Las Vegas trains & metro guide
Getting around Las Vegas without a car relies on buses, a free monorail, and a paid tourist monorail. It works well along the Strip, but exploring beyond requires patience.
Pay fares using the RTC app, exact cash on buses, or ticket vending machines at monorail stations. Tap your contactless card or phone at the farebox or turnstile. Always have your ticket ready.
RTC buses on the Strip run 24 hours a day. The Monorail runs daily from early morning until late night, with hours varying on weekends.
The network
- The Las Vegas Monorail: Runs along the east side of the Strip from MGM Grand to SAHS. Great for avoiding traffic.
- Free Tram Networks: Three separate free tram lines connect select resorts on the west side of the Strip.
- RTC Deuce and SDX Buses: RTC buses run up and down the Strip and Downtown 24/7. Essential for longer trips.
Tickets & typical fares
| Ticket | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| RTC Single Ride | $2.00 | Standard bus fare, exact change needed on board. |
| RTC 2-Hour Pass | $3.00–$8.00 | Allows transfers within a two-hour window. |
| Monorail Single Ride | $5.00–$6.00 | One-way trip on the Las Vegas Monorail. |
Day passes & visitor cards
| Pass | Typical cost | Worth it if… |
|---|---|---|
| RTC 24-Hour Pass | $5.00–$8.00 | |
| Monorail 24-Hour Pass | $13.00–$15.00 | |
| Monorail 7-Day Pass | $56.00–$60.00 |
💸 Ways to ride for less
- Use the three free resort trams connecting properties on the west side of the Strip to save cash.
- Buy an RTC 24-hour pass instead of single tickets if you plan to ride the bus multiple times.
- Walk between adjacent resorts on the Strip; walking is often faster than waiting for transport.
From the airport
| Option | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| RTC Bus Route 108 or 109 to Downtown | 30–45 mins | $2.00 |
| RTC Centennial Express (CX) to Strip/Downtown | 20–35 mins | $2.00 |
Day trips & next stops by train or bus
Booking trains in United States
⏰ Amtrak and VIA Saver fares rise as the train fills — book 2–4 weeks ahead. Sleeper rooms sell out first.
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Apps that work here
- rideRTC: Official app for buying bus tickets and planning routes.
- Google Maps: Reliable for bus schedules and walking directions across the city.
🤖 Driverless rides
Self-driving taxis run in Las Vegas. You book them in an app like any ride — there’s no driver, so check the pickup spot and that the car shows your name.
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Maps & live times
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Tips for riding like a local
- Traffic on the Strip gets severely congested during evening rush hour and weekends; allow extra travel time.
- Keep a close eye on your belongings on crowded buses and around major tourist hubs.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes; walking between Strip casino properties is much further than it looks.
- Bus drivers do not give change, so have exact cash ready if buying tickets on board.
- Rideshares like Uber and Lyft pick up only from designated casino zones, not standard curbs.
Step-free access & strollers
RTC buses feature ramps and wheelchair spaces. Monorail stations have elevators and escalators. Check ahead for occasional maintenance outages.
AI-written guide: fares, hours and rules are typical and change often — check the official transit and rail sites before you travel. We may earn a commission from some booking links.