Getting Around in Las Vegas

If you have never been to Las Vegas it can be a bit overwhelming! With non-stop action 24/7, there is something to see around every corner.

Don’t let navigating Sin City slow down your fun. I’ve got plenty of tips for getting around in Las Vegas.

After spending four jam-packed days in Vegas and covering quite a bit of ground, these are my top transportation recommendations:

Explore On Foot

As with most big cities (and charming small towns) my preferred mode of transportation in my own two feet. Las Vegas is no exception!

We logged nearly 35,000 steps every day!

Unless you have mobility challenges, walking around Las Vegas is a must. There is so much to see at street level and in each of the over-the-top hotels on the strip.

Keeping this in mind, pack comfortable shoes.

Even though everything on the strip seems reasonably close together, but the time you wander in and out of all the massive hotels you will have covered quite a distance. And there is always something else to see…just a little ways down Las Vegas Boulevard!

Use Uber or Other Ride Share Services

When you want to get to a set destination quickly, Uber is a godsend.

We used Uber to get to and from the airport, over to the Fremont Street Experience, and directly to select hotels.

What I love about Uber is the ease of the transaction. No need to have cash on hand or worry about the final bill as payment happens directly through the app. Plus your driver already has your destination plugged in so you can communicate as much or as little with your driver as you choose.

In Las Vegas we found Uber drivers to be plentiful and prompt. In the airport as well as many Vegas hotels there is a specific pick-up spot for Uber and other ride share services. Do your research and find out where the pick-up spot is BEFORE you schedule your Uber. Otherwise, they may beat you there while you are still wandering through the maze of corridors in Vegas’ massive hotels.

Ride the Las Vegas Monorail

Depending on where you are staying, the Las Vegas Monorail may be your best option.

With 7 stops along the nearly 4-mile track, the monorail can get you around Vegas in a jiffy. We took full advantage of the monorail since we were staying just off the strip at the Westgate Resort and Casino, with one of the monorail stops was right out front.

The monorail was clean, comfortable, and never crowded (at least during our February visit to Las Vegas). We never waited more than a few minutes for the monorail to show up and then it swiftly whisked us to our desired destination on the strip.

The Las Vegas Monorail is very easy to use (even drunk people can do it!) as the only real choice is Northbound or Southbound. This handy guide even displays which stop is most convenient depending on the particular hotel you are trying to get to.

Finding the monorail stop in a few of the hotels was a bit tricky at first, but people in Vegas are generally pretty friendly, so just ask for directions if necessary.

A single trip on the monorail is somewhat pricy at $5 per person. If you plan to utilize the monorail frequently it makes sense to get a 24 hour, 2-day, 3-day, etc. pass. You can easily buy your pass online (or at most of the monorail stops) and your time window won’t start until you take your first ride.

A 2-day monorail pass worked great for us on this trip and I found a great deal online. Instead of the typical price of $23 for a 48-hour pass, we got them for just 15.95 each. A quick google search should help you find current deals on the Las Vegas Monorail.

Enjoy the Free Trams

Las Vegas also offers a few free trams between select hotels on the south end of the strip. While I didn’t find this quite as nice or as prompt as the monorail, it’s a free transportation option that gives you the chance to rest your feet a bit.

There are 3 different tram routes, all located on the east side of  Las Vegas Boulevard. One route takes you between Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur. Another navigates between Park MGM, Aria, and Bellagio. The final route goes back and forth between the Mirage and Treasure Island.

Consider Other Options

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the other transportation options in Las Vegas that we didn’t utilize on our recent trip, but that might be right for others.

Hotel Shuttles

Many of the Hotels offer free shuttle service. Inquire about the shuttles at your hotel, being sure to find out how often they run, where the shuttle picks up passengers, all the stops it makes, and how to catch a ride back later. Based on the answers to these questions you can decide if taking the hotel shuttle fits in with your schedule and budget. Free shuttles can be awesome, but keep in mind a tip is likely expected and if you sacrifice time with this form of transportation it might not be worth it.

Buses

We chose not to utilize the city buses, but that is another low-cost option to get around in Las Vega. Keep in mind the buses still have to navigate traffic in this busy city and will make frequent stops.

Limos

Of course, if money is not a concern and you want to celebrate in style, hiring a limo might be right for your Vegas getaway. We didn’t see the need for a limo on this trip, but I can imagine those getting married or celebrating bachelor or bachelorette parties in Sin City would find this style of transportation very fitting.

Taxis

Taxis are a popular mode of transportation and appeared to be plentiful in Vegas. Personally, I prefer the ease of paying and providing my destination through Uber’s app as opposed to hailing a taxi.

Personal Vehicles

Those lucky enough to live within driving distance may choose to drive their own vehicle to Las Vegas. If you do, it might be best to park your car at your hotel (and pay the parking fee) and then navigate the city with public transportation. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending a fair amount of time fighting traffic and searching for a coveted parking spot.

Rental Cars

While I don’t see the need for a personal vehicle for exploring Sin City, if you choose to venture past the strip, a rental car may come in handy. Exploring the mountains or desert and venturing to the Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon are popular day trips for those needing a break from the bright light of Las Vegas.

Many tour companies can take you on these excursions by bus, train, or even helicopter. Do your research and investigate not only the cost but the duration of these trips as some options make quite a few stops to pick up other guests and could take up more of your precious vacation time than you would like. Renting a car just for the day could actually be a cheaper option and offer more flexibility to see the sights on your own timetable.

We stayed close to the strip on my first trip to Las Vegas so we didn’t need a rental car. But I foresee a second Vegas vacation in my near future, which will likely include a trip to the Grand Canyon. It’s on my travel bucket list!

Have you been to Las Vegas recently? What is your favorite way to navigate Sin City? Comment below to share your own tips for getting around in Las Vegas.

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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