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.
The Carefree Traveller
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.
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.
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..
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.
All hotels have accessible slot machines and many have
sit-down table games and room for wheelchair users.
Getting Married In Las Vegas
You can get married in Vegas even if you're
not a U.S. resident. Neither blood tests nor
waiting periods required. The legal age is 18
for both men and women (proof of age
required)Contact home country's Consulate
office located in the U.S., to inquire if
additional certifications are required.
Las Vegas
Vegas on Foot
With all of these transportation options, you
will still cover a lot of the city on foot. . Parts
of the Strip must be experienced 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. Be sure to wear
comfortable shoes and carry a bottle of water,
especially during summer months.
Las Vegas Activities and Tours
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.