A Deuce report etc
Nov 26th, 2009, 09:16 PM
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A Deuce report etc
I wanted to give a detailed report on my experience getting around Vegas via taxi vs. Deuce, the public bus system. Upon arrival at the airport, I took a cab to the Bellagio hotel. There was heavy traffic and it took about 20-25 mins and cost $26.
On the return trip, I thought I would try the Deuce, public bus system. I got to the bus stop at 2:15 pm on the Strip right in front of the Bellagio. I was very fortunate and waited only about 3 minutes before one came along. Traffic wasn't bad; it was Thanksgiving day. Cost is $3 for an adult for one trip and $1.50 for kids. My total cost was $4.50 and I had JUST enough bills and change to come up with that; beyond that it was $20s.
We went along Las Vegas Blvd. past Mandalay Bay at the south end and turned left at the LV outlet mall. It stops at 2 malls, the other one being Town Square (?) for those who might want to use it to go shopping. An all day pass is $7. The ride ends at SSTT (South Station Transit Terminal?), a bus depot. Everyone has to get off here. There is much posted guidance on what to do next; I had to ask. They told me to go to Bay 17 for the next bus to the airport. I was getting a little nervous as time was running out. The area was somewhat deserted and a homeless man came out of his way to sit next to us but didn't say anything. Finally, about 5-10 mins later a bus came by that said "not in service". Thankfully, it was our bus and changed signs into service; I believe it was the 108 0r 109.
When I boarded the original bus, since my finances were so precise, I had asked the bus driver if she went straight to the airport. She said yes. I was a little surprised with the setback of switching at SSTT but went with it. I was really shocked when the bus driver then told me I had to pay, again! He asked me for my ticket. I said I had no ticket; she didn't give me one. He said each ride is a single ride and you have to pay again. I'd never experienced that before. Most cities allow a transfer within 1/2 to 2 hour period without additional charge. I would have REALLY been screwed since I had no appropriate bills left. Mercifully, he just waived me back.
We got to the airport terminal at 3 pm, so the whole experience took 45 mins. It was a great cost savings but charging for each segment of the ride makes it less palatable. For those on a budget, you can get the bus upon arrival as well; look for the 108 or 109, it may have the letter A after it, like 108A.
On the return trip, I thought I would try the Deuce, public bus system. I got to the bus stop at 2:15 pm on the Strip right in front of the Bellagio. I was very fortunate and waited only about 3 minutes before one came along. Traffic wasn't bad; it was Thanksgiving day. Cost is $3 for an adult for one trip and $1.50 for kids. My total cost was $4.50 and I had JUST enough bills and change to come up with that; beyond that it was $20s.
We went along Las Vegas Blvd. past Mandalay Bay at the south end and turned left at the LV outlet mall. It stops at 2 malls, the other one being Town Square (?) for those who might want to use it to go shopping. An all day pass is $7. The ride ends at SSTT (South Station Transit Terminal?), a bus depot. Everyone has to get off here. There is much posted guidance on what to do next; I had to ask. They told me to go to Bay 17 for the next bus to the airport. I was getting a little nervous as time was running out. The area was somewhat deserted and a homeless man came out of his way to sit next to us but didn't say anything. Finally, about 5-10 mins later a bus came by that said "not in service". Thankfully, it was our bus and changed signs into service; I believe it was the 108 0r 109.
When I boarded the original bus, since my finances were so precise, I had asked the bus driver if she went straight to the airport. She said yes. I was a little surprised with the setback of switching at SSTT but went with it. I was really shocked when the bus driver then told me I had to pay, again! He asked me for my ticket. I said I had no ticket; she didn't give me one. He said each ride is a single ride and you have to pay again. I'd never experienced that before. Most cities allow a transfer within 1/2 to 2 hour period without additional charge. I would have REALLY been screwed since I had no appropriate bills left. Mercifully, he just waived me back.
We got to the airport terminal at 3 pm, so the whole experience took 45 mins. It was a great cost savings but charging for each segment of the ride makes it less palatable. For those on a budget, you can get the bus upon arrival as well; look for the 108 or 109, it may have the letter A after it, like 108A.
Feb 26th, 2010, 01:59 PM
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Ncounty, you are so lucky to get to the airport on time! I remember once waiting for the deuce for 40 minutes!!
It's OK to take 2 buses to the strip, but I would not risk to take them back to the airport.
It's OK to take 2 buses to the strip, but I would not risk to take them back to the airport.
Feb 26th, 2010, 06:46 PM
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I agree, dayenu. With some luck, it worked out fine for me. I wanted anyone taking it TO the airport to allow PLENTY of time by detailing the challenges I encountered. It is a considerable cost savings, if you have the time. And also, to prepare for the second bus fare from SSTT to the airport.
One game plan is to allow an hour for the entire Deuce experience and just grab a cab if one doesn't come within 15 minutes.
One game plan is to allow an hour for the entire Deuce experience and just grab a cab if one doesn't come within 15 minutes.
Jul 30th, 2010, 08:37 AM
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You should arrive at the airport at least one hour before your flight, so you should schedule your shuttle 2 hrs before your flight. It should easily be done within one hour, not two. These are small distances; it is just that traffic can be bad.
Jul 22nd, 2013, 10:21 PM
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info on taking the bus from airport to the strip:
You take the escalator down from baggage claim (on the right side, going one level below taxis, I think). Exit and head to the right; it says something like "buses are here". You take the bus 109 south to the transit station where you have to transfer to the Deuce to go along the strip. I am not sure what the price is. We didn't want to do a two step procedure so we took a shuttle instead. The shuttle was $7.50 per person one way to get us to the Bellagio hotel.
You take the escalator down from baggage claim (on the right side, going one level below taxis, I think). Exit and head to the right; it says something like "buses are here". You take the bus 109 south to the transit station where you have to transfer to the Deuce to go along the strip. I am not sure what the price is. We didn't want to do a two step procedure so we took a shuttle instead. The shuttle was $7.50 per person one way to get us to the Bellagio hotel.
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