Key Points:
- Uber & Lyft tend to be cheaper than taxis, however, taxis tend to be more convenient to hail.
- The cheapest transportation options are the Deuce Bus route and the Monorail (when there’s a stop at your destination).
- Transportation in Vegas is about to change forever as the underground Vegas Loop system expands.
Transportation options in Las Vegas are wide-ranging and include taxis, limos, rideshare apps, buses, the Monorail, shuttles, and free trams.
I figured it would be helpful to put together an all-inclusive guide covering transportation options in Las Vegas spanning all budgets and luxury preferences to help you plan for your trip.
As you’ll see, there are plenty of ways to get around Vegas without a car.
Uber & Lyft
Among the most convenient and cost-effective Vegas transportation options are rideshare apps.
All Vegas casino properties now have Uber/Lyft pick-up locations, most of which are clearly labeled.
This method of getting around has become popular because it’s cheaper than using cabs and you’re less likely to get “long hauled” as Uber and Lyft drivers just follow the directions provided by the app.
If you have concerns that a rideshare driver took the “scenic route” in an attempt to drive up your fare, you can easily ask Uber or Lyft to review the ride to see if a refund is in order.
Rideshare apps are my go-to preference for getting around in Vegas.
Rideshare Cost Examples:
- Bellagio to Fremont Street: $15 using UberX
- TI to Mandalay Bay: $11 using UberX
- Flamingo to Circus Circus: $10 using UberX
- Airport to mid-Strip resorts: $15-$20
Tip: Shop around for the best fare as there are often differences in prices between Uber and Lyft, sometimes significant.
See Also: Las Vegas Airport Transportation – The best options!
Taxis
Pickup locations for taxis at resorts are usually in a more convenient spot than their rideshare peers, and cabs are lined up ready to go at all times meaning there’s not usually a wait to ride.
Although cabs are among the quickest Las Vegas transportation options, that convenience comes with a price. Fares are generally 20%-30% more expensive than rideshare apps but if you are looking to take off quickly or don’t have a smartphone then cabs can be a good option.
Adding to the expense, cabs charge an extra fee to use a credit card so bring cash or prepare for an even more expensive ride.
Related: Current taxi flat rates from the airport to Strip hotels.
Limos
The most expensive and luxurious transportation option in Vegas are limos. Limousine services from companies like Presidential, Bell, and Omni are typically billed by the hour and you can expect to pay around $60/hr for a stretch option.
Las Vegas Monorail
The Monorail can be an inexpensive way to get up and down the east side of the Strip, running north from MGM Grand all the way to Sahara and Westgate. In between, there are stops at Harrah’s, Flamingo, and the Las Vegas Convention Center as well.
The Monorail does not connect to the airport or downtown.
Here’s a breakdown of Monorail costs, however, there is commonly a discount for booking online:
- Single Ride: $6
- 24 Hour Pass: $15
- 2 Day Pass: $26
- 3 Day Pass: $32
- 4 Day Pass: $39
- 5 Day Pass: $47
- 7 Day Pass: $62
Lack of convenience is the main knock against the Monorail as stations require a significant walk between the stop and the resort.
If you’re OK with covering some ground on foot though, the Monorail can be a great way to get up and down the east side of the strip and north to Sahara or Westgate.
The Deuce Bus
The Deuce bus route runs up and down the Strip and connects to Fremont Street downtown.
Stops are numerous, clearly marked, and located in front of nearly every Strip casino. Just start walking in either direction on the Strip and you’ll hit one.
While riders can use the self-service kiosk to buy a single ride, 2-Hr or 24-Hr passes at most stops, I’d recommend downloading and buying on the rideRTC phone app, which is more convenient.
Buses run every 15 – 20 minutes during the day and the route is in operation around the clock.
Deuce Bus Fares:
- 2-HR Pass: $6
- 24-HR Pass: $8
- 3-Day Pass $20
While the bus is among the cheapest transportation options in Las Vegas, it’s often not the fastest due to how many stops it makes. If you’re in a hurry, employ another mode of transport.
I actually weighed the to help you decide if a purchase is worthwhile.
Free Transportation on the Strip
Trams
There are a few free trams in Vegas that can save you some steps and are detailed below:
The first is a tram that runs from Excalibur to Luxor to Mandalay Bay at the south end of the strip on an elevated track.
There is also a tram that connects Mirage and TI on the north end of the Strip.
A free tram also connects Bellagio, Crystals, and Park MGM/Aria.
Strip Shuttles
Several hotels downtown and off the beaten path offer free shuttle service to the Strip. Check out our full list of hotels that offer Strip shuttle service here.
Downtown Las Vegas Loop Shuttle
The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle bus that makes stops at points of interest in downtown Las Vegas like the Mob Museum, Circa, The Arts District, Brewery Row, Fremont Street Experience, Pawn Plaza (Pawn Stars Pawn Shop), the Las Vegas Premium Outlets, and more.
Notably, the shuttle also connects downtown to STRAT at the north end of the Strip.
I’ve ridden the shuttle numerous times now and wholeheartedly recommend it if you intend to visit a landmark on its stop list.
Renting a Car
If you plan to rent a car to get around Vegas, ensure you book your reservation in advance as it will be significantly cheaper.
If you go with a second-rate (meaning cheap) rental company, you can reserve a car for as little as $20 plus fees and tax (which will drive the cost up to about $45 per day).
If you wait until you get to your hotel, there will still be opportunities to rent, but it will be more expensive.
Paid parking at many Las Vegas resorts is making renting a car a more spendy proposition, although there are still places to find free parking on the Strip.Ultimately, there are numerous ways of getting around Las Vegas without renting a car. In our opinion, a rental isn’t necessary. More on the pros and cons of renting a car in Vegas here.
If you do decide a rental is necessary, check out my guide to finding the cheapest car rental in Las Vegas.
Getting around Vegas on Foot
The most common way to get around Las Vegas is on foot. There is no better mode of transportation to view all the properties and people-watch along the way.
Be warned, resorts appear closer than they are in reality. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t be afraid to catch a ride if you get tired!
Underground Loop Transportation System
A new addition to the Las Vegas transportation landscape, the Boring Company’s Loop underground tunnel system is growing its footprint by the day.
At this point, the Resorts World Loop Station is open and connects the property to the Las Vegas Convention Center, which also has 3 separate stops that conventioneers can leverage to move across the sprawling campus.
Encore and Westgate will both soon also have a station connecting to the Convention Center in the near future.
A plan to expand the system city-wide was recently approved by both the Clark County Commissioners and the City of Las Vegas.
Under the plan, The Boring Company will pay for the tunnel system, and resorts will cover the cost of their own station if they want to opt-in.
The plan (shown below) is to expand this system to include additional resorts, the airport, and downtown Las Vegas.
Hopefully, my rundown of Vegas transportation optionswas helpful! With options spanning the price, convenience, and luxury spectrums, there’s something for all tastes and budgets.
Feature Image: ©4kclips/123RF.COM
Jake Hoffman
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.
More about me, here.
