Is It Easy to Get Around Vegas Without a Car?

Las Vegas, the dazzling entertainment capital of the world, is a city that never sleeps. Indeed, the traffic is nearly constant., and there isn't nearly enough parking. When it comes to exploring Sin City, many travelers wonder: is it easy to get around Vegas without a car? 

Short answer: Yes, it's relatively easy to get around Las Vegas without a car.

Long answer: Many of Vegas' top attractions and hotels are close to each other, so a car isn't absolutely necessary. However, going beyond the central area without a car is more difficult. There are several ways to get around without a car, so let's dive into the various transportation options.

Walking Around the Las Vegas Strip

If there's one area where you don't need a car, it's the famous Las Vegas Strip. This boulevard stretches for about 4.2 miles (6.7 km) and is lined with resorts, attractions, and entertainment venues. 

Luckily, the Strip is pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and numerous crosswalks making it easy to navigate on foot. You can stroll leisurely, taking in the neon lights, and iconic landmarks without worrying about parking or traffic congestion.

Related Reading: What to Do in Las Vegas for a Week

However, even though the Strip is technically walkable, it's also deceptively long. Walking between nearby attractions is easy, but walking from one end of the Strip to the other usually isn't preferable. This is especially the case in summer.

Luckily, there are other options for when you want to travel further.

The Las Vegas Bus System

The most popular bus routes for tourists are The Deuce and SDX (Strip & Downtown Express). These buses run 24/7, allowing you to explore the Strip and beyond at your convenience. 

The Deuce is a double-decker bus which makes it great for sight-seeing. It offers a scenic ride with frequent stops. 

It's still a relatively fast transport option, though, as it runs every 15–20 minutes. There are stops at or near all the major hotels, as well as on Fremont Street in Downtown.

The SDX provides a quicker, limited-stop service. It goes from the Strip to Downtown. There's also the DVX, which goes from Downtown to Fremont. 

All three options are affordable, with various ticketing options available, including single-ride, 1-day, and 3-day passes.

Riding the Las Vegas Monorail

Running along the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard, the Monorail connects several major resorts and offers a swift and scenic ride above the bustling streets. It's a convenient option for those who prefer to avoid crowds or want to reach their destination quickly. 

The Monorail has 7 stations along the Strip, stretching from MGM Grand all the way to Sahara. The hours vary (check out the website), but generally the Monorail runs from 7 am to 2 am.

Taking the Monorail is also quite affordable. A single ride costs $5 and a 24-hour pass costs $13.45. You can even purchase a 7-day pass for $57.50.

However, it's important to note that the Monorail doesn't extend beyond the Strip, so you'll need to consider alternative modes of transportation if you plan to explore other areas of the city.

Ride-Sharing Services and Taxis in Las Vegas

If you're looking for convenience and flexibility, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Las Vegas. 

Ride-sharing is a great option for getting around Las Vegas in general. It's particularly useful, though, when you want to venture beyond the Strip or visit attractions off the beaten path. 

Taxis are also abundant but you can't just hail a taxi anywhere on the Strip and hop in. This is actually prohibited in Las Vegas (including for ridesharing services! 

Instead, there are taxi stands at hotels, attractions, and malls. You can also call for pickup, but you'll still have to meet your taxi at one of the designated areas.

Just keep in mind that during peak hours or major events, you may experience longer wait times.

Exploring Outside of Las Vegas Without a Car

While getting around the Strip without a car is pretty easy, exploring the greater Las Vegas area isn't so simple.

Public transportation options, such as buses, are available but might not be as frequent or convenient as within the city center. There are also very few public transportation options that will take you outside of the city as a whole. 

If you plan to visit attractions like Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon, renting a car or booking guided tours from Las Vegas are more suitable options. These excursions include transportation and offer the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide, plus handling all the planning for you.

Even some of the closest attractions to Las Vegas, like Red Rock Canyon and Seven Magic Mountains, require you to have a car or book a shuttle tour.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Las Vegas without a car is actually quite easy, especially within the bustling heart of the city along the Strip. There are various transportation options to suit every traveler's needs. 

• For short distances, walking is the best option, as the Las Vegas Strip is pretty pedestrian-friendly. For slightly longer distances along the Strip, consider the Monorail or the Deuce.
• The Monorail only services the Strip, though, so take the SDX or DVX  to get around areas like Downtown or Fremont.
• Ridesharing or taking a taxi are two options that are great in most situations, but beware that the costs can pile up fast if you use them a lot.
• If you plan to explore areas outside of the city center, you'll likely need to consider booking a guided tour. 

Within the city itself, though, pack your walking shoes, grab a bus pass or call a taxi, and get ready to immerse yourself in the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas.

P.S. If you haven't decided yet where you want to stay while in Vegas, check out our comprehensive infographic on the best hotels in Las Vegas.