There is no train service to Las Vegas, but you can travel via Amtrak to destinations in California and Arizona, then connect to Vegas on a Greyhound bus. Bus service is available between Las Vegas and major centers like Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.
To discover the desert region around Las Vegas, driving to the city is always recommended.
By Air
McCarran International Airport
The Las Vegas Airport is ranked among the 12 busiest airports
in the world based on the amount of passenger activity, serving
over 40 air carriers. With over 1,100 flights arriving and departing
daily, McCarran International Airport offers direct flights to more
than 125 U.S. cities.
For further information please visit the McCarran International Airport Web site.
Airport Travel Tips
Preparing for the airport security checkpoint will help speed your
processing time. Some tips before you travel:
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1.
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Wear shoes with rubber soles. Otherwise, you will have to remove them and put them through the scanner. |
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2.
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Avoid wearing lace-up boots, high-top or platform shoes. It might be best to pack these in carry-on or checked baggage. |
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3.
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Remove belts with metal buckles or studs and place in the scanner, or pack in your carry-on or checked baggage. |
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4.
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Empty pockets of coins, key chains, cell phones, PDAs and any other metal. |
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5.
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Remove any heavy metal chains or jewellry. |
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6.
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Clothing with excessive metal studs and zippers should be packed, not worn. |
| 7. | Laptop computers must be removed from their cases and put through scanner separately. |
| 8. | Remove coats or heavy jackets. |
| 9. | Carry-on baggage is limited to one suitcase and one small personal item (handbag or tote-bag). |
| 10. | Your boarding pass and a valid ID should be kept in your hand or around your neck. |
| 11. | Any items prohibited from being carried on the plane should be checked through baggage or, better yet, left at home. |
| 12. | Bags should be tagged for identification inside and out. Even loose personal items like cell phones and laptops should be labeled and easy to identify at the other side of the checkpoint. |
Driving to Vegas
Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles encompasses breathtaking
expanses of ruggedly beautiful Mojave Desert; the drive normally
takes about four hours. The road can get very busy, especially on
holiday weekends. Keep in mind that driving times can increase significantly
in extreme cases.
That said, driving through the southern deserts of the U.S. is an interesting experience, and if you're with a group, the excitement of a road trip can be half the fun.
To help ensure a safe trip, you should check road condition reports before departing. Weather conditions and road construction information is available through the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Always carry a spare tire in good condition, and remember to bring extra drinking water during the summer;pay close attention to your fuel level and engine temperature. On some stretches of road, you might not see a gas station for up to an hour.
The principal highway connecting Las Vegas to Southern California and Utah is I-15. Also, U.S. 93 meanders from Las Vegas southeast to Arizona, where it merges with I-40
From Los Angeles
Los Angeles to Las Vegas is approximately 270 miles (430 km). Leaving
Los Angeles, take I-15 North into Nevada. Once in Las Vegas, exit
on East Tropicana Avenue or East Flamingo Road if your destination
is the Strip.
You can plan on completing the drive in four to five hours, depending on stops. Construction delays can occur on this route (the state of California is in the process of expanding I-15), so be sure to check for holdups ahead of time.
From Phoenix
Phoenix to Las Vegas is about 290 miles (300 km). Take U.S. 93 North
out of Phoenix, and follow it right into Las Vegas.
From San Francisco
San Francisco to Las Vegas is about 580 miles (930 km). Take I-80
East to Reno, and then follow U.S. 95 South to Las Vegas.
