Las Vegas is a city built for tourism and it is remarkably easy to visit, but there are specific things you should know before arriving that will save you money, time, and hassle. This guide covers practical travel tips for Las Vegas including airport transport, getting around, tipping, safety, and frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.
Getting to and from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS, code formerly McCarran) sits at the southern end of the Strip, just 3.2km (2 miles) from Mandalay Bay and 8km (5 miles) from the central Strip. Terminal 1 serves domestic flights (Southwest, Spirit, Delta, American, United) and Terminal 3 serves international flights plus a few domestic carriers (Frontier, JetBlue). The terminals are not connected airside; you need to take a shuttle bus between them. Taxis from the airport to the Strip are a flat-rate system by zone: US$19 to the South Strip (Mandalay Bay to MGM Grand), US$23 to the Central Strip (Bellagio to Caesars), and US$27 to the North Strip (Wynn, Venetian, STRAT). Rideshare pickup at Terminal 1 is on level 2 of the parking garage; at Terminal 3 it is on the arrivals level curb. Rideshare pricing averages US$12 to $18 to the Strip, slightly cheaper than taxis but subject to surge during peak arrivals (Friday evenings, major convention days). The public bus (RTC Route 109) connects the airport to the South Strip Transit Terminal for US$2 per ride but the bus does not go directly to Strip hotels. For more on getting around once you are in the city, see the Las Vegas neighborhoods guide.
Getting Around Las Vegas
Walking is viable on the Strip but distances are deceptive: what looks like a short walk on a map is often 15 to 20 minutes between adjacent mega-resorts. The pedestrian bridges at every major intersection mean you climb stairs to cross streets. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk 10,000+ steps per day without trying. The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip from MGM Grand to the Sahara with seven stations. Single rides cost US$6 and a 24-hour pass is US$14. The monorail is fast and air-conditioned but does not serve the west side of the Strip (Bellagio, Caesars, Wynn), where a 10-minute walk from the nearest station is required. The Deuce bus (double-decker, Route SDX and Deuce) runs 24/7 along the Strip from the South Strip Transit Terminal to Downtown, stopping at nearly every major intersection. A 2-hour pass costs US$6, a 24-hour pass costs US$8, and a 3-day pass is US$20. Rideshare (Uber and Lyft) is widely available with pickup zones at every hotel. A typical Strip-to-Strip ride costs US$8 to $14. Taxis are metered and readily available at hotel taxi stands; a Strip-to-Downtown taxi runs US$20 to $30.
Tipping in Las Vegas
Tipping is essential in Las Vegas. The city’s service industry runs on gratuities. Restaurants: 18% to 20% of the pre-tax bill (most restaurants auto-add 18% for parties of 6 or more). Bartenders: US$1 to $2 per drink for beer or simple mixed drinks, US$2 to $5 for cocktails. Cocktail servers on the casino floor: US$1 to $2 per drink; tip well on your first round and the server will return more frequently. Hotel housekeeping: US$2 to $5 per night, left daily rather than at the end of your stay since staff rotates. Valet: US$2 to $5 when picking up your car. Bellhop: US$1 to $3 per bag. Uber and Lyft: 15% to 20% via the app. Casino dealers: a US$5 to $25 chip tip periodically if you are winning or when leaving a table is standard. Taxi: 10% to 15%.
Safety in Las Vegas
The Strip and Downtown are heavily policed with a visible security presence at every casino resort. The main tourist areas are safe at all hours; the biggest risk is pickpocketing in dense crowds on the Strip at night or on Fremont Street during events. Avoid walking off the Strip at night east of Las Vegas Boulevard (toward Koval Lane and Paradise Road), where street lighting is poor and homeless encampments exist. The area around the STRAT and north of Sahara Avenue becomes sketchy after dark; use rideshare rather than walking. Las Vegas tap water is safe to drink but is hard water that does not taste great; most visitors buy bottled water. Drink significantly more water than you think you need. The dry desert air dehydrates you quickly and this is amplified by alcohol consumption. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are the most common medical issues tourists face, particularly from June through September.
Las Vegas Travel FAQ
Do I need a car in Las Vegas?
No, you do not need a car if you are staying on the Strip or Downtown. Walking, the monorail, the Deuce bus, and rideshare will cover all your needs within the main tourist areas. A car becomes useful only if you plan day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, or the Grand Canyon. Rental cars at LAS airport start at US$35 per day. All Strip hotels charge for parking: US$18 to $25 per day for self-parking at MGM and Caesars properties. Downtown hotels generally charge US$10 to $15 per day.
What is the legal drinking and gambling age?
Both the legal drinking age and gambling age in Nevada are 21. This is strictly enforced. Anyone under 21 cannot loiter in casino gaming areas and must keep moving on designated walkways through casino floors. Nightclubs, pool parties, and most bars are 21+ only. There are very few 18+ venues in Las Vegas.
How much should I budget per day?
Budget travelers can do Las Vegas for US$80 to $120 per day including a budget hotel, fast-casual meals, and limited gambling. Mid-range travelers should budget US$200 to $350 per day for a decent Strip hotel, one sit-down meal, shows, and moderate gambling. Luxury travelers will spend US$500+ per day. Resort fees add US$35 to $55 per night to the listed room rate. Drinks on the casino floor are free while you are actively gambling (tip US$1 to $2 per drink), which is the cheapest way to drink in Las Vegas. For more on managing your accommodation budget, check the where to stay in Las Vegas guide.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
March through May and September through November offer the best balance of comfortable weather and manageable crowds. April and October are the two best single months. For a complete month-by-month breakdown of weather, events, and seasonal pricing, see the best time to visit Las Vegas guide and the Las Vegas weather by month guide.
Can you smoke in Las Vegas casinos?
Yes, smoking is permitted on the casino floor in almost all Las Vegas casinos. It is prohibited in restaurants, hotel lobbies, theaters, and the common areas of most resorts. Park MGM is the only completely non-smoking casino resort on the Strip. Some casinos have designated non-smoking sections.
Is Las Vegas a good destination for families?
Las Vegas markets itself as a family destination but the reality is mixed. Daytime attractions like the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, and pool complexes work well for families. However, the Strip environment at night is heavily focused on alcohol, gambling, and adult entertainment. You will pass people drinking openly and there is sexually suggestive advertising on mobile billboards and handbill distribution, especially between 6pm and midnight. If you bring children, stay at a resort with strong family amenities (Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand) and plan to be off the Strip in the evening or stick to contained resort environments.
What is the dress code in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is casual during the day: shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are standard everywhere including casinos. At night, the dress code tightens: most nightclubs require collared shirts, dress shoes, and no athletic wear for men. High-end restaurants (Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, e by Jose Andres) require business casual to formal attire. Pool parties require swimwear (no street clothes) and have specific bag policies; check individual venue websites before going.
Suggested Hotels in Las Vegas
Choosing the right hotel shapes your entire Las Vegas experience. Here are three recommendations across luxury, mid-range, and budget tiers, all centrally located on the Strip.
Wynn Las Vegas (Luxury)
The Wynn at 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S delivers the highest standard of service on the Strip, with 59 square meter rooms, an award-winning pool complex, and multiple fine dining restaurants including Wing Lei. The property consistently ranks at the top of guest satisfaction surveys for Las Vegas resorts. Best for couples and luxury travelers. Check rates and availability
Paris Las Vegas (Mid-Range)
Paris Las Vegas at 3655 Las Vegas Blvd S sits in the Central Strip directly across from the Bellagio Fountains. Renovated rooms, reasonable rates, and a peerless location make it an excellent mid-range choice. Best for first-time visitors who want maximum Strip convenience. Check rates and availability
Excalibur (Budget)
Excalibur at 3850 Las Vegas Blvd S offers Strip accommodation from US$25 to $40 per night midweek. Rooms are dated but the pool complex is excellent for families and the free tram connects to Mandalay Bay and Luxor. Best for travelers who want the lowest possible Strip hotel rate. Check rates and availability
