Here are some of the best ways to get from McCarran Airport to the Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas, one of the world's most popular travel destinations, is open for business once again.
But, after more than a year of being effectively shut down, the city feels different in many ways. One of the ways in which this is most apparent is the process of getting from the city's McCarran International Airport (LAS) to the Strip.
The airport is only a few miles from The Strip and typically, the journey to most points of interest there lasts only about 10 minutes. However, alongside a recovery in travel has come a severe rental car shortage, leading to very tight inventory with many agencies and sky-high prices.
Further, popular ride-hailing services have been tricky since we've begun to come out of the pandemic. Many drivers who in the past worked with Uber or Lyft -- or both -- have gone off the road and not come back. This has led to frustration among riders who, before the pandemic were used to plentiful options for rides and reasonable prices. Now, though, waits tend to be long, and prices have gone up considerably.
TPG staffers experienced the issue first-hand when they recently traveled to Las Vegas to cover the opening of Resorts World Las Vegas. Zach Griff noted excessively long wait times -- both for taxis and ride-hailing options like Uber -- at both the airport and at the hotel on the morning of checkout. In fact, the long wait times (and cancellation from an Uber driver) almost caused him to miss his flight home.
So, knowing that getting from the airport to the Strip is anything but normal these days, we wanted to run down the best options for you to consider on your next trip to Sin City.
Rent a car
If you lock in your Las Vegas plans well in advance, renting a car could be a viable option. Avis, for example, has numerous locations along The Strip, including at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria City Center, Mandalay Bay and more. So, in theory you could rent a car for a couple of hours after arriving in Las Vegas and then return it at one of the numerous locations on The Strip. Or, you could rent a car for your whole trip and stay at a hotel that offers free parking, including The Palazzo and Venetian, the Cosmopolitan (for guests only), Circus Circus (only self-parking is free) or one of the several M Life properties that offer free parking to elite members, which can be attained through a status match with World of Hyatt.
Take a shuttle
Several companies offer shared shuttles that transport guests between the airport and The Strip. Choosing a shared shuttle won't break the bank either, with rides typically starting from $30 per person round-trip. These shuttles will make multiple stops along the way, though, so if you're in a hurry or simply don't want to deal with a journey with stops, that may not be the best option for you. You can find major shuttle companies here, and most offer other ride options, including shared limousines, private limousines, private SUVs, private buses and more.
Ride the city bus
Las Vegas isn't a city known for its public transit options, but you can take the city bus to The Strip. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has bus stops at Terminals 1 and 3 at McCarran Airport. If you embark at Terminal 1, you'll connect to the South Strip Transit Terminal, where you can catch another bus that will bring you to The Strip. Factoring in the connection to other lines, a journey on the bus may take quite some time -- especially given how close LAS is to The Strip -- but it's very economical and relatively reliable given its adherence to a set schedule.
You can purchase tickets at the vending machine located at Level Zero in Terminal 1 or download RTC's app to purchase fares and plan your trip ahead of time.
Book a limousine
Limousines are a common sight in Las Vegas, even as they've become increasingly rare in other cities. They're such a fixture of Las Vegas, in fact, that there are walk-up limo services located at the airport, standing by to whisk your group to The Strip in style. Of course, you can book your limo trip in advance through many providers. Alternatively, your hotel can arrange a limo to pick you up at the airport. Of course, it's not the cheapest way to get from the airport to your hotel, but if you're traveling with a group, it may not end up being terribly expensive -- and what says "Vegas" more than a limo transfer?
Take a regular old taxi
It may seem decidedly low-tech, but traditional taxi cabs are still an option in Las Vegas. There are designated taxi lines outside Terminals 1 and 3, and several companies offer airport pickups. They tend to be on the expensive side, and you may be waiting longer than you'd like, but they're a safe and reliable way to get from the airport to The Strip.
Use a ride-hailing service -- but plan ahead
Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft became ubiquitous in Las Vegas in recent years due to the city not being particularly friendly for pedestrians and the relatively low cost compared to traditional taxis. However, as the city has rebounded, ride-hailing services have been plagued with long waits for riders and higher prices. However, if you plan ahead, it doesn't have to be as frustrating an experience.
As TPG's Zach Griff notes, if you're only traveling with carry-on luggage, you can request your ride before you pull up to the gate, so your ride is waiting for you (or very close) when you eventually get to the pick-up area on Level 2 in the airport's parking garage. Additionally, you could take the "Red Line" tram to Terminal 3, which is much less congested these days due to a lack of flights arriving from international destinations. Pick up at Terminal 3 is located on the Valet Level.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.