Las Vegas Layover Guide (LAS)

What are you looking for in LAS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

McCarran International Airport (LAS) is the main international airport located in Paradise, Nevada and serves the Las Vegas Valley. It is located 8 km (5 mi) from the center of Las Vegas. The airport has had international flights since it opened in 1948 with nonstop flights to cities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city in the United States of America, known mainly for its entertainment, nightlife, shopping, fine dining, and gambling.

Can you leave Las Vegas Airport (LAS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Some travelers can visit Las Vegas during a layover but others require a visa depending on nationality (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Las Vegas Organized Tours

Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour

This exciting tour includes an exciting journey by helicopter into the vast rim of the Grand Canyon where you will descend 3500 feet below on a tour that was designed with the budget-conscious traveler. Not only that but you get to experience a breathtaking helicopter flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, along with many other awe-inspiring views. A lovely bonus is having champagne and refreshments overlooking the Colorado River before your return flight. » book this tour

Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Bus Tour

This tour takes you to Eagle Point where you get an incredible view of the eagle-shaped rock formation. Once there you can walk right up to the edge of the canyon and see some of the dwellings that the Native American tribes lived in olden times. However, you can choose to experience the most spectacular views from the Skywalk. This is a glass-framed overlook sits 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon and boasts a 10-foot-wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that peers over the canyon. Many have said that being there feels like you’re floating on air with this view. » book this tour

Helicopter Flight at Night over the Las Vegas Strip

Experience the thrill of helicopter flight and enjoy the breathtaking views of Las Vegas! The city known as the entertainment capital of the world. During the tour flying, you will soar above the megaresorts of the Las Vegas Strip from the New York-New York skyline to the Bellagio fountains and the never-fading light of the Luxor pyramid. This includes a complimentary glass of champagne and narration provided by a professional and knowledgeable pilot in the ECO-Star helicopter. » book this tour

Las Vegas Things to do / Sightseeing

Caesars Palace

One of the most well known casinos in the world is Caesars Palace. It is one of Las Vegas’s largest and best-known landmarks, definitely one of the places to visit. It doubles as a luxury hotel in Paradise, Nevada, United States. It also has a stunning pool area, the hottest club in town, a massive shopping center and nearly 4,000 rooms and suites. The hotel is situated on the west side of the Las Vegas Strip between Bellagio and The Mirage.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes about 15 minutes to get here by taxi or an hour by bus.

Venetian & Palazzo

Spend a night or awhile at The Venetian Resort’s two signature towers. The Venetian Tower and The Palazzo Tower each have a lively classic Italian setting and a modern Italian setting respectively. The tower’s top five floors contain an old-world drawing-room-style lounge and specialty baths. Las Vegas’ exclusively lives here with extra amenities such as private elevators, complimentary newspaper delivery, access to the secluded Italian-style pool garden and arboretum.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 20 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes to get here by public transportation.

Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is unique in style, sophistication and wit. It is the choice for chic locals as well as international visitors when it comes to picking a luxurious resort, casino, and hotel. Inside, the complex is centered around a chandelier which is spectacular. The Cosmo building studded with unusual shopping options, including Amsterdam’s outré, avant-garde Droog assemblage of conceptual furniture. There are lots to do at the Cosmopolitan.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It takes just 15 minutes to get here by taxi or 40 minutes by bus.

Aquarium at the Mirage

The Mirage aquarium is one of the most visited and recognizable aquariums in the entire Las Vegas. Be amazing by the approximately 450 fish from 80 different species residing in the aquarium; they come from around the world from tropical places such as the Caribbean, Red Sea, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Indo-Pacific. The aquarium made of 20,000-gallon saltwater tanks which serve as a home to angelfish, puffer fish, tangs and other exotic sea creatures.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 45 minutes to get here by bus or 20 minutes by taxi.

Rio Wine Cellar and Tasting Room

Rio Wine Cellar and Tasting Room

The Rio is one of the Strip’s best kept secrets located in the resort’s Masquerade Village. Rio’s Wine Cellar and Tasting Room are one of the most impressive public wine collections. It houses a $10 million treasure trove of grape juice including a vertical collection of Chateau d’Yquem and a bottle of Madeira from Thomas Jefferson’s personal stash. This must-see Vegas destination showcases some 3,000 bottles, valued at more than $3 million. The wine experience includes an offering of more than 100 wines by the glass.

Time required: 1 hour or 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes about 17 minutes by taxi to get here or 50 minutes by public transportation.

Neon Museum

The Neon Museum is known for exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. This downtown museum is full of fantastic vintage signs. Learn about the town’s legendary haunts and odd characters through the signs they left behind. When you visit in the evening when you can see some of the refurbished signs illuminated to their former glory.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes about 25 minutes to get here by taxi or more than an hour by public transportation.

Stratosphere

The Strat Hotel, Casino and SkyPod formerly known as the Stratosphere is a hotel, casino and tower found in Las Vegas Boulevard. The property’s signature attraction is the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States making the views of Las Vegas from the SkyPod very amazing. The Strat Hotel is estimated to have 2,444 rooms and suites.

Time required: An hour.

Airport to here: 20 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by public transport.

Bellagio Fountains

The Fountains of Bellagio were destined to romance senses. The Bellagio’s lake throws up entrancing fountain displays choreographed to music from Michael Jackson to Gene Kelly. The 1,200 water cannons, arranged in lines and circles, shoot water that dances and sways to the music, reaching as high as 460 feet. Take in a spectacular show of thoughtfully interwoven water, music, and light designed to mesmerize its admirers. Fall in love with this unprecedented aquatic accomplishment as you enjoy an enchanting concert of opera, classical, Broadway and pop tunes

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 20 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes to get here by public transportation.

Things to Do in Las Vegas Airport (LAS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are many lounges in Terminal 1 and 3. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are many options for hotels close to the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no designated rest areas.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available in the airport.

SIM Card: There are several shops within the airport that sell SIM cards. » buy a global sim card for Las Vegas, United States that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the lower levels of each of the terminals. These licensed taxis provide service between the airport and the Las Vegas metro area.

Train: There are no designated trains from this airport.

Bus: There are buses located outside the arrival terminals. (more info).

Shuttle: There are hotel shuttle services at the airport.

Car rentals: There are car rental options that can be booked online. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: A safe and secure parking facility is available. You can book your parking slot online.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no designated luggage storage and lockers. » book a luggage storage or locker at Las Vegas Airport (LAS) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Las Vegas Airport (LAS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks