What's the best way for us to get around?

We'll be staying at the Polo Towers, between MGM and Planet Hollywood. We won't have a car so we'll be looking to use taxis, public transit or feet to get around. We'll be going to a show at The Venetian and taking a tour that leaves from Convention Center Drive, near the Riviera. We'd like to get to the Hard Rock, Terribles (if they still have their $100 free play going) and The Palms to take advantage of the $50 coupon. We'd probably like to hit Ellis Island to take advantage of some of their deals.

So, what's the best way for us to get around?

Shuttles: these are often free but seem to offer limited schedules. We need schedule flexibility.
Monorail: $5 per person each way seem expensive and we still might have to walk to where we're going.
Taxi: How much for MGM to The Venetian? How about MGM to Hard Rock?
Feet: The distance between Terribles and Hard Rock, for example, seems reasonable. Is it walkable?

Are there other options?

It seems some of the best deals are off-strip. If we take a taxi to get to someplace like The Palms, are we just spending all the money we might save on taxi fairs?


Thanks for the advice.

I can only suggest what I have learned to do after visiting Vegas the last 20+ years. I rent a car. You can come and go whenever you want any time of the day and night. Drive as far as you want without having to pay extra for mileage. One cab ride almost anywhere ( plus tip) will cost as much or more than the cost for a daily rental. Plus, you will save time whenever you want to go - no waiting for a cab, bus or shuttle. And your feet will love you.

I would disagree with the good doctor, depending on your tolerance for walking.

Most of the places you're going are within a few blocks of the strip. Vegas traffic is brutal, not to mention the time you'll spend getting in and out of parking garages and waiting for the valet to bring your car. From center strip EI is an easy walk (2-3 blocks, though they are long Vegas blocks). Also, one caution; we always go to EI at least a couple of times, but "we"=5-6 grown men. There was a stabbing earlier this year (I think) at a convenience store a few hundred feet from EI, so be alert at night.

We usually cab to Hard Rock, but Terribles is a short walk from there. To get to Palms you can always either cab or take the shuttle to the Rio from Harrah's (free and runs every 30 minutes) then walk across the street (again, not like crossing the street at home, but no more than 3 regular blocks away) to Palms.

We've tried this both ways (rental car and non-rental) and for us, the time seems to work out about the same. Obviously, if you're having cocktails (like us) that is a major consideration. HTH.

Rent a car and drink where you sleep.

Rent a car.

I was skeptical at first but it is really the most cost effective method of getting around town.
It also opens up your possibilities, did you wake up and suddenly want to see the damn? Red Rock canyon OR casino? It would cost a fortune to get there in a cab.

Earlier this year I went on a 36 hour solo trip and the rental cost me $50 (after all taxes and fees) all I did was drive it from the rental place to downtown to the strip for a show and back downtown. The next day I drove it to the airport. It would have been at least $80 in cabs.

Have a fun trip!

Good advice on the Harrah's shuttle. I will be enjoying the cocktails so a car is really not a good choice. It looks like we can get to most the places we want to visit with a monorail/shuttle ride and a bit of walking. We don't mind a bit of walking at all. Thanks again.

Can anyone tell me what the minimum fare is for taxis?

Also, how in the h*$# did they build a monorail that doesn't go to the airport?

20+ plus years to Las Vegas and after the first three trips a rent-a-car is the only way to go. You come and go as you please and no waiting for a taxi or shuttle. You will see more nad enjoy your trip a lot better. Join the Alamo Insider club and keep checking rates. There is a lot more to Las Vegas than the strip.

If $ is no object, I'd suggest a Helicopter to get you around.

First off, I admire how the questioner flatly states he won't have a car, then many respond by telling him to get a car.

It looks like you're not going to wander more than 5 miles from the airport. For a trip like that, I'd definitely rely on taxis and public transit.

The biggest taxi fare you'll face will be no more than $20 with tip each way from the airport. From MGM to Hard Rock, Terrible's, or Venetian? $12 tops.

Hard Rock is a 15-20 minute walk from MGM. I did a year ago, in summer, going from an evening Rush show at MGM to a midnight Primus show at Hard Rock.

Terrible's is only a 15 minute walk from Bally's along Flamingo. Ellis is 7-8 minutes. I did the walk in August heat a few months ago, it was fine.

Use the Deuce or SDX to move up and down the strip, they're good, and Deuce is okay for shorter hops.

Vegas would really benefit from a great monorail. The one they built, however, is not that monorail. I'd probably ignore it and just use my feet, taxis, and buses.

Chilcoot- Stating that you won't have a car doesn't mean that decision would be etched in stone. After 20+ years of visiting Vegas I have recommended the renting of a car to every person who asked me and who did go to Vegas. Each and everyone thanked me for my suggestion and most said that the renting of a car made their visit much more enjoyable. I personally "admire" how you always take a snide back hand stab at anyone who chooses to respond to a question in their own way . In the future, if I want your opinion as to the content of my messages I will let you know.