Car hires in Las Vegas: practical information
Where to rent a car in Las Vegas
Las Vegas... Sin City... if you're heading to this great American city then you better think about booking an economy car hire in Las Vegas when you book your tickets from London to Las Vegas. You need a set of wheels around here if you plan to go anywhere off the Strip. Getting in an out of the city is easy, except on weekends. Where can you pick up your car rental in Las Vegas? First place is the airport, where you have a choice between Advantage, Budget, Alamo, National, Avis, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Payless, Savmore and Thrifty.
There are dozens of car hire companies in Las Vegas, particularly along the Strip. If you have hopes of renting one, reserve in advance as it can be hard to get a rental at the last minute on a weekend.
Parking in Las Vegas: what you should know
Most all casinos on the Strip and downtown offer free parking, valet parking for a small additional fee as well. Arrive early though on Friday and Saturday nights as the self-serve parking lots tend to fill up fast! If you want to avoid wasting time circling the lots looking for a free spot it may be worthwhile to just dish out for the valet to park it down for you.
Most hotels in Las Vegas offer free parking to their guests, just be sure to mention it when you reserve your room so that they keep a space aside for you.
Road trips from Las Vegas: what to do, what to see
Some of the best sights in the region are located outside of central Las Vegas and the Strip which means that having a rental car in Las Vegas is all but essential. If you're going to stick to the casinos, then just hire a taxi to go back and forth. However if you plan to get out of town, then a rental is more suitable. As a special note to drivers, always be vigilant when you're in the driver's seat. Las Vegas has the highest number of alcohol-related driving deaths and accidents. With glitter and glam to distract you on both sides and bumper to bumper traffic, it's easy to get in a fender-bender or worse.
- A stone's throw away: Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountains are two great places to go hiking and trekking. There are 5 peaks with scenic canyons to explore. Always remember to carry enough water with you for your hike. Just 1.5 hours away is Lake Mead National Recreation Area with cool hot springs. The Grand Canyon is 4 hours away.
- A little further: For more outdoor adventure head to Death Valley National Park, 2 hours drive to the west of Las Vegas. It is one of the hottest places on earth and is at the lowest point in North America. It's not recommended to visit between June and September as air temperatures easily reach 49°C. What to see? Salt flats, canyons, creeks, Dante's View and the Stovepipe Wells.
- A proper day-trip: While definitely worth more than just a day-trip, Los Angeles is 4 hours drive away and could be easily tacked onto the end of a holiday in Las Vegas if you get a one way car hire. Check out Hollywood, cruise down to the Westside and do your shopping along Grand Avenue.
For more things to do in Las Vegas, check out Mini-guide: Las Vegas.
