Should You Rent a Car in Las Vegas? The Pros & Cons

Deciding whether or not to rent a car in Las Vegas is essential for travelers seeking the best way to explore the city’s famous casinos, luxurious hotels, and vibrant nightlife

Key Points

• Consider renting a car in Las Vegas if you plan day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, The Grand Canyon, or other nearby destinations.
• Renting a car in Las Vegas is unnecessary if your main goal is to spend your trip exploring the Strip and downtown Las Vegas areas.

In This Article

• Information to help decide if a rental car in Las Vegas makes sense
• The pros and cons of renting a car in Sin City
• Cost analysis of renting a car vs. other transportation options

Compare the best deals on car rentals in Las Vegas at Discover Cars

Why Rent a Car in Las Vegas

When planning your trip to Las Vegas, you may wonder if you need to rent a vehicle. Renting a car can offer you the freedom and flexibility to explore attractions on your own terms, making your vacation more enjoyable. With a car, you can easily visit nearby destinations like the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, or other natural scenic spots.

While plenty of transportation options are available within Las Vegas, renting a car provides convenience for day trips. It allows you to avoid the hassle of relying on public transportation or ride-sharing apps. A rental car will also allow you to indulge in the best dining experiences away from the crowded Las Vegas Strip.

Let’s dive in and weigh some of the pros and cons of a Vegas car rental to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Pros of Having a Rental Car in Vegas

There are several pros to getting a rental car in Las Vegas. They include:

1. Privacy and Comfort: Enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own vehicle.
2. Avoid Crowds: No need to deal with crowded public transportation or wait for rideshares.
3. Flexibility in Exploration: Easily explore Las Vegas at your own pace and come and go as you please. This is especially convenient if you are staying off the Strip.
4. Convenience for Day Trips: Freedom to visit nearby attractions outside of Las Vegas.
5. Ease of Navigation: Driving in Las Vegas is straightforward, with well-maintained roads and clear signage.
6. Parking Considerations: While resort parking can be expensive ($15-23 per day), more affordable options are available off the Strip. (Tip: There is even some free parking on the Strip if you know where to look.)
7. Local Experiences: Access to local dining and shopping areas away from tourist hotspots, potentially saving money.

If one or more of the pros above are important to you, it may be worth renting a car during all or part of your Las Vegas stay.

Cons of Renting a Car in Las Vegas

There are also some crucial cons to consider when renting a car in Sin City. They are:

1. High Cost: Average daily rental prices range from $45-80, with higher costs for larger or sportier vehicles like a Lamborghini.
2. Additional Insurance Expense: Adding additional insurance can significantly increase the total cost, potentially reaching $300-$400 for a 3-day rental.
3. Traffic Congestion: Particularly around the Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard), heavy traffic can lead to considerable time spent navigating and dealing with other drivers.
4. Parking Fees: Many casinos and resorts charge for parking, with daily fees typically ranging from $15-23 for self-parking.
5. Gas: Nevada isn’t the cheapest place to buy gas, and fuel will add to the overall costs.
6. Drinking – Vegas is not known as Sin City for nothing.  If you plan on drinking heavily, a rental car is not a good idea. Relax, have fun, and let someone else do the driving.
7. Airport Car Rental Shuttles – The airport car rental location is not at the airport, and you will need to take a shuttle from the airport to get to your rental car office.
8. Availability of Alternatives: With abundant public transportation and ride-sharing options, renting a car may be unnecessary, especially for those mainly visiting the Strip and Fremont Street.

Due to the above cons, a Vegas car rental can be more of a hassle than it’s worth.

Cost Analysis: Car Rental vs Other Transportation Options

When budgeting for your trip to Las Vegas, you may wonder whether renting a car is more cost-effective than finding other ways to get around Vegas.

To help make an informed decision, let’s compare the costs associated with renting a car, against the costs of using Ubers, taxis, city buses, the monorail, or the trams on the Strip.

Transportation Option	Cost Range	Notes
Renting a Car	$60 – $125 per day	Includes daily rental and parking fees.
Taxi	$55 – $108 per day	Based on four rides a day; varies by distance.
Deuce Bus	$5 – $15 per person/day	Multi-day passes can reduce costs.
Uber/Lyft	$13 – $25 per ride	Cost-effective for shared rides.
Las Vegas Monorail	$15 one day unlimited pass	May not be the most convenient.
Trams	Free	Limited coverage area.

You don’t need to rent a car. There are other ways to get around Las Vegas without a car. However, you may find that the reasons why you should rent a car are worth the added expense.

Rent a Car in Vegas For Just Part of Your Trip

One of the best ways to accomplish everything on your Las Vegas to-do list is to rent a car for just part of your trip. This is an excellent idea if you only need a car for one or two vacation days.

This would allow you to rent a vehicle only for the days you want to make out-of-town or long-distance trips. Uber, walking, or mass transit can be used on all other days.  In this way, you get the best of both worlds.

Rental vehicles can be booked for pick up and drop off at many of the bigger resort properties in Las Vegas.

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Explore Farther Afield: Day Trips and More with Your Rental Car

Renting a car in Las Vegas opens up many possibilities for day trips and adventures. You can explore the surrounding beauty at your own pace without being constricted by rigid tour schedules.

like Hoover Dam, Seven Magic Mountains, and Red Rock Canyon.

• Grand Canyon is a must-visit natural wonder with breathtaking views. With a rental car, you can take your time, gazing at the awe-inspiring landscape and even venture out to less crowded areas.

• Another fantastic destination is the Hoover Dam, where you can take a guided tour and learn about its fascinating history. Plus, admire the impressive engineering marvel up close.

• Do not miss the stunning Red Rock Canyon. The scenic drive here offers exceptional photo opportunities of the unique rock formations and vibrant colors. Additionally, there are hiking trails for every fitness level.

• Valley of Fire boasts magnificent red sandstone formations against an incredible backdrop. Explore the numerous trails, spot diverse wildlife, and discover ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks.

• Plan a visit to the extraordinary Death Valley. Known for its harsh yet beautiful landscape, you can marvel at the unique geological formations, sand dunes, and salt flats within this captivating park.

• Lastly, enjoy the picturesque Lake Mead. Relaxation is abundant, with opportunities for boating, picnics, fishing, or simply soaking up the serene atmosphere alongside the vast expanse of water.

So buckle up and embark on an unforgettable journey beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas in the comfort of your rental car, discovering the allure of these natural wonders up close.

Check out these 16 day trip spots outside of Las Vegas.

Driving in Las Vegas: What to Expect

If you’re going to rent a car while you’re in Las Vegas, you’d better know what to expect. Las Vegas is laid out in a navigational-friendly manner, making it relatively easy to find your way to and from your destination.

While on the Strip and freeways, you may encounter congestion, especially during peak hours. Due to the high volume of vehicles, patience becomes imperative. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and be especially cautious while driving through areas with crowds of tourists.

Please see our detailed information about driving in Las Vegas here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best car rental options in Las Vegas?

There are numerous car rental companies to choose from in Las Vegas. Some popular ones include Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget. Always compare prices and customer reviews to find the best option for your needs.

Is it more convenient to use car rentals or Uber in Las Vegas?

Your choice depends on your plans. If you plan to stay primarily on the Strip and Fremont Street, Uber and other rideshare services might be more convenient. However, renting a car can be more suitable for day trips and exploring the beautiful attractions around Las Vegas.

Are there any drawbacks to renting a car at the Las Vegas airport?

Renting a car at the airport often comes with higher prices and longer wait times. But it also offers the luxury of having your car as soon as you land. Weigh the convenience against the potential costs before deciding.

Can you rent a car in Las Vegas if you’re under 25?

Yes, you can rent a car in Las Vegas if you are under 25, but you may face additional fees and restrictions. Most car rental companies in Las Vegas have a minimum age requirement of 21, but drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

Additionally, some car rental companies may restrict the types of vehicles that can be rented by drivers under 25 or require additional insurance coverage. It’s always best to check with the car rental company for their policies regarding renting a car under 25 in Las Vegas.

Is it easy to drive in Las Vegas?

Yes, driving a car in Las Vegas is generally quite easy. The city is well-planned, with wide streets and clear signage. However, expect heavy traffic near popular tourist areas like the Strip. Always drive cautiously and follow traffic rules to ensure a safe trip.

Have you ever rented a car in Las Vegas, or are you considering it? Share your experiences and thoughts on the pros and cons in the comments below – your insights could help others make an informed decision!