Road trip from New Orleans to Las Vegas

Question

Hi me and my fiancé are travelling to New Orleans on the 3rd may arriving by plane and then on the 5th may to the 16th may we are looking for the best place to rent a car with one way fees as we will be leaving it in vegas.

Also looking for help on where to stop within that time range we are in our early 30s from London England. We are visiting friends in Austin Texas on the 9th/ 10th may. We would like to stay on a ranch somewhere in Texas for a night if possible and maybe a night on a camping trip somewhere.

The plan was leave New Orleans early morning for Houston go space station and explore the rest of the day and night then San Antonio for one or two nights then Austin for couple nights then maybe Dallas and head to route 66 and take that route towards vegas. I know we are short of time but we’ve travelled by car across Australia so used to long drives. We like history country side/mountain ranges, would like to see a rodeo we like to party but of course have vegas for that. I know we won’t fit anything in but just after some ideas, (shortcuts/better routes) or must see places to stop on route thanks in advance

Joe

Answer

It sounds like you have an amazing road trip ahead of you! Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you with your plans from New Orleans to Las Vegas, along with some suggestions for car rentals, stops along the way, and a few must-see places. Since you’re already used to long drives (like your road trip in Australia), this journey should be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to explore some of the best sights in the U.S.!

Car Rental with One-Way Fees

For your one-way car rental, several major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis offer one-way rentals from New Orleans to Las Vegas. However, be sure to check for one-way rental fees, as these can vary depending on the car type and company. Some of the rental locations may have special deals that waive the one-way fees, so it's worth comparing prices on aggregator sites like Kayak or Rentalcars.com. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best rates.

Once you’ve decided on a company, make sure to confirm the drop-off location in Las Vegas and check if there are any restrictions on the car type or mileage limits for a cross-country rental.

Suggested Road Trip Stops

With about 11 days to travel, you’ll have plenty of time to explore different parts of the U.S. Here’s a suggested route with some great stops along the way:

New Orleans to Houston (Approx. 5 hours, 350 miles) - Start your journey with a visit to the Space Center Houston, where you can learn all about the U.S. space program. Spend the night in Houston and explore some of its vibrant neighborhoods and restaurants.
Houston to San Antonio (Approx. 3 hours, 200 miles) - In San Antonio, explore the Alamo, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the River Walk. It’s a great place to get a taste of Texas history and culture. You could also enjoy a Texas BBQ meal while you’re there.
San Antonio to Austin (Approx. 1.5 hours, 80 miles) - Austin is a must-see, especially with your friends! Enjoy the live music scene on 6th Street and explore some of the city's famous food trucks. Don’t forget to check out the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake.
Austin to a Ranch Stay (Approx. 2–3 hours) - For a unique experience, consider booking a night at a working ranch. Some popular options near Austin include Rancho Loma and Bar-T5 Ranch. These places offer horseback riding, cowboy experiences, and a true taste of the Texas countryside.
Austin to Dallas (Approx. 3 hours, 200 miles) - Dallas is known for its modern culture and historical sites like the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where you can learn about the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. If you like art, the Dallas Arts District is one of the largest in the U.S.
Dallas to Route 66 (Approx. 4 hours, 250 miles) - From Dallas, head toward the historic Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Santa Monica. The stretch of Route 66 between Oklahoma and Texas offers some quirky roadside attractions, like the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo and the Midpoint Café.
Route 66 to Las Vegas (Approx. 10 hours, 650 miles) - The final stretch takes you toward the entertainment capital of the U.S., Las Vegas. Along the way, consider stopping by Grand Canyon National Park for a day trip (it’s about 4 hours from Las Vegas) to take in the stunning views and natural beauty.

Must-See Stops & Tips

Rodeo Experience: Texas is known for its rodeo culture. You might want to catch a rodeo event in San Antonio or Austin, both of which host annual rodeos. You can also check the local schedules for any upcoming events during your visit.
Camping: There are plenty of camping spots along the way, especially in Texas. Consider Big Bend National Park for camping in the mountains and desert, or Guadalupe Mountains National Park for hiking and stargazing.
Scenic Drives: You can take a detour from Route 66 and head to Santa Fe, New Mexico for some great mountain landscapes and art galleries. The Santa Fe Trail offers a beautiful view of the Southwestern desert and mountains.
Vegas Highlights: Once you reach Las Vegas, get ready for the excitement! While you’re in town, check out the famous Las Vegas Strip, catch a Cirque du Soleil show, and experience the nightlife. You’ll also want to take a trip to see Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam for some nature and history outside the city.

Additional Tips

Travel Time: Since you’re comfortable with long drives, the suggested route should be manageable. However, if you find yourself getting too tired, don’t hesitate to break up the journey even further by taking detours to more scenic spots or smaller towns along the way.
Weather: May in Texas and the Southwest can be warm, so make sure to stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Nights in the desert or higher elevations can be chilly, so pack layers.

With your adventurous spirit, this road trip is bound to be an unforgettable experience! Enjoy your travels and have an amazing time in Las Vegas!