Airports

McCarran airport is located one mile (2km) south of the Las Vegas Strip. The two airport terminals are connected by free shuttle buses.

There are regular buses going to and from the airport, downtown Las Vegas and The Strip, dropping off at most hotels; buses 108 and 109 connect to the Downtown Transportation Center and the South Strip Transfer Terminal. Shuttle services are available on west side of the baggage claim area, outside exits 7-13. Expect to pay $12 for a round-trip. There are also taxis available outside Arrivals, but the short ride is expensive.

There are taxis available outside Arrivals at Las Vegas McCarran Airport on the east side of baggage claim outside door exits 1-5. A taxi to the centre of Las Vegas costs around $14 with downtown fares being slightly more expensive and shuttle services run to the main strip for a cost of roughly $4 to $5. The meter starts at $1.80 when departing the airport. Taxis do not generally accept credit cards.

Las Vegas airport has a number of shops, bars and restaurants, and of course lots of slot machines. There are ATMs, a full-service bank and currency exchange in Arrivals and Departures. Free wireless Internet connections are available for those with their own Wi-Fi enabled computers and Internet kiosks are located in the C and D Gates. There is also a Fitness Centre, children's play area, shoe-shiners and information booths.

Parking: There is plenty of parking around the airport. A free shuttle bus links the remote car park with the terminals.

Getting Around Las Vegas

Most visits to Las Vegas are confined to the Strip and downtown, so it is not necessary to hire a car as both are easily navigable by foot and there are several forms of transport that can be used. Public transport is limited to buses, but private trolley services, taxicabs, monorail links and free shuttle services, courtesy of the casinos, are also available.

Buses and Monorail

Local buses run the length of the Strip and into downtown and operate 24 hours a day with a flat fare including transfers. The old-fashioned Las Vegas Strip Trolley also runs the length of the Strip from 9.30am to 2am, and the Downtown Trolley circles between the Stratosphere and downtown from 7am to 11pm. A state-of-the-art monorail runs above the streets, operating from 7am to 2pm daily between the Sahara Hotel and the MGM Grand.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful and can be found lined up outside every hotel and casino and at taxi stands. Car hire is popular with visitors although it is best to avoid driving along the Strip as traffic is heavy and there is little parking available.

Car Rental

Cars are the most practical way to explore outside Las Vegas, although there are bus tours offered to Hoover Dam. Visitors need a valid driver's license and must be 21 years old; under-25s are usually subject to surcharges. To really fit in, why not consider hiring a limousine? Although not entirely practical, it can be a fun way to feel part of the glitz and glamour and there are several limousine agencies in the city.