Local Transportation Master Guide of Las Vegas (Bus, Apps, Passes, Rail, Cabs, EVs + More)

Las Vegas looks compact on a map, but the Strip is long, the blocks are huge, and walking times can surprise you. This guide breaks down every practical way to get around—RTC buses + passes (with apps), “metro” options (Monorail + Loop), rail connections, taxis, rideshare, e-cars, bikes, scooters, and more.

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Table of Contents

• Quick “Best Option” Cheat Sheet
• BUS (RTC): Routes, Apps, Passes, Airport Buses
• “METRO” in Las Vegas (What It Really Means)
• Las Vegas Monorail: Stations, Hours, Tickets
• Vegas Loop / LVCC Loop (Convention Center Tunnels)
• Free Resort Trams (Short-Hop Options)
• TAXI / CAB: Where to Get One + Airport Flat Rates
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Airport Pickups + Tips
• RAIL & Intercity: Amtrak Connections + Brightline West
• Car Rentals & E-Cars (EVs)
• Bikes, E-Bikes, Scooters
• Shuttles, Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off
• Smart Tips (Money + Time)
• FAQs

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Quick “Best Option” Cheat Sheet

Airport → Strip

• Fast + predictable: Taxi (flat-rate zones)
• Often cheapest: RTC bus (108/109/CX) (Harry Reid International Airport)
• Flexible: Rideshare (varies by demand) (Harry Reid International Airport)

Strip hotel → Strip hotel (east side)

• Skip traffic: Las Vegas Monorail (Las Vegas Monorail)

Strip ↔ Downtown

• Simple + budget: The Deuce bus (24/7) (RTCWS)

Downtown attractions hopping

• Free: Downtown Loop shuttle (Las Vegas Nevada)

Convention Center campus

• Fastest on-site: Vegas Loop at LVCC (Las Vegas Visitors Authority)

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BUS (RTC): Routes, App, Passes

Las Vegas public buses are run by the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada). For visitors, the big wins are:

• The Deuce (Strip ↔ Downtown)
• Airport buses (108, 109, CX)
• Passes that make hopping around affordable (RTCWS)

1) Must-Know Tourist Bus: The Deuce (Strip ↔ Downtown)

• Runs 24 hours a day, every day (RTCWS)
• Scheduled frequency is often around every ~20 minutes (traffic can affect it) (RTCWS)

2) RTC Passes (Most Visitors Use These)

RTC lists these Strip/Downtown (SDX/DEUCE) fares: (RTCWS)

• 2-Hour Pass: $6
• 24-Hour Pass: $8
• 3-Day Pass: $20

RTC also lists separate Residential and Reduced Fare options (useful if you qualify or you’re staying off-Strip). (RTCWS)

3) Bus App You Need: RideRTC

RideRTC lets you buy passes on your phone, plan trips, and manage transit info. (Google Play)

Pro tip: If you’re doing more than 2–3 rides in a day, a 24-hour pass usually beats paying repeatedly.

4) Airport Buses (LAS / Harry Reid International)

From the airport, these RTC routes are the key ones: (Harry Reid International Airport)

• Route 108
• Route 109
• Centennial Express (CX)

Where to board:

• Terminal 1: Buses stop on Level Zero (Harry Reid International Airport)
• Terminal 3: CX also serves Terminal 3, and the airport provides directions to the Terminal 3 bus stop location (Harry Reid International Airport)

Accessibility: RTC paratransit is available by reservation. (Harry Reid International Airport)

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“METRO” in Las Vegas (What It Really Means)

Las Vegas doesn’t have a subway-style metro like NYC or London. Instead, the closest “metro-like” options are:

• Las Vegas Monorail (elevated line along the Strip’s east side) (Las Vegas Monorail)
• Vegas Loop at LVCC (underground shuttle system focused on the Convention Center area) (Las Vegas Visitors Authority)

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Las Vegas Monorail (Stations, Hours, Passes)

Stations (7 total)

From north to south: SAHARA, Westgate, Boingo Station at Las Vegas Convention Center, Harrah’s/The LINQ, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Horseshoe/Paris, MGM Grand. (Las Vegas Monorail)

Operating Hours

• Mon: 7am–12am
• Tue–Thu: 7am–2am
• Fri–Sun: 7am–3am (Las Vegas Monorail)

Ticket Prices (Full Fare vs eTicket)

• One ride: $6 (full) / $5.50 (eTicket)
• 1-day unlimited: $15 / $13.45
• 2-day: $26 / $23.75
• 3-day: $32 / $29.95
• 4-day: $39 / $37
• 5-day: $47 / $44.50
• 7-day: $62 / $57.50 (Las Vegas Monorail)

Extra helpful rules:

• Kids 5 and under ride free (Las Vegas Monorail)
• Time on unlimited passes starts at first gate use and runs for the pass duration (Las Vegas Monorail)

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Vegas Loop / LVCC Loop (Convention Center Tunnels)

If you’re attending a convention, this can be a huge time-saver:

• Connects key parts of the LVCC campus, including West Hall and the North/Central/South areas, via multiple passenger stations (Las Vegas Visitors Authority)
• VegasMeansBusiness notes public stations that include Resorts World, Westgate, and Encore (availability can depend on operations/events) (Vegas Means Business)

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Free Resort Trams (Short-Hop Options)

Las Vegas also has free trams that connect specific resort clusters (great when you’re in that exact area).

• One well-known example is the free tram connecting Excalibur–Luxor–Mandalay Bay, with published operating hours listed by Visit Las Vegas. (Visit Las Vegas)

Note: Trams are run by resorts; schedules can shift seasonally.

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TAXI / CAB (Including Airport Flat Rates)

Where to get a taxi at the airport

Harry Reid Airport notes:

• Taxi service is regulated by the Nevada Taxicab Authority
• All taxi companies accept credit cards
• Taxis are available at both terminals and the Rent-A-Car Center (Harry Reid International Airport)

Airport → Strip Flat-Rate Zones

Nevada’s taxi authority publishes an airport/Strip zone fare map (example fares commonly shown: $21, $25, $29 depending on hotel/zone).

Tip: Confirm your hotel zone (1/2/3) before you get in, and make sure the ride is direct (non-stop) if you’re expecting the flat-rate.

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Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Harry Reid Airport confirms Uber and Lyft are authorized at the airport. (Harry Reid International Airport)

Airport pickup basics (important):

• Drop-offs are at regular departures curbs
• Pick-ups are at designated locations (for Terminal 1, the airport directs riders to the parking garage area) (Harry Reid International Airport)

Tip: Prices can swing a lot—check rideshare price vs taxi flat-rate before choosing.

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RAIL (and Intercity Options)

Is there a passenger train station in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas currently relies on connecting services rather than a traditional downtown passenger rail station. Amtrak lists a Las Vegas Downtown bus stop location used for connecting services to nearby Amtrak stations. (Amtrak)

Amtrak also explains how Thruway/connecting services extend Amtrak’s reach using buses/vans with guaranteed connections in many cases. (Amtrak)

Brightline West (Future High-Speed Rail)

Brightline West’s project overview describes a planned high-speed rail connection between Las Vegas and Southern California, with service described as running Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga largely within the I-15 median. (Brightline West)
They also announced a major groundbreaking milestone in 2024. (Brightline)

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Car Rentals & E-Cars (EVs)

Renting a car at LAS

Harry Reid Airport provides a rental car page with shuttle pickup details from terminals to the consolidated Rent-A-Car Center. (Harry Reid International Airport)

Using an EV in Vegas (Practical Tips)

• If you’re staying on-Strip, check whether your hotel has on-site charging or nearby public chargers.
• For day trips (Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire), an EV can be great—just plan charging around peak heat and high A/C usage.

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Bikes, E-Bikes, Scooters

RTC Bike Share (Downtown)

RTC Bike Share advertises electric bikes with stations in Downtown Las Vegas and 24/7 availability (service details depend on current operations). (RTC Bike Share)

E-scooters / e-bikes rules

Rules can vary by jurisdiction. Clark County notes that cities (Las Vegas, Henderson, etc.) may have different guidelines than unincorporated county areas. (Clark County)

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Shuttles, Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off (Etc.)

Other common ways to move around:

• Shared airport shuttles (good for groups; slower with stops)
• Hotel shuttles (some properties offer limited routes/times)
• Hop-on hop-off tour buses (best when you’re sightseeing more than commuting)
• Private transfers/limo services (best for groups, nightlife, or tight schedules)

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Smart Tips (Save Time + Money)

• The Strip is deceptive: walking “one hotel away” can still be 15–25 minutes.
• For repeated rides, buy RTC 24-hour or 3-day passes. (RTCWS)
• Use Monorail multi-day passes if you’re staying mainly on the east Strip side and moving a lot at night. (Las Vegas Monorail)
• For conventions: check if Vegas Loop is running for your event days—it can be dramatically faster across the LVCC campus. (Las Vegas Visitors Authority)
• From the airport: compare taxi flat-rate vs rideshare before committing.

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FAQs

What’s the cheapest way to get around Las Vegas?
For many visitors, it’s RTC buses with a day pass, especially for Strip ↔ Downtown. (RTCWS)

Does Las Vegas have a metro/subway?
Not a subway-style metro. The closest equivalents are the Monorail and the LVCC-focused Vegas Loop. (Las Vegas Monorail)

Is the Monorail 24/7?
No—hours vary by day (latest is 3am on Fri–Sun). (Las Vegas Monorail)

Which is best from the airport: taxi or rideshare?
Taxis can be predictable due to zone flat-rates; rideshare can be cheaper or more expensive depending on demand.

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Navigating Las Vegas is as exciting as the city itself, with numerous transportation options designed to suit every traveler’s needs. From the iconic double-decker Deuce buses cruising along the vibrant Strip to the sleek and efficient monorail connecting major casinos, getting around is both convenient and enjoyable. For those looking to venture beyond the city lights, rental cars and shuttle services offer access to stunning natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam. Whether you’re strolling along the Strip, hopping on a rideshare, or indulging in a luxury limousine ride, Las Vegas ensures that every journey becomes a part of your unforgettable experience.

Local Transportation Guide in Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas offers a variety of transportation options to suit every budget and convenience. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

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Mode of Transport	Details	Best For	Cost
The Deuce (RTC Buses)	Double-decker buses that run 24/7 along the Las Vegas Strip and downtown.	Affordable travel between major attractions on the Strip and Fremont Street.	$6 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours, $20 for 3 days.
Las Vegas Monorail	Runs along the east side of the Strip, connecting major hotels and casinos from MGM Grand to SAHARA.	Fast and convenient for getting around the Strip without traffic delays.	$5 per ride, $13 for a 24-hour pass, $39 for 3 days.
Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft)	Popular apps available throughout Las Vegas, including the airport and suburbs.	Quick and flexible transportation, especially during late hours or for non-Strip destinations.	$10–$25 for most trips on the Strip.
Taxis	Widely available but can be more expensive than rideshares.	Direct transportation, especially for quick trips or airport commutes.	$3.50 base fare + $2.76 per mile. Minimum fare from the airport: ~$23.
Rental Cars	Available at McCarran Rental Car Center and throughout the city.	Exploring beyond Las Vegas, like Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam.	$40–$100/day + parking fees.
Shuttle Services	Some hotels offer free or low-cost shuttles between the Strip, downtown, and nearby areas.	Cost-effective for group travel and airport transfers.	Free–$15 per person (varies by provider).
Walking	The Strip is walkable, but distances between casinos can be longer than they appear.	Exploring the Strip’s attractions at your own pace.	Free! Comfortable shoes recommended.
Scooters and Bikes	Electric scooters and bike rentals are available for short distances.	Quick and fun way to explore the Strip or nearby areas.	$10–$30/hour.
Airport Shuttles	Shared rides from Harry Reid International Airport to hotels.	Budget-friendly transportation for solo travelers.	$10–$15 per person.
Limousines	Available for private hire and often included with luxury hotel packages.	Special occasions or a luxurious way to explore Las Vegas.	$75–$150/hour.

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Tips for Getting Around Las Vegas:

1. Avoid Peak Traffic: Traffic on the Strip can get heavy, especially on weekends. Use the monorail or walk for short distances.
2. Plan Your Passes: Multi-day passes for buses or the monorail can save money if you plan to use public transport frequently.
3. Parking Fees: Many Strip hotels charge for parking, so check rates if you’re driving.
4. Late-Night Travel: Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are more reliable than public transit late at night.
5. Walking Precautions: Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated, especially in the summer heat.

This guide ensures you can navigate Las Vegas with ease, whether you’re exploring the Strip, downtown, or beyond!