Traveling Inside Las Vegas: How to Get Around

Whether you are planning to fly to Las Vegas or drive to Vegas, you will need to give some thought to getting around the city. If this is your first trip to Sin City, you may find yourself somewhat surprised at the pace of traffic and instead of driving yourself opt for public transportation instead. Fortunately, there are numerous public transportation options available throughout the city in order to help you have a vacation that is safe and stress free.

Airport Shuttle

If you are arriving to Vegas by air, you will generally have the opportunity to take advantage of a shuttle that will provide transportation from the airport to your hotel. Plan to pay between $8 and $15 per person, depending on whether you are staying on or off the Strip.

Limousine

There is certainly no shortage of limousines in Vegas. If you want to enjoy a special night on the town, you can play to hire a limousine for around $35 per hour for a basic limo. You can also make arrangements to have a limo pick you up and drop you off from the airport and your hotel.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful in Vegas and fares are governed by the Nevada Taxicab Authority. Fares start at $3.20 with an additional .25 charged for each mile. Waiting time is an additional charge.

Public Bus

Known  as CAT, or Citizens Area Transit, the Las Vegas Public transit system operates two routes which would be of the most interest to visitors. Both routes run the Strip with route #301 making stops frequently along the Strip while route # 302 is more of an express route. Fair for the system is $2.00 and exact change is required.

Car Rental

If you prefer the idea of exploring the city and the surrounding area on your own you may wish to consider renting a car. This can be a more economical value overall, as taxi  fees can add up over time and bus rides can become slow. If you are going to be doing extensive traveling around town, this is actually a great option.

Trolleys

Trolleys are another great option worth considering. The trolley bus travels a route from The Stratosphere to the South Strip. Be aware that it does not travel Fremont Street. $1.50 exact fare is required for the trolley, which operates on a 20-minute schedule. As it stops at all the major hotels along the strip, it can be convenient; however, it is not the fastest transportation in the city.

Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas monorail will take you from the MGM Grand Hotel to Sahara Avenue. It takes approximately 15 minutes to ride the Monorail from one end of the 4 mile long Strip to the other end. Visitors can purchase monorail tickets through vending machines located in most hotels. A one-ride pass is $5.00 with discounts offered for increasing rides. Children 5 and under may ride for free.

Free Shuttle System

There are also a number of free shuttles that operate throughout the city, many of them courtesy of local venues and hotels. Just a few include:

· Harrah's to the Rio
· Hard Rock Shuttle
· The Palms shuttle
· Sam's Town Shuttle