Travel guide · United States
Las Vegas Travel Guide 2026: Grand Canyon Fees, Summer Heat, Getting Around and Real Costs
The Las Vegas Strip at night Photo: MattLanzaWiki, CC BY-SA 4.0
Las Vegas is a desert resort city whose 4.2-mile Strip of casino hotels sits mostly outside the city itself, with the old downtown of Fremont Street a short ride north. The choices that shape a trip are when to come (summer highs average 40 °C), which side of the Grand Canyon to see now that non-US visitors pay a USD 100 surcharge at the national park, and whether to hire a car for Red Rock, Valley of Fire and Hoover Dam. This guide sets out official 2026 ticket prices and fares, the climate month by month and current prices across 1,314 bookable tours.
Las Vegas at a glance
| Where | Southern Nevada, in the Mojave Desert; the Strip lies mostly in unincorporated Paradise and Winchester, outside city limits |
|---|---|
| The Strip | About 4.2 miles (6.8 km) of Las Vegas Boulevard, from Mandalay Bay in the south to the Strat in the north |
| Visitors | 38.5 million in 2025, 7.5% fewer than in 2024; hotel occupancy averaged 80.3% |
| Airport | Harry Reid International (LAS), called McCarran until December 2021; about 55 million passengers in 2025 |
| Climate | Average highs from 13.8 °C in December to 40.3 °C in July; 106 mm of rain a year |
| Sales tax | 8.375% added at the till in Clark County |
| Gambling age | 21; under-21s may not gamble or linger in gaming areas |
Most visits split between three places. The Strip holds the big resorts, the free Bellagio fountains, Sphere and the shows. Downtown, north of the Strip, has Fremont Street, the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum. The third is the desert, where Red Rock Canyon is about 30 minutes away and Hoover Dam about 30 miles, with Death Valley, Zion and the Grand Canyon further out as full-day trips.
Las Vegas in pictures
Tap a photo to enlarge it. Photos: Vahe Martirosyan, Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Matt Walter from Durham, NC USA, USA, Frank Schulenburg, Christian David — Wikimedia Commons.
Which side of the Grand Canyon should you see from Las Vegas in 2026?
Non-US visitors pay USD 100 each at the national park this year
Since 1 January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over pay a USD 100 surcharge per person at Grand Canyon National Park, on top of the USD 35 vehicle fee. Zion and Bryce Canyon, the other classic day trips from Las Vegas, are on the same list of 11 parks. The surcharge does not apply to anyone entering on an America the Beautiful pass, which costs USD 250 a year for non-residents. Fee-free days are for US citizens and residents only.
| Grand Canyon South Rim (national park) | Grand Canyon West (Hualapai Tribe) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Las Vegas | 278 miles via Kingman and Williams | About 2 hours' drive |
| Entry | USD 35 per car for 7 days, or USD 20 per person on foot or bike | General Admission USD 67 per person |
| Non-US surcharge | USD 100 per person aged 16+ | None: it is not a national park |
| Glass-floored Skywalk | No | Included in the USD 99 All-Access Pass or USD 59 Sunset Pass |
| Opening | Pass valid 7 days; the separate North Rim opens only 15 May–15 October | 8:00 to 18:00, later in summer |
| Who it suits | Classic views and rim walks | Short trips, the Skywalk, non-US visitors on a budget |
Grand Canyon West is the better day trip; the South Rim deserves a night
The South Rim is 278 miles from Las Vegas by the NPS route, so a day trip there means most of the day on the road. Grand Canyon West, run by the Hualapai Tribe on its reservation, is about two hours away and charges per person rather than per car. For a couple from abroad, entry to the national park by car costs USD 235 (USD 35 plus two USD 100 surcharges); two All-Access Passes at Grand Canyon West, which include the Skywalk, cost USD 198.
Watch the clock in winter. Grand Canyon West keeps Arizona time: from 8 March to 1 November 2026 that matches Las Vegas, but from 2 November it runs on Mountain Standard Time, an hour ahead. Last entry is at 16:30 (17:30 in summer), so an hour lost to the time zone can cost you the visit.
49 Grand Canyon West day trips tours on Excurgo · from $17, typical $214 per person · rated 4.8 across 60,132 reviews
14 Grand Canyon South Rim day trips tours on Excurgo · from $94, typical $169 per person · rated 4.3 across 4,395 reviews
Verdict: First-timers with one day: go to Grand Canyon West by coach, typically around $214, and pay for the All-Access Pass if you want the Skywalk. If the canyon is the main reason you are coming, skip the day trip and spend a night at the South Rim instead.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
March to May and October to November are best
Las Vegas is dry all year, with 106 mm of rain on average, so the deciding factor is heat. April averages 25.8 °C and October 27.3 °C, warm enough for the pool and cool enough for Red Rock or Valley of Fire. From June to September average highs run from 34.9 °C to 40.3 °C, and the airport recorded 120 °F (48.9 °C) on 7 July 2024. December and January are cool, with highs around 14 °C and nights near 4 °C.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.7 °C | 4.7 °C | 14 mm | Cool; CES week fills hotels |
| February | 17.2 °C | 6.7 °C | 20 mm | Good for hiking |
| March | 21.7 °C | 10.3 °C | 11 mm | Very good |
| April | 25.8 °C | 13.8 °C | 5 mm | Best month |
| May | 31.4 °C | 18.9 °C | 2 mm | Hot by the end; trails start closing 15 May |
| June | 37.4 °C | 24.3 °C | 1 mm | Too hot for desert hiking |
| July | 40.3 °C | 27.8 °C | 10 mm | Hottest; heat deaths peak |
| August | 39.3 °C | 27.0 °C | 8 mm | Very hot |
| September | 34.9 °C | 22.4 °C | 8 mm | Hot; cooler late in the month |
| October | 27.3 °C | 15.3 °C | 8 mm | Best month; Red Rock permits needed from 1 October |
| November | 19.5 °C | 8.5 °C | 8 mm | Very good, except F1 week |
| December | 13.8 °C | 4.2 °C | 11 mm | Cool; Valley of Fire shut 1–14 December |
Climate figures are NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Harry Reid International Airport.
Check the event calendar before booking a hotel
Two events move hotel prices more than the weather. CES 2027 runs 6–9 January 2027. The 2026 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix is on 19–21 November, with the race on Saturday night along the Strip, and the monorail runs nonstop from 17 to 23 November to cope. If your dates are flexible, avoid those weeks.
Verdict: Come in April or October. If summer is your only option, plan desert trips for early morning, spend the afternoons indoors, and drop hiking from the plan altogether.
How do you get from the airport and get around Las Vegas?
A taxi to the Strip costs a fixed fare by zone
Harry Reid International is about 5 miles south of downtown Las Vegas. Taxis to Strip hotels charge flat fares in three zones, revised in July 2026 and linked to a gasoline price index: USD 22.25 to Zone 1 (Sunset Road to Tropicana, including Mandalay Bay, Luxor and MGM Grand), USD 26.25 to Zone 2 (Tropicana to Flamingo, including Aria, Bellagio, Paris and the Cosmopolitan) and USD 30.25 to Zone 3 (Flamingo to the Strat, including Caesars Palace, the Venetian, Wynn and Resorts World).
| Option | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi, airport to Strip | USD 22.25 / 26.25 / 30.25 by zone | Arrival with luggage |
| Deuce or SDX bus (RTC) | USD 6 for 2 hours, USD 8 for 24 hours, USD 20 for 3 days | Moving along the Strip and to downtown |
| Las Vegas Monorail | One ride USD 5.75 online (USD 6.25 at the station); 1-day pass USD 13.95 online | East side of the Strip, MGM Grand to SAHARA |
| Free trams | Free | Bellagio–Aria–Park MGM and Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur |
| Hire car | Plus parking | Red Rock, Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, Death Valley |
The monorail runs 3.9 miles behind the east side of the Strip, from MGM Grand to SAHARA, with stops including Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ and the Convention Center; end to end takes about 15 minutes. It starts at 7:00 and runs until midnight on Mondays, 2:00 from Tuesday to Thursday and 3:00 from Friday to Sunday.
Verdict: You do not need a car for the Strip and downtown: walk, then use the Deuce or the monorail. Hire one for a day or two if you want Red Rock, Valley of Fire or Death Valley on your own schedule, since tours there typically cost $156 to $279 a person.
What are the best things to do in Las Vegas?
Watch the Fountains of Bellagio after dark Must do· Evening, 20:00–midnight
The fountain show in the lake in front of Bellagio is free. Independent schedules list weekday shows every 30 minutes from 15:00 to 19:30, then every 15 minutes from 20:00 to midnight, with afternoon shows starting at noon at weekends. Strong wind can cancel a show, so if it is gusty, try again later.
See the Fremont Street light show downtown Must do· On the hour, 18:00–2:00
Fremont Street Experience covers the old downtown casino street with a canopy screen 1,375 feet long, hung 90 feet above the pedestrian mall. The Viva Vision light shows are free and start on the hour from 18:00 to 2:00, each lasting six to eight minutes. The street is open 24 hours; nearby parking is paid after a 15-minute grace period.
35 Strip and Fremont Street walking tours tours on Excurgo · from $8, typical $60 per person · rated 4.9 across 1,608 reviews
Spend two hours at the Mob Museum Must do· Daytime, before Fremont Street
The Mob Museum fills the 1933 federal post office and courthouse, where Senator Estes Kefauver's committee on organised crime held a hearing on 15 November 1950. It opened as a museum on 14 February 2012 and is open daily from 9:00 to 21:00 at 300 Stewart Avenue, a few steps from Fremont Street. The museum says booking online saves up to 20%.
Book the Neon Museum for an evening slot Must do· After dark, booked ahead
The Neon Museum, at 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, keeps old casino signs in its Neon Boneyard. From September to May it is open from 15:00 to 23:00; in June, July and August it opens only from 20:00 to midnight. Tickets are released 60 days ahead and evening slots often sell out, so this is one Las Vegas sight to book before you fly.
See a show at Sphere, or just look at it Worth it· Evening
Sphere opened next to the Venetian on 29 September 2023. It is 366 feet high and 516 feet wide, cost about USD 2.3 billion and seats 17,600. The outside is one huge LED screen that you can see for free from the Strip; inside, the main shows are Postcard from Earth and, since 28 August 2025, The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.
Pick one view from above: the High Roller or the Strat Worth it· Sunset
The High Roller at the LINQ is 550 feet tall and takes 30 minutes for a full turn, in one of 28 cabins. The Strat's tower at the north end of the Strip rises to 1,149 feet, with indoor and outdoor decks on levels 108 and 109 and the SkyJump, a controlled 855-foot drop. The wheel puts you in the middle of the Strip; the tower is higher but further from it. You only need one.
Drive the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive Must do· Half day, early morning
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is about 17 miles west of the Strip, roughly 30 minutes by car, and its Scenic Drive is a 13-mile loop past red sandstone. From 1 October to 31 May you need a timed-entry reservation from Recreation.gov to enter between 8:00 and 17:00; tickets are valid for the time shown, with 30 minutes' grace for early arrival. The entrance fee is reported at USD 20 per car; the BLM does not publish the amount.
The drive opens at 6:00 and closes at 17:00 from November to February, 19:00 in March and October, and 20:00 from April to September. The visitor centre is open from 8:00 to 16:30. Fee-free days still need a reservation.
25 Red Rock Canyon tours tours on Excurgo · from $13, typical $156 per person · rated 4.8 across 3,533 reviews
Spend a morning in Valley of Fire Must do· October to April, half day
Valley of Fire, about 50 miles north-east of Las Vegas, became Nevada's first state park in 1935, and its red Aztec Sandstone formed from ancient dunes. Entry costs USD 15 per car with out-of-state plates (USD 10 for Nevada cars). The park is open from sunrise to sunset but closes completely from 1 to 14 December, and many trails close from 15 May to 30 September after repeated heat rescues and deaths.
44 Valley of Fire tours tours on Excurgo · from $15, typical $180 per person · rated 4.9 across 8,702 reviews
Paddle to Emerald Cave below Hoover Dam Worth it· Half day
The Colorado River below Hoover Dam is the setting for the most popular water trips from the city: guided kayak tours through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave. They typically cost around $127; check whether transport from Las Vegas is included. Combine one with a stop at the dam itself.
42 Emerald Cave and Black Canyon kayak tours tours on Excurgo · from $69, typical $127 per person · rated 4.9 across 16,430 reviews
Stop at Seven Magic Mountains while it is still there Worth it· 30 minutes, on the way south
Seven Magic Mountains, by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, is seven stacks of 33 painted boulders, 30 to 35 feet high, about 10 miles south of the junction of Las Vegas Boulevard and St Rose Parkway, near Jean Dry Lake. It opened in May 2016 as a two-year installation. Its land lease runs out in December 2026 and its future after that has not been settled, so check before making a special trip.
Worth skipping
- A Strip helicopter night flight as a substitute for walking the Strip. Flights typically cost around $204; the fountains and the Fremont light show are free.
- Both the High Roller and the Strat. They answer the same question; choose one.
- The Mirage volcano. It went with the Mirage, which closed in July 2024.
- Midday hiking from June to September. Valley of Fire closes many trails in these months for good reason.
Is Hoover Dam worth visiting, and which tour should you take?
Hoover Dam is about 30 miles south-east of Las Vegas, through Boulder City. It is 726.4 feet high and spans the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona; concrete was poured from 1933 to 1935 and the work was finished in 1936. The dam is open from 5:00 to 21:00, while the visitor centre and tours run from 9:00 to 17:00, with the last tour at 16:10.
| Ticket | Price | How to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Dam Tour | USD 40 per person; 3 and under free | On site only, first come, first served; often sells out |
| Guided Power Plant Tour | Adults USD 25, ages 4–16 USD 15 | Online or on site |
| Self-guided Visitor Center | USD 15 | Online or on site |
| Parking, Nevada-side garage | USD 10 per vehicle | On arrival |
Every vehicle can be searched at the security checkpoint, and you must pass screening before buying tickets. Drones, firearms and marijuana are banned, knives of any size are not allowed in buildings, and cars may not stop on top of the dam to drop anyone off. America the Beautiful passes are not valid here.
Verdict: Drive yourself, arrive early and buy the Power Plant Tour online; join the queue for the Guided Dam Tour only if you are there early. Without a car, a half-day tour typically costs around $129.
46 Hoover Dam tours tours on Excurgo · from $15, typical $129 per person · rated 4.7 across 21,554 reviews
Which day trips from Las Vegas are worth it?
| Day trip | Distance and time | Key costs | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Canyon | About 17 miles, 30 minutes | About USD 20 per car; timed entry October–May | Best half day |
| Hoover Dam | About 30 miles | Power Plant Tour USD 25; parking USD 10 | Easy half day |
| Valley of Fire | About 50 miles | USD 15 per non-Nevada car | Best landscape near the city |
| Death Valley | About 120 miles, 2 hours | USD 30 per car; no surcharge | Good from November to March |
| Grand Canyon West | About 2 hours | From USD 67 a person; Skywalk USD 99 pass | Best Grand Canyon day trip |
| Zion | About 170 miles from the airport | USD 35 per car + USD 100 per non-US adult | Long day; better with a night |
| Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend | About 280 miles, 4.5–5 hours each way | Navajo entry USD 15 + guided tour; parking USD 10 | Very long day; tour only |
Death Valley is two hours away and has no surcharge
The fastest route to Death Valley runs through Pahrump: about 120 miles, roughly two hours. Entry is USD 30 per car for seven days, and the NPS lists no non-resident surcharge here. Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in North America, and the park's record of 134 °F was set at Furnace Creek in 1913. In summer the park advises against hiking except early in the morning or in the mountains.
33 Death Valley day trips tours on Excurgo · from $20, typical $279 per person · rated 4.9 across 2,309 reviews
Zion needs the shuttle, and a non-US visitor pays the surcharge
Zion National Park is about 170 miles from Harry Reid Airport. Entry costs USD 35 per car, and non-US visitors aged 16 and over pay USD 100 each on top. During shuttle season Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private cars and the free shuttle is the only way in; in 2026 it pauses from 29 November to 25 December, when you can drive the canyon yourself.
31 Zion and Bryce Canyon day trips tours on Excurgo · from $101, typical $324 per person · rated 4.7 across 3,845 reviews
Antelope Canyon only works on a guided tour
Guides are mandatory at every Antelope Canyon location; the Navajo Nation entry fee is USD 15 per person, per canyon, per day, and the tour is extra. Page and Horseshoe Bend are about 280 miles from Las Vegas, 4.5 to 5 hours each way. The Horseshoe Bend overlook is a 1.5-mile round-trip walk with no water and little shade; parking costs USD 10 and national park passes do not cover it. A day tour from Las Vegas typically costs around $320.
48 Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend day trips tours on Excurgo · from $160, typical $320 per person · rated 4.8 across 15,076 reviews
Verdict: With one spare day, choose Red Rock in the morning and Hoover Dam in the afternoon, or Grand Canyon West. With two, add Valley of Fire or, from November to March, Death Valley. Leave Zion and Antelope Canyon for a road trip with nights away.
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
2 days
Day 1: the Strip on foot, Bellagio fountains, one view from the High Roller or the Strat. Day 2: Mob Museum, Fremont Street light shows, Neon Museum after dark.
Tickets ≈ Mob and Neon Museums, booked online · tours ≈ $60
3–4 days
Add Red Rock Canyon at opening time and Hoover Dam, or a full day at Grand Canyon West.
Tickets ≈ USD 25 Power Plant Tour + USD 10 parking · tours ≈ $214
5+ days
Add Valley of Fire and, in the cooler months, Death Valley; or a night at the Grand Canyon South Rim or Zion.
Park entry USD 15–35 per car · tours ≈ $180
How much do tours and tickets cost in Las Vegas?
| Ticket | Adult price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon National Park, per car | USD 35 | + USD 100 per non-US resident 16+ |
| Grand Canyon West General Admission | USD 67 | No Skywalk |
| Grand Canyon West All-Access Pass | USD 99 | Includes the Skywalk |
| Hoover Dam Guided Dam Tour | USD 40 | Sold on site only |
| Hoover Dam Power Plant Tour | USD 25 | Ages 4–16 USD 15 |
| Valley of Fire, non-Nevada car | USD 15 | USD 10 for Nevada cars |
| Death Valley, per car | USD 30 | 7 days |
| Zion, per car | USD 35 | + USD 100 per non-US resident 16+ |
| Antelope Canyon Navajo entry | USD 15 | Per canyon, plus the guided tour |
| Activity | Tours | From | Typical | Top end |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon West day trips by road | 49 | $17 | $214 | $499 |
| Grand Canyon South Rim day trips | 14 | $94 | $169 | $654 |
| Grand Canyon helicopter and plane tours | 26 | $214 | $529 | $699 |
| Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend day trips | 48 | $160 | $320 | $1,242 |
| Zion and Bryce Canyon day trips | 31 | $101 | $324 | $1,275 |
| Hoover Dam tours | 46 | $15 | $129 | $350 |
| Red Rock Canyon tours | 25 | $13 | $156 | $590 |
| Valley of Fire tours | 44 | $15 | $180 | $781 |
| Death Valley day trips | 33 | $20 | $279 | $955 |
| Emerald Cave and Black Canyon kayak tours | 42 | $69 | $127 | $264 |
| Desert ATV and UTV tours | 41 | $75 | $199 | $748 |
| Night helicopter flights over the Strip | 10 | $99 | $204 | $649 |
| Las Vegas food tours | 17 | $80 | $124 | $157 |
| Strip and Fremont Street walking tours | 35 | $8 | $60 | $186 |
| Cirque du Soleil shows | 8 | $85 | $122 | $391 |
Tour prices are per person from the current catalogue and update automatically; 81% of tours offer free cancellation. Official ticket prices above were checked in October 2026.
Clark County adds 8.375% sales tax at the till. For hotels, a federal rule in force since 12 May 2025 requires the advertised price to include mandatory charges such as resort fees; taxes can still be added before you pay, so compare the final total, not the nightly rate.
8 Cirque du Soleil shows tours on Excurgo · from $85, typical $122 per person · rated 4.4 across 4,710 reviews
17 Las Vegas food tours tours on Excurgo · from $80, typical $124 per person · rated 4.9 across 4,519 reviews
Where should you stay in Las Vegas?
| Area | Examples | Airport taxi | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Strip (Zone 1) | Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, MGM Grand | USD 22.25 | Short airport run, free tram, monorail at MGM Grand |
| Centre Strip (Zone 2) | Aria, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Paris, Park MGM | USD 26.25 | First visits: fountains and walking distance to most sights |
| North-centre and north Strip (Zone 3) | Caesars Palace, the Venetian, Wynn, Resorts World, Fontainebleau | USD 30.25 | Sphere, the LINQ and the monorail |
| Downtown | Around Fremont Street | Metered | Fremont Street, the Mob and Neon Museums |
The taxi zones are a handy map of the Strip. The centre puts the Bellagio fountains, the Aria Express tram and the middle of the Strip outside the door. The south end has the shortest taxi ride from the airport and the free Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur tram. The north end is closer to Sphere and the monorail stations at Harrah's/The LINQ and Flamingo/Caesars Palace.
Verdict: For a first visit, stay mid-Strip between Tropicana and Flamingo. Choose downtown only if you prefer Fremont Street's older casinos to the big resorts and do not mind a bus ride to the Strip.
What rules, safety and entry details should you know?
Heat is the real danger
The Southern Nevada Health District recorded 513 heat-associated deaths in Clark County in 2024, up from 296 in 2023, and about 23% of them were people who did not live in the county. The total fell to 284 in 2025. In summer, carry water even on the Strip and treat desert trails as morning-only.
- Gambling is 21+. Under Nevada law under-21s may not gamble or linger in gaming areas.
- No glass on the Strip. A Clark County ordinance bans carrying drinks in glass containers on the Strip; plastic cups are allowed.
- Hoover Dam security. Expect a vehicle check; leave drones and knives behind.
- Entry. Visa Waiver travellers need an ESTA, which has cost USD 40 since 30 September 2025.
- Weddings. The Clark County Marriage License Bureau at 201 E. Clark Avenue is open every day from 8:00 to midnight, holidays included.
Mistakes visitors regret in Las Vegas
- Forgetting the Grand Canyon surcharge. A foreign couple arriving by car at the South Rim pays USD 235, not USD 35.
- Turning up at Red Rock without a reservation between October and May, 8:00 to 17:00.
- Hiking Valley of Fire in summer. Many trails close from 15 May to 30 September.
- Missing Grand Canyon West's last entry after 2 November, when Arizona time is an hour ahead of Las Vegas.
- Arriving at Hoover Dam late. The Guided Dam Tour is sold on site only and often sells out; the last tour leaves at 16:10.
- Booking during CES or F1 week without checking the calendar: 6–9 January 2027 and 19–21 November 2026.
- Planning a visit to the Neon Museum on the day. Evening slots often sell out.
- Comparing nightly rates instead of totals. Resort fees must now be in the advertised price, but taxes come on top.
Las Vegas FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Las Vegas?
March to May and October to November. April averages 25.8 °C and October 27.3 °C, while June to September averages 34.9–40.3 °C. Avoid CES week in January and F1 week in November if you want lower hotel prices.
Do foreign visitors pay extra at the Grand Canyon in 2026?
Yes, at the national park. Since 1 January 2026 non-US residents aged 16 and over pay USD 100 each on top of the USD 35 vehicle fee, unless they hold an America the Beautiful pass (USD 250 for non-residents). Grand Canyon West is run by the Hualapai Tribe and has no surcharge.
Grand Canyon West or South Rim: which is better from Las Vegas?
For a day trip, Grand Canyon West: about two hours away, from USD 67 a person, and the Skywalk is in the USD 99 All-Access Pass. The South Rim is 278 miles away and better with an overnight stay.
How much is a taxi from the airport to the Strip?
Flat fares by zone, revised July 2026: USD 22.25 to the south Strip (Mandalay Bay to MGM Grand), USD 26.25 to the centre (Aria, Bellagio, Paris) and USD 30.25 to the north (Caesars Palace to the Strat).
Do I need a reservation for Red Rock Canyon?
From 1 October to 31 May, yes, to enter the Scenic Drive between 8:00 and 17:00. Book a timed-entry ticket on Recreation.gov; fee-free days need one too. Outside those hours and months you can drive in without one.
Can you visit Hoover Dam without a tour?
Yes. You can drive across and walk around from 5:00 to 21:00, and the self-guided Visitor Center costs USD 15. The Power Plant Tour costs USD 25 and can be booked online; the Guided Dam Tour costs USD 40 and is sold on site only.
Is the Las Vegas Monorail worth it?
It is useful if you stay on the east side of the Strip. It runs 3.9 miles from MGM Grand to SAHARA in about 15 minutes, and a day pass costs USD 13.95 online. The Deuce bus is cheaper at USD 8 for 24 hours and also reaches downtown.
What is free to see in Las Vegas?
The Fountains of Bellagio, the Fremont Street Viva Vision light shows on the hour from 18:00 to 2:00, the outside of Sphere and, until its lease ends in December 2026, Seven Magic Mountains south of the city.
Can you visit Antelope Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas?
Only as a long one. Page is about 280 miles away, 4.5 to 5 hours each way, and every Antelope Canyon location requires a licensed guide plus a USD 15 Navajo entry fee. An overnight stay in Page is more comfortable.
Sources and how this guide is made
Written by the Excurgo editorial team with AI assistance. We are a tour comparison site, not a tour operator, and we have not personally tested every tour. Every fact was researched in official and specialist sources and checked against them before publication; prices, ratings and tour counts come from our live catalogue of 1,314 Las Vegas tours. Ratings and review counts are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor. Tours are picked by rating weighted by number of reviews (at least 20); we earn a commission from Viator when you book, and it does not affect the order.
- National Park Service — Grand Canyon entrance fees and non-resident surcharge (Oct 2026)
- National Park Service — Grand Canyon South Rim directions (Oct 2026)
- National Park Service — Zion fees and shuttle system (Oct 2026)
- National Park Service — Death Valley fees (Oct 2026)
- National Park Service — Death Valley FAQ, route and safety (Oct 2026)
- US Bureau of Reclamation — Hoover Dam tours, hours and security (Oct 2026)
- Bureau of Land Management — Red Rock Canyon timed entry and hours (Oct 2026)
- Nevada Division of State Parks — Valley of Fire fees and closures (Oct 2026)
- Grand Canyon West (Hualapai Tribe) — tickets and packages (Oct 2026)
- Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation — Antelope Canyon guide rule and entry fee (Oct 2026)
- Nevada Taxicab Authority — airport to Strip zone fares (Jul 2026)
- Las Vegas Monorail — fares (Oct 2026)
- Southern Nevada Health District — 2024 heat death report (Mar 2025)
- US Federal Trade Commission — fees rule for hotels (May 2025)
- Wikipedia — Climate of Las Vegas (NOAA 1991–2020 normals) (Oct 2026)
Photos come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences (CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC0 or public domain); the author and licence are shown under each one. They show the places described, not the exact tours listed.
Changelog. 14 October 2026: guide published.
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