Las Vegas Airport Transportation Guide

Welcome to Las Vegas, are we having fun yet? It’s a race to get to the hotel, get checked in, and head for the nearest bar/lounge/casino/whatever.

Lucky for everyone eager to get their Las Vegas getaway started with as little delay as possible, McCarran Airport is located conveniently close to where you probably want to be. The trip from the airport to the Strip is just over three miles, and the distance to Fremont Street is about six miles. That means you can get from the airport to where the action is in no more than 15-20 minutes, even with moderate traffic.

Here is your unofficial (but very much up-to-date) Las Vegas airport transportation guide.

See 7 tips, like when to book your ticket, from the Hopper research team that can save travelers hundreds on their flights to Las Vegas.

Photo by Lisa Bettany/Flickr

Taxis to and from the city

Step outside the airport and you will see a line of taxis as far as the eye can see. In the city, taxis are even more ubiquitous - they are literally everywhere. Get in one and tell the nice driver where you want to go. The cost depends on your exact destination and traffic, but a ride from McCarran Airport to the Strip runs about $8-20, and getting to Fremont Street is a bit more than that. Yes, you can bring drinks into cabs in Vegas.

Shuttles to and from the city

Shuttle services from McCarran Airport to the Strip and other locations in the city are nearly as plentiful as taxis. There are several waiting at the airport, as well as at major locations around the city. Cost depends again on location and traffic, but $4 is a good ballpark and the ride will take slightly longer than a taxi ride because of the extra stops. You can also call to arrange a shuttle pick up, but they are so plentiful you probably won’t need to.

Limousine services to and from the city

Hey there, big shot! If you prefer the comfort, esteem, and grace of travel via beefed up stretch Hummer, luxury sedan or limousine, you are in luck: Las Vegas has about a billion limos available for you and your fellow 1-percenters. This includes towncars, which are slightly less ostentatious and every bit as comfortable. Cost will be around $40 for a ride anywhere in town, but if you win big at the casino you can usually score a comp. Got a big crew? Limo buses, limo vans, and probably limo blimps are also available.

Car rental options at the airport

Ah, the freedom of having your own car. McCarran Airport hosts all the major car rental agencies, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Dollar. Prices (including standard fees) are about what you expect anywhere: $40/day is your floor and you can pay a lot more if you want a fancy ride. Vegas has several exotic car rental firms if you really want to make a splash. Book online to get the best prices and avoid waiting at the counter. Almost every casino and hotel offers free parking, so you won’t have to pay through the nose when you’re on your feet.

Public transportation to and from the city

McCarran Airport offers public bus service (RTC) to the city from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. You can get to the Strip, Fremont Street, and most parts in-between for $2, or pay $5 for a day pass. RTC also offers passes good for service anywhere on the Strip, Downtown, and to residential stops: $6 for a 2-hour pass, $8 for 24-hours, and $20 for a 3-day pass. The airport has vending machines that sell passes, or purchase them online or on the bus. Plan for a longer trip (but not much longer) if you’re taking the bus.

Hotel shuttle buses/pick ups:

Select casinos and hotels offer courtesy shuttle rides to and from the airport. Check with your hotel or casino to find out if you are one of the lucky ones. Service is very regular and the routes are quick so you won’t spend extra time waiting around. The front desk or concierge can give you exact service times, so check ahead to make sure you have time to make your flight. Pickup/drop-off areas are located outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

See more travel information on the Las Vegas airport from Hopper, like where to eat and the best lounges