Las Vegas Travel Essentials

• Las Vegas has a subtropical hot desert climate, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C in winter to 27°C in summer.
• Most rainfall occurs from December to February, with an average of 3-4 rainy days per month.
• The warmest time of the year is from May to September.
• Summer, from June to August, is peak tourist season, with hotel and flight prices rising accordingly.
• March-May and September-November are great times to visit as the weather is milder, you’ll avoid the summer’s crowds, and flight and hotel prices are more affordable.

• Languages: Primary: English; Secondary: Spanish
• Plug types: A and B
• Electricity: 120 V
• Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
• International dialing code: +1 702
• Emergency telephone number: 911

McCarran International Airport

McCarran International Airport is the primary airport in Las Vegas. It sits 5 miles south of the city center. It has 2 terminals (confusingly named T1 and T3), in which you’ll find a great range of dining and shopping options as well as facilities including banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach central Las Vegas:

• A taxi to downtown Las Vegas takes around 20-25 minutes. The taxi rank is right outside the arrivals hall.
• For a cheaper but less direct option, many shuttle bus companies can be found just outside the baggage claim area of Terminal 1 and outside on Level Zero of Terminal 3. It takes around 40-50 minutes to get to the city center.
• If you want to rent a car, take the free shuttle bus from outside either of the 2 terminals to get to the McCarran Rent-A-Car Center, located 3 miles south of the airport

If you come to Vegas by bus

• Various companies, including Greyhound, offer interstate motorcoach bus services to Las Vegas, especially from cities along the west coast.
• There are 2 main bus stations in Las Vegas: Las Vegas Bus Station on South Main Street and South Strip Transfer Terminal, just south of the airport.
• You can get to your hotel by bus or taxi from either of the intercity bus stations.

Driving to Las Vegas

• On a normal day, it’s a 4-hour drive on the I-15 from the Los Angeles area, but expect traffic on weekends as Californians head to The Strip for some leisure time.

Insider Tip

• Most of the major hotels have free parking.

Most of the action in Las Vegas is centered along the 4-mile Las Vegas Boulevard, commonly called The Strip. For short distances, you can walk along and across The Strip. Crossing the Las Vegas Boulevard is easy thanks to the pedestrian walkways available at hotels and casinos on each side of the Strip. As the heat is terrible, especially in the middle of summer days, Las Vegas has a good choice of public and private transportation options.

• The main Las Vegas Monorail runs along The Strip, from Sahara Avenue to the MGM Grand, with several stops along the way.
• Single tickets and 24-hour passes are available.
• You can download an app to buy tickets or purchase them at the vending machines in each of the 7 Las Vegas Monorail stations.

Insider Tip

• Look out for free monorail services between selected locations, offered by some hotels and casinos.

• Many hotels run their own shuttle services.
• The RTC bus network is very convenient, especially the Deuce route that runs the length of Las Vegas Boulevard throughout the day and night.
• You can download the rideRTC app to purchase tickets. You can also buy them at vending machines and on the bus. The exact fare is required.
• 2-hour tickets, 24-hour passes and 3-day passes are available.

• There are plenty of taxis in Vegas, but plenty of customers, too.
• If you can’t spot a taxi rank, just ask your hotel or restaurant to call one, but be prepared for a wait, especially at peak hours.
• Hailing taxis on the street isn’t allowed.
• Payment of the fare by credit card is usually possible, but it’s better to ask the driver before you get in.
• Uber and Lyft apps can be used to hail a taxi in Las Vegas.

iHeartRadio Music Festival

• What: One of the largest music festivals held in Las Vegas, iHeartRadio Music Festival showcases the most popular national and international bands and artists of the moment.
• When: September
• Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena

Electric Daisy Carnival – EDC Las Vegas

• What: Electric Daisy Carnival, aka EDC, is one of the largest electronic music festivals in North America. Besides the music, it features impressive rides and interactive art installations.
• When: May
• Where: Las Vegas Motor Speedway