How to avoid paying parking fees in Las Vegas
Editor's Note
Travel to Las Vegas is booming, and the year ahead promises to be another exciting one for the city.
While Fontainebleau Las Vegas and The Sphere (the $1.8 billion entertainment venue and largest spherical structure in the world) opened in 2023, each continues to draw crowds. Of course, travelers also flock to the area for the nonstop, around-the-clock entertainment and casinos, the dynamic food scene and the wealth of hotels.
One thing that can be hard to find in this city, though? Free parking.
Related: The best hotels in Las Vegas
If you’d rather spend your money on dinner, drinks, a show or the casino instead of parking, we have good news: We’ve found several ways to park without paying fees.
This includes seeking out hotels offering free parking to guests and visitors. We also have a few workarounds for scoring free parking on The Strip.
Here are all the tips and tricks you need to know.
Stay at a hotel that offers free parking
Whether you’re looking for a budget or a luxury property, several hotels on and around The Strip offer free parking.
If you bring your car and free parking is paramount, plan to visit Strip stalwarts Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Sahara Las Vegas, Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and Treasure Island Las Vegas. These hotels all offer free parking for both visitors and hotel guests.
Some hotels offer free parking for hotel guests only. These include The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (where there’s also free valet), Wynn Las Vegas and Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.
Over at the IHG-associated Venetian and Palazzo, Venetian Grazie Rewards Premier members and above receive complimentary self-parking. Nevada residents receive three hours of complimentary self-parking by scanning their valid Nevada driver’s license at a self-parking kiosk. Note: IHG will cut ties with the Venetian in 2025, so this policy may change.
Free parking through MGM and Caesar Rewards
Elite members of MGM’s rewards program get free parking at MGM Resorts properties — including Cosmopolitan, Bellagio Las Vegas, Aria Resort & Casino and MGM Grand — depending on their status level. Currently, members with Pearl status or higher receive free self-parking, while those with Gold status or higher qualify for free valet.
Self-parking is also complimentary for current MGM Rewards Mastercard cardholders.
MGM Rewards members with Pearl status or higher are eligible for complimentary special event parking, too.
Related: 18 things to know before staying at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas
For Caesars loyalists, Caesars Rewards offers free valet and self-parking to those with Platinum status or higher.
Free parking at shopping malls
If you want free parking during the day and don’t mind a short trek to your destination, consider parking at a shopping center. Fashion Show Las Vegas mall, The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay and the Shops at Crystals offer free self-parking.
Parking at a shopping mall for free might be convenient if you visit different nearby casinos that don’t offer free parking. Just be aware of mall hours. Also, move your car when the stores are closed since overnight parking isn’t allowed.
Related: Yes, Las Vegas can be done on a tight budget — here’s how
Free parking for veterans
Caesars Entertainment has a special discount program for veterans, active U.S. military members and their spouses.
Salute members receive complimentary parking at Caesars hotels, including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and others. Salute also offers discounts on dining and show tickets.
Free parking for local residents
Being a local pays for finding free parking in Las Vegas.
At all MGM resorts, Nevada residents receive up to three hours of complimentary self-parking by showing a valid Nevada driver’s license at the exit gate, except during special events.
Local residents also get three hours of free parking at Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Horseshoe Las Vegas (a Bally’s property) and Hard Rock (formerly The Mirage). Three hours of free parking at Paris Las Vegas is also available for Nevada residents.
Use a ride-hailing service
If you want to avoid parking fees and the hassle of renting a car, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are the way to go.
You can hail a ride from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to a hotel on The Strip for about $25. Getting around without a rental car is feasible and free, thanks to complimentary shuttles offered between popular hotels on The Strip.
Bottom line
Travel to Vegas is booming, but you don’t need to dip into your entertainment funds to pay for parking.
Instead, follow these tips to avoid parking fees in Las Vegas this coming year, and use the money you save to play and stay in Sin City.
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- 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.
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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. |
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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.