Key Points:
- Getting to the Strip from the airport by bus is cheap, but cumbersome, and requires a transfer.
- While I’m frugal, I don’t find taking the bus from the airport to the Strip to be worth the meager savings.
We’ve all heard stories of cab drivers “long hauling” or taking unknowing tourists on the “scenic route” to drive up fares, specifically from the airport to their hotel in Las Vegas.
Even though new taxi flat rates have been introduced to curb that unscrupulous practice, prices from the airport to Strip hotels still range from $21 to $29, plus tip. It isn’t cheap.
Taking public transportation can save money, but it’s… kind of a pain in the ass.
This hack is for those who don’t mind sacrificing valuable vacation time to save a few bucks.
Get To The Strip From The Airport By Bus
The most common way to get to the Strip from the airport by bus is to take the RED LINE first, then transfer to the Deuce route, which offers stops up and down the Strip.
Catch the RED LINE at Terminal 1’s Ground Level Zero.
If you didn’t arrive at Terminal 1, you can utilize the airport’s inter-terminal shuttle service to move to Terminal 1. If you arrive at Terminal 3, you can find that shuttle stop on Level 0 at the center of the curb.
Take the RED LINE to the South Strip Transfer Station (about a 15-minute ride), where you’ll need to get off and transfer to the Deuce.
The Deuce runs the length of the Las Vegas Strip, stopping at nearly every resort on its way north.
You can view the full Deuce bus route and stops.
While not the most convenient option, taking the bus to the Strip is a sure-fire way to save a few bucks.
While the Deuce also runs to downtown Las Vegas hotels, the more direct bus from the airport to Fremont Street is the RED LINE, which will drop you off behind the D.
How Much Will a Bus To The Strip Cost?
Utilize the bus ticket vending machine at Level Zero of Terminal 1 to purchase your fare. The machine accepts all major credit cards. Alternatively, you can pay cash when you board the bus; however, you’ll need exact change.
You can also pre-purchase fares using the RTC app on Android or iOS devices.
Visitors can purchase 2-hour bus passes for $6, 24-hour passes for $8, and 3-day passes for $20.
Discounted visitor fares ($3 for a 2-hour pass, $4 for a 24-hour pass, and $10 for a 3-day pass) are available for K-12 students, senior citizens over 60, people with disabilities, and Medicare-eligible persons. Check out the RTC’s reduced fare information page if you think you may qualify.
For those looking to save money, taking the bus from the Las Vegas airport to the Strip can be a good option. Regardless of how you get to your resort, I hope you have a great time and win big!
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I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Sunday 28th of August 2022
Lines for UBER and LYFT can be so long, taking a bus can often times get you to your location before others even have a chance to leave the airport.