I'm done with driving from Phoenix to Las Vegas

After 10 years of driving back and forth from PHX to LAS, I've had it with driving, especially the stretch of US 93 between Wickenburg and Kingman.  With dangerous two-lane stretches, constant construction, and virtually no services, it's something I can do without at my age.  Plus, nighttime driving brings on the additional hazards of impaired or tired drivers on the road.

I don't think most of us past 65 years old will ever see the I-11 portion in Arizona completed in our lifetimes.  Flying is the way to go.

For the Californians out there, I understand it's also a long drive to Las Vegas.  But at least you have safe and smooth freeways to get you there in one piece.

Yes long drive from San Francisco.Last time years ago storm in the desert.I fly now.Only drawback hiking though the airport.I am old 81 now.I use the cane as needed.Somehow not ready for wheelchair transport.Wish another option like a golf cart.

There are some bus services and Amtrak (2x a day) that go from PHX to LAS if you don't want the airport hassle.  

Other options are out of Scottsdale on JSX, about $300 each way which would be nice to skip Sky Harbor.  You might also check Mesa Gateway airport for options.

But I get it, driving that route gets tiresome, I used to live in Phoenix and did that a few times.

If you play with a considerable bankroll a flight is just a couple of rounds of placing bets. But you get a return at least.

When I lived in Tucson, I drove 93 several times. No scenery, no services, and ravenous County Mounties just waiting for you to speed as you're overcome by the desire to get it over with.

The trip is a bit less loathsome now; about halfway between Thingman and the Damn there's a mini settlement with a couple of gas stations, a cafe, and a store. The new I-11 bypass speeds things up considerably.

I also improved the trip somewhat when I realized that rather than chewing my way through Sun City, the play was to take I-17 north and cut over to Wickenburg on the Carefree Highway. Kind of counterintuitive, but it saved about 20 minutes and much aggravation.

All that said, I too hate that drive and would never do it again. Southwest Airlines can dropkick you from Feenicks to Vegas several times a day. The only downside is that you have to navigate Sky Horror Airport.

Really, my ultimate solution would be to just nuke Arizona. Maybe spare the northern part that has all the scenery.

I have done this drive many times and you are correct.  Other issues is the mountains and the sun glare in the summer (even with tinted windows) wears you down.  We switch drivers in downtown Wikiup; have lunch at Mr D's in Kingman and then switch again right before entering Lake Meade.  We would excited when we broke out of the mountains and saw the city but we were still 30 minutes from our hotel

We now fly SW out of Sky Harbor (I think this is a really nice airport).  Frequent service.  Now have the SW credit card.  Get 50,000 bonus miles with a minimal spend.  We each have a card and free checked bags.

We arrive fresh and ready to go as compared to driving where we needed a nap.

Thank you for all of your responses.  I'll try to answer them here.

Inigo:

Amtrak is a definite no-go.  Neither Phoenix nor Las Vegas currently have Amtrak stations.  I've taken Amtrak on overnight trips and it's been a nightmare.  The only good Amtrak routes are the same-day trips, but comfort and services are spartan.

Mesa Gateway is a nice little airport, but unfortunstely you're stuck with Allegiant Airlines. With Allegiant, you don't have daily flghts between the two destinations.  Plus, you have to deal with Allegiant's sardine can seats, baggage policies, and their extra fees.

Kevin:

You don't live in Tucson anymore, but for the record, the best way through the Phoenix metro area is to drive I-10 west from downtown for about 20 miles, then take the Loop 303 north for 14 miles and you'll pick up Grand Avenue (US 60) to Wickenburg.  They don't allow Sun City seniors driving golf carts on the 303 Freeway :}

Tom:

"Downtown Wikieup"?   It's where $5.00 gas prices are still alive and well.  I'll always bypass it and drive the 40 miles to the two truck stops on I-40 east of Kingman.

I'll agree with you on Sky Harbor.  It's a great airport.  One nice thing is if the TSA checkpoint that leads to your gates is severely congested, you can always use the walkways to get to another checkpoint.

I agree with the 93 nightmare.  Last time through in April, I had time to kill before check-in and changed the scenery by going through Laughlin.  At least I avoided that butt puckering bridge by the dam. We sight see during the day, so a car is a requirement.  We get the most out of our trips. A few hours at the Grand Canyon is always enjoyable. Too bad we have to go through New Mexico.  

Just curious regarding people living in AZ....what would you say made you choose living there instread of Vegas.     I know healthcare is better in AZ.    Aside from that the climate, taxes, cost of living seem similar.    

what are the other pros/cons that figured into your decision?

Our family moved from Vegas to Tucson in 2003, though I retained a residence in Vegas and split my time between the two. Drove that awful Hwy 93 more times than I want to remember.

The following comparisons are between Tucson and Vegas. Phoenix is a loathsome shithole with a horrible climate and a population of nasty old racist retirees who love Trump.

Cost of living: Much lower in Tucson. Especially housing.

Scenery and surroundings: Much nicer in Tucson.

Food: Better overall in Tucson; more variety in Vegas.

Stuff to do: more in Vegas, though no lack of diversion in Tucson.

Climate: somewhat more pleasant in Tucson. Not great, though.

Vibe: No sense of community in Vegas. Tucson has that.

Politics: About the same balance in both places. The AZ nasty vibe is leavened by Tucson being a university town and the large Hispanic population.

Infrastructure: stinks in Tucson. No street lights, potholes everywhere, poor public transportation. Vegas used to be absolutely awful but is improving.

Quicksand: you move to Tucson, you tend to get mired there. In Vegas, whatever roots you put down will be shallow.

Taxation: better in Vegas.

Government: casino servants in Vegas. Liberal-ish in Tucson.

Casinos: a surprising number in Tucson, though they all suck.

Traffic: much worse in Vegas. Not even really an issue in Tucson.

Retirement destination: Tucson is much, much, much better.

Festivals, concerts, and such: Far, far more of that in Tucson. In Vegas, the casinos suck up all the oxygen.

Overall: I would rather live in Tucson. Vegas just ain't what it used to be.