Las Vegas is an incredible city with a ton of great things to see and do. You will never have a dull moment with all types of dining, entertainment, and gambling options available up and down the Strip and on Fremont Street. Add in some of the local tourist attractions, and it can be all a bit overwhelming. However, once you have a plan in place (and you really should try to narrow down your options), you need to know how to get around the city with the greatest of ease.
This is a guide to all the ways you can get around Las Vegas and the area, with some helpful tips on when to choose what option. There is no right or wrong way to travel through this city, but if it is done right, you will maximize your entertainment time and dollar.
The Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail launched almost a decade ago as a way to move larger groups of people up and down the Strip and related areas in order to reduce traffic. This is an excellent way to get around the city if you are staying at one of the hotels that have a stop, or if you are willing to walk a short distance to your hotel from the stop.
The Monorail is also an excellent way for convention traffic to move to and from the Las Vegas Convention Center. There are major conventions all year long in the city, and this is likely the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get to and from the building.
The Monorail costs $5 per ride, and there are several multi-day ticket options as well that will save you even more money. The train arrives approximately every 4-8 minutes at the following stops:
- MGM Grand
- Bally’s/Paris
- Flamingo/Caesars Palace
- Harrah’s/The LINQ Hotel + Experience
- The Las Vegas Convention Center
- Westgate
- Sahara Las Vegas
The Deuce (Public Bus)
For those of you used to being on public transit in your hometown, and with a little extra time on your hands, the Deuce may just be the answer for you. The bus can take you not only up and down the Strip, with many stops along the way, but it can save you a lot of money if you want to head to Downtown Las Vegas as you can jump on the bus from the Strip and make your way for far less than a taxi ride.
The Deuce can get a little crowded as it is also the bus for locals, but in a pinch, we think this is a great way to get up and down the Strip without having to make your way to the taxi or rideshare areas set back on the casino properties. The Deuce charges people not by ride but by time allotment. It is $6 for a two-hour pass, $8 for a 24-hour pass, and a three-day pass will set you back $20.
Taxis
The most common form of getting around Las Vegas has been to take a taxi. Before ridesharing, it was also basically the only way to get from one resort to another. Taxis have taken a hit since the introduction of Lyft and Uber, but they continue to do brisk business, especially when taking guests from the airport to their hotels.
The main benefit of using a taxi to get around is convenience. Taxi stands are located right at the front door of most casino resorts, making it much easier to find than some of the rideshare lots. Drivers know their way around the city very well, so they do not have to rely on GPS to get you where you need to be.
Taxis can be a bit expensive, however, so bear that in mind when you are getting ready to make your move.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
The introduction of Rideshare companies has transformed the way we move around. These companies have created more competition, which has given people a more cost-effective option to taxis. In Las Vegas, this also means having more cars on the street than ever before, which can be a pain on a very busy Las Vegas Boulevard.
To accommodate these new rideshare companies, most casinos have designated an area for pickup and drop off. While you can typically be dropped off at the casino entrance, you are likely going to have to walk to the parking lot of the building to be picked up. This added inconvenience may be enough to stop you from using them, but the amount of money you will save in fares may just be worth the extra little walk…plus, you can grab a beverage to take with you!
Private Limo
Are you feeling like a baller? Then you can take one of the decked-out stretch limousines to your next stop. These are actually a great option if you are traveling in a large group rather than breaking up into multiple taxis or Ubers. However, there is a price attached to riding in style – these limos are typically more expensive than taking a car. However, you will no doubt make a scene when you arrive at your location in a stretch Escalade pumping out your favorite beats. A limo is always a fun way to get around Las Vegas, even if it is only for special occasions.
Rental Car
Renting a car to get around Las Vegas has always been an option, but there are a lot of strings attached to this choice. First, many casinos on the Strip now charge people to park in their lots (have to squeeze money out of clients everywhere), so you will have to factor that into your costs. Also, the traffic in Las Vegas is getting worse every day, so your patience may well run thin very quickly, trying to get around in your own vehicle. Parking your car and not using valet means you will be in the back of most properties when you get out, which can also be an inconvenience.
If you aren’t a drinker and you don’t mind paying the parking charges, then renting a car may be a good option for you. We think this is best saved for those who are looking to get outside the city, perhaps going to the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam, or checking out the Red Rocks trail. Otherwise, you will probably want to try another way to get around.
Walking
Finally, there is the option of using good old foot power to get you around the city. Las Vegas is a city full of sights and sounds, and walking up and down the Strip with a drink in your hand is one of the best activities in which you can partake.
However, walking comes with its own challenges. The first is weather – if you are traveling in the summer and fall, be prepared for blistering heat when you step outside. This may turn you off right away. Another thing to take into consideration is the size of the Strip. Because of the size of the reposts and the way the city is shaped, your sense of scale can be altered. While the casinos look close to one another, each block of Las Vegas Boulevard is around a mile long – bear that in mind when you start to wander away from your hotel.
With all that being said, if you are a people watcher or are not in a rush to get anywhere, we think walking provides an amazing way to see Las Vegas.
As you can see, there is no shortage of ways to get around Las Vegas. Once you have some plans in place for your trip, use any combination of the above to make your trip even more amazing!