Ultimate guide to the Las Vegas Monorail

Many first-time visitors are surprised to discover that the Las Vegas Strip stretches along more than four miles of South Las Vegas Boulevard. The Las Vegas Strip is bigger than it looks on the map, and near-constant vehicle traffic can mean it’s just as slow to walk as it is to drive. The Las Vegas Monorail, which connects four miles of the Strip at speeds up to 50 miles per hour, offers a speedy alternative, whisking visitors from the MGM Grand at the north end of the Strip to the SAHARA Las Vegas at the south end in under 15 minutes.

The Las Vegas Monorail makes seven stops along the east side of the Vegas Strip every four to eight minutes at popular and convenient tourist attractions.

Here's what you'll find at and near some of the Las Vegas Monorail's most popular and useful stations.

MGM Grand Station is the farthest south station on the Monorail’s route, and is located close to McCarran International Airport. There are two entrances for the Monorail, one in the MGM District near the Grand Garden Arena and the other in the Underground (take the escalators near the bell desk in the lobby).

Nearby attractions: With one of the largest gaming floors in Vegas, you’ll have endless entertainment options at the MGM Grand with its live music, shows, world-class restaurants, and clubs. Hershey’s Chocolate World and Top Golf are both within a 10-minute walk of the station.

The Bally’s/Paris Station is located in the Avenue Shops past the food court. It’s near both Paris Las Vegas and Bally’s Las Vegas.

Nearby attractions: Take an elevator ride up 46 stories through the Eiffel Tower—Nevada’s that is—for panoramic views of the Strip and valley; shop the specialty stores at the Grand Bazaar Shops; or catch a show at Bally’s or dine at the hotel for its famous Sterling Brunch. Across the boulevard is the famous Fountains of Bellagio. Other nearby hotels include Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

You’ll find the connector walkway for the Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station in the Flamingo Hotel & Casino past the retail section. Caesars Palace is located just across the street.

Nearby attractions: Some of the greatest shows in Vegas call Caesars Palace home. Caesars’ nightclub, restaurants, and shopping have legions of fans as well. Don’t miss the unique Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino just across the street.

Located in the middle of the strip is the Harrah’s/The LINQ Station. You’ll find directional signage for the connector on the second floor towards self-parking in The LINQ and by the parking garage of Harrah’s.

Nearby attractions: From activities like bowling to celeb chefs’ restaurants like Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar and Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, there’s no shortage of fun around the LINQ Promenade. This is also the closest station for the famous High Roller observation tower, which at 550 feet tall, gives you unobstructed views of the Strip. (Rides last about 30 minutes.) For another adrenaline rush, check out the Fly Linq Zipline. Harrah’s/The LINQ is also the closest stop to The Venetian Resort, about a six-minute walk away.

The Las Vegas Convention Center Station is located through the Las Vegas Convention Center parking lot across Convention Center Silver Drive. For convention attendees, the Monorail is a convenient way to get from Strip hotels to meetings and events. Nearby hotels include the Las Vegas Marriott, Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center.

Pro tip: Use the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop to get around the convention center itself. The three-station transport system connects the new West Hall section with the existing North, Central, and South halls.

Westgate Station is the closest station to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, just one block off of the Strip. It’s located right outside the property past the bell desk.

Nearby attractions: Sports bettors will be in awe of the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook, and Elvis fans will appreciate the hotel’s history—the star sold out more than 800 consecutive shows at the property.

SAHARA Las Vegas Station is the terminus station on the north end of the Strip. The walkway to the station is located near the Alexandria Tower in the SAHARA.

Nearby attractions: The SAHARA, with all of its dining, casino, and nightlife options, is just steps away from the station. This stop is also close to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds and less than a 15-minute walk from The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod.

Travelers can purchase single ride tickets for $5, a 24-hour pass for $13, a 2-day pass for $23, a 3-day pass for $29, a 4-day pass for $36, a 5-day pass for $43, or a 7-day pass for $56. You can purchase mobile tickets online, at a customer service office, or a ticket vending machine.

The Las Vegas Monorail operates seven days a week and runs on Mondays from 7 a.m. to midnight; Tuesdays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Fridays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.

There are three short-tram systems that connect other points of interest on the Strip, all located on the opposite side of Las Vegas Boulevard from the Monorail. The Las Vegas Tram lines are: Mirage -Treasure Island, the Bellagio - CityCenter - Park MGM, and the Mandalay Bay - Excalibur. They are free, with varying operating hours and schedules. If you’re staying at a hotel near one of these tram lines, see your hotel for more information.

Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street are located about two-and-a-half miles from the northernmost stop (SAHARA Las Vegas station) of the Las Vegas Monorail. To travel between the two locations, you can ride the public bus (managed by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada) on either the express SDX or the Deuce line. Tickets cost $6 for a 2-hour pass, $8 for a 24-hour pass, or $20 for a 3-day pass and can be purchased at the vending machines at most stops. The express bus runs until midnight but the Deuce line operates 24-7.

If you’re looking to see more of Downtown, the city operates a free shuttle, the Downtown Loop Shuttle, that makes seven stops in the area including the Mob Museum, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, and the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.