Driving the strip

Question

We arrive noonish on a Saturday and are renting a car. We will have our kids and I want to WOW them in their first trip. Our plan is to drive from the airport up to Encore and then drive south down the strip to MB where we are staying. The maps say about 30 minutes.

How is the traffic in the strip? We haven’t been there in 6 years and have no idea if it will be way more than 30 minutes due to traffic.

Also, how is it picking up the rental car. I think we are using enterprise (maybe Avis???). Every time I rent a car from an airport, it takes FOREVER to get it. Is Vegas similar regarding wait time for car rentals?

Thanks.

Answer

Driving the Las Vegas Strip can be an exciting experience, especially if it's your first time, but it’s important to be prepared for traffic and other factors that may affect your travel time.

Traffic on the Strip: The Strip can get quite congested, particularly on weekends and during peak hours. Saturdays, especially in the afternoon and evening, tend to have heavy traffic as many visitors are out exploring the city. The distance from the airport to Encore (about 2-3 miles) and then driving south towards the Mandalay Bay (MB) could take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic conditions. You'll also encounter a few traffic lights along the Strip, which can slow you down, and finding parking at hotels or casinos can add extra time to your trip.

To help avoid heavy traffic, consider:

Driving during non-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening.
Using the rightmost lane for easier exits, especially around major intersections.
Parking at a nearby hotel or resort to avoid circling the area for too long.

Car Rental Wait Time: Renting a car at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport can sometimes be a bit of a hassle, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays. The rental car centers for companies like Enterprise, Avis, and others are located off the main terminal and require a shuttle ride to reach them. Shuttle buses run regularly, but during busy periods, there may be a short wait for the shuttle, followed by time spent in line to pick up your car. However, if you’ve reserved a car in advance, the process can go more smoothly.

Here’s how to make the process smoother:

Book the car rental in advance to speed up the process.
Check in online or use any expedited check-in options the rental company offers.
Consider using a car rental loyalty program if you’ve rented before or sign up for one to help skip some lines.
Expect to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day.

Other Tips:

Be sure to have a map or navigation system for getting around the Strip, as it can be tricky to navigate the first time.
If you're planning to spend time on the Strip, parking can be expensive and hard to find at some of the more popular hotels and casinos. Many hotels on the Strip offer valet parking, which might be worth considering if you're just making a short stop.
Remember that the Strip is pedestrian-friendly, so if you plan on visiting multiple attractions, parking at one location and walking around might be the most efficient choice.

Enjoy your trip to Las Vegas! The drive can be a bit hectic, but the lights and action will surely WOW your kids as you drive through the heart of the Strip.

Driving the strip

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