Any Tips for Taking a Taxi from the Airport?

Updated July 31, 2023

 

By regulation, cab drivers are required to take the most direct route, measured by mileage, not time, unless otherwise directed by the passenger. 

 

A passenger may request that the driver take the "fastest route," which would leave the route to the discretion of the driver, based on his knowledge of traffic patterns and potential impediments, such as construction and traffic lights.

 

This issue most commonly arises when a taxi leaves the airport for a destination on the Strip. The shortest route is always on surface arteries, via Paradise to Tropicana westbound or Paradise/Swenson northbound.

 

The fastest route might mean traveling south on Paradise, through the airport tunnel, then north on the Strip or I-15, but unless there's a rare instance of gridlock on the Strip, it will rarely, if ever, be less expensive.

 

According to Google maps, from the airport to MGM Grand via Paradise and Tropciana is 2.2 miles and should take 7 minutes. From the airport via the tunnel to I-215 to Las Vegas Blvd. is 5.3 miles and 11 minutes; via the tunnel and I-215 to I-15, exit at Tropicana and cross the Strip to MGM Grand is 6.1 miles and 12 minutes. 

 

Big differences!

 

That's why going to and from the airport and the south Strip especially, but also the center Strip and even the north Strip, it's considered "long-hauling" when a cab driver takes the tunnel-connector route. It usually adds at least $8 and up to $15 to a fare. 

 

The findings of a legislative audit of the state Taxicab Authority estimated that 22.5% of the 6.6 million rides given by local taxicabs to and from Reid a few years ago were deceptively long, overcharging passengers collectively to the tune of $14.8 million.

 

The good news is that in September 2019, zone pricing from the airport was introduced for trips to the south Strip (Sunset Rd. north to Tropicana Avenue, $19), center Strip (Tropicana to Flamingo, $23), and north Strip (Flamingo to the Strat, $27). 

 

So for destinations on the Strip, no matter which way cab drivers go, the fares are fixed. If you're particular about the route or are in a hurry, it's generally a good idea to specify, especially saying, "Don't take the tunnel, please." 

 

If you're going south and east into Henderson, however, the tunnel is the only way to go, unless a cab driver is long-hauling you by going the long way around on surface streets. 

 

The same holds true for most casinos downtown and in the north and northwest of the valley; it's maybe a little shorter, distance-wise, to take surface streets, but the saving in time and often money is substantial by staying on the freeways -- unless there's a big tie-up at the Spaghetti Bowl during rush hours or due to accidents.

 

If you don't know your way around or haven't heard a recent traffic report, your best bet is to ask the driver and hope you have one who’ll give you the options and explain why. (Feel free to show your appreciation in return.)

 

Every taxi driver attends a class put on by the Taxicab Authority in which the penalties for long-hauling are emphasized. A cabbie of our acquaintances sums it up best. "Taxi drivers are the first-line ambassadors of Las Vegas and every one of us who drives a cab should do our best to make our guests welcome, which includes not ripping them off."