Getting around Las Vegas can be confusing for first-time visitors. The Strip looks walkable on a map, but resort entrances are huge, summer heat can be brutal, and short-looking distances often take longer than expected.
Taxis remain one of the easiest ways to get around Las Vegas, especially from Harry Reid International Airport, major casino hotels, convention centers and downtown resorts. You do not need to download an app, wait for surge pricing to drop or find a rideshare garage pickup zone.
Las Vegas taxis are regulated by the Nevada Taxicab Authority, and airport trips between Harry Reid International Airport and the Strip use fixed zone fares. That makes taxis especially useful for visitors who want predictable airport transportation.
This guide explains current Las Vegas taxi rates, airport zone fares, downtown fares, taxi pickup locations, credit card fees, tipping and when a taxi is better than Uber or Lyft.
Taxi Rates in Las Vegas
Las Vegas taxi fares are regulated by the Nevada Taxicab Authority. Every taxi uses a meter for regular trips, while direct airport trips between Harry Reid International Airport and Strip hotel zones use fixed zone fares.
Current standard taxi meter rates are:
| Fare Description | Amount |
| Initial activation of taximeter, first 1/8 mile | $3.50 |
|---|---|
| Each additional 1/12 mile | $0.23 |
| Approximate mileage rate | $2.76 per mile |
| Waiting time | $32.40 per hour |
| Credit card fee, if applicable | $3.00 |
| Excise tax | 3% on meter total |
For normal taxi trips outside the airport flat-rate zones, the final fare depends on distance, time, traffic, waiting time, applicable fees and tax.
Taxis are usually most convenient for:
- Airport-to-hotel rides
- Short trips between nearby resorts
- Casino taxi stands
- Visitors who do not want to use rideshare apps
- Groups who want immediate pickup from a hotel taxi line
- Late-night rides when rideshare pickup areas are crowded
Taxis are not always the cheapest option, but they can be simpler than rideshare at hotels and the airport because taxi stands are usually clearly marked.
Taxi Fare From Harry Reid International Airport to the Strip
Taxi trips from Harry Reid International Airport to the Las Vegas Strip use fixed zone fares for direct trips.
There are three airport-to-Strip zones:
| Airport Taxi Zone | Area | Current Flat Fare |
| Zone 1 | Sunset Road north to Tropicana Avenue | $21.25 |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 2 | Tropicana Avenue north to Flamingo Road | $25.25 |
| Zone 3 | Flamingo Road north to The STRAT area | $29.25 |
These airport zone fares apply to direct trips between the airport and the Strip zone. If you request stops, go outside the zone, or change the trip, the fare can change.
A credit card fee and tip may still apply. If you want the lowest possible cost, ask whether paying cash avoids the card fee.
Zone 1: Sunset Road North to Tropicana Avenue
Current airport taxi fare: $21.25
Zone 1 includes many south-Strip and airport-area hotels, such as:
- Mandalay Bay
- Delano Las Vegas
- Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
- Luxor Hotel and Casino
- Excalibur Hotel & Casino
- MGM Grand
- OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
- Desert Rose Resort
- Virgin Hotels Las Vegas area
- Thomas & Mack Center / UNLV area
Zone 2: Tropicana Avenue North to Flamingo Road
Current airport taxi fare: $25.25
Zone 2 includes many center-Strip hotels, such as:
- New York-New York
- Park MGM
- ARIA Resort & Casino
- Vdara
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- Bellagio
- Paris Las Vegas
- Planet Hollywood
- Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations
- Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
- Polo Towers
- Marriott’s Grand Chateau
Zone 3: Flamingo Road North to The STRAT Area
Current airport taxi fare: $29.25
Zone 3 includes many north-Strip, convention and nearby off-Strip hotels, such as:
- Caesars Palace
- Flamingo Las Vegas
- The LINQ Hotel + Experience
- Harrah’s Las Vegas
- The Venetian
- The Palazzo
- Treasure Island
- Wynn Las Vegas
- Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
- Resorts World Las Vegas
- Fontainebleau Las Vegas area
- Circus Circus
- SAHARA Las Vegas
- The STRAT
- Westgate Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Convention Center
- Palace Station
- Palms Casino Resort
- Rio Las Vegas
Taxi Fare From Harry Reid Airport to Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas is not part of the airport-to-Strip flat-rate zone system.
If you take a taxi from Harry Reid International Airport to Downtown Las Vegas, including Fremont Street, Circa, Golden Nugget, The D, Four Queens, Plaza, El Cortez or Downtown Grand, the taxi uses the meter.
A typical airport-to-downtown taxi ride often costs more than a Strip Zone 3 fare because downtown is farther north. The final cost depends on traffic, route, waiting time, credit card fee, tax and tip.
For downtown trips, compare:
- Taxi: easiest from the airport taxi line, metered fare
- CX bus: cheapest public transportation option from the airport to downtown
- Uber or Lyft: app-based upfront pricing, but prices can surge
Related Read:
Where to Get a Taxi at Harry Reid International Airport
Taxis are available at both passenger terminals at Harry Reid International Airport.
- Terminal 1: Taxi pickup is outside baggage claim on the east side, near doors 1-4.
- Terminal 3: Taxi pickup is outside baggage claim on Level Zero, near door 52.
Airport personnel are usually available to help queue passengers and direct travelers to available taxis.
Rideshare pickup is different from taxi pickup. Uber and Lyft passengers should follow airport signs to the designated rideshare pickup areas inside the parking garages:
- Terminal 1 rideshare: Level 2 of the parking garage
- Terminal 3 rideshare: Valet Level of the parking garage
Vegas Taxi Fare Calculator
A taxi fare calculator can be useful for estimating metered rides around Las Vegas.
For airport-to-Strip trips, use the fixed zone fare instead of a general calculator. The zone fare is simpler and more predictable.
For trips outside the airport zones, a calculator can help estimate the fare based on distance and time. However, the final price can change because of:
- Traffic
- Waiting time
- Route changes
- Credit card fee
- 3% excise tax
- Airport or other applicable fees
- Tip
For the most official fare information, use the Nevada Taxicab Authority’s fare resources and airport zone fare charts.
Taxi vs. Uber and Lyft in Las Vegas
Taxis and rideshare both work well in Las Vegas, but each is better in different situations.
When a Taxi Is Better
A taxi may be better when:
- You are leaving the airport and want the clearly marked taxi line.
- Your hotel has an active taxi stand.
- Rideshare pricing is surging.
- You are going from the airport to a Strip hotel with a fixed taxi zone fare.
- You do not want to use an app.
- You want a licensed, regulated taxi fare.
When Uber or Lyft Is Better
Uber or Lyft may be better when:
- You want upfront app pricing.
- You are going somewhere taxis are not lined up.
- You want to compare vehicle types.
- You are traveling outside major hotel and airport taxi areas.
- Rideshare prices are low and not surging.
At the airport, Uber and Lyft do not use the taxi flat-rate zone fare. They use app-based upfront pricing, which can be lower or higher depending on demand.
How Much Should I Tip a Taxi Driver in Vegas?
Tipping is customary for taxi rides in Las Vegas.
A common tip range is 15-20% of the fare. For a short airport ride, many visitors tip a few dollars. If the driver helps with luggage, drives safely, avoids unnecessary delays and provides good service, tipping on the higher end is common.
For example:
- For a $21.25 airport Zone 1 ride, a 15-20% tip is about $3-$4.
- For a $25.25 airport Zone 2 ride, a 15-20% tip is about $4-$5.
- For a $29.25 airport Zone 3 ride, a 15-20% tip is about $4-$6.
If service is poor, tipping less is your choice. If the driver helps with heavy luggage or gives especially good service, tipping more is appreciated.
Las Vegas Taxi Tips for Visitors
- Use official taxi lines. At the airport and casino hotels, use marked taxi stands instead of accepting rides from random drivers.
- Know the airport zone fare. If you are going from the airport to the Strip, confirm which zone applies.
- Ask before paying by card. A credit card fee may apply.
- Keep your receipt. It helps if you leave something behind or need to report a problem.
- Do not assume every hotel has a free airport shuttle. Most major Strip casino resorts do not offer free airport shuttles.
- Compare rideshare during surge times. Taxis can be cheaper than Uber or Lyft when rideshare prices spike.
- For downtown, consider the CX bus. It is much cheaper than a taxi if you do not mind public transportation.
Conclusion
Taxis are still one of the easiest ways to get around Las Vegas, especially from Harry Reid International Airport and major casino hotels.
For airport-to-Strip rides, the fixed taxi zone fares make pricing predictable: $21.25 for Zone 1, $25.25 for Zone 2 and $29.25 for Zone 3. For downtown and other non-zone trips, taxis use the meter.
A taxi is not always the cheapest option, but it is convenient, regulated and easy to find at the airport and resort taxi stands. For many visitors, especially after a long flight, that convenience is worth it.