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Las Vegas | The Ultimate Travel Guide

When to go, where to stay and what to do when you arrive in Sin City.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

Updated

Fact checked
Las Vegas strip at sunset

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Hedonistic debauchery thrives in the glitzy city of Las Vegas. Fondly nicknamed Sin City, it’s a place where punters can let their hair down, try their luck at the pokies, party inside infamous clubs, catch an acclaimed Vegas show and yes, get married by Elvis.

For those searching to see more of the state of Nevada, Las Vegas is also the gateway to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Both can visited on a day trip. That is, before returning to your big night on the infamous Strip.

Whatever your agenda just remember: what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

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    Getting around in Las Vegas

    From end to end, the Las Vegas Strip is long, but many of the main attractions such as the MGM Grand, CityCenter, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan and Caesar's Palace are all within easy walking distance of each other.

    A monorail along The Strip and buses run frequently and provide a good break from the heat. However, if you're up for the walk you can get from one end to the other, that is from the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay to Fashion Show Mall, in around an hour. Alternatively, a taxi ride can get you from A to B in 10 minutes.

    Those looking to explore beyond the Strip might consider renting a car. This is optimal if you wish to do day trips from Las Vegas, though it's not needed in the city itself as the public transit system is frequent and reliable and taxis are easily found.

    Public transport in Las Vegas

    • Types of transport: The RTC runs buses and a monorail in Las Vegas. The Deuce bus and monorail both cover the length of the Strip while the Strip and Downtown Express (SDX) bus connects the Strip to downtown Las Vegas. A free tram also runs between the Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo, Crystal and Bellagio hotels.
    • Paying for transport: Passes must be purchased using exact change on buses or ticket vending machines. Two-hour (US$6), 24-hour (US$8) and three-day (US$20) passes are available.
    • Getting to and from the airport: Bus routes 108 and 109 depart from level zero outside Terminal One of McCarran International Airport and offer similar routes, both of which will take you to the Strip. The Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) and Centennial Express (CX) depart from Terminal 3 at the departures curb on level 2.
    • Best apps for getting around: The rideRTC app provides route information, allows you to plan your trip and enables you to buy your tickets online.

    Taxis and rideshare

    Taxi: Taxis can't be hailed on the Strip. They can only be found at dedicated ranks outside hotels. If you're not on the Strip, taxis can be hailed from the road but must have a driveway or parking lot to pull into. Alternatively, taxis can be booked online in advance.

    Rideshare: Lyft and Uber are both available in Las Vegas. For an estimated price, from McCarran International Airport, which is located at the south end of The Strip, an Uber costs US$13–$35.

    Las Vegas car hire rental companies

    Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, E-Z Rent-a-Car, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty and Zipcar all service the McCarran International Airport.

    The car rental centre is located 5 kilometres from the airport. Blue and white shuttles are available from Terminals 1 and 3 to take you to the centre.

    Use DriveNow to compare rental prices and find the best deal.

    Airport transfers in Las Vegas

    Forget about public transport and start your holiday with a quick transfer from the airport to your hotel by booking an airport transfer beforehand.

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