Getting Around Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers several transportation options for visitors, though the city's layout and attractions are spread across a large area. Understanding the available transit modes will help you navigate efficiently during your stay.
Walking on the Strip
If you're spending time on the Las Vegas Strip, walking is a practical option since the hotel-casinos are relatively close to one another. However, be aware that distances can be deceptive—what appears to be a short walk between a couple of casinos may be farther than expected due to the massive size of the resorts. Several major hotels offer convenient connections: Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay are connected by a complimentary rail shuttle, while other hotels are linked by bridges or underground passages.
The Monorail and Automated People Movers
The Las Vegas Monorail provides rail service along the Strip. Additionally, Harry Reid International Airport has three separate automated people mover lines that connect different terminals and concourses: the Green Line connects the Main Terminal to the C Gate Concourse, the Blue Line connects the Main Terminal to the D Gate Concourse, and the Red Line connects the D Gates Concourse to Terminal 3.
Bus Services
Las Vegas has a network of bus routes serving the Valley. The public transportation system emphasizes Strip service, making buses a viable option for getting around the city and reaching major attractions.
RTC Transit
RTC Transit operates several key services:
- The Deuce – the primary Las Vegas Strip bus service
- Boulder Highway Express (BHX) – serves the Boulder Highway corridor
- Sahara Express (SX) – serves the Sahara area
- Henderson and Downtown Express (HDX) – connects Henderson and downtown areas
- Centennial Express (CX) – provides service to Harry Reid International Airport
- Downtown & Veterans Medical Center Express (DVX) – connects downtown areas
RTC Transit also operates numerous local routes throughout Clark County.
Regional Bus Operators
Beyond RTC Transit, Silver Rider Transit operates in southern and rural portions of Clark County, and Gray Line Worldwide offers sightseeing tours.
Transit Centers and Stations
Several transit hubs serve different areas of the Valley:
- South Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT) – located south of Harry Reid International Airport, this major depot serves Strip Express, Downtown Express, the Deuce, and other buses, plus Greyhound Bus. It also has a park and ride facility.
- Bonneville Transit Center – in Downtown Las Vegas, this center is served by the Centennial Express, Deuce, and DVX buses. It features a large bike rack center and self-service bike repair station.
- Centennial Hills Transit Center and Park & Ride – located in the northwest Valley and serving the Centennial Express
- Westcliff Transit Center and Park & Ride – offers 140 parking spaces and ticket vending machines
- UNLV Transit Center – on the main campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with Centennial Express service to downtown and bicycle racks available
- Downtown Summerlin Transit Center – serves the Downtown Summerlin area with buses including Charleston and the Sahara Express
Intercity Bus Services
Several bus companies provide service to Las Vegas from other cities:
- Greyhound Bus – operates stations at the South Strip Transit Terminal and Harry Reid International Airport, with connections to major cities
- Amtrak Thruway – a bus service with stops at South Strip Transit Terminal, Airport Terminal One, and downtown Las Vegas
- Flixbus – connects Las Vegas to Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, San Francisco, Oakland, Bakersfield, and Fresno in California; Phoenix, Tucson and Sedona in Arizona; and Salt Lake City and smaller towns in Utah
- Additional regional carriers serve destinations including San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and northern destinations
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
While taxis and ride-hailing services operate in Las Vegas, the specific details about their operations, availability, and pricing are not covered in the available source material. It's advisable to research current options and rates before your visit.
Getting from Harry Reid International Airport to the City
Harry Reid International Airport is located five miles from downtown Las Vegas and is the only commercial airport serving the Las Vegas Valley. Several transportation options are available:
- Automobiles – you can rent a car at the airport, with a consolidated rental car facility located approximately three miles away. Courtesy shuttles run between the airport and this facility.
- Buses – the Centennial Express bus serves the airport, and the South Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT) is located south of the airport on Gilespie Street
- Amtrak Thruway – has a bus stop at Airport Terminal One, offering connections to downtown Las Vegas and other destinations
- Shuttles and ground transportation – various shuttle services operate from the airport
- Free terminal shuttle – the airport operates a free shuttle service between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 on Level 0
Note that while a monorail extension to the airport was previously proposed, funding challenges prevented its completion as of the latest available information.
Additional Options
A driverless shuttle pilot program was tested in Downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street between Las Vegas Boulevard and Eighth Street, featuring GPS, cameras, and LiDAR technology. Future rail service is planned through the Brightline West project, a high-speed rail connection to Southern California near Los Angeles, though this remains under construction.