Death Valley is most easily reached by car. There is no public transit into the park.
From Las Vegas (about 2.5 hours): Take US-95 north to NV-373/CA-127 south through Shoshone, then CA-190 west into Furnace Creek. This is the most common approach and passes through some dramatic desert scenery.
From Los Angeles (about 4 hours): Take I-15 north to CA-127 north, or take US-395 north through the Owens Valley and approach from the west via CA-190 over Towne Pass. The Owens Valley route is more scenic.
Nearest airports: Las Vegas (LAS) is the most practical for flights; car rentals are plentiful and cheap. Fresno (FAT) works for the western approach. Los Angeles (LAX) is an option but adds an hour of city driving.
Fill your gas tank before entering — gas at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells is available but expensive, and some sections of the park have nothing for 100+ kilometres. Carry at least 4 litres of water per person per day, and more in summer. Cell service is largely absent inside the park.