Uniquely Vegas is a series of articles and photos that VegasChanges.com is composing to showcase the many unique and offbeat things to see and do in the Las Vegas Valley, as well as day trips and more.
On this venture we are riding the Las Vegas Monorail up and down the resort corridor. Is the Monorail a good way to get around (see below)?
History:
The Las Vegas Monorail actually began service as the MGM Grand-Bally’s Monorail in 1995, using two trains from Walt Disney World in Orlando.
Since July 2004, it runs on a 3.9 mile overhead track and has transported over 103-million riders.
It travels at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and arrives at each station every 4-10 minutes.
Stations:
The seven Monorail Stations are all on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip. They include: MGM Grand (ARIA, Delano, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, New York-New York, Park MGM), Horseshoe (Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Paris, Planet Hollywood), Flamingo (Caesars Palace, Cromwell), Harrah’s/LINQ (Encore, Palazzo, Treasure Island, Venetian, Wynn), Boingo Las Vegas Convention Center (Marriott, Renaissance Hotel), Westgate (Circus Circus, Fontainebleau), SAHARA (Downtown Las Vegas/Fremont Street, Resorts World, 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 and Nevada Resident 1 ride $1 (20 ride passes are available for $20). Tip: eTickets receive a discount.
So is the Monorail a good way to get around? It depends.
Pros: If staying at a hotel on the east side of the Strip with a station it can be very convenient. It can be excellent if attending an event at the Las Vegas Convention Center or for guests staying at or visiting Westgate or SAHARA. It is quick, clean and keeps you out of inclement weather conditions. Nevada residents ride for $1.
Cons: It only travels on the east side of the Strip and is set way back from most casinos. It is virtually useless if you are staying on the west side of the Strip. It can be a hike getting to a station. Depending on where you are starting from and how many people are in your party, it might be more cost effective to take another mode of transportation.
The monorail should expand to Fremont Street and to the airport. Ridership will increase and revenue will be better.