Key Highlights:
- Best for Budget: The Deuce Bus ($8 for 24 hours) runs 24/7 and stops at nearly every major resort and Downtown.
- Best for Speed: The Las Vegas Monorail zips behind the East Strip resorts, avoiding all construction and traffic.
- Best for Convenience: Uber and Lyft are reliable, but you must use the specific “Rideshare Hub” pickup zones in every hotel.
- Best Hidden Gem: Use the free trams (Aria Express and Mandalay Bay Tram) to save miles of walking for $0.
Getting around the Neon Capital can feel like a game of strategy. While the Las Vegas Strip looks like a simple straight line on a map, those “neighboring” resorts are often massive city blocks apart, separated by heat, crowds, and deceptive distances. If you try to walk the whole length in one afternoon, your feet will be screaming before the sun even goes down.
As someone who has navigated the Strip during the busiest conventions, I’ve learned that the best way to move isn’t always the most obvious. From the air-conditioned Monorail to the double-decker Deuce bus and the “secret” free trams, here is how to navigate Sin City like a local.
The Las Vegas Monorail: Fast and Traffic-Free
The Las Vegas Monorail is the “cheat code” for navigating the East side of the Strip. Running from the MGM Grand to the SAHARA, it hits seven key stations, including the Boingo Station at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is completely elevated, meaning you’ll never get stuck in the legendary Strip gridlock.
A single ride is $5.50, but the real value is in the 24-hour ($13.45) or multi-day unlimited passes. If you’re staying at one end of the Strip and have a dinner reservation at the other, this is the most predictable way to get there on time.
Direct Answer: The Las Vegas Monorail is the fastest way to travel the Strip, operating from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. (Monday-Thursday) and until 3 a.m. on weekends. It connects major resorts like Caesars Palace (via the Harrah’s/Linq station), Paris, and MGM Grand in under 15 minutes.
The Deuce: The Iconic Double-Decker Bus
If you want the most “bang for your buck,” hop on The Deuce. This double-decker bus is operated by the RTC and runs 24/7 along the entire length of Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s air-conditioned, offers a great view from the top deck, and is incredibly easy to use with the rideRTC app.
- The Cost: $6 for 2 hours or $8 for a full 24-hour pass.
- The Route: It starts at the South Strip Transit Terminal and goes all the way to the Fremont Street Experience Downtown.
- The Catch: It stops frequently. If you’re in a rush, The Deuce might test your patience as it pulls over at almost every major resort.
How to Use the Free Trams (The Insider Secret)
Many people don’t realize there are two active free trams operated by the casinos themselves. They are separate from the Monorail and don’t require a ticket. They are a lifesaver for saving your legs during a long day of “resort hopping.”
- Aria Express: Connects Park MGM, Aria, and Bellagio. It runs daily from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m., making it perfect for getting from the South-Center Strip to the Fountains.
- Mandalay Bay Tram: Connects Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. This is essential if you’re staying at the far south end of the Strip. It generally runs until 12:30 a.m. (later on weekends).
- Downtown Loop: A free shuttle provided by the city that hits the Arts District, Mob Museum, and Fremont Street.
Expert Note: The Treasure Island to Hard Rock (formerly Mirage) tram remains closed while the Hard Rock property undergoes its massive transformation. Don’t plan your route around this connection until the resort’s grand reopening.
Uber, Lyft, and Taxis: Know Your Zones
In most cities, you can walk to the curb and call an Uber. Not in Vegas. Because the Strip is so congested, every hotel has a dedicated Rideshare Pick-up/Drop-off Zone, usually located in the parking garage or a lower-level entrance.
- Taxis: These are incredibly convenient at hotels. You just walk to the front “Taxi Stand” and a valet puts you in the next car. They use flat-rate zones from the airport ($21.25–$29.25), which can sometimes be cheaper than a “surged” Uber.
- Rideshare: Best for going “Off-Strip” to Chinatown or Red Rock Canyon. Just be prepared for a 5–10 minute walk from the casino floor to the designated pickup area.
Also Read: Uber vs Taxi in Las Vegas: Which Is Faster & Cheaper?
Mini Summary & Helpful Tip
The best way to get around Las Vegas is a “hybrid” approach. Walk between 2–3 neighboring hotels to see the sights, use the free trams whenever possible, and grab a 24-hour Deuce pass for that one inevitable trip to Fremont Street.
❓ FAQ: Best Way to Get Around Las Vegas
Can I walk the whole Strip?
Technically, yes, but it’s about 4.2 miles from The STRAT to Mandalay Bay. Between the desert heat and the maze of pedestrian bridges, a “simple walk” can take two hours. I recommend walking small “blocks” and then using a tram or bus for the longer stretches.
Is there a free shuttle from the airport?
No. Most major Strip hotels stopped offering free airport shuttles years ago. Your best options from Harry Reid International are a flat-rate taxi (~$25+) or the Centennial Express (CX) bus for a few dollars if you’re traveling light.
What is the best way to get to Downtown (Fremont Street)?
If you want to save money, take The Deuce. If you want speed, take an Uber or Lyft. If you’re already at the North end of the Strip (The STRAT), you can hop on the free Downtown Loop shuttle.
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