Getting to the Las Vegas Strip: By Road, Bus and Air

By air: landing at Harry Reid International

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) sits about 2 miles from the Strip’s southern end. A taxi to a center-Strip hotel runs roughly $25–$35 and takes 10–15 minutes outside rush hour; rideshares pick up on Level 2 of Terminal 1 and Level 2M of Terminal 3. For a cheaper option, the Westcliff Airport Express shuttle serves Strip hotels for about $12 one way. If you’re heading to Downtown Las Vegas or North Las Vegas, expect $35–$45 by taxi and 20–30 minutes.

For a stress-free arrival, I’d pre-book a shuttle or rideshare rather than rely on curbside taxis during peak convention weeks. Rental cars are available on-site, but parking fees at Strip resorts add up fast—often $20–$30 per night. If you’re staying at a hotel in Henderson or Paradise, a rental can be worthwhile for exploring Red Rock Canyon or Lake Mead, but for a Strip-focused trip, skip the car.

By road: driving in from California, Utah and Arizona

From Southern California, I-15 North is the main route. The drive from Los Angeles takes about 4–5 hours (270 miles), but weekend traffic through Barstow and Baker can add an hour. From Utah, I-15 South brings you in from St. George (2 hours, 120 miles). From Arizona, US-93 North connects Kingman to Las Vegas in about 1.5 hours (75 miles). All routes converge near the Strip, so plan to arrive before 3 PM or after 7 PM to avoid congestion.

Once in Las Vegas, the I-15 exits at Tropicana, Flamingo and Sahara feed directly onto the Strip. If you’re staying at a hotel in North Las Vegas, use I-15 to Craig Road; for Henderson, take I-215 East to Lake Mead Parkway. Parking at Strip resorts is pricey, but many hotels in Paradise and Henderson offer free parking. I’d book a hotel with free parking if I’m driving—it saves $20–$30 daily. Also note that the Las Vegas Monorail doesn’t connect to the airport.

By bus: long-distance and local services

Greyhound and FlixBus serve Las Vegas from Los Angeles, Phoenix and Salt Lake City. The Greyhound station is at 200 S Main St, near Downtown; from there, the Deuce on the Strip bus (Route 202) runs 24/7 to the Strip for $6 for a 2-hour pass. FlixBus stops at 4700 S Maryland Pkwy, near the airport, with a free shuttle to the Strip. From Los Angeles, bus fares start around $30 one way and the trip takes 5–6 hours—longer than driving but cheaper than flying.

For local travel, the RTC’s Deuce and SDX routes cover the Strip and Downtown. A 24-hour pass costs $8 and is valid on all residential routes. If you’re staying in Henderson, the BHX (Boulder Highway Express) connects to the Strip for $2 per ride. Buses are frequent but slow during rush hour. I’d use the bus for budget trips, but for families or tight schedules, a shuttle or rideshare is more practical.

Where to stay for easy access

If you want to be in the middle of the action, book a hotel in Paradise (the unincorporated area that includes most of the Strip). Properties near the Flamingo/Caesars Palace stop of the Monorail offer easy access to the convention center and the Strip. For quieter stays with free parking, look at Henderson—about 15–20 minutes from the Strip via I-215. North Las Vegas is more affordable but farther from the main attractions; expect 20–30 minutes by car.

Given the current demand, I’d prioritize hotels in Paradise or Henderson. Both offer a balance of convenience and value, and Henderson’s free parking is a bonus for drivers. Avoid booking in North Las Vegas unless you have a car and don’t mind the commute. For a first trip, staying within walking distance of the Strip’s center is worth the higher room rate.