Transportation in Las Vegas, where to start? There are many ways to get around Las Vegas. You can take a Bus, Tram, Monorail, Ride Share, Taxi, rent a car, shuttle, Limo and more. Listed below are some of the different options. TIP: Some are free.
Air Travel
Harry Reid International Airport (up to December 13, 2021 it was named McCarran International Airport) is the main commercial airport serving Southern Nevada. IATA: LAS. It is located in Paradise, Nevada about 5 miles from Downtown Las Vegas and 2-3 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. It is the 27th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the 8th for aircraft movements. Over 52 million passengers travel through Harry Reid Airport annually.
The airport consists of four runways and two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is composed of four concourses, namely the A, B, C, and D Gates; Terminal 3 contains the E Gates. A people mover system is in place between the post-security area of Terminal 1 and the C and D Gates, as well as between the D Gates and Terminal 3. Arrivals LINK or Departures LINK.
Tip: Harry Reid International Airport is a cashless environment when it comes to airlines. No airline takes cash at the airport. Be prepared to use a debit card, credit card, or change cash into a prepaid credit card at a kiosk that charges a $6 fee that doesn’t give change, so either use exact money or you can still use the residual for other purchases. It is a real credit card that is printed.
Airlines serving Harry Reid Airport with the terminal (T1 is Terminal 1 and T3 is Terminal 3):
Advanced Air (T1), Aer Lingus (T3), Aeromexico (T3), Air Canada (T3), Alaska Airlines (T3), Allegiant Air (T1), American Airlines (T1), Avelo Airlines (T1), Avianca El Salvador (T3), Breeze Airways (T3), British Airways (T3), Canada Jetlines (T3), Condor (T3), Copa Airlines (T3), Delta Airlines (T1), Edelweiss Air (T3), Eurowings Discover (T3), Flair Airlines (T3), Frontier Airlines (T3), Hawaiian Airlines (T3), JetBlue Airways (T3), JSX (Charter Terminal), KLM (T3), Korean Air (T3), Norse Atlantic Airways (T3), Porter Airlines (T3), Southwest Airlines (T1), Spirit Airlines (T1), Sun Country Airlines (T3), United Airlines (T3), Virgin Atlantic (T3), Viva Aerobus (T3), Volaris (T3) and WestJet (T3).
Fun Fact: Janet Airlines has a large and highly classified fleet of passenger aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force to transport military and contractor employees to the Nevada National Security Site (including Area 51) from a private terminal at Harry Reid Airport. Some of the Janet planes are Boeing 737-600 aircraft painted white with a red stripe. (Photo above)
Helicopter Terminals – Maverick Helicopters and Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters each operate their own terminals at Harry Reid Airport. The companies operate tours of the Las Vegas Strip, Grand Canyon, and other tourist attractions.
Aircraft Watching – Tip: There is a small parking lot on the south side of the airport, on E. Sunset Road, between Las Vegas Blvd., and S. Eastern Ave. that allows the public to watch aircraft take off, land, and listen to the aircraft radios.
Fun Fact: Harry Reid Airport is one of only two airports in the U.S. that have slot machines. The other is in Reno, Nevada.
RTC Bus
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) transit fleet consists of 38 routes. The Deuce transports visitors on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. Fares for the Deuce are $4 single ride, $6 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours and $20 for 72 hours. Tip: This bus pass can be used on any RTC bus in Clark County Nevada.
- The Deuce starts at the South Strip Transit Terminal and stops at almost every hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. It then continues to Downtown Las Vegas. The Deuce can be slow because of the many stops and people can pay on the bus to ride. The Deuce runs 24 hours a day every 15-20 minutes. Tip: Some of the popular stops include the South Premium Outlet Mall, Welcome to Las Vegas Sign, Town Square, almost every resort on the Strip and the Fremont Street Experience. To reach the North Premium Outlet Mall transfer to Route 401 at the Bonneville Transit Center (Bay 19). Deuce Route Map LINK (PDF File)
- Harry Reid International Airport has several RTC buses that you can take to the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown. These include route 108, 109 and the Centennial Express (CX), that all depart at the airport’s Ground Level Zero at Terminal 1 and the CX also stops at the Departures Level at Terminal 3. The fare on these buses is $2 for a single ride, $3 for 2 hours and $5 for 24 hours (Seniors 60+ half-off). The CX stops on the Strip in front of Caesars Palace and continues to Downtown Las Vegas. It is quick because it takes the freeway with very few stops.
- Other RTC Bus Routes cover the City of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City and Clark County Nevada.
- LINK to RTC Official Website
Limousines & Shuttles
Limousine companies in Las Vegas, include:
- AWG Ambassador 702-740-3434
- Bell Limousine 800-274-7433
- Five Star Limo 702-445-7700
- Kaptyn Chauffeured Transportation 702-688-7353
- Presidential Limousine 800-274-7433
Group shuttles are an economical way to get from the airport to most major hotel/resorts. Group shuttles make multiple stops at 3-5 locations along the way. Shuttle companies in Las Vegas:
- Bell Trans Shuttle ($15 to Strip or Downtown Hotels) 800-274-7433 LINK
- LV All in Shuttle ($13 to Strip and $16 to Downtown Hotels) 725-204-9144 LINK
To catch a limo & shuttle from Harry Reid International Airport:
- Terminal 1 Limousines & shuttles are available on the west side of baggage claim, outside door exits 7-13.
- Terminal 3 Limousines & shuttles are located outside on Level Zero on the west end of the building to serve domestic travelers and on the east side of the building to accommodate international travelers.
Rental Cars
Cars can be rented throughout the Las Vegas Valley, including the larger hotels and casinos, Harry Reid International Airport and in residential areas. Some of the major car rental brands include:
- Advantage 702-703-1244
- Alamo 800-GO-ALAMO
- Avis 800-331-1212
- Budget 800-922-2899
- Dollar 800-800-4000
- Enterprise 800-RENTACAR
- Hertz 800-654-3131
- National 800-CAR-RENT
- Payless 800-729-5377
- SIXT 800-749-8227
- Thrifty 800-367-2277
Harry Reid International Airport:
- Terminal 1 – Rental Car Shuttle Pick Up From Baggage Claim, follow signs to Ground Transportation on Level 1. Proceed to the Rental Car Shuttle located outside doors 10 and 11.
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Terminal 3 – Rental Car Shuttle Pick Up Follow signs to Ground Transportation from Baggage Claim on Level Zero. Proceed to the Rental Car Shuttle located outside West doors 51-54 and East doors 55-58.
Tip: Always look for discount codes online before booking a rental car. If you are a member of AARP, AAA or Costco, look for deals with them. Always inspect the vehicle for damage before accepting it and try to book with a respectable company. Many car rental companies have loyalty programs. Sign up for free and skip the line getting your car. Be sure to tie your airline Frequent Flyer account to your car rental.
Tip: If visiting Las Vegas from outside the USA, think about booking in advance. Many car rentals will include the required insurance. Be sure to check if insurance is included. Many times it depends on how you book your vehicle.
Where to park for free?
Now that you have a rental car or drove to Las Vegas it is getting tough to find a spot to park for free on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown. Don’t worry, several hotels, casinos and shopping centers still have free parking. See the Details Links for properties that offer free parking for select guests. Some include free parking for registered hotel guests, Nevada residents and higher level club members.
- ARIA Details
- Bellagio Details
- Caesars Palace Details
- Casino Royale (free self parking)
- Circus-Circus (free self parking)
- Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Details
- Cromwell Details
- Encore Details
- Excalibur Details
- Fashion Show Las Vegas (free valet and self parking)
- Flamingo Details
- Forum Shops at Caesars Details (Valet for Forum Shop visitors ONLY during mall hours $7)
- Fontainebleau Las Vegas Details
- Grand Canal Shoppes Details
- Harrah’s Details
- Horseshoe Details
- LINQ Hotel + Experience Details
- Luxor Details
- Mandalay Bay Details
- Miracle Mile Shops Details
- MGM Grand Details
- New York-New York Details
- OYO Hotel & Casino Details
- Palazzo Details
- Park MGM Details
- Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Details
- Paris Las Vegas Details
- Resorts World Las Vegas Details
- SAHARA Las Vegas (free valet and self parking)
- STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower Details
- The Shops at Crystals (free valet parking)
- Treasure Island (free valet and self parking)
- Venetian Details
- Westgate (free self parking)
- Wynn Details
Downtown Las Vegas – parking is free if you dine, gamble or shop in the casino you park. Make sure to get a validation. Registered hotel guests park for free. (See players club booth for details) [The exceptions are Circa Resort & Casino. Self Parking rates are: 0-3 hours $15, 3-5 hours $20, 5+ hours $35 and lost ticket $40. Valet is $22. Free parking if you have Legend status with CLUB ONE. The D also charges, with a few exceptions.]
Off Strip Casinos – all offer free valet (if available) and self parking
Tip: If you are a member of the US Military or a Veteran you can sign up for a players card at Caesars Entertainment properties for the SALUTE Platinum card for free valet and self parking. MGM Resorts has a similar program for free self parking with the MVP program. That program gives Vets a MGM Rewards Pearl card for life.
Tip: You can apply for a Caesars Rewards VISA card (Caesars properties) or a MGM Rewards Mastercard (MGM properties) and if approved receive free parking.
Taxis
There are more than ten different taxi companies in Southern Nevada regulated by the Nevada Taxicab Authority, who are responsible for issuing medallions and setting fares. Where to catch a taxi from?
Harry Reid International Airport:
- Terminal 1 – Taxicabs are available on the east side of baggage claim, outside door exits 1-4.
- Terminal 3 – Taxicabs are located outside on Level Zero. There are 20 taxi loading positions on the west end of the building to serve domestic travelers and 10 loading positions on the east side of the building to accommodate international travelers.
Flat-Rate Prices to/from Harry Reid International Airport to the Las Vegas Strip:
- Zone 1: Sunset Road north to Tropicana Avenue: $21. Hotels include: Delano, Excalibur, Four Seasons, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and OYO.
- Zone 2: Tropicana north to Flamingo Road: $25. Hotels include: ARIA, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan, Horseshoe, New York-New York, Paris, Park MGM, Planet Hollywood, Orleans and Vdara.
- Zone 3: Flamingo north to the STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower: $29. Hotels include: Caesars Palace, Casino Royale, Circus-Circus, Encore, Flamingo, Fontainebleau, Gold Coast, Harrah’s, LINQ, Palace Station, Palazzo, Palms, Resorts World, Rio, SAHARA, The STRAT, Treasure Island, Trump International, Venetian, Westin, Westgate and Wynn.
Tip: On the return to the airport from the Strip inform the taxi driver that it is a flat rate and do not turn on the meter.
Hotel Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown:
Taxicabs on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown can only pick-up in designated spots, usually right by the hotel lobby. You can not hail a taxi on the Las Vegas Strip or near the Fremont Street Experience.
The rest of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada:
You need to call for a taxi, unless you are at a hotel or casino that provides taxi service. It would then be near the front desk.
Tip: If you have a problem with any driver, get the taxi company name, cab number and drivers name and call 702-486-6532. They are open 24/7 and you will be in touch with the Nevada Taxicab Authority.
Tip: Taxis in Las Vegas charge $3 if you use a debit or credit card, so be warned.
Ride Share (Uber and Lyft)
Both Uber and Lyft have become very popular in Las Vegas in the last few years. They are usually much lower in price than a taxicab. Pick up spots:
Harry Reid International Airport:
- Terminal 1 – The Ride Share pick up is located across the the pedestrian bridge to the parking garage on Level 2, make a right and meet your driver.
- Terminal 3 – The Ride Share pick up is located on the Valet level of the Terminal 3 parking garage. From Baggage Claim, take the elevator near door #52, #54 or #56 up to level 1. Cross the pedestrian bridge on level 1 to the Terminal 3 parking garage.
Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip:
- Almost every hotel and casino has a designated pick up spot for Ride Shares. Look for signs or ask the bellman. They are usually close to the lobby of the hotel.
Tip: Go online to look for discount codes for your first ride(s) on both Uber and Lyft, the rides may be free or highly discounted. Beware during peak times they may have surge pricing.
Tip: Both Uber and Lyft do not charge a fee when you use a credit or debit card.
Las Vegas Uber Price Estimator
Las Vegas Lyft Price Estimator
Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail runs on an elevated electric track. Trains arrive every 6-11 minutes and the line runs 3.9 miles from the MGM Grand to the SAHARA Las Vegas with seven stations, including:
- MGM Grand (ARIA, Delano, Desert Rose Resort, Excalibur, Four Seasons, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Signature @ MGM Grand, New York-New York, Park MGM, T-Mobile Arena and Waldorf Astoria)
- Horseshoe (Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Elara, Paris, Planet Hollywood and Vdara)
- Flamingo (Caesars Palace, Cromwell and Westin)
- Harrah’s/LINQ (Casino Royale, Encore, Fashion Show Mall, Forum Shops, Grand Canal Shoppes, Palazzo, Treasure Island, Trump International and Wynn)
- Boingo Las Vegas Convention Center (Courtyard by Marriott, Embassy Suites, Marriott and Renaissance Hotel)
- Westgate (Circus Circus, Fontainebleau, Hilton Grand Vacations on Paradise, Resorts World, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Turnberry Place and Turnberry Towers)
- SAHARA Las Vegas (Circus Circus, Downtown Las Vegas/Fremont Street, Fontainebleau, Hilton Grand Vacations on the Las Vegas Boulevard, Resorts World and the The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower)
Prices:
- 1 ride $6
- 24 hour $15
- 2 day $26
- 3 day $32
- 4 day $39
- 5 day $47
- 7day $62
- Nevada Resident 1 ride $1 (20 ride passes are available for $20)
Tip: eTickets receive a discount. They can be booked HERE
Hours: Mon 7am-12am, Tue-Thu 7am-2am and Fri-Sun 7am-3am
Free Trams
There are several free trams connecting different hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip including:
ARIA Express Tram is on an elevated electric track connecting:
- ARIA
- Bellagio
- Vdara
- Park MGM
- The Shops at Crystals
The ARIA Express Tram hours are 8am-2am daily (subject to change)
Mandalay Bay Tram is on an elevated track connecting:
- Excalibur
- Luxor
- Mandalay Bay
Tram 1 Excalibur – Luxor – Mandalay Bay hours are 10am-12am daily (subject to change)
Tram 2 Excalibur – Mandalay Bay Express Tram currently only operates on select days (subject to change)
Free Shuttles
Downtown Loop is a free shuttle servicing attractions in downtown Las Vegas including:
- Bonneville Transit Center – 101 E. Bonneville Ave.
- The Arts District – Art Way and Boulder Ave.
- Pawn Plaza – Las Vegas Boulevard, South of Garces Avenue
- Fremont East Entertainment District – North side of Fremont Street, West of Sixth Street
- Mob Museum – 300 Stewart Ave.
- Fremont Street Experience – Main Street, South of Fremont Street
- Las Vegas North Premium Outlets – South Grand Central Parkway, between Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger Kids
- Circa Resort & Casino – 8 Fremont Street
- The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower – 2000 S Las Vegas Blvd
- Symphony Park – 361 Symphony Park Ave.
- Las Vegas City Hall – 495 S Main Street
The Downtown Loop operates Sunday-Thursday 11am-6pm and Friday-Saturday 3-10pm. The Loop runs continuously during operating hours and arrives at each stop every 20 to 30 minutes.
Downtown Loop Route Map LINK (PDF)
Virtually, all other free shuttles have been discontinued.
Harry Reid International Airport Hotel Shuttles
Several hotels offer a shuttle to/from Harry Reid International Airport to your hotel. Most are free for hotel guests. Check with the hotel for the current schedule. These hotels include:
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- El Cortez Hotel & Casino (Free airport drop-off shuttle 7am-2pm daily. No airport pick-ups)
- Hampton Inn & Suites
- Homewood Suites
- La Quinta Inn
- M Resort Spa Casino
- Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino
- South Point Hotel Casino & Spa
- Suncoast Hotel & Casino
- Tru by Hilton
Harry Reid Airport Hotel Shuttle Pick-Up locations:
Terminal 1: Hotel shuttles are available on the west side of baggage claim, outside door exits 7 – 13.
Terminal 3: Hotel shuttles are located outside on Level Zero on the west end of the building to serve domestic travelers and on the east side of the building to accommodate international travelers.
Vegas Loop
The Boring Company and their Vegas Loop transportation system, is currently being constructed on a piece-by-piece basis underneath Las Vegas. They have plans to expand to over 70 stations over the next several years.
Vegas Loop is an all-electric, zero-emissions, high-speed underground public transportation system in which passengers are transported to their destination with no intermediate stops. Also known as “Teslas in Tunnels!”
Tip: See map below of future stations.
Vegas Loop Stations:
- Las Vegas Convention Center West
- Las Vegas Convention Center Riviera (Outside the West Hall)
- Las Vegas Convention Center Central
- Las Vegas Convention Center East
- Resorts World
- Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (coming soon)
- Westgate (coming soon)
- Encore (coming soon)
