If you’re planning a trip to Vegas from Oklahoma City, make your next trip out into a road trip to enjoy the experience in a whole new way. When taking a road trip to Vegas, the drive is part of the fun. If your journey starts in Oklahoma City, driving to Las Vegas is a great way to experience some beautiful nature, all while making memories with your friends and family. An Oklahoma City to Las Vegas road trip is a trip that everyone should experience.
Pack your bags, rally the troops, and fill the tank, because we have all the road trip recommendations to have the best Oklahoma City to Las Vegas drive.
The drive to Las Vegas from Oklahoma City takes you through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. You will mainly drive on the I-40 W to get to Vegas from Oklahoma City. This road trip to Vegas will take you 1,117 miles west, and takes approximately 16.5 hours to complete if factors like traffic and weather are ideal. Road trip stops, traffic, and overnight stays can turn this into a 2- or 3-day road trip depending on how leisurely you want the drive to be. Be prepared for long stretches of land, mountains, and desert scenery on this drive – it is a long and direct shot right through the middle of the country.
If possible, leave on less-popular driving days like Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to avoid heavy traffic getting into Las Vegas. Because weekends are the most popular for road trips, factor in extra drive time for situations such as traffic jams. Allow for longer drive times if you plan on traveling during the holidays or when there are big Las Vegas events. No matter where you’re driving from or which day of the week, the traffic is sure to pick up closer to the city.
While there isn’t much to do at this OKC to Las Vegas pit stop, considering it’s just one room, that only adds to the roadside charm. This jail in Texola, OK is found in a mostly abandoned ghost town right before you enter Texas.
Located off of Route 66, you’ll find some bizarre-but-awesome art in the desert. In 1974, ten Cadillacs were planted into the ground. Since then, the cars have been covered in graffiti and become an iconic roadside attraction.
While it’s a bit of a drive off of the direct route to Vegas, Roswell is a must-see for sci-fi enthusiasts. Home of the Roswell UFO incident, stop by the International UFO Museum and Research Center for an out-of-this-world pit stop.
A bit of an oasis in the middle of the desert, Santa Rosa Blue Hole is a beautiful lake found in New Mexico. While you probably won’t be scuba diving during your road trip, stop by the lake for some views of this natural wonder.
Before you reach the Las Vegas casinos, get your kicks at the Route 66 Casino Hotel. Warm up your gambling skills, or fuel yourself for your road trip to Vegas at Buffet 66 – which is said to be the best buffet in New Mexico.
You will find a few stores similar on your drive, but Chee’s Indian Store is a favorite among road trippers. This store offers authentic Navajo and other Native American items such as handcrafted jewelry, rugs, pottery, and more.
Though this location is part of a chain of originally seven motels built in the 1930s and 40s, this installation is one of three surviving motels. If you’re taking a night to rest a little more than partway through your trip, stay in a wigwam!
If you’re feeling like you need a break, make like the Eagles and take it easy on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. Aside from the Eagles nostalgia, make sure to visit the awe-inspiring, nearly mile-long Meteor Crater outside of town!
Flagstaff has a lot to offer, including a stellar view of the stars. Whether you’re visiting during the day or night, the observatory offers a wide range of tours, activities, and exhibits to help you appreciate the vast cosmos.
This OKC to Vegas road trip location is an easy one to get to, as it’s on your path to the city. This bridge is not only architecturally beautiful on its own, it also gives an amazing view of the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River.
Some say life isn’t only about the destination, it’s about the journey. If you’re planning your next trip to Vegas from Oklahoma City, consider hitting the road and making an adventure out of it. While you’re planning all your Las Vegas road trip pit stops, be sure to book your room at Golden Gate Las Vegas to have a place to call home after your drive. On top of comfortable rooms and suites (or penthouses for added luxury), you’ll be in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas to walk around town and stretch your legs after your Oklahoma City to Las Vegas drive. Drive safely, and see you soon!
