World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
Although Las Vegas is a bustling metropolis with over one million inhabitants, its public transportation services are limited to buses. These are operated by the Citizens Area Transit – CAT (tel: (702) 228 7433; website: www.rtc.co.clark.nv.us/cat.htm). Some bus lines run 24 hours. Adult bus fares cost US$1.25 – except for routes 301, 302 and 303, which cost US$2. Transferring between different buses is free of charge and transfer tickets are available from the bus driver. Fares can be purchased upon boarding (exact change only). Tokens are available from the Downtown Transportation Centre, 300 North Casino Centre (tel: (702) 229 6025), open daily 0600–2200. These allow a 20% discount.

Privately run trolley services are also available and are used more by visitors than locals. The Las Vegas Strip Trolley (tel: (702) 382 1404) runs the length of the Strip every 15 minutes 0930–0130 and costs US$1.65 per journey. The Downtown Trolley (tel: (702) 229 6024), serving the casinos Downtown, runs every 15–20 minutes 0800–2130 and costs US$0.50 per journey. Tickets are purchased upon boarding the trolley.

A thirty-day CAT Pass bus pass costs US$30 and is available from the Citizens Area Transit, specified vendors, by post or online at the CAT website (see above).

Taxis
Thousands of taxis service the high volume of tourists in Las Vegas. It is against the law to hail a taxi in Las Vegas, although some drivers will stop if this is done. There are large numbers of taxi stands on the Strip and Downtown at which taxis can be hired. At more remote locations, it is easiest to phone for taxi service from such companies as ABC Union (tel: (702) 736 8444), Ace (tel: (702) 736 8383) and Yellow Checker Star Cab (tel: (702) 873 2227).

Taxis charge a flat rate of US$2.70 and add US$1.80 per mile. There is also a US$1.20 airport surcharge. A 10–15% tip is common.

Limousines
Limousines are a popular and suitably lavish way of seeing Las Vegas, a city with lavish habits. Chauffeur and limousine services are available from Ambassador Limousine (tel: (702) 362 6200; website: www.ambassadorlasvegas.com) at US$40 per hour, CLS of Las Vegas (tel: (702) 740 4545) at US$57 per hour, Presidential Limousines (tel: (702) 731 5577) at US$40 per hour, and Las Vegas Limousines (tel: (702) 736 1419; website: www.lasvegaslimo.com) at US$35 per hour, or US$4 per person from the airport to the Strip.

Driving in the City
Traffic is heaviest during rush hour (0800–1000 and 1630–1900), especially on highways and roads connecting the city centre with the suburbs. The Strip and Downtown, however, can also become congested any time tourists congregate in hordes – whether it is to see a boxing match at the MGM Grand or merely Friday night at the casinos. Locals tend to use the streets behind the Strip to avoid traffic. The city is laid out on a grid pattern, with one or two major streets veering slightly off this plan. Las Vegas Boulevard runs north–south, through Downtown in the north and turning into the Strip in the south. Most other streets running north–south are named according to number (First Street, Second Street, Third Street etc).

There is very little street parking in Las Vegas, although hotels and casinos usually offer free parking.

Car Hire
Car hire is extremely popular with visitors to Las Vegas and as a result there are quite a few firms offering car hire service in the city. Drivers must be 21 years or older and drivers under 25 years of age often have to pay a surcharge with certain firms. National driving licences are permissible, however, it is advisable to check with the rental company in case an International Driving Permit is required. Insurance can be purchased from the car hire company.

The major providers include Alamo (tel: (702) 263 8411; website: www.alamo.com), Assured (tel: (702) 597 9710), Avis (tel: (702) 261 5595; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (702) 736 1212; website: www.budget.com), Dollar (tel: (702) 739 8408; website: www.dollar.com), Enterprise (tel: (702) 795 8842; website: www.enterprise.com), Hertz (tel: (702) 736 4900; website: www.hertz.com) and National (tel: (702) 261 5391; website: www.nationalcar.com).

Hire charges are in the region of US$28–45 per day and may vary seasonally.

Bicycle Hire
Las Vegas’ relatively flat terrain makes cycling an enjoyable means of travel. Of course, visitors need to take the desert heat into consideration before venturing out for a lengthy trip. Las Vegas’ extraordinarily dry climate makes a difference as well – cyclists should be equipped with plenty of water and the appropriate sun cream. The best time for visitors to organise a bicycle tour is in the spring or late autumn (fall). Cyclists should also be aware of sudden rainstorms and flash floods as well – what looks like a small stream can turn into a river within minutes. Bicycle Nevada Advisory Board (tel: (775) 888 RIDE/7433; e-mail: bicycle@dot.state.nv.us; website: http://nevadadot.com/bicycle) provides further information on routes and contacts.

Las Vegas Cyclery, 8221 West Charleston Boulevard (tel: (702) 838 6966; fax: (702) 838 6968; e-mail: bike@escapeadventures.com; website: www.escapeadventures.com), hires out a variety of bicycles for day, half-day and multi-day rates (helmets included). Prices start at US$22 for a half day and rise to US$250 for two weeks. Bike Outpost, 16 Cottonwood Street, Blue Diamond (tel: (702) 875 4820; e-mail: bikeoutpost@aol.com; website: www.bikeoutpost.com), hires out mountain bikes for US$35–45 per day. The company’s location in Blue Diamond is strategically placed near mountain biking trails.