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How to Get to Death Valley National Park

How to Get to Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park California, USA Travel Guide

Major Airports Serving Death Valley

Harry Reid International Airport LAS, Las Vegas, Nevada

This airport measures approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive to the eastern park entrance (Furnace Creek). This is the most common and convenient gateway for many visitors, notably those arriving from international destinations or the eastern United States. LAS offers a wide range of car rental options.

Facts

  • 2-2.5 hour drive to eastern entrance.
  • Common gateway for international and eastern U.S. Travelers.
  • Wide range of car rental options.

Los Angeles International Airport LAX, California

This airport requires approximately a 4.5 to 5-hour drive to the western park entrance, or slightly longer to the central Furnace Creek area. LAX has extensive international connections, making it a good option for travelers coming from Asia, Europe, or other global hubs who plan to explore more of California before or after Death Valley.

Facts

  • 4.5-5 hour drive to western entrance.
  • Extensive international connections.
  • Good for combining with California exploration.

Airlines & Routes

All major U.S. Domestic airlines serve LAS and LAX, including Southwest, American, Delta, United, Spirit, and Allegiant. International carriers also fly into LAX and LAS from global hubs.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight availability generally remains consistent. Prices fluctuate based on demand. Peak travel seasons (holidays, spring break, Death Valley's cooler peak season) typically see higher fares. Flexibility with dates helps.

Airport Facilities

Standard international airport facilities are available at LAS and LAX, including car rental, dining, shopping, currency exchange, lounges, and Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options from Airports

Main Transfer Option

  • The main and most practical transfer option from all major airports to Death Valley National Park is a rental car.
  • No public bus or train services directly connect these airports to the park itself.
  • You will collect your rental vehicle directly at the airport or from a nearby rental car facility.
  • Some private tour companies offer organized day trips from Las Vegas, but these provide limited flexibility.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport FAT

  • Approximately a 4-hour drive to the western park entrance via California State Route 190.
  • Serves as a gateway for those combining Death Valley with Yosemite National Park or other Sierra Nevada destinations.
  • Closer to the western side of the park, offering a different approach.
  • FAT offers more limited services but provides the essentials.

Getting There by Land

Border Crossings

Not applicable. Death Valley National Park exists entirely within the United States. No international border crossings relate to reaching the park.

Train Connections

No passenger train service directly connects to or near Death Valley National Park. Amtrak serves California and Nevada, but routes do not extend into the park's remote area.

Long-Distance Buses

No long-distance bus service directly serves or operates within Death Valley National Park. Buses serve gateway cities like Las Vegas or Los Angeles.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving Considerations and Requirements

Self-driving represents the most useful and practical way to explore Death Valley National Park. The park is vast, with significant distances between attractions. Public transportation is non-existent within the park. A personal vehicle has the freedom and flexibility for seeing diverse landscapes at your own pace.

Requirements

  • A valid driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-U.S. License holders.
  • A major credit card in the renter's name for rental and fuel.
  • Most rental companies ask drivers to be at least 21 years old, with additional fees often applying for drivers under 25.

Road Conditions and Safety Concerns

Understand the roads and drive safely in the park.

Road Details & Safety

  • Paved Roads: Main paved park roads are generally well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles.
  • Unpaved Roads: Conditions vary widely. Check NPS for current conditions. Some need high-clearance or 4x4.
  • Safety: Drive cautiously on winding roads. Watch for wildlife.

Vehicle Condition & Fuel

Prepare your vehicle for the desert environment.

Maintenance & Supplies

  • Ensure your vehicle is in good condition (tires, fluids, cooling system) before entering.
  • Always carry extra water, a spare tire, and emergency supplies in your vehicle, especially for remote areas.
  • Fuel stations are limited and expensive within the park, so plan fuel stops carefully.

Rental Car Companies

All major car rental companies operate at LAS and LAX.

Choosing Your Vehicle

  • Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, and Sixt.
  • Comparison shopping across these providers finds the best rates.
  • For main paved attractions, a standard sedan is fine. For unpaved roads, a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is recommended or required.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Not applicable for Death Valley National Park.
  • It is a landlocked desert.
  • No sea or river ports serve the park.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing Death Valley National Park. Standard U.S. Departure taxes, if any, are typically included in your airfare.

Summary

  • No separate park exit fees.
  • Airfare usually covers departure taxes.
  • Budget for standard travel costs.

Departure Procedures and Timing Recommendations

Plan your departure as carefully as your arrival.

Timing Your Exit

  • Allow ample time for the drive from Death Valley back to your departure airport.
  • Budget 2-2.5 hours for the drive to LAS, or 4.5-5 hours to LAX.
  • This travel time does not include potential delays, fuel stops, or rental car return.

Airport Check-in

Factor in sufficient time for airport check-in and security procedures, especially for international flights, which often recommend arriving 3 hours before departure.

Dining Options

Major airports like LAS and LAX offer a wide array of dining establishments, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, for departing travelers.

Retail and Lounges

Duty-free and retail shopping, along with various airline lounges, provide comfort and convenience before your flight.

Getting Around the Park

Planning internal movement is as important as your arrival and departure. Death Valley's vastness requires careful consideration of transportation within its boundaries.