Las Vegas

Las Vegas Useful Facts

Flights and Transfers

Direct flights to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas from Gatwick or Heathrow take approximately 10hrs 45 mins. From the airport to The Strip takes no longer than around 30 minutes. Direct and indirect flights are available and regional departures are possible.

If you have pre-booked transfer arrangements or tours with us, you will be met on arrival by our Tropical Sky representative who will guide you to your transfer vehicle. If you have pre-booked car hire, follow the instructions given on your booking itinerary.

To reach The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard, where your accommodation is likely to be), you have a number of options:

By taxi, join the organised line outside the terminal where you will be guided by the taxi rank controller. Expect to pay $10-$20 depending on whether you take the shorter but more expensive route via the tunnel.
By bus, you should seek #108 CAT BUS which leaves from Ground Level Zero – it takes around half an hour and costs $2.
The other option is the shuttle at $6 will get you to your hotel and leaves when it is full.

Amtrak is a possibility out of Las Vegas

Visa Requirements

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your return date to the UK and you’ll need to check the full entry requirements prior to travelling – you can do this by visiting the FCO website or by contacting the relevant embassy. UK passengers can travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Scheme – you need to complete the I-94W form online using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) system. For more details, look at the US Embassy site.

Language

English is the primary language spoken.

Transportation

On foot: Walking is a great way to get around, particularly if you want to sightsee along the way, and most hotels are connected.

Bus: Buses can be an inexpensive and convenient option, especially if you are just journeying up and down the Strip (plus, they have air conditioning). The bus drivers do not give change, however tickets can be purchased from vending machines along the strip which give change and accept credit or debit cards.

Taxi: Taxis are a great way to get around, although if you plan on using them regularly it may be cheaper to hire a car. Travelling from hotel to hotel is often quicker to do on foot, but if you’d prefer to use a taxi, the lines can usually be found at the front of hotels. It is customary to tip the hotel taxi dispatcher $1 and tip the taxi driver 15% of the meter, and about $1 per piece of luggage.

If you’re travelling as part of a group, it may actually work out cheaper to hire a limousine – you’ll often forgo the wait and it may be cheaper on a per person basis. These usually queue in front of taxis and can be approached directly.

Car: Anyone staying a few days or longer would be better suited with the flexibility of a car. Some of the best sights are located just outside of Las Vegas. However, driving Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip), especially on weekends, is frustrating because of the traffic. You could easily spend an hour (or more) sitting in traffic just to travel a couple of miles. For details about car hire, read our 'car hire guide'.

Virtually all major casinos on the Strip and downtown offer free parking, and many also offer valet parking for an additional charge. On Friday and Saturday nights, the self-parking lots fill up fast; consider paying the extra for the valet.

Currency

The US Dollar is the local currency; credit cards are accepted in the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops.

Electricity

120V 60 Hertz - all plugs are a flat-blade two pin.

Vaccinations and Health

As health requirements change please consult with your GP or specialist travel clinic well in advance of your holiday for specific information related to your travel and medical history. Additional information can be found by visiting NaTHNaC or MASTA Travel health.