Getting Here

Las Vegas hosts more than thirty million visitors every year with the numbers increasing everyday. Tourists come to Las Vegas by every form of transportation available except train (you can come to Vegas by train but the final part of the journey will be by bus from an out-of-state passenger train terminal). McCarran International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in the country with thousands of people flying in and out everyday. McCarran recently expanded with the opening of a new wing offering additional gates for added flights. Interstate 15 from Los Angeles is crowded with a quarter of a million autos and buses everyday; likewise, for the travelers from Salt Lake City and beyond. A modern multi-lane bridge that will bypass Boulder Dam is currently being constructed over the Colorado River to handle the thousands of vehicles traveling to Las Vegas from the Phoenix area. The bridge will be the longest concrete arch bridge in the country and will provide a panoramic view of the river and dam. The project is expected to be completed in 2007. Many vacationers prefer to travel by bus and the downtown bus terminal is always crowded. Day trip tour bus groups arrive by the thousands everyday from cities as far away as Albuquerque and Denver. Taking a train is not currently possible since Amtrak cancelled all passenger service to and from Las Vegas a number of years ago. You can travel by train but you will complete the final leg of your trip by passenger bus from terminals in Arizona or California.

The most convenient way to get to Las Vegas is by air. A quick search of the internet will always locate cheap airline tickets to Las Vegas from practically anywhere; especially, if you can plan your vacation a few days or weeks in advance and purchase your airline tickets early. Las Vegas is served by many major carriers and has an international terminal for direct flight arrivals and departures. McCarran International Airport is a modern spacious facility with all the amenities required by travelers. Most of the services are 24/7 operations.

After arrival at the airport and having claimed your luggage you will require transportation to your hotel. You will find a number of options available to swiftly transport you to your destination. If you will not need a rental vehicle your options follows: taxis are always available, a number of limousine services operate from the airport to all of the strip hotels, downtown properties and outlying resorts at very reasonable prices. Many of the hotels will provide their own transportation for your convenience so be sure to ask if this service is available. City buses operate from the airport and are available to take you to any of the strip hotels. You can go to practically any hotel in the Las Vegas valley using the city buses and they are the most economical local transportation. Shuttles operate continuously to the outlying rental car lots and the pick up areas are located just outside of the baggage claim area. If this is your first trip to Las Vegas and directions are a little confusing just remember that you can usually see your destination so simply go in the general direction and you will arrive at your hotel. Some first time Las Vegas Strip drivers may find it difficult separating the traffic signals from the often bright background lights so be especially careful. All of the hotels offer free parking and Las Vegas valet parking is also free; but, don’t forget to tip the parking attendant.