Bullhead City (Arizona) and Laughlin (Nevada) are neighboring riverfront communities on opposite banks of the Colorado River. Laughlin focuses on casinos and resort entertainment; Bullhead City provides residential neighborhoods, marinas and outdoor recreation. The two are connected by a bridge for vehicles and by seasonal/private river tours for visitors. Their proximity creates a shared tourism economy and convenient local commuting between recreation and residential areas.

Two towns separated by a river

Bullhead City, Arizona, and Laughlin, Nevada, sit on opposite banks of the Colorado River. The river defines the border but also unites the area with a shared recreation economy - boating, fishing, riverfront dining and scenic desert views.

Both towns blend small-town scale with visitor-focused amenities. Laughlin is best known for its cluster of riverfront casinos and hospitality services. Bullhead City serves as a residential and service hub, with marinas, parks and road connections that bring visitors and local commuters together.

How people travel between them

You can drive between Bullhead City and Laughlin via the bridge that spans the Colorado River; the crossing is quick and used by residents, workers and tourists alike. There are also private and tour boat operators that run river cruises and short ferry-style services for sightseers, but a regular public passenger ferry for daily commuting is not a standard cross-river transit option today .

Why visitors and residents mix the two

The contrast between a gambling-focused resort town and a quieter Arizona river community is part of the appeal. Visitors often base themselves in Bullhead City to enjoy more affordable lodging, river access and outdoor recreation, then cross to Laughlin for casino entertainment, shows and nightlife. Likewise, some people live in Bullhead and commute to jobs in Laughlin's hospitality sector.

The landscape is striking: the Colorado River corridor carves a green ribbon through high desert and rocky hills. That combination - desert vistas plus a vibrant riverside - draws weekend visitors, retirees and outdoor enthusiasts.

Practical things to know

  • Both towns are south of Las Vegas; the drive time and exact distance depend on route and traffic 1.
  • Services cross the river easily, but always check business hours and seasonal schedules for river cruises and tours.
  • Summers are hot; spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities.

In short

Bullhead City and Laughlin offer complementary experiences: one side emphasizes riverfront recreation and community life, the other centers on casinos and resort-style entertainment. The Colorado River links them physically and economically, making the pair a compact and varied destination for short trips or seasonal living.
  1. Confirm whether a regular public passenger ferry currently operates between Bullhead City and Laughlin or if river crossings are limited to private/tour boats.
  2. Verify the official name of the vehicle/pedestrian bridge linking Bullhead City and Laughlin (commonly referenced as the Laughlin-Bullhead bridge or Veterans Memorial Bridge) and update naming if needed.
  3. Confirm the typical driving distance and time from Las Vegas to Bullhead City / Laughlin for current road routes and traffic patterns.

FAQs about Laughlin Nev

Is there a regular ferry between Bullhead City and Laughlin?
There is vehicle and pedestrian access via the river bridge, and private or tour boat operators sometimes offer cruise or shuttle services. A scheduled public commuter ferry is not commonly used today; check local operators for seasonal runs .
How far are Bullhead City and Laughlin from Las Vegas?
Both towns lie south of Las Vegas and are commonly reached by a drive of roughly an hour and a half to two hours depending on route and traffic - exact mileage and time vary by route .
Can you gamble in Bullhead City?
Gambling is concentrated in Laughlin on the Nevada side. Bullhead City, on the Arizona side, offers restaurants, marinas and parks but not the same scale of casino resorts.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Summers are very hot; winter is mild but can be cooler in the evenings.