If this is your first time in Sin City, you may take one look at a map and assume you can simply walk up and down the Strip, visiting all the different sights and attractions you please. However, unless you’re ready for a workout, this isn’t true.
A walk from the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign to Fremont Street will take you around two to three hours, and in the blinding heat of the Las Vegas desert sun, that’s far too much time to be out and about. Even if you stay on the Strip, the giant casinos are much further apart than they appear.
Thankfully, there are plenty of transport options for getting around the city, whether you rent a car for a smooth and straightforward travel experience or save money and use public transport.
Getting to Las Vegas
Getting into Las Vegas is easy, no matter where you’re traveling from.
By Car
Las Vegas is easily accessible from:
- Los Angeles, California: 4.5 hours via Interstate 15-S
- Phoenix, Arizona: 4.5 hours via US 93-S
- Salt Lake City, Utah: Just under 6 hours via Interstate 15-N
- Albuquerque, New Mexico: 8 hours via Interstate 40-E
By Plane
If you plan on flying into Las Vegas, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Harry Reid International Airport is conveniently situated just 2 miles from Las Vegas Boulevard. Most of Vegas’ major hotels are located within a 15-minute drive.
This airport currently has over 1,050 inbound and outbound flights daily and provides a direct connection between Las Vegas and almost 150 different cities across the USA and internationally.
Getting Around Las Vegas
Now that you know how to get to Las Vegas, you’ll also need to know how to get around.
The Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail is a simple and convenient way of getting up and down the Las Vegas Strip, saving you time, and helping prevent you from getting stuck in traffic. The Vegas Monorail is easy to navigate and can get tourists up and down the Strip in minutes, traveling up to 50 mph.
Stops the Las Vegas Monorail includes are:
- MGM Station (final destination for monorails traveling southbound) – Provides easy access to MGM Grand, Park MGM, and Aria Resort & Casino
- Horseshoe & Paris Station – Provides easy access to Horseshoe Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, The Cosmopolitan, and the Bellagio
- Flamingo & Caesars Palace Station – Provides easy access to The Westin, The Flamingo, and Caesars Palace
- Harrah’s & The LINQ Station – Provides easy access to the Central Strip area, Harrah’s, The LINQ, Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and the Sphere
- Boingo Station at Las Vegas Convention Center – Provides easy access to The Wynn Golf Club, The Las Vegas Country Club, Las Vegas Convention Center
- Westgate Station – Provides easy access to Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, The Las Vegas Country Club, Las Vegas Convention Center, Fontainebleau, Circus Circus, and Hilton Grand Vacations Club Paradise
- Sahara Las Vegas Station (final destinations for monorails traveling north) – Provides easy access to Hilton Grand Vacations Club Paradise, The Sahara, Bonanza gift shop, and the Strat
Tickets for the Las Vegas Monorail can easily be purchased online and downloaded onto your phone as a mobile ticket. You can also buy tickets at the station.
Taxi
Rideshares and taxis are popular and reliable ways of getting around the city. Typically, if you’re traveling from overseas, uber may be the easiest choice, as your app will automatically adapt to your new location.
When it comes to other taxi services, several companies serve Las Vegas, and you can always find lines of them at every Strip casino. They’re usually located near the valet or main entrance.
Unlike other cities, though, it’s worth noting that you cannot hail a taxi on the street in Las Vegas.
Rental Car Services
If you’re planning on flying into Las Vegas but want the convenience of getting from A to B as you please, why not rent a car? Alternatively, if you feel like splashing the cash, why not rent a chauffeur-driven limo?
Bus and Shuttles
The Las Vegas bus system is pretty easy to navigate.
The bus on the Strip is called The Deuce. This public transport system is straightforward and provides just two routes—one for the Strip and one for Downtown Vegas. The Deuce stops at almost every resort on the Strip.
There’s also a free bus that visitors can use – the Downtown Loop. This free shuttle service runs through Downtown Las Vegas, including Fremont Street and the popular Arts District. Its stops are limited, however
