How to Get Around Las Vegas
Mastering Las Vegas public transportation is the key to an effortless desert escape. From the high-tech Monorail to free local trams, this guide breaks down the most efficient ways to navigate the Neon Capital of the World.
Las Vegas is built for entertainment and late nights. However, the sheer scale of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding valley can often catch first-time visitors off guard. Walking the entire length of the Strip is a common rookie mistake that leads to burnout before the sun even sets.
Fortunately, the city’s transit options are solid and budget-friendly. Whether you are looking for the efficiency of an elevated train or the local charm of a double-decker bus, getting around Vegas is easier than you think. Here is everything you need to know about the transit landscape in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Transportation at a Glance
| Transit Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas Monorail | Speed & Convention Center Access |
| Free West-Side Trams | Hopping between major casinos |
| The Deuce (Express Bus) | Low-cost, 24/7 Strip travel |
| Downtown Loop Shuttle | Free access to Arts District & Fremont |
| Uber or Lyft | Groups & door-to-door service |
| Taxis | Immediate airport pickups |
| Sightseeing Bus | Tourists & first-timers |
| Rental Car | Exploring Red Rock or Hoover Dam |
1. The Las Vegas Monorail
The Monorail is the backbone of East Strip transportation. Spanning 3.9 miles, it lets you bypass the traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard entirely. Trains run every 4 to 8 minutes from 7 am until midnight on Mondays, 2 am Tuesday to Thursday and 3 am Friday to Sunday, stopping at seven stations:
- MGM Grand
- Horseshoe/Paris
- Flamingo/Caesars Palace
- Harrah’s/The LINQ
- Las Vegas Convention Center
- Westgate
- SAHARA Las Vegas
Ticketing Tip: The Monorail is cashless. Buy eTickets online and scan them at the gates, or pay by card or mobile wallet at the station machines. A single ride costs $6 ($5.50 online) and a 24-hour pass $15 ($13.45 online), as of August 2026.
2. Free Strip Trams (West Side)
While the Monorail dominates the East side, two free trams currently operate on the West side of the Strip. They are run by the casino groups to move guests between their properties. The Mandalay Bay tram links Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur, and the Aria Express links Park MGM, Aria, the Shops at Crystals and Bellagio. A third tram, between The Mirage and Treasure Island, stopped in 2024 while The Mirage is rebuilt as Hard Rock Las Vegas.
3. The Deuce (Double-Decker Bus)
Managed by the RTC, The Deuce is the most recognizable public bus in the city. These gold double-decker buses operate 24/7, running from the South Strip Transfer Terminal past Mandalay Bay all the way to Fremont Street in Downtown. A 2-hour pass costs $6, a 24-hour pass $8 and a 3-day pass $20, and you can pay with a contactless card, the rideRTC app or at ticket machines.
Why travelers love it: The second floor offers a fantastic vantage point for photos of the neon signs, especially at night. It is significantly cheaper than ridesharing if you aren’t in a rush.
4. The Downtown Loop Shuttle
This one is easy to miss. The Downtown Loop is a completely free shuttle service that circulates through the historic Fremont area and the booming Arts District. If you want to visit the Mob Museum or the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets without paying for a cab, this is your best option. It runs Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm and Friday and Saturday from 3 pm to 10 pm.
5. Rideshare & Taxis
Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous in Vegas. However, note that Vegas has strict rules: drivers cannot pick you up on the side of the road. Every casino has a dedicated “Rideshare Pickup” area, usually located in the valet or parking garage. Check the signage inside the lobby before calling your car.
Taxi Tip: While rideshares are usually cheaper, Taxis at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) use a flat-rate system to the Strip ($22.25 to $30.25 depending on the zone, plus a $2.40 airport fee and $3 if you pay by card), which can sometimes be faster and more predictable than Uber surge pricing.
6. Rental Cars & Off-Strip Exploration
I only recommend a rental car if you plan on leaving the city limits. If your itinerary includes Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, or Valley of Fire, a car is essential.
Coach’s Reminder: Traffic on the Strip can be agonizing. If you are staying purely in the tourist corridor, the opportunity cost of spending an hour in traffic, not to mention the rising cost of casino parking, makes a rental car a poor choice for Strip-only trips.
More Las Vegas Guides
- Las Vegas itinerary
- The best luxury Las Vegas hotels
- The best shopping malls in Las Vegas
- Bellagio chocolate fountain
- The most famous movie hotels in Las Vegas
- About the Author
- More info
Tim Kroeger is the founder and editor of Universal Traveller, covering luxury stays and active travel. Based in Bangkok, he draws on 15+ years of travel across 112+ countries, from reviewing luxury hotels to bikepacking through Southeast Asia. He also writes about luxury wellness and longevity travel at tim-kroeger.com, where he developed the Restorative Index.
