One of the best things to do in Vegas is to explore this dazzling city. From glitzy casinos to Michelin-starred restaurants, the Entertainment Capital of the World boasts attractions that are sure to delight. If you’re moving to Las Vegas, you may want to know your way around and find out what your transportations options are.
This may come as a surprise, but it’s actually best not to bring your own car to Vegas. Traffic on the famous Strip of hotels and casinos is normally congested, so ditch the car if you want to maximize your time in the city.
Take a taxi
Taxis are still the most widely used form of transportation in Las Vegas. You can see them in all of the city’s major roads, and there’s a big chance that there’ll be a taxi queue outside a hotel at any hour, whether day or night.
How much you pay for a taxi will depend on the traffic and the time of year. Expect to pay more during major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. You can definitely take a taxi to one of the many places to eat in Las Vegas, but if you’re looking to catch a cab from the airport, be aware that you may have to pay an additional fee.
If you’re looking to ride around Las Vegas, taxis are a convenient option. However, you can’t just hail a taxi on the street. They’re required to pick up passengers at a specific address, like in front of a hotel. If you run into a problem with any of the taxis you ride, you can call the Nevada Taxicab Authority at 702.668.4005.
Book a ride
Aside from taxis, you can also use a ride-sharing app like Lyft or Uber. Before booking a ride, you can see how much it costs to get to your destination. If you’re coming from The Strip and want to explore places at the outskirts of the city, ride sharing could be a good option.
Of course, expect prices to increase when rides are in great demand. Check out the major events in the city to figure out how much and how long it will take you to get to where you’re going.
Public transportation
The cost of living in Las Vegas is higher than the national average but lower than Nevada’s average. If you’d like to spend your money on things other than cab rides, consider taking a train or a variety of buses, which run different routes.
If you just want to travel up and down the strip, take the Las Vegas Monorail. It arrives and departs from seven stations, including MGM Paris and the Las Vegas Convention Center, every four to eight minutes. It’s also an eco-friendly option, as this train is fully electric.
Train tickets on the Monorail cost:
- $5 – per ride
- $13 – day pass
- $29 – three-day pass:
- $1 – Las Vegas residents (limited to two tickets per day)
You can take a bus. The Deuce runs throughout the city with two specific routes for downtown Las Vegas and The Strip of hotels and casinos. For a touristy feel, opt for the upper deck of the double-decker bus for a better view of the city’s famous sites. The Deuce starts at Fremont Street Experience and makes its way to downtown Mandalay Bay.
Purchase bus tickets at the rates below:
- $6 – two-hour pass
- $8 – 24-hour pass
- $20 – three-day pass
If you’re planning on spending a long weekend in Vegas, a three-day pass is the best deal. If you’re a veteran, or senior citizen, or if you have children, you can buy a reduced-rate travel pass. Children under the age of five can travel for free under the supervision of an adult.
Take a helicopter ride
More thrill than conveyance, a helicopter ride at night over The Strip is an experience that’s worth the price of admission (around $89). This 12 to 15-minute ride promises unparalleled views of the glittering neon lights as the helicopter glides from the east and west sides of the Strip. See more details here.
With its many transportation options, Las Vegas is one of the best areas to live in. If you’re planning to move to the city and you’d like to know your real estate options, contact me, Loralee Wood, at 702.419.3212 or loralee(dotted)wood(at)cbvegas(dotted)com. I’ve been in the business for close to 20 years with numerous awards under my belt. I’m also proud to be the #1 Military Relocation Specialist in the area.
