Las Vegas is an ever-changing city which has seen
unbelievable expansion since it emerged from the desert 100
years ago. Over 38.9 million people visit Las Vegas each year.
Vegas boasts some of the most glamorous, unique hotels
and casinos in the world, fabulous pools, health spas, golf
courses, five-star restaurants, expansive buffets, and
numerous wedding chapels.
Because the sheer number of things to see and do in Vegas
can seem overwhelming., a little advance planning will help
you to enjoy your Vegas trip more.
unbelievable expansion since it emerged from the desert 100
years ago. Over 38.9 million people visit Las Vegas each year.
Vegas boasts some of the most glamorous, unique hotels
and casinos in the world, fabulous pools, health spas, golf
courses, five-star restaurants, expansive buffets, and
numerous wedding chapels.
Because the sheer number of things to see and do in Vegas
can seem overwhelming., a little advance planning will help
you to enjoy your Vegas trip more.
The Carefree Traveller
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Getting To Vegas
Traveling by air
Arrive at Las Vegas' McCarran International the
world. It serves over 40 air carriers, with over
1,100 flights arriving and departing daily.
For further information, visit the
McCarran International Airport Web site.
Book your flight to Vegas now.
Airport Shuttles
When flying into Vegas, the most economical way
to get to your hotel is on an airport shuttle. The
shuttles gather just outside the terminal in the
same area as the taxis. Airport transportation
services operate 365 days a year. Both Shuttles
and private limousine transfers are available.
There is no train service to Las Vegas Travel via
Amtrak to destinations in California and Arizona,
then connect to Vegas on a Greyhound bus. Bus
service is available between Las Vegas and major
centers like Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego and
San Francisco.
Driving to Vegas
Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles
encompasses breathtaking expanses of ruggedly
beautiful Mojave Desert; the drive normally takes
about four hours.
Weather conditions and road construction
information is available through the Nevada
Department of Transportation. Always carry a
spare tire in good condition, and remember to
bring extra drinking water during the summer. Pay
close attention to your fuel level and engine
temperature. On some stretches of road, you might
not see a gas station for up to an hour.
From Los Angeles
Los Angeles to Las Vegas is approximately 270
miles (430 km). Leaving Los Angeles, take I-15
North into Nevada. Once in Las Vegas, exit on East
Tropicana Avenue or East Flamingo Road if your
destination is the Strip. You can plan on completing
the drive in four to five hours, depending on stops.
Construction delays can occur on this route (the
state of California is in the process of expanding
I-15), so be sure to check for holdups ahead of
time.
From Phoenix
Phoenix to Las Vegas is about 290 miles (300 km).
Take U.S. 93 North out of Phoenix, and follow it
right into Las Vegas.
From San Francisco
San Francisco to Las Vegas is about 580 miles (930
km). Take I-80 East to Reno, and then follow U.S.
95 South to Las Vegas.
Traveling by air
Arrive at Las Vegas' McCarran International the
world. It serves over 40 air carriers, with over
1,100 flights arriving and departing daily.
For further information, visit the
McCarran International Airport Web site.
Book your flight to Vegas now.
Airport Shuttles
When flying into Vegas, the most economical way
to get to your hotel is on an airport shuttle. The
shuttles gather just outside the terminal in the
same area as the taxis. Airport transportation
services operate 365 days a year. Both Shuttles
and private limousine transfers are available.
There is no train service to Las Vegas Travel via
Amtrak to destinations in California and Arizona,
then connect to Vegas on a Greyhound bus. Bus
service is available between Las Vegas and major
centers like Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego and
San Francisco.
Driving to Vegas
Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles
encompasses breathtaking expanses of ruggedly
beautiful Mojave Desert; the drive normally takes
about four hours.
Weather conditions and road construction
information is available through the Nevada
Department of Transportation. Always carry a
spare tire in good condition, and remember to
bring extra drinking water during the summer. Pay
close attention to your fuel level and engine
temperature. On some stretches of road, you might
not see a gas station for up to an hour.
From Los Angeles
Los Angeles to Las Vegas is approximately 270
miles (430 km). Leaving Los Angeles, take I-15
North into Nevada. Once in Las Vegas, exit on East
Tropicana Avenue or East Flamingo Road if your
destination is the Strip. You can plan on completing
the drive in four to five hours, depending on stops.
Construction delays can occur on this route (the
state of California is in the process of expanding
I-15), so be sure to check for holdups ahead of
time.
From Phoenix
Phoenix to Las Vegas is about 290 miles (300 km).
Take U.S. 93 North out of Phoenix, and follow it
right into Las Vegas.
From San Francisco
San Francisco to Las Vegas is about 580 miles (930
km). Take I-80 East to Reno, and then follow U.S.
95 South to Las Vegas.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -8 (Pacific Time).
Telephone Area Code: 702.
Electricity
The United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles). If
visiting from outside of North America, you may require an
electrical adapter for any electronics or appliances you want
to bring.
Emergencies
For police or medical assistance call 911 (toll-free).
Taxes:
There is a 7.75 percent sales tax on purchases and a 9
percent tax on hotel rooms in Las Vegas. (An additional 2% is
added to the room tax for certain Downtown properties
adjacent to and near the Fremont Street Experience.)
Visitors under the age of 21 are prohibited from loitering in
casinos, and that the Strip has a curfew. (Hotel security
officers keep a keen eye out for anyone underage near any
slot machines or table games.)
Children under 18 are not allowed to be out after 9 p.m.
unless accompanied by an adult.
Telephone Area Code: 702.
Electricity
The United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles). If
visiting from outside of North America, you may require an
electrical adapter for any electronics or appliances you want
to bring.
Emergencies
For police or medical assistance call 911 (toll-free).
Taxes:
There is a 7.75 percent sales tax on purchases and a 9
percent tax on hotel rooms in Las Vegas. (An additional 2% is
added to the room tax for certain Downtown properties
adjacent to and near the Fremont Street Experience.)
Visitors under the age of 21 are prohibited from loitering in
casinos, and that the Strip has a curfew. (Hotel security
officers keep a keen eye out for anyone underage near any
slot machines or table games.)
Children under 18 are not allowed to be out after 9 p.m.
unless accompanied by an adult.
Getting Around Vegas
Las Vegas is a compact city. Transportation
options are numerous and varied, from renting
a vintage Cadillac Eldorado or new Corvette,
to hopping on a city bus, taking a cab or riding
the Las Vegas Monorail, one of the most
modern transportation systems in the world.
Car Rentals
The average price for renting an economy car
in Vegas is around $25 to $30 per day, but the
sky's the limit if you want to cruise the Strip in
something a little more extravagant. Rates will
rise on holiday weekends or when there's a
large convention in town. The city is laid out in
a grid format, and easy to navigate.
Find Car Rental in Las Vegas
Buses and Charters
There are several private companies that
operate buses and charters that travel to
attractions in and around Las Vegas.
Parking
Fee parking is abundant. Virtually every major
hotel offers free valet parking (it's customary
to tip valets $2 when they retrieve your car)
Parking is not allowed on the Strip itself, and
several blocks of Fremont Street form a
pedestrian mall, the Fremont Street
Experience. Your best bet to park on the Strip
or downtown is in one of the hotel lots or
parking garages. Take note on where you
leave your vehicle, or even better, take
advantage of valet parking whenever you can.
Public Transportation
Citizens Area Transit (CAT)
Public bus transportation in Las Vegas is
operated by Citizens Area Transit (CAT). There
are numerous bus routes throughout the
area; a one-way fare on the Strip costs $2,
and slightly less in the rest of the city. Buses
on the Strip run 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. (CAT-RIDE at (702) 228-7433)
Strip Trolley
The trolley runs the length of the Stripand
pulls up to the entrance of each hotel on its
route. Reasonable fares and day passes are
available. The trolley runs from 9:30 a.m. to
1:30 a.m.Most are lift-equipped. For details call
(702) 382-1404.
The Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail travels along the east
side of The Strip behind the resorts. Runs 7
days a week from 7 a.m. - 2 a.m. Monday
through Thursday and until 3 a.m. Friday
through Sunday.
Las Vegas is a compact city. Transportation
options are numerous and varied, from renting
a vintage Cadillac Eldorado or new Corvette,
to hopping on a city bus, taking a cab or riding
the Las Vegas Monorail, one of the most
modern transportation systems in the world.
Car Rentals
The average price for renting an economy car
in Vegas is around $25 to $30 per day, but the
sky's the limit if you want to cruise the Strip in
something a little more extravagant. Rates will
rise on holiday weekends or when there's a
large convention in town. The city is laid out in
a grid format, and easy to navigate.
Find Car Rental in Las Vegas
Buses and Charters
There are several private companies that
operate buses and charters that travel to
attractions in and around Las Vegas.
Parking
Fee parking is abundant. Virtually every major
hotel offers free valet parking (it's customary
to tip valets $2 when they retrieve your car)
Parking is not allowed on the Strip itself, and
several blocks of Fremont Street form a
pedestrian mall, the Fremont Street
Experience. Your best bet to park on the Strip
or downtown is in one of the hotel lots or
parking garages. Take note on where you
leave your vehicle, or even better, take
advantage of valet parking whenever you can.
Public Transportation
Citizens Area Transit (CAT)
Public bus transportation in Las Vegas is
operated by Citizens Area Transit (CAT). There
are numerous bus routes throughout the
area; a one-way fare on the Strip costs $2,
and slightly less in the rest of the city. Buses
on the Strip run 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. (CAT-RIDE at (702) 228-7433)
Strip Trolley
The trolley runs the length of the Stripand
pulls up to the entrance of each hotel on its
route. Reasonable fares and day passes are
available. The trolley runs from 9:30 a.m. to
1:30 a.m.Most are lift-equipped. For details call
(702) 382-1404.
The Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail travels along the east
side of The Strip behind the resorts. Runs 7
days a week from 7 a.m. - 2 a.m. Monday
through Thursday and until 3 a.m. Friday
through Sunday.
Travelers with Special Needs
Las Vegas has more accessible guest rooms than
any other city in the country. Hotels offer rooms
with roll-in showers, transfer showers, and tubs
with built-in or portable seats.
Most of the larger hotels have assistive listening
devices for the hearing-impaired available at the
showroom or lounge entrance. Wheelchair
seating is also available in most restaurants,
lounges and showrooms, but please call ahead
for details.
All hotels have accessible slot machines and many
have sit-down table games and room for
wheelchair users. Gaming personnel are generally
trained in assisting vision and hearing-impaired
persons to play the table games.
Las Vegas has more accessible guest rooms than
any other city in the country. Hotels offer rooms
with roll-in showers, transfer showers, and tubs
with built-in or portable seats.
Most of the larger hotels have assistive listening
devices for the hearing-impaired available at the
showroom or lounge entrance. Wheelchair
seating is also available in most restaurants,
lounges and showrooms, but please call ahead
for details.
All hotels have accessible slot machines and many
have sit-down table games and room for
wheelchair users. Gaming personnel are generally
trained in assisting vision and hearing-impaired
persons to play the table games.
Getting Married In Las Vegas
You can get married in Vegas even if you're
not a U.S. resident. Most countries require a
certified copy of your marriage certificate
($10) and an apostille from the Nevada
Secretary of State ($20). Contact home
country's Consulate office located in the U.S.,
to inquire if additional certifications are
required.
Neither blood tests nor waiting periods
required. The legal age is 18 for both men
and women (proof of age required) and
licensing fees are $55. Civil ceremonies can
be performed at the Marriage Commissioner's
Office at 309 S. 3rd St. Chapel fees vary
depending on the services provided.
You can get married in Vegas even if you're
not a U.S. resident. Most countries require a
certified copy of your marriage certificate
($10) and an apostille from the Nevada
Secretary of State ($20). Contact home
country's Consulate office located in the U.S.,
to inquire if additional certifications are
required.
Neither blood tests nor waiting periods
required. The legal age is 18 for both men
and women (proof of age required) and
licensing fees are $55. Civil ceremonies can
be performed at the Marriage Commissioner's
Office at 309 S. 3rd St. Chapel fees vary
depending on the services provided.
Las Vegas
Online carefree travel service for festivals, special events, villa and vacation home rentals, vacation packages,
tours, family vacations and travel with pets. Plan your trip, book online and enjoy a carefree vacation with The
Carefree Traveller. Travel guides, maps and travel store.
tours, family vacations and travel with pets. Plan your trip, book online and enjoy a carefree vacation with The
Carefree Traveller. Travel guides, maps and travel store.
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours in Las Vegas
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours in Las Vegas
Sightseeing Tickets & Passes in Las Vegas
Cultural & Theme Tours in Las Vegas
Day Trips and Excursions in Las Vegas
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours in Las Vegas
Sightseeing Tickets & Passes in Las Vegas
Cultural & Theme Tours in Las Vegas
Day Trips and Excursions in Las Vegas
Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas
Shows, Concerts & Sports in Las Vegas
Shopping & Fashion in Las Vegas
Private & Custom Tours in Las Vegas
Food, Wine & Nightlife in Las Vegas
Shows, Concerts & Sports in Las Vegas
Shopping & Fashion in Las Vegas
Private & Custom Tours in Las Vegas
Food, Wine & Nightlife in Las Vegas
Vegas on Foot
With all of these transportation options, you
will still cover a lot of the city on foot. The
length of the Strip can be deceptive... it takes
more time than you would think to walk from
one end to the other. But parts of the Strip
must be experienced on foot: where else in
the world can you marvel at dancing fountains
(the Bellagio), see an erupting volcano (the
Mirage), or watch pirates and sirens entertain
on ships nightly? (Treasure Island, or T.I.) Not
to mention downtown's Fremont Street
Experience, which is a haven for pedestrians.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry
a bottle of water, especially during summer
months.
With all of these transportation options, you
will still cover a lot of the city on foot. The
length of the Strip can be deceptive... it takes
more time than you would think to walk from
one end to the other. But parts of the Strip
must be experienced on foot: where else in
the world can you marvel at dancing fountains
(the Bellagio), see an erupting volcano (the
Mirage), or watch pirates and sirens entertain
on ships nightly? (Treasure Island, or T.I.) Not
to mention downtown's Fremont Street
Experience, which is a haven for pedestrians.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry
a bottle of water, especially during summer
months.
Las Vegas Activities and Tours