As thousands travel to Las Vegas to get one last summer celebration in for Labor Day, motorists can expect heavy traffic on the main artery between Southern Nevada and Southern California.
The heaviest congestion is expected on southbound Interstate 15 as revelers head back to California on Labor Day, according to the Regional Transportation Commission. Las Vegas is the nation’s eighth-most popular travel destination for Labor Day, according to AAA.
The worst traffic generally occurs between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. near the Nevada-California state line.
“Travel times through the area may increase significantly during this period,” the RTC said in a statement.
Visitors who plan to leave Las Vegas for Southern California on Monday are urged to avoid traveling during peak traffic hours by either leaving earlier or later in the day.
Travelers can visit SeeingOrangeNV.com before heading home for real-time traffic conditions, construction information, and traffic alerts.
The RTC also urges Southern Nevadans who plan to travel to Southern California for the holiday weekend to brace for increased traffic on I-15 northbound heading back to the Las Vegas Valley on Monday, the RTC said.
Those travelers should plan ahead and allow for extra travel time to get back home.
Gas prices
Drivers should expect road trips between Southern Nevada and California to be more expensive this year than in 2025. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the Las Vegas Valley was $4.80 as of Friday, according to AAA, which is 98 cents higher than the same day in 2025.
In Southern California, the cheapest average gas prices per gallon range between $5.60 and $5.70 in the San Bernardino and Los Angeles areas and in Orange County, per AAA, which are $1.10 higher than last year.
Travel tips
Before heading out on the road, AAA suggests motorists check their tires for excessive wear and make sure they are properly inflated. Check batteries to ensure they’re in good working order. Drivers should also check their vehicle’s fluids to ensure they are filled to the correct levels.
Travelers should pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, a first-aid kit and tools including a flashlight and jumper cables, AAA recommends. Water is especially important for those traveling between Southern Nevada and Southern California, as temperatures typically range between 90 and 100 degrees in late August into early September.
Last Labor Day weekend, AAA assisted 4,400 members in Nevada for flat tires, dead batteries, and emergency towing.
RTC airport option
Locals who plan to take a flight out of Harry Reid International Airport over the holiday weekend can make use of an RTC park-and-ride option that will help save airport parking costs.
Residents can park for free for up to seven days at the South Strip Transit Terminal off Sunset Road and Gillespie Street, and take Route 108 or the newly launched Red Line, the Maryland Parkway bus rapid transit line, directly to Reid Airport. Parking at the transit terminal is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Travelers are urged to let RTC security know that they plan to park their vehicle at the center for more than a day by calling 702-676-1849.
Lyft code
Nevada’s Zero Fatalities program is offering discounted Lyft rides on Labor Day to help prevent impaired driving.
Beginning at noon on Labor Day and running through 4 p.m. Tuesday, the first 400 riders to use the code LBRSAFE26 in the Lyft app will receive $5 off one ride.
“The Zero Fatalities program is committed to reducing traffic deaths and serious injuries by encouraging safe driving behaviors and educating Nevadans about the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel,” the coalition said in a statement.
Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.
