Getting Around Las Vegas

Uber / Lyft — The Best Option

Uber and Lyft operate from the Rideshare pickup zones on Level 2 of both terminals. Wait times average 5–10 minutes. This is far and away the most convenient, affordable, and fastest option for most travelers. A UberX to Center Strip hotels typically costs $18–25. Airport cab queues can be 30+ minutes on busy weekends — avoid them.

The Deuce Bus (RTC Transit)

The Deuce double-decker bus runs the entire length of the Strip and connects to the airport via the Bonneville Transit Center. It costs $8.25 for a 2-hour pass and runs 24 hours a day. The tradeoff: it stops frequently and makes the Strip crawl feel even slower during busy periods. Best suited for solo budget travelers or anyone who enjoys seeing the Strip from a bus window.

Taxis

Yellow cab taxis queue at both terminals. Flat-rate fares to Strip hotels are available at licensed rates. The "tunnel route" (via the freeway) is legal and often faster; the "surface route" is slower and costs about $5–8 more. Tip 15–20% and ask for a receipt. Taxis are reliable but more expensive than Uber for single travelers.

Free Resort Trams — The Underrated Secret

Three free monorail/tram systems connect resort clusters on the Strip. Locals use these constantly — most tourists don't know they exist.

• Mandalay Bay ↔ Luxor ↔ Excalibur — Connects the three MGM-owned south Strip properties. Runs daily 9am–10:30pm (later on weekends).
• Bellagio ↔ Vdara ↔ ARIA ↔ Veer Towers ↔ Crystals ↔ Park MGM — The CityCenter tram connects a huge swath of Center Strip properties. Runs until midnight.
• The Mirage ↔ Treasure Island — Short connector between two Center Strip casinos. Runs until the early hours.

Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip (behind the hotels) from MGM Grand in the south to SLS Las Vegas in the north — 7 stops over 3.9 miles. It doesn't front the Strip directly, so there's a short walk from each station to the casino floor. A day pass ($16) is worth it if you're moving between MGM Grand and Westgate/Las Vegas Convention Center multiple times. Runs Mon–Thu 7am–midnight, Fri–Sun 7am–2am.

Walking the Strip

Despite the 4.2-mile length, most visitors only walk a 1–2 mile section of the Strip centered on their hotel. Walking is the best way to experience the Strip's energy, but be warned: the casino-to-casino distances are deceptive. What looks close on a map is often a 20-minute walk because of how large the resorts are. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid the Strip walk midday in summer (July–September) when temperatures exceed 110°F.

Uber / Lyft on the Strip

For distances of more than 1 mile (e.g., from Mandalay Bay to Bellagio), Uber is faster and more reliable than the bus. Surge pricing kicks in Friday and Saturday nights after midnight — expect 2–3x normal rates. The Uber pickup for some Strip hotels requires walking to a specific pickup zone (casinos hate rideshare congestion near their driveways). Check the Uber app for your exact pickup spot.

Fremont Street (Downtown)

Fremont Street is only 1.5 miles from the north end of the Strip, but there's no direct walkable path. Take an Uber ($12–18 each way) or the Deuce bus ($8.25 for a 2-hour pass). Most visitors go Uber — it's faster and avoids the sketchy walk through downtown surface streets at night.

Red Rock Canyon & Day Trips

For day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, or the Grand Canyon, a rental car gives you the most flexibility. Major agencies are at the airport and at several Strip hotels. Alternatively, dozens of tour operators offer half-day and full-day trips from Strip hotel pick-up points — generally cheaper than renting when you factor in gas and parking fees at national parks.