salt flats, sand dunes, colorful rock formations and spiny salt mounds, the landscapes here are otherworldly.
Like other national parks, though, this one straddling eastern California and Nevada isn’t always the easiest to get to.
If you’re wondering “How do I get to Death Valley?’, then this is the guide for you. Covered here are all the options for getting to Death Valley National Park, so you can decide which suits you best.
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How to Get to Death Valley National Park
Where is Death Valley National Park Located?
If you’re planning a trip to Death Valley National Park, it’s important to know where it’s located so you can plan your route accordingly. Here’s what you need to know about the location of Death Valley National Park.
Where is Death Valley located?
You may see this national park addressed as Death Valley National Park, CA, or as Death Valley National Park, NV. This is because the park’s square mileage covers two states – California and Nevada.
The park lies to the east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, close to the border between the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin. Death Valley is a structural depression, and much of the valley’s land mass is the lowest in North America.
Death Valley is around 140 miles from north to south, and its width varies between five and 15 miles. The national park is notable for its extreme heat and exceptionally low humidity levels. It’s not uncommon for summer temperatures to be higher than 120°F (49°C).
Rainfall levels are very low, partly because the valley is sheltered by the surrounding mountains. Due to the heat and dryness, water evaporates here very rapidly indeed. Most of the park’s water is salt water.
Death Valley National Park Entrances
There are both paved and dirt road entrances into Death Valley. Paved entrances can be found on the eastern and western sides, and in California and Nevada. CA Highway 190 is the main east to west road through the park, and CA-178 is the main north to south road.
East: California
1. CA-190 from Death Valley Junction
2. CA-178 from Shoshone
East: Nevada
3. SR-374 from Beatty
4. SR-267 from US 95
West: California
5. CA-190 from Olancha
6. SR-178 from Trona
Popular dirt road entrances to Death Valley include Death Valley/Big Pine Road, Harry Wade Road, Saline Valley Road, Titus Canyon Road and Wildrose Canyon Road.
What is the closest city to Death Valley National Park?
In terms of major cities near Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas is the closest. This is around two hours and 15 minutes’ drive from Death Valley.
Furnace Creek is a small Californian town within the park boundaries where you can find facilities including the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, a couple of hotels, several campgrounds and a gas station. Due to the presence of the hotels, there are some places to eat, a golf course, and some other amenities such as a spa.
There are other places to stay in Death Valley in the community of Stovepipe Wells, which is also within the park boundaries. One of the best campgrounds in the national park is located here. There’s also a market, a restaurant, a gas station, a saloon, hotel with a pool, and an RV park here.
Other Towns and Cities Near Death Valley National Park
Other towns near Death Valley National Park include Pahrump, Beatty, Shoshone, Amargosa Valley and Death Valley Junction.
- Pahrump, Nevada is around 60 miles from Furnace Creek. This larger town offers a range of accommodation, supermarkets, fast food outlets, restaurants, casinos, wineries and festivals.
- Beatty, Nevada is about 40 miles from Furnace Creek and offers various attractions, amenities and accommodation options.
- Amargosa Valley, Nevada is 40 miles from Furnace Creek and has a hotel, a market and a gas station.
- Shoshone, California is about 55 miles from Furnace Creek and offers a gas station, a restaurant, a post office and limited places to stay.
- Death Valley Junction, California is 25 miles from Zabriskie Point and is home to a historic hotel.
Taking a Tour to Death Valley National Park
If you don’t want to rent a car, taking a day tour from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park gives you another option.
This way you can save on car hire and gas, and don’t need to worry about navigation. Sitting back to admire the scenery while someone else does the driving can be a simple way to make the most of your valuable downtime.
Las Vegas to Death Valley day trip
Head to the biggest – and lowest – national park in the whole of the US with this day tour from Las Vegas. The trip lasts for ten hours in total and transport is via luxury SUV or minibus. Key locations visited include Artist’s Palette, Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek, Zabriskie Point and the old ghost town of Rhyolite. Your guide will also teach you about the park’s wildlife, landscapes and history during the day.
BOOK A ONE DAY TRIP FROM LAS VEGAS TO DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Small group adventure Death Valley tour
Lasting for 11 to 12 hours, this small group adventure tour from Las Vegas includes lunch, bottled water, all taxes and fees and air conditioned luxury transport. You can see all the highlights in one day, and being part of a small group makes for a more personalized experience.
BOOK A ONE DAY ADVENTURE TOUR FROM LAS VEGAS TO DEATH VALLEY
Full-day sunset and stars tour
Led by a professional tour guide, this full day trip lasting about 11 hours from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park allows you to watch the sunset after seeing the highlights of the landscape. You can also indulge in a little stargazing alongside your fellow guests.
BOOK A FULL DAY SUNSET AND STARS TOUR FROM LAS VEGAS TO DEATH VALLEY
Wine tasting and stargazing tour
Running for around 11 hours, this tour includes some wine tasting and the best Insta-worthy views. As well as seeing the finest parts of Death Valley, of course. This day trip also ends with some stargazing into the night skies, far removed from the light pollution of The Strip.
BOOK A ONE DAY WINE TASTING AND STARGAZING TOUR FROM LAS VEGAS TO DEATH VALLEY
Custom Tour Trekker vehicle tour
A custom-made Tour Trekker all-terrain vehicle is used for running this 10-hour trip from Las Vegas. The rugged vehicle allows you to access parts of the park that are more difficult to reach by coach. Fees include lunch, hotel transfers and bottled water.
BOOK A ONE DAY CUSTOM TOUR TREKKER TRIP FROM LAS VEGAS TO DEATH VALLEY
Private tour with professional photography
If you want a lasting souvenir of your trip to Death Valley, what could be better than a tour that includes the services of a professional photographer? The tour lasts for 10 to 14 hours, and as it’s private to your group only you can also fully customize the itinerary to include the sights that you want to see.
BOOK A PRIVATE TRIP WITH PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY TO DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
How to Fly to Death Valley National Park?
So what is the closest Airport to Death Valley National Park? The closest Death Valley National Park airport is Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS), which is about five miles from downtown Las Vegas. It takes around two-and-a-quarter hours to drive from the airport in Las Vegas NV to Death Valley National Park, and there are no public transport options.
Other than chartered flights to Death Valley National Park private airports at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, LAS is the nearest of the major airports near Death Valley National Park.
Burbank Bob Hope Airport is the next nearest, and the drive from here takes about three hours plus depending on where you’re headed. It’s 206 miles between the airport and the Death Valley National Park Sign on the CA-190 from Olancha. Other locations will take longer to reach.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is another option. You’ll need more time, though, as it’s further away. But it’s a good choice if you want to visit LA or Joshua Tree National Park. Again the CA-190 from Olancha is closest, at three-and-a-quarter hours’ driving time and 223 miles.
Three other airports to consider include Ontario International Airport, Santa Ana John Wayne Airport and Palm Springs International Airport.
For more information about flying to Death Valley, read my guide to the best airports for Death Valley National Park.
Rental cars are available at all of these airports. Check rental car rates here.
Check prices on flights to airports near Death Valley here.
Taking the Train to Death Valley National Park
If you would prefer taking the train over flying, then you can travel to the stations closest to the national park. There are no train services, however, with connections from the nearby airports: for example, from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park.
The towns of Bakersfield or Barstow in California have Amtrak stations.
Traveling time from Bakersfield to the park is around four-and-a-quarter hours by car. The station is on the San Joaquins line from San Francisco and Sacramento.
From Barstow, the journey time is a little shorter at about three hours and 45 minutes. Barstow is on the Southwest Chief line that goes from Los Angeles to Chicago.
Getting to Death Valley National Park from the Train Station
The only way to get from the Amtrak train stations in Barstow or Bakersfield is by car. Avis, Budget and Enterprise all have rental places on the Main Street in Barstow. In Bakersfield, both Enterprise and Hertz offer vehicle rental in town.
Taking a Bus to Death Valley National Park
If you’re considering how to get to Death Valley National Park from Las Vegas, then buses might be an option to cross your mind. There are no public services to travel from Las Vegas or Los Angeles to Death Valley by bus, nor are there any shuttles.
One option does exist, however. The Bundu Bus – aka the Grand Canyon bus – provides a service connecting major cities including Las Vegas and LA with national parks and other locations as well as the Grand Canyon.
Death Valley is one of those locations served by the Bundu Bus. This stops here four times weekly. Though destinations are limited, Bundu Bus can drop you off at your Death Valley accommodation when you book this through them.
Once you’re in the park, you won’t be able to get around though, so you’ll be limited to the area around your accommodations and will miss out on most of the attractions in the park. So it’s really only suitable if you’re happy to hang out by the pool and enjoy the desert weather.
Driving to Death Valley National Park
Covering the distance from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park by car is how most people access the park. The Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park drive takes around two-and-a-quarter hours, and you can of course pick up rental cars at the airport.
Death Valley Directions
You can of course also do the Death Valley drive from other locations. It depends on where you live- or which airport you’re arriving at – which might suit you best.
If you do a road trip, check you have everything on my Essentials for a Road Trip Pack List.
Here are the basic directions to the park from Las Vegas, LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Sequoia National Park, Zion National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
How to Get to Death Valley from Las Vegas
The most common option is driving from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park, after collecting a rental car at the airport. As far as the distance from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park is concerned, this is around 135 miles if you use Furnace Creek as a point of reference.
The drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park takes a little over two hours if you’re departing from the airport. Harry Reid International Airport is about six miles from downtown Las Vegas, in Paradise, Nevada. The fastest route is via Pahrump Valley Highway and CA-190, and the journey time is about two hours and ten minutes.
How to Get to Death Valley from San Francisco
Driving from San Francisco to Death Valley National Park is another option – if you fly into the Golden Gate city. Or even, perhaps, if you live in (or close to) the City by the Bay. The distance from SF to Death Valley is around 500 miles.
Driving from San Fran to Death Valley takes around eight to nine hours, so expect a full day road trip when traveling between the two. The I-5 S is the road you’ll travel on for about 200 miles of the route.
How to Get from San Diego to Death Valley National Park
You can drive almost directly north to reach Death Valley from San Diego. It’s a lot closer than from San Francisco, and some of the route is the same as from Los Angeles. The distance between the two points is around 280 miles.
If you’re taking a car from San Diego to Death Valley National Park, then you can expect a trip time of around four-and-three-quarter hours. I-15 N and US-395 N are the two roads you’ll stay on for fifty miles plus during the journey.
How to Get to Death Valley from Los Angeles
The driving time from LA to Death Valley National Park is around the same as from San Diego. Though at just under 300 miles the distance from Los Angeles to Death Valley National Park is a little further, the trip time is pretty similar. As is some of the route.
The fastest route is via I-15 N and the CA-127. Expect a journey time of about four hours and 45 minutes.
How to Get from Sequoia National Park to Death Valley National Park
If you want to combine a couple of national parks on one road trip, then taking on the drive from Death Valley to Sequoia National Park – or vice versa – is another approach you could take. It’s a trip of about seven to eight hours. So slightly less than traveling from San Francisco to Death Valley, for example.
Depending on your exact departure and arrival points, the distance between the two parks is about 300 miles. The quickest route involves traveling via CA-127 S and CA-58 W.
How to Get from Death Valley to Zion National Park
Zion National Park is another that you might like to think about combining with Death Valley. This is situated inland, to the east of Death Valley and Las Vegas. As with Sequoia, it’s about 300 miles between these two national parks.
Allow around five hours to travel from Zion National Park to Death Valley, though this may vary. The major roads concerned are the US-95 S, or Veterans Memorial Highway, and the I-15 N leading towards Sale Lake City.
How to Get from Yosemite National Park to Death Valley National Park
How far is Death Valley from Yosemite National Park? Death Valley and Yosemite are about 350 miles apart, so there’s a little more distance between them than there is between Death Valley and Zion or Sequoia.
Allow about six hours to travel between Yosemite and Death Valley. The quickest route will take you onto the CA-99 S.
Rent a car at the Las Vegas Airport here. Check out my guide to saving money on rental cars before you book.
FAQs about Getting to Death Valley National Park
Getting to Death Valley National Park can be a bit confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip.
What is the best time of year to visit Death Valley National Park?
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is during the fall, winter, and spring months when the weather is mild. The summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it difficult to enjoy the park’s attractions.
How do I get to Death Valley National Park?
There are several ways to get to Death Valley National Park. The most common way is by car. You can drive to the park from several major cities, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. If you are flying, the closest airport is in Las Vegas, and you can rent a car from there.
What roads should I take to get to Death Valley National Park?
There are several roads that lead to Death Valley National Park, and the route you take will depend on where you are coming from. If you are coming from Las Vegas, take Pahrump, NV, and California Highway 190. If you are coming from Los Angeles, take I-15 North to Baker, then take CA-127 North to Death Valley Junction, and then take CA-190 East into the park. If you are coming from San Francisco, take I-5 South to Bakersfield, then take CA-58 East to CA-14 North, and then take CA-178 East to CA-190 East into the park.
Do I need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to visit Death Valley National Park?
No, you do not need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to visit Death Valley National Park. Most of the park’s attractions are accessible by car, and the park’s main roads are paved. However, if you plan on exploring some of the park’s backcountry roads, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Are there any fees to enter Death Valley National Park?
Yes, there is a fee to enter Death Valley National Park. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you plan on visiting other national parks within a year, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 and provides access to all national parks and federal recreational lands for one year.
Where do you fly into to go to Death Valley?
The closest major airport to Death Valley National Park is Las Vegas. Death Valley is located mostly in California and partly in Nevada. It usually takes a little over two hours to reach Death Valley from Las Vegas, and the distance is about 135 miles.
What city is closest to Death Valley National Park?
Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells are two communities within the park boundaries providing visitor facilities. Other nearby settlements include Pahrump, Beatty and Amargosa Valley in Nevada and Death Valley Junction or Shoshone in California.
What is the closest major city to Death Valley?
The nearest big city to Death Valley National Park is Las Vegas, around two hours’ drive away. This has a major international airport with a choice of car rental outlets. You can also book various organized tours to the park departing from Las Vegas.
How do you get to Death Valley without a car?
If you can’t or don’t want to drive to Death Valley from the closest airports and train stations – all of which are hours away – then there are two other options.
One is to take a guided tour from Las Vegas, and there are plenty to pick from. This is by far the best option.
The other is to take the Bundu Bus, which calls at the park four times weekly. However, when you’re there, you are very limited in which of the park’s attractions you’ll be able to see, as most of them are more than a short walk from your accommodation and it’s very unsafe to go wandering around the desert.
Is Death Valley close to Las Vegas?
How far is it from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park? It’s about 135 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada to Death Valley National Park.
Travel Insurance for Death Valley
You should definitely have travel insurance when you planning your Death Valley National Park visit. Good travel insurance will cover you for trip cancellation, theft or damage of your property when traveling, medical help if you have an accident in or while visiting Death Valley National Park, or medical repatriation if you need to get medi-vaced out.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Death Valley National Park!
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How to Get to Death Valley National Park
You might also like to read:
- Death Valley National Park Guide
- Best Hikes in Death Valley National Park, California
- The Closest Airport to Death Valley National Park
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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