Taxis and Other Transportation

I talk about the cost of cabs in my book, and while it may seem like I'm bashing the taxi industry, I'm really not. I just consider it expensive to use them, especially considering the alternative methods. Here's why:

This information is taken directly from the Nevada Taxi Cab Authority website (http://taxi.state.nv.us/FaresFees.htm): To get into a cab in Vegas, it costs $3.20 (initial charge), plus $2.00 per mile, plus $.25 per every 41 seconds that the the cab is moving less than 8-12 mph. If you're getting a cab from the airport, tack on another $1.20. Then, don't forget the tip.

So if you're looking to take a taxi from the airport, here are approximate costs:

• To the South Strip (MGM Grand, NY NY, Excalibur, etc.) $10



• Mid Strip (Caesars, Barbary Coast, etc.) $13~$13.50



• North Strip (Riviera, Stardust) $14~$15



• Downtown $18.50

Let's say you're staying at the Flamingo for three days. You've decided to fly into Vegas and not rent a car. You know you want to play in a blackjack tournament at the Sahara one day, but other than that, you are going to stay around the Flamingo area and walk most of the time. Here are your options and costs for getting around:

• Taxi: $26 (round trip to and from airport) + $15 (round trip to and from Sahara) = $41 + tip



• Bus (CAT - Citizens Area Transit): three all-day bus passes (one for each day of airport travel, one for the trips to and from Sahara) at $5 each = $15



• Shuttle from airport (roundtrip): $9.50 + tip



• Monorail (to and from Sahara): $9



• Strip Trolley: $1.75 each way
  

So looking at these approximate costs above, you have a lot of less expensive options than just taking a taxi. Of course, you can share a taxi between 5 people to make it more cost effective, but chances are you won't be doing that all the time. But you could easily combine some of these options to create a balance between convenience and cost. Because, let's face it, you don't always want to wait in the blistering sun for a strip trolley or a bus. Just consider your alternatives and remember that tourists do not have to live by taxi alone.

A few other things to consider... you can't get a taxi directly on the Strip because it's illegal for taxis to stop there (for various reasons). So, remember that you'll have to get a cab from a hotel entrance on the Strip. Also, while Las Vegas is pretty liberal in its laws about drinking alcohol, it's also strict (rightly so) in its punishment for drunk drivers. Something to keep in mind even if you or your traveling companions rented a car and have been partying... sometimes a taxi just makes more sense. Me? I like to rent a car when I fly into Sin City. It may cost me a few sheckles, but it gives me the most bang for my buck when I want to go to California or I get the sudden urge to go to Fremont Street at 10:00 at night. Again, it's all about the balance between cost and convenience.
--Mike