Driving to Mammoth Lakes from Nevada

With only a half-day drive separating the mountain vistas of Mammoth Lakes from the bright lights and casinos of Las Vegas, and just a three-hour drive between Reno and Mammoth Lakes, it's an easy escape to the Eastern Sierra from Nevada.

From Reno, you'll drive about 160 miles straight down Hwy. 395. From Las Vegas, you'll cover about 325 miles through the Nevada high desert before meeting Hwy. 395. If you'd rather not drive, a year-round bus connects Reno and Mammoth Lakes.

Quick Facts

From Reno: about 160 miles and three hours via Hwy. 395
From Las Vegas: about 325 miles and five hours via Hwy. 95 and Hwy. 26
By bus: the ESTA Lone Pine to Reno route stops in Mammoth Lakes
Winter travel: carry chains and check Caltrans and NDOT road conditions before you leave

Scroll down for detailed directions for your next trip and points of interest along the way.

Driving From Nevada To Mammoth Lakes

Whether you're driving from Las Vegas to the south or Reno to the north, your drive will take you through scenic mountain or desert areas to meet up with Hwy. 395 to Mammoth Lakes.

Driving from Reno to Mammoth Lakes

From Reno, drive approximately 160 miles along Hwy. 395 directly to Mammoth Lakes. The drive takes about three hours. You'll head south through Carson City and Gardnerville, cross into California near Topaz Lake, and continue through Bridgeport and Lee Vining before turning onto Hwy. 203 into town. For stops, detours and tips for the whole trip, see our guide to traveling from Reno to Mammoth Lakes.

Driving from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes

The 325-mile drive from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes takes about five hours, depending on travel conditions. The fastest route follows Hwy. 95 past Beatty, then connects to Hwy. 266 and on to Hwy. 395. Mammoth Lakes locals swear that the 266 is the fastest option to and from Las Vegas. You can also take a longer scenic route through Death Valley National Park. No matter which route you choose, scenery is abundant but services are not, so fill up on gas, water and snacks before you leave Las Vegas. Get turn-by-turn directions for both routes in our guide to driving from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes.

Scenic Areas On The Drive From Nevada To Mammoth Lakes

On the way to Mammoth Lakes, you'll pass iconic Eastern Sierra landmarks and scenic areas. Which ones you see depends on where you start.

Scenic Areas North of Mammoth Lakes

Mono Lake: right along Hwy. 395 near Lee Vining
Bodie State Historic Park: a short detour east of Hwy. 395 on Hwy. 270, with limited access in winter
Lake Tahoe: a detour west from Carson City if you want to add a stop to your drive from Reno

Scenic Areas South of Mammoth Lakes

Death Valley National Park: on the scenic route from Las Vegas
Manzanar National Historic Site: on Hwy. 395 north of Lone Pine, on the Death Valley route
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: off Hwy. 168 near Big Pine, on the fastest route from Las Vegas, open seasonally

Driving from Nevada in Winter

Winter storms can bring chain controls to Hwy. 395 with little notice, especially over Conway Summit between Bridgeport and Lee Vining, the highest point on the highway.

Carry chains from late fall through spring, and know which chain restriction level applies to your vehicle. Before you leave, check NDOT for the Nevada stretch and Caltrans QuickMap for California highways. Our Snow Smart Driving guide covers chaining up safely, and the Winter Ready Guide puts forecasts, webcams and road resources in one place.

Traveling to Mammoth Lakes from Nevada by Bus

For those who don't have access to a vehicle or prefer to skip driving, year-round bus service is available to Mammoth Lakes. This is a convenient and budget-friendly option. Available seven days per week, the Lone Pine to Reno ESTA route (with stops in Mammoth Lakes) runs ONCE a day.

Check the ESTA website for the most up-to-date schedule. You can buy tickets directly from the driver. Plan to have exact change if you're paying in cash. Credit cards are also accepted on this route.

Plan Your Stay in Mammoth Lakes

Whether you're coming from Reno or Las Vegas, the drive is part of the adventure, so give yourself a few nights to enjoy the destination too. Browse hotels, motels and resorts in Mammoth Lakes to plan your stay, and see our full guide to driving to Mammoth Lakes for directions from other cities.

FAQ

How far is Mammoth Lakes from Reno?

Mammoth Lakes is about 160 miles south of Reno on Hwy. 395. The drive takes about three hours.

How far is Mammoth Lakes from Las Vegas?

Mammoth Lakes is about 325 miles from Las Vegas. The drive takes about five hours via Hwy. 95 and Hwy. 266, or longer if you route through Death Valley National Park.

Is Mammoth Lakes closer to Reno or Las Vegas?

Reno is closer. The drive from Reno takes about three hours, compared to about five hours from Las Vegas.

Is there a bus from Reno to Mammoth Lakes?

Yes. Eastern Sierra Transit Authority runs a daily bus between Lone Pine and Reno with stops in Mammoth Lakes. Pay the driver with exact cash or a credit card.

Do I need snow chains to drive from Nevada to Mammoth Lakes?

From late fall through spring, carry chains even if the forecast looks clear. Storms can bring chain controls to Hwy. 395, especially over Conway Summit.