Parking in Las Vegas: Parking, Car Parks & Prices

Until 2016, parking in Las Vegas was no problem, at least by car: parking garages upon parking garages line the parallel streets of the Strip and, surprisingly for many, you could use almost all of them for free - you didn't even have to take a ticket when entering. No comparison to Los Angeles or San Francisco, where parking fees of 5-15$ per hour are often too much for European holidaymakers.

But then the MGM Group introduced parking fees at almost all of its hotels, and in 2017 the Caesars Group followed suit, so that free parking on the Strip in Las Vegas is almost a thing of the past. Even for hotel guests...

Parking on the Strip

First things first and the "good" news: Finding a parking space in the city is of course still absolutely no problem. On the Strip alone, there are well over a dozen parking garages operated by the hotels and primarily intended for their own guests, of course, but in fact they can still be used by any visitors.

Almost without exception, they are located directly behind the hotels, either in the side streets or in the parallel streets behind them. Which of the car parks you use should therefore depend solely on what you want to visit.

For a complete tour from the centre, the car parks of the Flamingo or The Linq are recommended, in the north you can park well at the Wynn or Circus Circus, while in the south the Luxor is a sensible choice. As a hotel guest, however, you usually park your car at your own hotel.

The car parks are all signposted with "Hotel Parking" or "Guest Parking". Only "Valet Parking" is wrong, because there the car is parked at an even higher cost to you.

The new parking fees

To introduce the parking fees, the MGM chain initially charged $7 for the first four hours at most hotels in 2016, but now you only get two hours for that. However, most travellers are more likely to be interested in the cost per day, which is $8-15 anyway.

MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, and New York, New York
Up to 1 hour: Free
Up to 2 hours: $7
Up to 4 hours: $10
Up to 24 hours: $12

Monte Carlo, Excalibur and Luxor
Up to 1 hour: Free
Up to 2 hours: $5
Up to 4 hours: $8
Up to 24 hours: $10

Aria, Bellagio and Vdara
Up to 1 hour: Free
Up to 2 hours: $7
Up to 4 hours: $12
Up to 24 hours: $15

Bally's, Caesars Palace, The Cromwell and Paris
Up to 1 hour: Free
Up to 4 hours: $7
Up to 24 hours: $10

Flamingo, Harrah's and The Linq
Up to 1 hour: Free
Up to 4 hours: $5
Up to 24 hours: $8

Free
The following hotels currently offer free parking: Circus Circus, Wynn, Treasure Island, Venetian and Stratosphere. It is expected that the Wynn will follow suit in the foreseeable future, while Treasure Island and Venetian are said to have no current plans to charge for parking. Circus Circus and Stratosphere are doing hard enough to attract customers because of their location, so it should really remain free there too.

Another small snag with the parking garages on the Strip: on the one hand, most of them are not particularly tidy or even clean, and on the other hand, you should take a close look in advance at the best way to reach them - because driving along the Strip itself is always the worst choice, except in the early morning hours. The traffic volume is enormous and due to the numerous traffic lights with quite long red times, it often only goes at a walking pace. Better use the side streets!

The hotels and sights can be explored on foot. If you can't walk any further, take a bus on the SDX or Deuce lines.

Attractions outside

Away from the centre, Red Rock Canyon, the two premium outlets to the north and south, some smaller attractions such as the Pinball Hall of Fame, and the Fremont Street Experience are among the most important places to visit.

Parking is not a problem at the first three - at Red Rock Canyon, parking can sometimes be scarce at the weekend, but there are no alternatives there.

Only at the Fremont Street Experience should you consider whether it makes sense to travel by car or whether you would prefer to spend a good half hour on one of the aforementioned buses.

If you choose to drive, there are a few smaller, free parking garages, for example at the Golden Gate Hotel and the Golden Nugget. If they are already full, you can alternatively park in a conventional car park, such as the Neonopolis for $1-3 an hour.

And now?
Read more about the hotels and attractions in Las Vegas!

The best hotels in Las Vegas

• $ The LinQ: Often inexpensive mid-range accommodation, almost right in the centre of the Strip and therefore optimal for a visit.

• $ Flamingo: Also very good location, a bit more old-fashioned furnishings, but quite a nice pool to relax in.

• $$ Paris: One of the most beautiful hotels inside and out, also centrally located and therefore an ideal starting point.

• $$ Caesars Palace: The classic, but you don't notice its age. Lots of comfort, beautiful ambience, great pools.

• $$$ Bellagio: world-famous thanks to its fountain show, but also great as accommodation. A must: the Botanical Gardens.

• $$$ Wynn: For many the best hotel on the Strip, but you have to pay for the knowledge. First choice for relaxing!