Getting Around Las Vegas Without A Car
It’s easy to get around Vegas without a car – there’s no need to break the bank and budget for an expensive car rental (you can spend your hard-earned money on shows, attractions, tours, and upgrading hotel rooms instead).
There are just so many other transportation options available.
This article has been updated for 2024, and we’ll go over 7 ways that you can get around Las Vegas without a car – but before we go into more detail here’s a TL;DR version.
Transport Method | Car Alternative Summary |
---|---|
Buses | The Deuce bus service is affordable and convenient for getting around the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas – operating 24/7. Passes start at $6 for 2 hours and go up to $20 for 3 days. You can pay with exact change or use the RideRTC app for real-time tracking. |
Monorail | The Las Vegas Monorail is a fast and convenient way to travel the Strip, with 7 stops along the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s great for avoiding traffic and offers views of the city. Passes range from $13.45 for 24 hours to $44.50 for 5 days. Tickets can be booked online. |
Bicycles | Las Vegas offers a bike rental system through RTC Bike Share. Visitors can choose between the Dasher Pass ($5/day) and the Explorer Pass ($15/month), with unlimited rides up to 30 minutes or 60 minutes, respectively. Additional charges apply for longer rides. |
Rideshare | Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Las Vegas. Pickup and drop-off locations are designated by hotels, and they offer a convenient alternative to taxis or buses, especially for groups or travelers with luggage. |
Taxi | Taxis are readily available with stands at every major resort hotel. Fares start at $5.25, and taxis can drop off at most locations except directly on the Strip. They’re ideal for quick, straightforward transportation. |
The Vegas Loop | The Vegas Loop is an underground tunnel system by The Boring Company using Tesla vehicles. It currently connects several stations in Las Vegas, with more stops planned. Complimentary rides are available within the Las Vegas Convention Center. |
Walking | Walking is a great way to explore the Strip, with many attractions within close proximity. The area is pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian bridges. However, be mindful of the desert heat, especially in the summer, and stay hydrated. |
Now, let’s look at all of these options in more detail.
7 Ways To Get Around Vegas Without a Car
#1 Take The Bus
You can’t miss the ubiquitous Deuce buses traveling on Las Vegas Boulevard – they’re an icon of Vegas.
This 24-hour bus runs from the South Strip Transfer Center north to the Fremont Street Experience and provides a great view of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The Deuce stops at most major Strip hotels. Just be sure to pay attention to the route schedule and know if you’re getting on southbound or northbound.
It’s a great way to hop on and off as you explore the Strip.
The Deuce is affordable, with passes available for 2 hours, 24 hours, or 3 days. A 2-hour pass is $6, it’s $8 for a 24-hour pass and $20 for a 3-day pass.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, you could also take the SDX (The Strip and Downtown Express) – this is no longer the case. The SDX has been discontinued.
To use the public transportation system, you can purchase a transit pass or pay with exact change on board the bus. You can also download the RideRTC app, which provides real-time bus tracking, schedules, and fare information.
You can learn more about ways to travel on the bus in Vegas via the RTC Nevada website.
#2 Monorail
The famous Las Vegas Monorail – it’s one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel the strip. This transit system stretches 4 miles along the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard from the MGM Grand North to the SLS Las Vegas at Sahara Avenue.
The train, which reaches speeds of up to 50 mph, makes seven stops, including one at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
It’s a great way to avoid traffic on the strip, and while you’re at it get great views of Vegas. However, it should be noted that if you’re traveling for short distances (or just a single trip), then it’s not great value.
- 24-Hour Pass is $13.45
- 2-Day Pass is $13.75
- 3-Day Pass is $29-95
- 5-Day Pass is $44.50
You can book your Monorail tickets online.
#3 Bicycles
Every major city in the world has a world-class bike rental program and Las Vegas is no different.
Several companies offer bike rentals, but we recommend using the RTC bike share system – which now ever offers electric bikes.
For visitors, there are two great options – the dasher pass which is $5 per day, or the explorer pass which is $15 for the month. If you’re going to use a bike for more than 3 days, then the explorer pass makes sense.
The dasher pass gives you unlimited 30-minute rides, with a $4 charge per 30 minutes after the first 30 minutes. The explorer pass vies you unlimited 60-minute rides, with a $4 charge per 60 minutes after the first 60 minutes.
Pick your pass & start riding today.
#4 Rideshare
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Las Vegas. They can be a convenient alternative to taxis or buses, especially if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage. (We’ve actually made a guide on how you can get from the airport to your hotel).
If you’re planning to use a ridesharing service in Las Vegas, it’s worth noting that pickup and drop-off locations may be different from taxis and other vehicles.
Many hotels have designated areas for ridesharing pickups and drop-offs (Check out our guide of all Las Vegas Strip rideshare locations for pickups).
#5 Taxi
For quick and simple transportation, you can flag down a Las Vegas cab.
Virtually every resort hotel in the city has a taxi stand operating 24 hours. This designated area is the only place taxi drivers can pick up or drop off on the Strip. If you’re hoping to get dropped off somewhere right on Las Vegas Boulevard, then you need to seek an alternative. These taxi stands were created to reduce congestion on the already-busy Strip. However, you can pretty much get dropped off anywhere you want if you’re headed to other spots in Vegas.
Taxi rates start at $5.25 and you can get more information from the Nevada Taxicab Authority.
A pro tip is to never use your card in a Las Vegas taxi – stick to paying cash, and you’ll avoid extra fees and charges.
#6 The Vegas Loop By The Boring Company
The Vegas Loop is a system of underground tunnels (developed by The Boring Company) that uses Tesla electric vehicles to transport passengers between different locations in Las Vegas.
The project is developed to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a more efficient way for people to move around the city. The Vegas Loop currently stops at four stations and uses Riviera Station as a departure station only.
There are additional stops planned, with The Boring Company announcing that the Westgate Station will open soon.
If you’re attending a convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center, you can enjoy complimentary rides within the campus.
#7 Walking
Nothing beats a good walk.
Walking is a great way to explore Las Vegas, especially if you’re staying on or near the Las Vegas Strip.
It’s also a great way to go happy hour hopping and burning off the calories from Las Vegas buffets and brunches.
Many of the city’s popular attractions, including casinos, restaurants, and shopping centers, are located within walking distance of each other.
The Las Vegas Strip is also pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and crosswalks and many pedestrian bridges that make it easy and safe to cross this always-busy boulevard. However, keep in mind that Las Vegas is a desert city, and temperatures can soar during the summer months. If you’re planning on walking during the day, be sure to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and take breaks in the shade when possible.
You Don’t Need a Car In Vegas
It’s easy to explore Las Vegas without a car – we just gave you so many options, however, if you still think you need one there are many car rental companies you can choose from (we recommend booking in advance to save money).
If you enjoyed this article, then we have some more great Las Vegas travel tips:
I will be in Las Vegas in July 2018 and am looking for the best way to get around while there. I want to use public transportation as much as I can.
I will be in Las Vegas October 2018 and I am looking for the best way to get around there. I would like to use public transportation as much as I can.
Can someone please suggest me what to do to ride on the bus and monorail in strip las vegas step by step. Thank you so much
There are also some free shuttles provided by some hotels that may be really helpful for those booking rooms a bit out of the strip! 🙂
I am a senior and would like to find out the cost of bus fare in Las Vegas.
Do the metro buses still go to the airport? I use to take an express from the airport to Fremont Street.
great