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[title]RTC buses
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) runs the bus network. The Bonneville Transit Center (BTC—228 7433, www.rtcsnv.com) is the transfer point for many routes.
Fares and tickets
Most routes cost $2 or $1 for over-62s and 6–17s and the disabled, but only with a Reduced Fare Photo Identification Card (available from the BTC). The exception is the Deuce route along the Strip, which costs $6 for a two-hour pass or $8 for a 24-hour pass. $20 gets you a 3-Day All Access Pass. Use exact change. Transfers are free if you ask for one when you pay. A 30-day system pass costs $65.
Routes
Buses run 24/7 on the Deuce route along Las Vegas Boulevard and roughly 5:30am to 1:30am elsewhere. The buses are safe and relatively comprehensive in their coverage of the city. Bus stops are marked by signs with the blue, white, and gold RTC Transit logo; most have shelters.
The most useful bus for tourists is the Deuce: this double-decker bus travels the length of Las Vegas Boulevard from the BTC in the north to just by I-215 in the south, stopping in front of all major casinos. Deuces are often busy, especially at night.
Most bus routes run along the length of a single street, some with a quick turnaround at either end of the route. Buses with a route number beginning in 1 generally run north–south; those starting in 2 run east–west. Many buses stop at the BTC.
Monorails, shuttle buses, and bus tours
After teething problems, the Las Vegas Monorail now runs a reliable service along Paradise Road and behind the Strip. However, it hasn’t displaced the numerous hotel buses and monorails.
Las Vegas Monorail
(702) 699-8200, www.lvmonorail.com
The pricey and not wholly convenient Las Vegas Monorail runs from Sahara Avenue to the MGM Grand, stopping at the LVH, the Las Vegas Convention Center, Harrah’s, the Flamingo, and Bally’s. The service runs Mon 7am–midnight, Tue–Thu 7am–2am, Fri–Sun 7am–3am. The journey time from end to end is usually around 15 minutes. Single-ride tickets cost $6; one-day passes go for $15; three-day passes for $32. Discounts are available if purchased online.
Free shuttle buses
A shuttle bus connects the Rio with Harrah’s on the Strip, just south of Planet Hollywood (formerly the Aladdin). The Hard Rock runs a shuttle from the hotel to the Forum Shops, Planet Hollywood, and the MGM Grand. Shuttle buses link Sam’s Town to Downtown and the Strip, and the South Point and the Strip. There are also shuttle buses linking Green Valley Ranch, Red Rock, Palace Station, and Sunset Station to the Strip and McCarran Airport.
Taxis & limos
For private limo service to and from locations in Las Vegas, click here.
There are taxi ranks outside most hotels; restaurants and bars will be happy to call a cab for you. Technically, you’re not allowed to hail a taxi from the street, and most won’t stop if you try, but it’s usually OK to approach an empty cab with its light on if it has stopped in traffic. Meters start at $3.50 and increase by $2.76 per mile. If you have a complaint, note the cab number and call the Nevada Taxicab Authority (702-668-4005, www.taxi.state.nv.us).
Limousines are a flash and popular way of getting around. The rides vary from the basic black stretch to huge SUVs with hot tubs, disco balls, and the like. Many limos are available for hire outside hotels and the airport. Limo drivers are not allowed to solicit passengers, but you are perfectly at liberty to approach them for a ride.
Cab companies
Desert (702) 386-9102, www.desertcabinc.com.
Whittlesea Blue Cab (702) 384-6111, www.whittleseabluecab.com.
Yellow-Checker-Star (702) 384-6111, www.ycstrans.com.
Limousine companies
Bell Trans (702) 739-7990, www.airportshuttlelasvegas.com.
Presidential (702) 731 5577, www.presidentiallimolv.com.