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Can You Walk to the Las Vegas Airport from The Strip?

10/17/2017

26 Comments

 
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By John Roberts 

Many of the taxi drivers in Las Vegas are unscrupulous. This is pretty well-known, and I have generally avoided the Las Vegas taxi cab scam artists by speaking up and making it clear I am expecting the most direct route to the Strip when I get into a cab.

No scenic route through the tunnel! 
 

But I got distracted on my latest trip to Las Vegas. I was in the back seat of the taxi, catching up with a buddy who I hadn't seen in years. We were both excited for our reunion trip and chatting for a while before we realized that we had been en route to our resort for much longer than usual. 

The total fare was $37, and the driver had the nerve to ask for tip, too, as I swiped my credit card and left the tip line blank. Tip for what?! Long-hauling us? Not helping with our bags? 
No, ma'am! You get no tip.  

I paid a steep price, but I learned a valuable lesson that will pay off in the long run: Don't ever use a taxi in Las Vegas. Here is what I will be doing instead. I stay on the Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard, and the airport is only about two miles away from the spot where I like to spend my time when I visit Las Vegas. 

It's walkable. I've always known it is, but I have never really looked into the route and logistics of it. When this particular week of fun ended in Vegas, I decided I would walk back to the airport so I could tell you about the route in case you might want to try it, too.

There are good sidewalks the entire way, so you can easily breeze along with a roller suitcase and get there in about 40 to 45 minutes depending on where you are staying. 

Here is the route I took from the Marriott Grand Chateau, which is located at Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue (right at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and across the street from City Center). I walked down Harmon Avenue (away from the Strip) until I got to Paradise Road. You take a right on Paradise and walk all the way to the airport. It's so easy.

Alternatively, you can walk down the Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) to reach Tropicana Avenue, turn left and walk until you reach Paradise. Then it's a right turn and into the airport. Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard is the corner that is home to the Tropicana, New York New York, Excalibur and MGM Grand.  
 

Walking to the airport from the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood on Harmon Avenue
The start of my walk, just outside the Marriott Grand Chateau.
Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood on Harmon Avenue
Just a couple minutes in, looking back to Planet Hollywood on Harmon Avenue.
Harmon Avenue Las Vegas sidewalk
The sidewalks are wide and smooth. You can wheel a suitcase with no worries.
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I'm holding up pretty well about 20 minutes into the walk on a sunny day in Las Vegas. I'm still on Harmon Avenue, and I was carrying a bag and backpack.
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I left enough time to be able to stop for lunch. This is the halfway point at the turn onto Paradise Road.
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This is a view from Paradise Road back to the Strip. It's quiet out here.
Paradise Road at airport in Las Vegas
Seems like I'm heading in the right direction.
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I cross Tropicana Avenue . . . 
Sign for McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas
. . . and reach the edge of the airport property.
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Traffic picks up as I get closer. You just have to keep on the sidewalk and you'll get all the way to the terminals. First up is Terminal 1.
Sidewalk at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas
See, it's pedestrian friendly the whole way.
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Walking is the only way to get this close to the famous cowboy statue at the airport.
McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas
The cowboy's view of the airport.
Las Vegas Strip view from the airport
The cowboy's view of the Strip.
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
I made it. This walk took about 35 minutes. 
"Why would you walk two miles to the airport, John?" you might be asking. Well, I really enjoy walking and being outdoors, and 35 to 40 minutes of walking for me is a nice little bit of exercise. This allows me to do three things: keep up with my fitness, get in some sightseeing and save money. These are always goals of mine when I travel, so this walk is a natural fit. I just wonder why it took me so long to give it a try in Las Vegas. (I have visited the city about 20 times). I'll admit, it was easy for me to do this time because I was alone. We'll see whether I can persuade my wife or friends to make the walk with me on my next trip there. 

A few other notes: You're going to want to make the journey in the morning or after the sun has gone down in the evening. It's probably not a good idea to walk the route in the heat of the afternoon, especially in the middle of summer. Bring a bottle of cold water or Powerade, put on your sunscreen and plan a meal break on the route if you want. You'll be surprised how easy the walk can be if you break it up and leave plenty of time to get to the airport.  

You'll also get to see Vegas from a new angle and save an extra $20 to $30 (walking both ways? That's $40 to $60) to hit the buffets, grab a show or play a few more slots or hands of blackjack while you're in town.

Why not 
give it a try? 
Thanks for reading, and always travel fit, travel happy and travel often!
JR

A Handy Las Vegas Walking Distance Map

Courtesy of Ladah Law Firm in Las Vegas. Click here for more details on walking distances to top attractions.
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26 Comments
Ryan Biddulph link
10/20/2017 11:21:53 pm

Hi John,

Excellent. Noted and you better believe I am doing this walk. I mean, how many airports are 35 minutes within walking distance to the city? Most cities I visit are a 45 to 60 minute car ride, minimum, going from the airport to the city.

Noted too on the taxi situation. Almost 40 bucks for a distance you can walk in 35 minutes? No way. Brass balls they have asking for a tip too. I recall a similar situation when we first landed in Phuket and the dreaded tuk tuk mafia was in charge. In a country that has such a low cost of living that it makes you scratch your head, this guy charged 15 dollars for like a 4 minute taxi ride. It was only 15 bucks in one regard but when you know it should cost like 2 bucks it leaves a sour taste.

The tuk tuk mafia has since gone bye-bye as the government cracked down on their garbage.

Thanks for the helpful share John.

Ryan

Reply
JR
10/21/2017 06:22:43 pm

Hey Ryan.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope this helps for your trip there. I tell ya, I'm not getting into a cab again unless it's in NYC and I see that it's Ben Bailey in the Cash Cab pulling up.

Peace brother!

JR

Reply
Colleen
1/18/2018 11:20:16 am

Thank-you, John! Doing this in Feb and we never, never take a cab in NYC ;) C

Juan David
2/28/2019 04:23:10 pm

You know, although I'm going to do this walking tour in April of 2019, I've done something similar in some other airports, the experience of walking while I'm getting to know is incredible. If the trip is planned, I previously downloaded the map of the city that I will visit in the google maps application and leave it available without connection, then I can start and end and choose the walking route, it tells you exactly where to do it. Whether the tour is safe or not, is another issue. It worked for me in Singapore and in Perth, Australia.

Reply
Susan Johnson link
10/31/2017 04:43:45 pm

Thanks JR. That was awesome!

Reply
Aleksa
5/31/2018 09:45:38 am

Would this walk be safe to do late at night? Like 11 pm on a Saturday?

Reply
JR
5/31/2018 02:08:19 pm

Hi Aleksa. I would not recommend late at night. It's likely to be OK, but there are some stretches that likely will not be well lit as you get toward the airport that I wouldn't want to recommend someone do it unless they were in a group.

Reply
RM
6/17/2018 08:48:41 am

Very nice, I tried walking from airport to strip once but couldn’t find a route that was pedestrian friendly. Next time I’ll use your advice on route to make the trek, thanks for posting and doing research.

Reply
Adrian Boliston link
8/12/2018 05:36:24 pm

it seems wrong that so many people assume you have to drive everywhere even short distances like a couple of miles like this trip from the strip to the airport - i bet taxi drivers would hate it if too many people learn about this

Reply
JR
8/12/2018 06:20:53 pm

Exactly, Adrian. That is why I wrote this. I was mad about paying way too much for a cab ride. Most fit people will enjoy a 40-minute walk on a sunny day and saving $30 as another benefit. Plus, you get to know your way around the city a little bit better.

Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy travels!

-- JR

Reply
Jay
9/18/2018 11:02:11 pm

Walked this today with my wife thanks worked out great

Reply
JR
9/20/2018 10:42:50 am

That's fantastic. I'm so happy it worked out. Thanks for reading.

Reply
Les Ellis
10/11/2018 01:20:39 pm

Hi John, thanks for the info, I and my partner are going to do the walk to the airport to pick up a rental car midway through our vacation so we won’t be dragging suitcases, we plan to visit the Hoover dam and Red Rock canyon the leave the car at the airport when we leave, we love Vegas and have been about 7 times, regards Les (UK)

Reply
Kesha C Palmer
1/18/2019 04:56:20 am

What about public transportation? Does their bus system stop close to the airport? Information you provide is wonderful, thanks!

Reply
JR
1/18/2019 08:58:22 am

HI Kesha,
Thanks for reading and your kind comment. I am not that familiar with the city bus system. I just did a check online and I found this link with info that might help you make a choice.

https://www.mccarran.com/Transportation/PublicBus

Happy travels.
JR

Reply
Manny
9/12/2019 11:26:25 am

Thanku! Glad I found this
One question for anybody who can help lol
Going to days inn Wyndham
Which way do I turn ? Tropicana ave

Reply
JR
9/12/2019 01:46:41 pm

Hey Manny,
Glad you found this.

To get to your hotel, turn left on Tropicana as you head away from teh airport. Good luck and have a great time in Vegas.

JR

Reply
Manny
9/12/2019 06:04:35 pm

Thanku
I had to catch shuttle to terminal 1 and will take it from there unless I get a city bus lol

veneers las vegas link
9/23/2019 10:44:57 am

Great article. Love all the details you included. Bravo! Will share with my circle.

Reply
JR
9/23/2019 06:09:32 pm

Thanks so much. I'm so glad this post had helped so many travelers. That's what we love to do here. Thanks for reading. Happy travels.

Reply
Albert link
8/6/2020 02:56:17 am

I love taking walks so I can see/explore more of wherever I travel. I'm just beginning to make regular trips from San Diego to Las Vegas, and I'm happy this walking route is available. Just hope this route is as easy as it looks. Thank you so much for sharing.

Reply
Joe
2/11/2021 05:33:09 pm

You can't find money on the ground while riding in a car. I walk...

Reply
JR
2/11/2021 05:36:24 pm

Hahaha. That's right. Another great point. I'll pick up a penny. I'm not too proud.

Reply
Mark
4/4/2021 10:05:34 pm

Really glad you have a post about walking to the Vegas airport. I have done it a few times and plan to do it again in a couple of weeks when I go back out there. I have a reservation at Ellis Island on Koval so it just under 3 miles which is more of a long stroll versus a city hike. Previously I had walked from the Palazzo to the airport. I stopped along the way at a McDonalds for coffee and at the MGM Grand for the bathroom. I think it took about 1 hour and 20 minutes total but I walk a little faster than most people. One of these trips I plan to take a real city hike and walk from Fremont Street to the airport. If people want to know why I'll say because I can and I want to!

Reply
John
4/5/2021 10:02:15 am

Hi Mark. Thanks for reading. You sound just like me. I'll always opt for a nice city hike for three big reasons: It saves me money, I can see a lot more while discovering hidden gems and it's great exercise.
I have walked from The Strip all the way to Fremont Street, too.
Cheers and happy travels,
JR

Reply
Mark
4/26/2021 11:13:17 pm

Did this today as I stayed at Ellis Island. Wanted a little extra walking though. Left Ellis Island on Koval and went North to Flamingo and then West to Las Vegas Blvd. Turned South and meandered down the Strip to Tropicana and then headed East to Paradise Rd. From Tropicana to the front door of Terminal 1 took about 50 minutes. I stopped to take pictures and didn't walk my usual pace. The weather was actually nice as it was mid 60's with a mostly cloudy sky and nice breeze.
For anyone reading this blog and comments I would suggest you give it a shot sometime!




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