will renting a car in las vegas be worth it?

Question

for a 3 night stay. i will be at the el cortez in downtown, but most likely will spend most the time venturing to all the strip hotels/casinos. factoring the weather (110 degress i hear this time of year), littleoff the strip trips to palms, rio casinos, in-n-out burger, and going to the unlv campus to catch usa basketball scrimmage game; i'm thinking renting a car might not be a bad idea for my duration. what are the opinions of veteran vegas goers?

to claify, by strip i mean THE vegas strip road of casinos, not ones with strip clubs lol

it seems the heat will make walking and waiting for transportation unbearable?

Answer 1

Describing the trip you want to take, I would undoubtedly rent the car. Las Vegas has some of the cheapest rental rates in country so you will easily recoup your cost in no time. Between the cost of cabs and the wasted time of public transport, you will enjoy your trip better with a car.

As others have said, valet parking is free except for a $1 or 2 tip. Just about every place has a huge self park garage if you want to go that route as well. I am in town 5 or 6 times a year and I always have a car. Its a must.

Answer 2

I think renting a car would be a good idea. If your time is worth anything, I'd definitely avoid the buses (and walking those distances in that weather is nearly insane) and a round trip cab from the El Cortez to the Strip will cost you as much (or more) than a day's rental. If you aren't there at a particularly busy time, you can often find very cheap car rentals. Keep in mind that you don't have to rent your car at the airport. Could take a shuttle to your hotel for a few bucks and pick up the car somewhere downtown. You can avoid the extra fee they charge for renting at the airport. You might also be able to get by with renting the car for just a day or two and planning your trips on those days.

Answer 3

I would say no. Just make use of the cabs and the exemplary light rail system at any time and you dont need it. Parking lots could also be far from the casinos and thus requires long distance walking to and from your choosen casino.

The only time a car is required is if youre going to grand canyon but thats a one day trip and there is bus and air travel there as well.

Save money and use the cabs. Its as easy as that. Johan

Additional info: I was in LV late august/early september and the temps was like 110deg every day. The trams is airconditioned and the taxis stands right at the main entreance at every hotel and didnt cost more than $10-15 per ride for a normal strip ride. Since then they have aded a major tram service basicly around the entire strip area so you dont need to use taxis as much as I use em. The key is to choose an area to visit, visit the hotels and point of interest there and then go on. If youre not going around to much its a moneysaver to use the taxis. they also knew what roads to use to get out of traffic. The strip on rush hours could be a night mare in that subject.

The only reason to hire a car other than the one above is if you like to drive a once in a life time car like a ferari or a hd bike. That could be fun but otherwise? No. Johan

Answer 4

I rent a car every time I go to Vegas. Valet parking is free at every casino, and tipping costs less than paying for cabs. Just my personal preference. The Strip has improved public transport since the last time I visited from what I understand, but I like the options cars give you. For example, all those off-strip venues you mentioned--I like being able to take myself around. Now, on the downside, someone can't take as much advantage of the cheap or free alcohol, but oh well :D

Have fun no matter what you decide!

Answer 5

I've been to Vegas many times. I prefer using a cab. They are easy to get, any time, day or night, and you don't have to worry about parking and or paying for parking.

Most of the casinos have cabs waiting right in the valet area. In fact, valet will flag one down for you in some of the bigger casinos.

The best part about a cab is that it drops you off right in front of the casino. Very nice!!! And, you can drink and you don't have to worry about driving.

Finally, most of the good Cab drivers know where the ladies of the night are, if you are interested in that sort of thing.

Forget about renting a car. Use a cab. It will probably be cheaper in the long run and a lot more convenient.

Good Luck!!! Oh, and win lots and lots of money!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

For what you are doing, YES, a car is a must. Unless you want to hire a town car at $45 a pop.

Plus you get to see the rest of Las Vegas. Get to go shopping for water and not pay the $2 a bottle the hotel will charge you. See some of the other Vegas attractions. Eat in real resurants that are not trying to stiff the tourist.

Answer 7

I live here. Were you are staying would be a good walk to the main part of the strip. It is HOT!! Wed. we were 116 out!!! To day they said 108. Last night at 10:30 PM it was 102!!! I would rent a car!!! I'd rather sit in the car with A/C instead of walking in this heat!!! There will be traffic, but you will be in A/C. Then you are not stuck in walking distance, unless you use a taxi, which is not that cheap. If you come in the fall then it will be much nicer if you wanted to walk around. Good luck!!!

Answer 8

It definitely couldn't hurt, as parking is usually easy and free at any of the casinos. And it seems like there's quite a few places in different locations that you'd like to go to, so that the amount you would spend on cabs would probably be relatively close. Of course, I would skip the rental if you're going to be drink a lot of alcohol - there's enough options to get around (cabs, busses, shuttles, monorails).

Answer 9

How much renting a car cost in LAS ?
hlo

Answer 10

yes, it is not necessary to have a car,as once you are on the strip, just walk,as parking is a pain,unless you plan to drive other places than the strip,like boulder dam,red rock canyon, then rent a car...
a car can set you back about $25-30 a day,plus gas...