Airport Transportation Options in Las Vegas – Cheap & Quick

While Las Vegas lacks a cohesive and convenient mass transit system, there are still ways to get around that span the price/luxury spectrum.

I figured it would be helpful to summarize the most common modes of transportation from the Las Vegas airport to help visitors find a solution that best fits their budget and needs.

Note that cost estimates for getting from the airport to your hotel in Vegas using rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft may slightly differ from what you end up paying while in town as pricing is based on demand. The app will always tell you what your ride will cost before you agree to book it, however.  

CX Bus to Fremont Street from the Airport

If staying on Fremont Street, the CX (Centennial Express) city bus runs from the airport, down Interstate 15 to Fremont Street, and is by FAR your cheapest option to get from the airport to downtown Las Vegas. 

The bus departs the airport approximately every hour and the CX schedule can be viewed here. The CX picks up at both level 0 of Terminal 1 as well as at Terminal 3 at the departures level.  A one-way trip on the CX will set you back only $2. 

Related: $20 Trick in Las Vegas – What is it? Should you give it a shot?

RTC Bus From the Airport to Strip Hotels

Route 109 & Transfer to The Deuce

Unfortunately, getting from the airport to hotels on the Strip by bus is a little more complicated, and involves a transfer.

First, you’ll hop on Route 109 which departs Terminal 1 frequently and will take you to the South Strip Transfer Terminal.

Once there, you’ll get off and transfer to the Deuce, which runs up and down the length of the Las Vegas Strip.

Tickets for the RTC can be purchased from a machine located on Level 0 of terminal 1, on the bus, or through the RTC phone app and cost $6 for a 2-hour “Strip and All Access Pass” – Not bad!

You can also take the RTC back to the airport from your hotel on the Strip or Fremont. You will be dropped off at Terminal 1 and can take the inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal 3 if need be.  

The CX Route, which runs from the airport to Fremont Street makes a single stop on the Strip at the corner of Flamingo Road and the Strip allowing easy access to resorts like Horseshoe, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Cromwell, and Bellagio.

If you’re staying in the middle of the Strip, this route is more direct and will allow you to avoid transferring.

I recommend using the RTC trip planning feature to plan your bus ride from the airport to your hotel to ensure you are utilizing the right route!

Las Vegas Airport Shuttles

Generally shared, shuttles are often viewed as a cost-effective airport transportation option, costing around $15 plus fees per person, one way (or $30 round-trip).  

Because they’re shared, airport shuttles in Vegas typically take longer than more direct forms of airport transportation, as multiple stops need to be made (you’d better hope you’re an early stop…). Personally, I prefer to get on with my trip and take an Uber/Lyft for about the same price when traveling solo.

If you’re traveling in a group of 2 or more, airport shuttles in Las Vegas just don’t pencil out financially vs Uber/Lyft, which will typically be both less expensive and a more direct form of transportation.

A shrinking number of off-Strip hotels, such as M Resort and South Point offer a free airport shuttle as a courtesy to their guests.

Taxis From The Airport to the Strip and Downtown

You can catch a cab from the airport, however, it’ll be more expensive than Uber or Lyft.

The cab queue can be found near the baggage claim in Terminal 1 and Level 0 outside Terminal 3. To prevent the all too common practice of “long hauling” (taking the scenic route to drive up fares), cabs now operate on a set flat rate from the airport depending on what hotel you are going to. Cab flat rates are $19, $23, and $27 depending on the destination.

Although there are still folks out there fiercely loyal to cabs, I would advise using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft instead as they are less expensive and feature transparent pricing.   

Uber/Lyft From the Airport to the Strip and Downtown

You can catch Uber/Lyft rides at the designated rideshare pickup location at the Airport which is located on either the second level 2 of the Terminal 1 parking ramp or the valet level of Terminal 3.  

Remember to price shop between Uber and Lyft as fares can differ from app to app, sometimes significantly.

Rideshare apps are easily my preferred option to get from the airport to my hotel as they’re both efficient and budget-friendly.

Note that it’s possible (albeit rare) for rideshare drivers to long haul, or take the scenic route, to drive up your fare. The beauty of rideshare applications, however, is the ease in which you can challenge a suspicious route.

Recently, I was quoted $11 for my trip from the airport to Caesars Palace. I noticed the driver deviated from Uber’s prescribed route and took me through the freeway tunnel (a sign you are being taken for a ride).

After arriving at Caesars, my receipt from Uber was for over $20. I challenged the fare from inside the app and my charge was adjusted by Uber to reflect the quoted $11 before I made it up to my hotel room.