Phoenix to Vegas Drive
 

Hello Fodorites!

I am seeking your assistance for a night 5-hour drive from Phoenix to Vegas.

We will be returning to Vegas after a Saturday football game so expect to be on the road no later than 7:00 p.m. MT. What route do you suggest? Mapquest recommends HWY 93. From what I can tell, much of it is 2-lanes or heavy traffic at Hoover Dam. Are there interstate options?

Thanks for your help!

We have driven Sedona to Las Vegas. There was no one on that 2 lane road and the speed limit was maybe 80-90mph--not sure, but remember I couldn't believe it. After Flagstaff, not a pretty drive--desert and tumbleweeds, limited places to stop to eat, not much traffic by the Hoover Dam. You gain an hour. You'll lose and hour when you are driving to Phoenix--may have to leave earlier so you don't miss kickoff.

I actually think I would Priceline a hotel in Phoenix and head back to Vegas early the next morning.

sk84fungirl won't be going near Flagstaff - it's more direct to take US 93 from Phoenix to Vegas. And no, the speed limit is anything like 80mph even on interstates in AZ - at least it wasn't in October when I was on I-10 and I-17 there.

Interestingly, Google Maps suggests taking I-10 west to Blythe, CA, then taking US 95 north up to Vegas. It claims the travel time is about the same as taking 93 but I doubt that. My GPS certainly thought 93 was the quickest route Phoenix to Vegas and I'd probably go that way again.

The 2-lane roads are quite good, actually. Perhaps I wouldn't want to drive them at night not being familiar with them. I too might consider the hotel in/near Phoenix although I wonder if the game would take up all the available hotels?

If we are really tired, we might consider staying overnight. It will all depend. We are currently booked at TI in Vegas and want to get back. We've made the drive after a game before from other locations. Of course it was not in the desert! As long as there is not rain or ice, we are cool.

I will also check Google Maps to see if it differs from Mapquest.

Thanks so much.

Keep the feedback coming.

Are there hotels on the route from Phoenix to Vegas that you would recommend?

or

Hotels in the area that would put us pretty close to an outlet or shopping mall?

We would like to stay on the travel path between the two cites and not head to far out like Scottsdale or Tempe. I have stayed in those areas before and do believe they would be out of our way.

Thanks so much.

93 is the most direct and fastest route. There is construction at the Dam which slows down traffic during the work week, but I don't see there being a delay on a weekend night