Las Vegas combines world-famous entertainment with easy access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest. A rental car is useful for exploring beyond the Strip, from Downtown Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and desert road-trip destinations.
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Las Vegas Quick Facts
- State: Nevada
- Country: United States
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Driving side: Right
- Main airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Popular areas: Las Vegas Strip, Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street and Summerlin
Pickup Locations in Las Vegas
Popular Rental Types in Las Vegas
Why Visit Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is best known for the resorts, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife of the Strip, but the wider area offers far more than casinos and shows. Visitors can explore Downtown Las Vegas, discover the desert scenery around Red Rock Canyon or use the city as a base for trips to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Hiring a car is particularly useful if your plans extend beyond the main resort corridor.
Top Attractions in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is the city's best-known visitor district, lined with major resorts, restaurants, entertainment venues and attractions.
Fremont Street
Fremont Street sits at the heart of Downtown Las Vegas and combines historic casinos, entertainment and a distinctive covered pedestrian area.
Bellagio Fountains
The fountains outside the Bellagio are one of the Strip's best-known free attractions and combine water, light and music.
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum preserves signs and displays connected with the visual history of Las Vegas.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon offers dramatic sandstone scenery, hiking routes and scenic driving a short distance west of Las Vegas.
Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas combines historic gaming, entertainment, restaurants, museums and the Fremont Street area.
Getting Around Las Vegas
The Strip and Downtown Las Vegas are served by buses, taxis, rideshare services and other local transport options. Walking can work well within individual resort areas, but distances between attractions can be much greater than they appear. A rental car becomes particularly useful for visiting areas away from the Strip or for travelling into the surrounding desert. Traffic can be busy around Las Vegas Boulevard and major events, so allow extra journey time during peak periods.
Why Rent a Car in Las Vegas?
Hiring a car in Las Vegas gives you the flexibility to explore beyond the main resort areas and reach destinations that are difficult to visit conveniently by public transport. Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire and other parts of southern Nevada are all popular trips by road. Las Vegas is also a useful starting point for longer journeys into Arizona, Utah and California.
Popular Day Trips from Las Vegas
- Red Rock Canyon — Around 25 to 35 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip
- Hoover Dam — Around 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Lake Mead — Around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the destination
- Valley of Fire State Park — Around 1 hour
- Grand Canyon West — Around 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
Airport Information
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the main airport serving Las Vegas. The airport Rent-A-Car Center is located at 7135 Gilespie Street, around three miles south of the airport. Dedicated rental car shuttle buses operate between the passenger terminals and the Rent-A-Car Center. Terminal 1 passengers can follow signs from baggage claim to the Ground Transportation area on Level 1, while Terminal 3 passengers use the Ground Transportation area on Level Zero. Check your rental supplier's instructions before travelling.
Driving in Las Vegas
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Las Vegas. Roads around the Strip can become congested during busy evenings, weekends, conventions and major sporting or entertainment events. Temperatures can be extremely high during the summer, so drivers should ensure they have sufficient fuel and water before travelling into remote desert areas. Parking arrangements vary between resorts and attractions, so check current charges and restrictions before arriving.
About Las Vegas
Compare airport and city car rental locations in Las Vegas. Book online securely and compare leading suppliers.
Exploring Las Vegas by Car
Car rental in Las Vegas gives you flexibility to travel between airport, city and surrounding areas without depending entirely on fixed transport schedules. It can be especially useful if you plan to visit multiple destinations during your trip.
Before booking, compare pickup locations, vehicle sizes, fuel policies and supplier terms. Booking online in advance can help you find better availability, especially during busy travel periods.
Car Hire Tips for Las Vegas
- Compare airport and city pickup points before choosing your rental location.
- Check parking rules and local traffic restrictions before driving into central areas.
- Book early during holidays, conferences and peak travel seasons.
- Choose a vehicle size that suits your passengers and luggage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a car in Las Vegas?
A rental car is particularly useful if you plan to explore beyond the Las Vegas Strip, including destinations such as Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead or other parts of southern Nevada.
Can I hire a car at Harry Reid International Airport?
Yes. Harry Reid International Airport has a dedicated Rent-A-Car Center served by shuttle buses from Terminals 1 and 3.
Do I need a car on the Las Vegas Strip?
Not necessarily. Many visitors use buses, taxis, rideshare services or walk between nearby resorts. A rental car becomes more useful for destinations away from the Strip and for day trips outside Las Vegas.
Do cars drive on the right in Las Vegas?
Yes. Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.
Can I drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam?
Yes. Hoover Dam is one of the most popular road trips from Las Vegas and is generally around a 45-minute to one-hour drive from the Strip, depending on traffic.
Can I take a road trip from Las Vegas?
Yes. Las Vegas is a popular starting point for road trips into Nevada, Arizona, Utah and California, with national parks, desert scenery and major attractions within driving distance.