Major city · United States
Tonopah
Spend a half‑day in Tonopah for the museum and stargazing; add a night if you want casino or budget lodging.
Tonopah is a small former mining town in central Nevada, roughly halfway between Las Vegas and Reno. Its main draws are the Central Nevada Museum, the Historic Mining Park, stargazing at Clair Blackburn Memorial, and a few 24‑hour casinos. With a car you can see the highlights in a few hours, but a night adds budget lodging and casino fun.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (high desert heat)
- Airports
- TPH · LAS
- Nights
- 0.5–1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Tonopah911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tonopah, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyTonopah is a low‑crime desert town; main risks are heat, remote location and limited medical facilities.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTPH Tonopah Airport (General aviation only; no commercial service).
- Getting aroundCar is essential; US‑95 runs through town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- BeerCraft beer at Tonopah Brewing Co.$5
- Museum or sight ticketCentral Nevada Museum entry$5
- Budget bedClown Motel, a night, per personUS$36
- Mid-range bedJim Butler Inn, a night, per roomUS$110
- High-end bedJim Butler Inn, a night, per roomUS$150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$55 · Mid US$95 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TPH Tonopah Airport (General aviation only; no commercial service) · LAS Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas) (Closest commercial airport, ~120 mi north)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
Feb
not flagged
49°C (120°F)120°F (49°C)
Mar
not flagged
57°C (135°F)135°F (57°C)
Apr
Best
64°C (147°F)147°F (64°C)
May
Best
74°C (165°F)165°F (74°C)
Jun
Best
85°C (185°F)185°F (85°C)
Jul
Care
92°C (198°F)198°F (92°C)
Aug
Care
90°C (194°F)194°F (90°C)
Sep
Best
81°C (178°F)178°F (81°C)
Oct
Best
68°C (154°F)154°F (68°C)
Nov
not flagged
54°C (129°F)129°F (54°C)
Dec
not flagged
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (92°C (198°F)198°F (92°C)), coolest Dec (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Tonopah: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
0 rd
Feb
49°C (120°F)120°F (49°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
0 rd
Mar
57°C (135°F)135°F (57°C)
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
0 rd
Apr
64°C (147°F)147°F (64°C)
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
0 rd
May
74°C (165°F)165°F (74°C)
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
0 rd
Jun
85°C (185°F)185°F (85°C)
53°C (127°F)127°F (53°C)
0 rd
Jul
92°C (198°F)198°F (92°C)
59°C (138°F)138°F (59°C)
0 rd
Aug
90°C (194°F)194°F (90°C)
57°C (135°F)135°F (57°C)
0 rd
Sep
81°C (178°F)178°F (81°C)
50°C (122°F)122°F (50°C)
0 rd
Oct
68°C (154°F)154°F (68°C)
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
0 rd
Nov
54°C (129°F)129°F (54°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
0 rd
Dec
44°C (111°F)111°F (44°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
0 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential; US‑95 runs through town. No public transit. Walking works for museum, park and casinos.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: ≈ 45 min round trip
US‑95 south 30 mi, about 30 min drive
Visit the Goldfield Ghost Town and the nearby ghost town museum; easy stop on the way to Las Vegas.
Hawthorne, Nevada
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h 30 min round trip
US‑95 north 45 mi, about 45 min drive
See the Hawthorne Army Depot museum and historic downtown; good for a lunch break.
Door to door: ≈ 4 h round trip
US‑6 west 120 mi, about 2 h drive via US‑395
Scenic drive through the Eastern Sierra; consider an overnight stay if you want to explore the town.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The World Famous Clown Motel
Budget, $36/night, adjacent to cemetery
National 9 Inn
Budget, $50/night, complimentary breakfast
Jim Butler Inn & Suites
Mid‑range, $80/night
Best Western Hi‑Desert Inn
Splurge, seasonal pool, $120+
Mizpah Hotel
Historic, dog‑friendly, price varies
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–$80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–$130 excl. bed
- High
- $130+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Jim Butler Inn1 × 1 night × US$110 | US$110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$95 | US$190 |
| Car rental (mid‑size, 1 day)2 × US$70 · check | US$140 |
| Museum entry2 × US$5 · check | US$10 |
| Craft beer2 × US$5 · check | US$10 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$46 |
| Trip total≈ US$253 per person per day, bed included | US$506 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Central Nevada Museum entry | $5 |
| Historic Mining Park entry | $5 |
| Craft beer at Tonopah Brewing Co. | $5 |
| Motel night (Clown Motel) | $36 |
| Casino slot play | varies, no entry fee |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Limited services – bring water and fuel.
- Desert heat in summer; stay hydrated.
- Casino winnings for non‑US citizens face 30% withholding tax.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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TonopahTonopah
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulates are in Las Vegas and Reno; nearest US embassy in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Las Vegas (LAS) → Tonopah (car): ≈ 120 mi, 2 h drive; fuel ≈ $20
- Car rental (mid‑size, 1 day): ≈ $70 (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tonopah. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (high desert heat) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialTonopah official site
- secondaryWikidata – Tonopah
- secondaryWikivoyage: Tonopah, revision 5290830 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Tonopah
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