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Coming to Las Vegas? That’s fun!
While most people think that Las Vegas is all about partying and gambling, some of the best things to do in Sin City are actually off the strip, and the best way to explore them is by renting a car in Las Vegas!
From learning local history, to visiting museums, hiking the scenic trails and eating in the best restaurants away from the Las Vegas strip, there are many reasons why you should rent a car in Las Vegas.
Why rent a car in Las Vegas?
A car rental will allow you to explore some of the best places to visit near Las Vegas like Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Death Valley National Park. If you want to enjoy some of the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling, renting a car is a great idea.
Many people who come to Las Vegas do not know about all the cool things you can discover beyond the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, and having a car will allow you to enjoy some of the best scenery in Southern Nevada like state parks and recreation areas.
✅ Check my guide to some of the best places to visit near Las Vegas by car
Where to rent a car in Las Vegas?
Renting a car in Sin City is very straightforward. You can rent a car at the airport after you land or at one of the rental agencies on the Las Vegas Strip or off the Strip, and get there by Uber.
Car rental in Las Vegas Airport
Car rental companies at Las Vegas Airport are located in the Rent-A-Car Center about three miles south of the airport. Many car rental companies at the Las Vegas Airport offer free pick-up service at all terminals.
What car rental companies are available at Las Vegas airport?
You can find many rental companies at the Las Vegas Airport Rent-A-Car Center 3 miles from the airport off Interstate 15.
Book a rental car rental ahead of your trip to save time and money through DiscoverCars, one of the best car rental services that offer flexible rates and a great inventory of vehicles from compact fuel-efficient cars to bigger SUVs that are perfect if you are traveling with your friends and family.
Will my car rental company pick me up in Las Vegas?
The Las Vegas Airport Rent-A-Car Center is open 24/7 and you can get there by taking a shuttle at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, that departs from the ground transportation level in Terminal 1 and from the zero level in Terminal 3.
The shuttles leaves every 5-7 minutes.
Car rental companies available at the Las Vegas Airport Rent-A-Car Center:
- Payless
- Hertz
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Alamo
- Caro
- National
- Avis
- Sixt
- Thrifty
- Advantage
Car rental Las Vegas Strip
You can also rent a car on the Las Vegas Boulevard, a big street that runs parallel to the Las Vegas Airport. DiscoverCars are the best way to find car rentals on the Las Vegas Strip. DiscoverCars makes it super easy to compare prices at many car rental companies in Las Vegas and choose from dozens of available vehicles.
How to find a rental car in Las Vegas?
To find a car rental in Las Vegas, type in your travel dates and hit search and you will find many cars from different car rental companies starting from the cheapest to the most expensive options.
You can also put in specific filters like size, make, and model as well as gas economy to help you narrow down your search and find the right car rental. DiscoverCars also offers many great deals!
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN LAS VEGAS
What do I need to rent a car in Las Vegas?
- Identification card
To rent a car, you will need an ID, or if you are coming to Las Vegas from another country, a passport.
- Credit card
You can pay for a car rental with a credit card or cash, although credit cards are widely accepted, and cash is rarely used.
- Valid driver’s license
You will be required to provide a valid driver’s license. All drivers must be 21 or older to rent a car.
Is insurance included in my car rental?
Most car rental companies in Las Vegas offer ONLY a basic insurance which is included in your daily rate.
While basic insurance offers minimal protection, it doesn’t cover you in the event of accidents, car theft, and major damage. You can choose medium or complete coverage which will provide better protection so you will be better covered in the event of an accident, a total loss and also get roadside assistance.
Always read terms and conditions and ask your car rental agent before leaving 🤓
Tips for renting a car in Las Vegas airport
- Book your car ahead of time to save money – When you book your car ahead of time, you will pay less. This is especially true for busy times in Las Vegas like summer and early fall.
- Certain times are busier than others for picking up and dropping your rental car – The busiest times for returning rental cars coincide with the busiest times at the Las Vegas Airport around 8 a.m.-11 a.m. on Sundays and 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Avoid returning your car during these times to skip the wait, especially if time is tight.
- Check your car for damage – Always check it for damage. Take photos of any scratches, marks, or anything else that you find while inspecting your vehicle. Check the dashboard to make sure that there are no warning lights.
- Fill up your car before returning it – Gas stations near Las Vegas Airport charge higher prices, and you will pay considerably more, if you fill up your tank last minute before driving back to the car rental office.
- Follow the signs – When you arrive at the airport to return your car look for signs directing you to the McCarran Car Rental Center and then go to the garage where you can return your car rental from there go to the main lobby to catch a shuttle back to the airport.
- Return your car clean – Return your car in the same condition that you got it. Otherwise, you will be charged a fee.
LET ME HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LAS VEGAS!
Besides being a travel blogger, I also create itineraries for my readers 😃 If you want me to plan your trip to Mexico, provide insider tips and do all the research for you, fill out the form below.
My custom itineraries include information on popular landmarks, restaurants, and hidden corners that most tourists miss. As part of my services, I also offer suggestions on flights, hotels and fun activities in Las Vegas that go beyond partying and spending time on the Strip.
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What’s the average price of a car rental in Las Vegas?
The average price of car rental in Las Vegas with insurance is $60-65 a day. This rate could fluctuate depending on the season and travel dates. For example, summer is a busy season in Las Vegas when many domestic and international tourists come, and car rental prices in Las Vegas tend to reflect that.
Is there an Uber In Las Vegas?
Yes, there is an Uber in Las Vegas. While it’s cheaper than taxi cabs, Uber prices in Las Vegas have been on the rise. While you could pay $60 a day for a car rental and do whatever you like, you could spend a lot more on Uber trying to get around Las Vegas, especially during busy hours.
This could really add up, especially if you are in Las Vegas for a couple of days.
Rent a car from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
If you want to rent a car and drive to Los Angeles, clarify it before signing the paperwork. Most companies will charge you extra if you pick up a car in one location and drop it off elsewhere, so if you want to rent a car and drive it to Los Angeles, your price will be higher than normal.
PRO TIP: Many big car rental companies like Budget, Hertz, Dollar, and Alamo offer one-way rental cars that can be picked up in Las Vegas and dropped off in Los Angeles. When you look for a car rental, specify your pick-up and drop-off destinations.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN LAS VEGAS
DiscoverCars has flexible options, and offers great rates if you want rent your car in Vegas and drop it off in the Los Angeles!
If you are driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, you could visit fun places along the way plus take many cool day trips from Los Angeles.
Renting a car in Las Vegas under 25
If you are under 25, you will have to pay more money. Most car rental companies view drivers under 25 as a liability, and your daily rate will be higher than normal.
Best places to visit near Las Vegas by car rental
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire is one of the most popular places to visit near Las Vegas by car. It is the largest state park in Nevada with landscapes that resemble bright fire waves. Located just one hour away from Sin City, this is one of the places that makes renting a car worth it, since there’s no public transportation to Valley of Fire.
Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Valley of Fire
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
One of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (or Red Rock, as locals call it) is about 25 minutes from the Strip and makes a perfect mini-getaway from Sin City. It is also one of the most popular places for hiking near Las Vegas, so if you want to spend time outside, make sure to visit this place.
Read about the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is one of the most beautiful national parks in California located just under 2 hours away from Las Vegas. Explore towering dunes, mosaic canyons, and even the lowest point in North America.
Read my complete guide to the best things to do in Death Valley National Park
Did you know that there’s over a dozen of national parks within a driving distance from Las Vegas? From Grand Canyon to Yosemite National Park, there are many incredible national parks near Las Vegas that you can visit by car.
Utah National Parks
One of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas, Zion, and Bryce National Parks are some of the best places in Utah. If you want to visit both national parks in one trip, you will need two days.
Check my suggested itinerary for Utah National Parks
Lake Mead National Conservation Area
Located just 30 minutes away from Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Conservation Area is a perfect place to visit near Las Vegas where you can explore the Lake Mead as well as camp, enjoy hikes and get a break from the busy Las Vegas strip.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon is one of the busiest national parks in the United States, and a popular getaway from Las Vegas. Visiting Grand Canyon by car rental is a perfect way to skip guided tours and explore this gem at your own pace. Many visitors stay overnight in Grand Canyon or nearby places like Flagstaff since this is a big national park with many great hikes and scenic overlooks.
Las Vegas driving tips
Driving in Las Vegas is slightly different from the rest of the United States or overseas.
- Follow the speed limit – The speed limit in Nevada is 75 miles per hour, which is higher than in many other states. This rule applies only to highways, as the speed limit on residential streets is normally between 25 and 30 miles.
- Drive on the right side – All traffic drives on the right just like in the rest of the United States.
- Do not drink and drive – Some travelers think that Las Vegas is a party town where rules don’t exist, but this is simply not true. If you get caught drunk while driving in Las Vegas, you could face steep fines and also lose your driver’s license. Just get an Uber if you want to go out.
- Put your cell phone away while driving – this is illegal in Nevada.
- Always carry plenty of water and snacks – especially if you are going to more remote areas. Cell phone service is spotty in many places around Las Vegas and stores and gas stations are also limited.
Is it safe to drive in Las Vegas?
It’s safe to drive in Las Vegas, but you should be cautious when exploring the Sin City by car. Las Vegas has a high rate of accidents and traffic fatalities, according to official statistics. Since it’s not a pedestrian-friendly city, you always need to watch out for people crossing the road, as well as intoxicated drivers.
Best neighborhoods in Las Vegas to visit with a rental car
Although most people know Las Vegas as the home of the glitzy Las Vegas Strip, there are plenty of other parts of Sin City that are worth your attention. One of the best things about having your own car is that you can now visit many areas and see the local side of Las Vegas.
Henderson
The second-largest city in Nevada after Las Vegas, Henderson is a city, although many people refer to it as one of the main Las Vegas suburbs. This is a more quiet area with a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and several casinos. It also has an interesting downtown area with several restaurants, bars, and local breweries.
Summerlin
One of the most popular residential areas of Las Vegas, Summerlin to the west of the Las Vegas Strip near the entrance to the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. This is a fast-growing area with many restaurants, stores, parks, and close access to the nearby mountains where you can enjoy the outdoors.
Downtown Summerlin is home to a big shopping area as well as the Las Vegas Golden Knights practice facility. Summerlin is a perfect stop if you want to enjoy a different side of Las Vegas and get away from the busy strip for a day.
Chinatown
This might come as a surprise to you, but Las Vegas has its own China Town!
While it’s not as impressive as China Town in San Francisco or New York, Las Vegas Chinatown has many great alternatives to expensive restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip. Many of these restaurants are open past midnight, which is great if you want to grab some food when other places are closed.
Las Vegas’ Chinatown is a commercial district with many stores and restaurants that represent the city’s Asian community. Located just a short drive to the west of the Las Vegas Strip, it’s home to more than 150 eateries with a great selection of food from many Asian cuisines.
Arts District
One of the most fun neighborhoods in Las Vegas, the Arts District is home to the city’s nascent art scene where you can find some of the best murals in Las Vegas as well as great museums like the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum.
The city’s wall art is attributed to the arrival of Life Is Beautiful, a music festival that has also quickly grown into a big culinary and art event.
Where is Las Vegas Art District located?
The area has grown quite a bit over years, but it still has loose boundaries that stretch from the Stratosphere to the Fremont East Entertainment District.
What are the best museums in the Las Vegas Art District?
Some of the most popular museums in the district are Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, the Neon Museum, and the Pinball Hall of Fame. And if you are craving entertainment, visit the Vegas Theatre Company’s Cockroach Stage, where you can see Las Vegas artists and performers put a local spin on a highly commercialized entertainment scene in this city.
Downtown Las Vegas
Some people mistakenly think that the Las Vegas Strip is part of Downtown Las Vegas, however, it is not correct.
Downtown Las Vegas located north of the Las Vegas Strip is where the city was established decades ago, so it’s a perfect place to learn some local history. The area has been gentrified in recent years, but it still preserves many original buildings that give it a special charm. Here you can find many original hotels and casinos like El Cortez, and the Golden Gate – the oldest hotel in Las Vegas.
Best places to visit in Downtown Las Vegas
One of the top attractions of Downtown Las Vegas is Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, a pedestrian-only venue that has the largest LED canopy in the world where you can see cool graphics. If you want to feel some adrenaline, get on a zip-line right under the canopy! It’s an exciting thrill ride that will take you above one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas like Golden Nugget and California.
The Strip
You can’t skip the famous Strip when talking about neighborhoods in Las Vegas. Although it doesn’t look like a typical neighborhood, it is home to many residential buildings, stores, and businesses. The Strip which consists of the 6.5 kilometers lined with casinos and hotels is not a part of Las Vegas but an unincorporated area of Clark County.
Where to park in Las Vegas
Now you got your car and are ready to explore. Unfortunately, many casinos and areas around Las Vegas now charge money for parking, whereas before it was free. A number of casinos and shopping centers in Las Vegas still offer free parking.
Free parking in Las Vegas:
- The Palazzo and the Venetian
- Tropicana Hotel and Casino
- Resorts World
- Treasure Island
- Sahara Las Vegas
- Circus Circus
- The Wynn
- The Stratosphere
- Shops at Crystals
- The Shoppes at Mandalay Palace
- Fashion Show Mall
Renting a car in Las Vegas: FAQ’s
How much do you pay for a car rental in Las Vegas?
The average car rental price in Las Vegas depends on several factors such as driver’s age, season, travel dates, and the availability of vehicles. The average price for a rental car in Sin City is around $65 per day.
Is renting a car in Vegas expensive?
Prices on car rentals can be high depending on the season. Nevada is notorious for its high rental car fees and taxes and the City of Las Vegas also has additional surcharges for rental vehicles.
What is required to rent a car in Las Vegas?
To rent a car, you need a valid driver’s license, and a credit card. Additionally, you will need a rental car insurance that you can purchase from any car rental company. Drivers younger than 25 years of age are typically subjected to additional fees.
How do I find the best deals on car rentals in Las Vegas?
You can find the best deals on renting cars in Las Vegas on DiscoverCars. All you need to do is type in your arrival and departure dates and look for a specific vehicle. This platform has some of the best car deals and you can easily modify your search by using the filters specifying your preferences.
What is the cheapest car rental company in the Las Vegas airport?
Thrifty and Dollar have some of the lowest rates in Las Vegas airport, although their prices fluctuate depending on the season and date. You will pay more for a car rental around major holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or New Year’s Eve.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Las Vegas?
Yes, you can rent your car long-term in Las Vegas. There most likely will be a high fee for this, but most rental companies in Las Vegas allow long-term car rentals.
Can I modify or cancel my reservation?
Some car rental companies in Las Vegas offer a free cancellation policy while others don’t. When looking at your car, make sure to clarify this, so you don’t lose any money if your plans change.
Can you get around Las Vegas without a car?
Yes, you can get around in Las Vegas without a car, but you will need to rely on Uber, Lyft or a public bus. Las Vegas is not a walkable city, and if you need to get outside the Las Vegas Strip, you will need some transportation.
So, do I need to rent a car in Las Vegas?
Whether you need a car in Las Vegas depends on your plans. If you are going to spend a few days on the Las Vegas Strip, and don’t have much time to explore, you don’t need a car rental. But if have more time and want to see some of the best places near Las Vegas, renting a car is a great idea.
Final thoughts
Renting a car in Las Vegas is the best way to see some of the best places near Sin City like national and state parks that can only be visited either via guided tour or car rental. When you have a car rental, you get away from the Strip, learn different areas of the city, and enjoy the outdoors.
There’s a lot more to Las Vegas than just the neon lights of the Strip, and you can enjoy some of the best things that Las Vegas has to offer by renting a car.
More articles to help you plan your trip
- Nine National Parks in California That You Have To Visit
- 10 Best California Road Trips That You Should Take