Key Highlights:
- Best free transportation: ARIA Express Tram, Mandalay Bay Tram, and Downtown Loop shuttle.
- Best budget bus: The Deuce costs $4 for a single ride, $8 for a 24-hour pass, or $20 for three days.
- Best for avoiding traffic: Las Vegas Monorail, starting at $5.75 for an online single-ride ticket.
- Cheapest airport transfer: RTC public buses, with regular residential fares starting at $2.
- Best for groups: Compare airport taxi zone fares with Uber and Lyft.
- Vegas Loop: Free for travel within the Las Vegas Convention Center campus; off-campus rides cost extra.
- Money-saving tip: Combine walking, free trams, and RTC buses instead of using rideshares for every trip.
The cheapest ways to get around Las Vegas include free resort trams, affordable public buses, the Monorail, and low-cost airport transportation. Visitors can travel between major Strip attractions and Downtown without renting a car or paying for expensive rideshares.
This comparison covers current fares, transportation routes, operating hours, and practical ways to save money. Prices and schedules may change before, so check the latest information before traveling.
Cheapest Ways to Get Around Las Vegas: Price Comparison
| Transportation | Current Price | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARIA Express Tram | Free | Bellagio, ARIA/Crystals, Park MGM | Center Strip |
| Mandalay Bay Tram | Free | Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur | South Strip |
| Downtown Loop | Free | Fremont Street, Arts District, STRAT | Downtown sightseeing |
| Deuce Bus | $4 single / $8 day / $20 three days | Strip and Downtown | Budget travelers |
| Las Vegas Monorail | $5.75 single / $13.95 day | MGM Grand to SAHARA | Avoiding Strip traffic |
| Vegas Loop | Free inside LVCC; paid off-campus | Convention Center and connected resorts | Convention visitors |
| RTC Airport Bus | From $2 regular fare | Airport and city routes | Airport transfers |
| Airport Taxi | Zone-based flat fares | Airport to Strip hotels | Groups and luggage |
| Uber / Lyft | Variable | Citywide | Direct transportation |
Prices reflect currently published fares. Recheck them for your visit.
Free Las Vegas Strip Trams ($0)
Las Vegas has two separate free tram systems operating along the west side of the Strip.
ARIA Express Tram
The ARIA Express connects:
Bellagio ↔ ARIA / The Shops at Crystals ↔ Park MGM.
The tram generally operates from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM, subject to operational changes.
It is particularly useful for visitors heading between Bellagio, ARIA, Park MGM, and nearby entertainment venues.
Best for: Free travel around the Center Strip.
Full info: Aria Express Tram Las Vegas Guide: Routes, Hours & Insider Tips
Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur Tram
The second free tram serves the southern Strip.
It connects Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur, although not every train stops at Luxor.
Passengers should check the platform signs before boarding.
- Best for: Traveling between major South Strip resorts without walking the entire distance.
- Important: The two free tram systems do not connect directly. Visitors must walk between Excalibur and Park MGM.
Free Downtown Loop Shuttle ($0)
The Downtown Loop is operated by the City of Las Vegas and provides free transportation around Downtown.
Popular stops include Fremont Street Experience, the Mob Museum, Arts District, Brewery Row, North Premium Outlets, and The STRAT.
| Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday–Thursday | 11:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Friday–Saturday | 3:00 PM–10:00 PM |
| First Friday Events | Special service may operate |
The shuttle is useful for exploring multiple Downtown attractions without paying for rideshares.
Important: The Downtown Loop does not travel down the main resort corridor to Bellagio or MGM Grand. Use the Deuce for those connections.
The Deuce Bus: Best Budget Transportation
The Deuce is a double-decker bus operating along Las Vegas Boulevard between the South Strip and Downtown.
It runs 24 hours a day, making it a useful option for late-night transportation.
Deuce Bus Ticket Prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Ride | $4 |
| 2-Hour Pass | $6 |
| 24-Hour Pass | $8 |
| 3-Day Pass | $20 |
The $8 daily pass offers good value for visitors planning several rides.
Tickets are available through the rideRTC app and other RTC-approved payment methods.
Is the Deuce Worth It?
The Deuce is particularly useful for traveling between major Strip resorts and Fremont Street.
However, buses share the road with regular traffic, so journeys may take longer during busy evenings.
Best for: Visitors who want an affordable way to explore the Strip and Downtown.
Las Vegas Monorail: Faster Travel Along the Strip
The Las Vegas Monorail travels along the east side of the Strip between MGM Grand and SAHARA.
It avoids Las Vegas Boulevard traffic and connects seven stations.
Las Vegas Monorail Ticket Prices
| Ticket | Online Price |
|---|---|
| Single Ride | $5.75 |
| 24-Hour Pass | $13.95 |
| 2-Day Pass | $24.45 |
| 3-Day Pass | $30.85 |
| 4-Day Pass | $38.10 |
The Monorail serves MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah’s/The LINQ, the Convention Center, Westgate, and SAHARA.
The full route takes approximately 14 minutes.
Important: The Monorail does not reach Fremont Street or Harry Reid International Airport.
Its stations are also located behind several resorts, so allow additional walking time.
Also Read: Las Vegas Deuce Bus Map: Routes, Stops & Schedule
Cheapest Transportation From Las Vegas Airport
Harry Reid International Airport offers several transportation options for travelers on a budget.
RTC Public Buses
RTC buses provide one of the cheapest ways to leave the airport.
Regular residential single fares start at $2.
Following the August 2026 service changes, the RED LINE replaced Route 109 on Maryland Parkway and provides connections involving the airport, Downtown, and South Strip Transit Terminal.
The Centennial Express (CX) also underwent route changes.
Best tip: Check the updated RTC airport route map before traveling. Not every airport bus goes directly to a Strip hotel.
Airport Taxis
Las Vegas has regulated flat-rate taxi zones for trips between Harry Reid Airport and eligible Strip destinations.
The cost depends on your hotel’s zone, with additional charges potentially applying under published taxi regulations.
For couples or groups, a taxi may cost less per person than several individual transportation tickets.
Compare the final taxi estimate with Uber and Lyft before leaving the airport.
Vegas Loop: Underground Transportation
The Vegas Loop uses Tesla vehicles traveling through underground tunnels.
Travel between internal Las Vegas Convention Center stations is free for convention attendees.
Off-campus routes connect selected resorts, including Resorts World, Encore, Westgate, and Fontainebleau.
At Fontainebleau, currently advertised prices include:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Ride | $4.25 |
| Round Trip | $7 |
| Day Pass | $12.50 |
Fares and operating hours may vary by station and event.
Important: The Vegas Loop is not currently a complete public transportation system connecting every major Strip resort.
It is most useful for convention visitors and travelers staying near connected stations.
How to Save Money on Uber and Lyft
Rideshares can be convenient, especially when traveling with luggage or returning late at night.
However, prices vary according to demand, distance, and traffic.
Consider these money-saving tips:
- Compare Uber and Lyft prices before booking.
- Avoid unnecessary short rides between neighboring hotels.
- Use official rideshare pickup locations.
- Combine bus or Monorail travel with a shorter rideshare trip.
- Compare airport taxi fares with rideshare quotes.
Do not assume an alternative route will always save money. Prices and travel times depend on current traffic.
Best Transportation for Different Las Vegas Trips
| Trip | Recommended Transportation |
|---|---|
| Bellagio to Park MGM | Free ARIA Express |
| Mandalay Bay to Excalibur | Free Mandalay Bay Tram |
| Strip to Fremont Street | Deuce Bus |
| MGM Grand to Convention Center | Monorail |
| Fremont Street to Arts District | Downtown Loop |
| Airport to Downtown | RTC Bus |
| Convention Center Halls | Free LVCC Vegas Loop |
| Late-Night Direct Hotel Transfer | Compare Uber and Lyft |
Conclusion
The cheapest ways to get around Las Vegas include free Strip trams, the Downtown Loop, RTC buses, and the Las Vegas Monorail. The Deuce offers affordable transportation between the Strip and Downtown, while the Monorail is useful for avoiding traffic along the eastern resort corridor. For airport transfers, compare public buses, taxis, and rideshares. Combining transportation options can help reduce travel expenses without renting a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Around Las Vegas?
Walking and the free resort trams cost nothing. For longer journeys, the Deuce bus is one of the cheapest paid options.
Is the Las Vegas Monorail Free?
No. Current online tickets start at $5.75 for a single ride or $13.95 for a 24-hour pass.
Does the Deuce Bus Run 24 Hours?
Yes. The Deuce provides 24-hour service along the Strip and Downtown, although frequency varies.
How Much Is the Cheapest Airport Bus in Las Vegas?
Regular RTC residential fares start at $2. Check the route and transfer requirements for your destination.
Can You Get From the Strip to Fremont Street for Free?
There is no direct free shuttle between the central Strip and Fremont Street. The Deuce provides an affordable connection.
Is the Vegas Loop Free?
Internal LVCC rides are free for convention attendees. Trips to connected off-campus resorts generally require paid tickets.
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