Key Points:
- Employing the bus to reach the Strip from the airport can be a cumbersome process, usually requiring a transfer.
- While I’m frugal, I don’t find taking the bus from the airport to the Strip to be worth the meager savings.
We’ve all heard stories of cab drivers “long hauling” or taking unknowing tourists on the “scenic route” to drive up fares, specifically from the airport to their hotel in Las Vegas.
Even though new taxi flat rates have been introduced that cabs must abide by to curb that unscrupulous practice, prices from the airport to Strip hotels still range from $21 up to $29 plus tip.
Luckily, you can save some money by using the bus to get from the airport to the Strip when visiting Las Vegas.
Before diving into the details, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the most convenient way of getting to the Strip and will take significantly longer than paying up for an Uber/Lyft or a cab. In fact, the bus is a bit of a pain.
If you’re the type that wants to hit the ground running the moment you arrive in Vegas, then the Bus from the airport to the Strip may not be for you.
If, however, you don’t mind sacrificing a few minutes of your trip to save a few bucks, then read on!
Related: Las Vegas Airport Shuttles – Are they a good deal?
How To Get To The Strip From The Airport By Bus
The most common way to get to the Strip from the airport by bus is by first taking the 109 and then transferring to the Deuce route, which offers stops up and down the Strip.
The 109 bus can be caught at Terminal 1’s Ground Level Zero. If you didn’t arrive at Terminal 1, you can utilize the airport’s inter-terminal shuttle service to move to Terminal 1. If arriving at Terminal 3, that shuttle stop can be found on Level 0 in the center of the curb.
Take route 109 to the South Strip Transfer Station (which is about a 15-minute ride) where you’ll need to get off and transfer to the Deuce bus route.
The Deuce runs the length of the Las Vegas Strip, stopping at nearly every resort on its way north.
You can view the full deuce bus route and stops, here.
While not the most convenient option, leveraging the bus to get to the Strip is a sure-fire way to save a few bucks.
Another Bus Option From The Airport to Mid-Strip Resorts
An alternate and more direct bus route for those looking to access a few specific resorts in the middle of the Strip is the Centennial Express (CX).
The CX stops at the intersection of Flamingo Rd. and Las Vegas Blvd., saving you the hassle of needing to transfer.
Resorts near that stop include Horseshoe, Cromwell, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and Flamingo.
If you don’t mind a longer hike, the CX bus route could also be used to access LINQ, Harrah’s, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Cosmopolitan, and The Mirage. It all depends on how light you packed and how many steps you want to take.
Note that the CX route doesn’t run the length of the Strip and only makes that one single stop before continuing onto I-15 toward downtown Las Vegas.
View the CX route map, here:
While the Deuce also runs to downtown Las Vegas hotels, the more direct bus from the airport to Fremont Street is the CX (Centennial Express) route.
How Much Will a Bus To The Strip Cost?
Utilize the bus ticket vending machine at Level Zero of Terminal 1 to purchase your fare. The machine accepts all major credit cards. Alternatively, you can pay cash as you enter the bus, however, exact change is needed. Fares can also be pre-purchased by using the RTC app on either Android or IOS devices.
Visitors can purchase 2-hour bus passes for $6, 24-hour passes are $8, and 3-day passes will set you back $20.
Note that discounted visitor fares ($3 for a 2-hour pass, $4 for a 24-hour pass, and $10 for a 3-day pass) are available for K-12 students, senior citizens over 60 years old, people with disabilities, and Medicare-eligible persons. Check out the RTC’s reduced fare information page if you think you may qualify.
For those looking to save money, taking the bus from the Las Vegas airport to the Strip can be a good option. Regardless of how you get to your resort, I hope you have a great time and win big!
See Also: How much should you budget for a trip to Vegas? I use visitor data to give you a baseline.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
