North America > United States > Las Vegas (LAS)
The Car or no Car advice for Las Vegas can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Las Vegas ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Las Vegas ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Las Vegas?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Las Vegas is a city designed to dazzle you from the moment you land. The Strip glows 24/7, resorts are practically cities within cities, and entertainment is everywhere. But with all that happening in one stretch of road… do you really need a car?
🎲 Short Answer:
🚫 You do not need a car if you’re staying on the Strip or Downtown.
🚗 You should rent a car if you’re heading out to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, or Hoover Dam.
Let’s break it down clearly.
🚶 No Car Needed – If You’re Staying in Vegas Proper
Las Vegas is one of the easiest cities in America to navigate without a car.
✨ Why You Can Skip the Car:
-
The Strip is walkable, with pedestrian bridges and moving walkways.
-
The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the Strip and stops at major hotels.
-
Free trams connect resorts like Bellagio, Aria, Park MGM, Mirage, and Treasure Island.
-
Rideshares, taxis, and limos are everywhere, 24/7.
-
Parking fees at hotels add up quickly, even if you’re staying there.
➡ If your plans include casinos, shows, restaurants, clubs, and pool parties—you’ll get around faster without a car.
🚗 Rent a Car If You Want to See the Incredible Nature Around Vegas
Just a short drive away from Sin City, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the USA.
✅ You Should Rent a Car If You Plan To:
-
🚗 Visit Red Rock Canyon (25 minutes away)
-
🚗 Drive to Hoover Dam or Lake Mead
-
🚗 Continue to Valley of Fire State Park
-
🏜 Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon (4 hours) or stay overnight
-
🌵 Road trip to Utah’s National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon)
➡ In these cases, a car gives you freedom, flexibility, and a much better experience than a tour bus.
🧭 Quick Decision Table
| Your Plan | Car Needed? |
|---|---|
| Staying on The Strip | ❌ No |
| Staying Downtown/Fremont Street | ❌ No |
| Casino hopping & nightlife | ❌ No |
| Outlet shopping & local dining | ❌ No (Uber ok) |
| Red Rock Canyon/Hoover Dam day trip | ✅ Yes |
| Grand Canyon or multi-park road trip | ✅ Yes |
🎯 Final Verdict
-
Skip the car if you’re enjoying Las Vegas itself—it’s built for walking, taxis, and monorails.
-
Rent a car if you’re turning your trip into a Southwest adventure and exploring the stunning desert landscapes outside the city.
✨ Las Vegas is the show. The car is your ticket to escape it when you’re ready for nature.
