Key Highlights:
- Free trams: Connect Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, Park MGM, ARIA, and Bellagio.
- Monorail: Runs along the east Strip between MGM Grand and SAHARA.
- Ticket prices: Free trams cost $0. Monorail eTickets start at $5.75.
- Daily pass: The Monorail’s 24-hour unlimited eTicket costs $13.95.
- Operating hours: Free tram schedules vary. The Monorail begins running at 7 AM daily.
- Important: The free tram systems do not connect directly.
Las Vegas free trams vs. the Monorail is an important comparison for visitors planning transportation along the Strip. Both help reduce walking, but they serve different hotels and operate independently.
The free MGM trams connect selected west-side resorts, while the paid Monorail serves seven stations along the eastern side of Las Vegas Boulevard. Choosing the right system depends on your hotel, destination, and budget.
Las Vegas Free Trams vs. Monorail Comparison
| Feature | Mandalay Bay Tram | ARIA Express | Las Vegas Monorail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket price | Free | Free | From $5.75 |
| Location | South Strip | Center Strip | East Strip |
| Stations | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| Operating hours | Generally 10 AM–midnight | 8 AM–midnight normally | Starts 7 AM |
| Ride duration | Approximately 3–6 minutes | Approximately 4 minutes | Approximately 14 minutes |
| Best for | Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur | Park MGM, ARIA, Bellagio | MGM Grand to SAHARA |
Operating hours may change during maintenance, construction, and special events.
Free Las Vegas Tram Routes
MGM Resorts operates two complimentary tram systems along the western Strip.
Both are open to visitors without hotel reservations or tickets.
Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur Tram
This free tram connects three South Strip resorts.
The service uses different stopping patterns depending on direction.
- Northbound: Mandalay Bay to Excalibur, with express service that bypasses Luxor.
- Southbound: Excalibur to Luxor and Mandalay Bay.
Mandalay Bay and Luxor publish operating hours of 10 AM–midnight daily. Excalibur lists an earlier weekday opening, so check the current schedule.
The tram is useful for visitors heading toward Allegiant Stadium, Michelob ULTRA Arena, or the southern Strip.
ARIA Express Tram
The ARIA Express connects three station areas:
- Park MGM
- ARIA and The Shops at Crystals
- Bellagio and Vdara
Regular operating hours are 8 AM–midnight.
MGM currently advertises extended service until 2 AM during construction affecting the Bellagio–Cosmopolitan pedestrian connection.
The service is complimentary and available to non-hotel guests.
How to Connect Between the Free Trams
The Mandalay Bay Tram and ARIA Express are separate systems.
To travel from Mandalay Bay toward Bellagio using both:
- Ride the Mandalay Bay Tram to Excalibur.
- Cross Tropicana Avenue using the pedestrian bridge toward New York-New York.
- Walk through New York-New York toward Park MGM.
- Follow signs to the ARIA Express station.
- Board toward Bellagio.
Allow approximately 10–20 minutes for the walking connection, depending on crowds and station entrances.
Las Vegas Monorail Route and Stations
The Las Vegas Monorail operates along a 3.9-mile elevated route behind east-side resorts.
Its seven stations are:
| Station | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| MGM Grand | MGM Grand, New York-New York |
| Horseshoe/Paris | Paris, Horseshoe, Planet Hollywood |
| Flamingo/Caesars Palace | Flamingo, Caesars Palace |
| Harrah’s/The LINQ | LINQ Promenade, Sphere access |
| Boingo Station at LVCC | Las Vegas Convention Center |
| Westgate | Westgate Resort, Convention Center |
| SAHARA | SAHARA Las Vegas, North Strip |
Trains generally arrive every four to eight minutes.
The complete journey takes approximately 14 minutes, excluding station access and waiting.
Las Vegas Monorail Ticket Prices 2026
| Ticket | Online eTicket | Station Paper Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Single ride | $5.75 | $6.25 |
| 24-hour pass | $13.95 | $15.50 |
| 2-day pass | $24.45 | $27.00 |
| 3-day pass | $30.85 | $33.00 |
| 4-day pass | $38.10 | $40.00 |
| 5-day pass | $45.85 | $48.25 |
| 7-day pass | $59.95 | $64.00 |
Unlimited passes activate with the first use and remain valid for the selected consecutive period during operating hours.
Children five and younger ride free.
Eligible Nevada residents can purchase discounted single rides for $1 at designated customer service offices.
Monorail Operating Hours
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7 AM–midnight |
| Tuesday–Thursday | 7 AM–2 AM |
| Friday–Sunday | 7 AM–3 AM |
Special events and maintenance may affect service.
Which Transportation Option Is Better?
Choose free trams when traveling between connected west-side resorts. They cost nothing and avoid unnecessary outdoor walking.
Choose the Monorail for longer east-side journeys, particularly between MGM Grand, the Convention Center, and SAHARA.
Remember that Monorail stations are generally behind casino properties. Reaching the platform may add several minutes.
Neither system directly serves Harry Reid International Airport or Downtown Fremont Street.
Conclusion
Las Vegas free trams vs. the Monorail comes down to location and travel distance. Use complimentary resort trams for short west-side journeys between Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Park MGM, ARIA, and Bellagio. For longer east-side trips, the Monorail offers seven stations and unlimited passes starting at $13.95. Check station locations and operating hours before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Las Vegas Trams Free?
Yes. Both MGM resort tram systems are complimentary for visitors and hotel guests.
Does the monorail go to the airport?
No. The Monorail does not connect directly to Harry Reid International Airport.
Which Monorail Station Is Closest to Sphere?
Harrah’s/ The LINQ is a convenient station for accessing Sphere on foot.
When Does a Monorail Pass Activate?
Unlimited passes begin their validity period when first scanned at a station.
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