Las Vegas Traffic & Crowds in March: What to Expect? (2026)

Key Highlights:

The Crowd Peak: Expect the heaviest crowds from March 12–15 (NASCAR) and March 19–22 (March Madness opening weekend).
Traffic Trap: Avoid the I-15 North and the Strip “Tunnel” area during the NASCAR Hauler Parade on March 12.
The Walking Rule: Sidewalks on the Center Strip will be at a standstill; use the “back-of-house” routes or side streets like Koval Lane.
Pro Tip: Leave your hotel 60 minutes earlier than your GPS suggests. Pedestrian traffic at the crosswalks alone can add 20 minutes to a “short” trip.

If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you know that the city has two speeds: “Busy” and “Absolute Chaos.” March is the month when the city shifts into that second gear. Between the college basketball frenzy, the roar of NASCAR engines, and the arrival of Spring Break, the sidewalks of the Strip can feel like a high-speed obstacle course.

We have navigated the crowds during the busiest weekends of the year, and we can tell you: if you don’t have a strategy for the traffic, you’ll spend more of your vacation in the back of an Uber than at the craps table. Here is our honest, expert-led guide to Las Vegas traffic & crowds in March 2026.

Why is Vegas So Crowded in March?

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March is a “perfect storm” for Las Vegas tourism. The weather is a gorgeous 71°F, but the event calendar is what truly fills the rooms to their 90%+ occupancy capacity.

The Three Pillars of March Chaos

March Madness: The first weekend of the tournament (starting March 19) is one of the busiest times of the year. Sportsbooks will be standing-room only by 7:30 AM.
NASCAR Spring Weekend: From March 13–15, over 100,000 racing fans descend on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This creates massive bottlenecks on the I-15 North.
Spring Break: Families and college students flood the Strip throughout the month. This means longer lines for everything from elevators to the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

Direct Answer: Las Vegas in March 2026 sees a massive surge in visitors due to the NCAA basketball tournament and NASCAR Spring Weekend. Travelers should expect peak hotel occupancy and heavy pedestrian gridlock, particularly on the Center Strip (near Bellagio/Caesars), during the second and third weeks of the month.

Traffic Trouble: Roads to Avoid

Driving on the Strip is usually a slow process, but in March, it can become a complete gridlock.

The Hauler Parade: On Thursday, March 12, massive NASCAR trucks roll up the Strip starting in the late afternoon. It is a blast to watch, but if you have a dinner reservation at the Wynn, you will be stuck for an hour.

The Resort “Loop”: Many resorts have long driveways that get backed up with Ubers. Our Advice: If your hotel is near the Strip, have your driver drop you at a side entrance or a neighboring property (like the Linq promenade or Bally’s side entrance) to save 15 minutes of “creeping” in the valet line.

How to Beat the “Sidewalk Squeeze”

Walking is usually the fastest way to get around, but when the crowds are this thick, even the sidewalks have “traffic jams.”

Use the Trams: The free trams (Mandalay Bay-Excalibur and Aria-Bellagio) are lifesavers. They bypass street-level crowds entirely.
Koval Lane is Your Secret: If you are heading north or south and don’t need to see the fountains, walk along Koval Lane (behind the east-side hotels). It’s quiet, flat, and much faster than fighting through the “showgirl” photo-seekers on the main Strip.
The “Early Bird” Strategy: If you want photos of the fountains or the Sphere without 50 strangers, get out before 9:00 AM. Most Vegas “night owls” aren’t awake yet, and the sidewalks are surprisingly peaceful.

Also Read: Can You Walk the Entire Las Vegas Strip?

Summary & Final Helpful Tip

Las Vegas traffic & crowds in March are intense, but they are also part of what makes the city feel alive. If you go in expecting a crowd and plan your “buffer time,” you’ll have a much better experience.

Our Best Helpful Tip: Use the Las Vegas Monorail! It runs behind the hotels on the east side of the Strip. While it doesn’t go everywhere, it is the only way to travel from the MGM Grand to the Sahara without touching an inch of Strip traffic. It’s the ultimate “cheat code” for a busy March weekend.

❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Traffic & Crowds in March

Is it hard to get an Uber during March Madness?

Yes. Wait times can jump from 5 minutes to 25 minutes. We have found that walking into a neighboring hotel to request your ride often puts you in a less congested pickup zone.

Which part of the Strip is the most crowded?

The Center Strip (Bellagio to The Linq). If you are claustrophobic, stay toward the North Strip (Resorts World/Encore) where the sidewalks are much wider.

How is the airport traffic in March?

Harry Reid (LAS) is extremely busy on Sundays and Mondays. Arrive at least 2.5 hours early for flights on March 16 or March 23.

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