Once you get to Las Vegas, you may feel overwhelmed by its glitz and glamour. To avoid feeling lost in time and space, make sure to plan your trip. One of the things you should consider before getting to Sin City is how you will get around it.
To help you do it, we have created a comprehensive guide to the means of transportation you can use during your Las Vegas adventure. It also includes an overview of affordable options, which can help you save not only money but also time.
Choose Budget-Friendly Options from the Airport to Your Hotel
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) will be your first stop when you arrive in Las Vegas. To get from the airport to your hotel, you can choose from many options. Still, not all of them may be suitable for all kinds of visitors.
The cheapest option would be to get the city bus, which is particularly convenient if you stay downtown. If you want to get to the Strip, you can also do it by bus, but it might be slightly more complicated. Bus tickets are available on machines at the airport, or you can buy them on the bus or through the app.
Another cost-effective option to get to your hotel from the airport is a shuttle. Some resorts offer free shuttles to their guests, so check if the hotel you have picked offers such service. If you consider going for a shuttle, bear in mind that a shared ride by an airport shuttle may take longer due to multiple stops.
At about the same price as a shuttle, you can get a ride with a rideshare app, such as Uber or Lyft. Finally, the most expensive airport transportation option is a taxi. At the same time, it is the fastest option. The most extravagant option would be a limo, which you can rent to take you from the airport to the hotel.
Avoid Renting a Car
Upon arrival in Vegas, you can also rent a car. However, it may be the least convenient option because of the heavy traffic and lack of free parking. Also, if you plan to drink alcohol, you won’t be able to drive the car you have rented. However, you should consider renting a car if you want to visit the Grand Canyon or Red Rock Canyon.
Consider Using Public Transportation
As we have previously mentioned, public transportation is the least expensive way to get around Las Vegas. You can choose from two options: the Deuce and Strip and Downtown Express (SDX), both operated by the Regional Transportation Commission.
The Deuce is a double-decker you can rely on to get around the downtown area and Strip. It runs 24/7, every 10-15 minutes from 7 am to 1 am and every 20 minutes from 1 am to 7 am. When it comes to the SDX, it operates between 9 am and midnight, every 15 minutes. Its route is the same as the one the Deuce runs along but with fewer stops.
Fares vary based on the period, so the regular price for a 2-hour pass is $6, a 24-hour pass costs $8, and a 3-day pass will set you back $20. You can find vending machines at bus stops and selected stores. Passes can also be purchased through the rideRTC app you can download and install on your smartphone. If you go for the Deuce, you can buy a ticket on the bus.
Use the Monorail on the Strip
Sin City also offers an alternative to buses and taxis. The Las Vegas Monorail runs between the MGM Grand and Sahara Avenue. It is the perfect option if you want to get around the Strip.
It operates between 7 am and midnight every 4-8 minutes on Mondays. The service is available until 2 am from Tuesday to Thursday, while you can ride it until 3 am on weekends.
A one-ride ticket costs $5, a 1-day pass costs $13, while passes for 2 to 7 days are available at a price between $23 and $56. There are no limits to the number of rides per day.
Walk or Rent an Electric Bike
If you want to avoid crowds in public transportation and save money on cab rides or ride-sharing services, you can get around Vegas on foot. If you consider walking, keep in mind that the summer months are scorching in Vegas. Apply sunscreen and hydrate properly.
Another option to get around Las Vegas is to rent an electric bike. It is an excellent alternative to walking if you plan short journeys. You won’t need a driver’s licence to ride an e-bike.
Visitors can rent a regular or electric bike at 21 stations in downtown Vegas. Like buses, bike stations are operated by the RTC, and they are open 24/7, so you can rent a bike anytime, day or night. There are other bike-share services as well, so feel free to explore them if you want to visit Sin City by bike.
On the RTC Bike Share website, you can choose one of the passes that will suit your needs. The Dasher Pass is the best option for downtown visitors, which costs $5 per day. Other options include the Explorer Pass at $15 per month and the Downtowner Pass, which costs $125 per year. If you stay longer in Vegas and want to explore downtown, they can be the perfect fit for you.
