What to Know About Getting Around Vegas

Downtown is probably the most pedestrian-friendly area of Vegas. If you are planning on visiting any of the exciting attractions elsewhere in the city, however, you will likely want to consider your transportation option ahead of time. Save yourself the stress of finding the right transportation when you get here by learning more about what options are available to you and how to use them to ensure you have a great trip. Here is what you need to know about getting around Las Vegas.

Ride Sharing

Chances are, you have already used one of the massively popular ride-sharing services now available. Both Uber and Lyft are now available in Vegas, but with a few extra considerations specific to operations throughout the city. Although both services are now allowed at McCarran International Airport, many of the resorts along the Strip have regulations about where users can use the services on property.

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For example, an Uber may not be allowed to simply drive to the front of your resort and pick you up, but instead, may have to meet you in a less-visible area. Another interesting point to remember is that prices surge during peak times—meaning you may be better off using an alternate method of transportation during these times if you are looking to save money.

Taxis & Rental Cars

If you aren’t big on public transport or are worried about being able to catch your Uber, you can always take a taxi. Most hotels have a loading area where you can easily grab a cab and be on your way. It’s important to remember that taxis are prohibited from picking up on the side of the road, meaning you will have to call a taxi if that’s how you are planning on getting back to your resort. Cab rides in Vegas are notoriously expensive, so you may want to consider splitting your ride with someone else to keep costs down. If you feel like you want to be a bit more independent on your trip to Vegas, you may want to consider renting a car. Car rental is also a great option for visitors who want to explore more of the city, or even areas slightly outside of the city, like the Grand Canyon, or Mount Charleston. If you do decide to rent a car, remember that parking can be tricky to navigate. You may want to so dome research and make plans ahead if you are planning on parking in Downtown Las Vegas.

Public Transport

Opting for public transport is a great way to get around the city without spending a ton of money. The Deuce is a popular option for tourists and locals alike because it runs from Downtown Vegas to the Mandalay Bay, or the length of the entire Las Vegas Strip. The flashy gold double-decker runs 24 hours a day, stops about every quarter mile, and costs $6 for 2 hours with options to purchase a pass for the entire day. getting-around-vegas-the-deuce Photo courtesy of Eric Chan via Flickr. CC/BY Another great public transport option is The Strip & Downtown Express, or SDX. The SDX is able to provide users with faster service by offering limited stops on both north and southbound routes. This is perfect if you need to make it somewhere, like reservations for dinner at Oscar’s Steakhouse, and don’t have time to waste. The SDX runs daily from 9 a.m. to midnight, with stops about every 15 minutes, and costs the same as The Deuce. The best way to ensure you don’t have to deal with the hassle of getting around the city is to book Downtown Vegas suites close to the activities you’re interested in. You will also want to ensure the resort you’re staying at has plenty of great dining options and other amenities to minimize having to navigate around when you don’t need to.