Kristi

I was just reading some of the responses regarding 3-4 hour layovers in Vegas and the suggestion was to not leave the airport but I assume with 7+ hours that I should be able to go at least have lunch and do a little sightseeing?

Do I have to take a taxi or is there a shuttle bus? I see one called Bell and one called CLS on a Vegas website for $5, is this a reliable way to get there and back?

Is it still the case that security can take up to 2 hours? I'd be flying at 3:30pm on a Tuesday.

Thanks!

GoTravel

A cab to the strip isn't much more than $5.

Postal

Security took only 20 minutes during my recent visit, and it was a very busy time. I agree on taking a cab to the Strip, and I loved lunch at Commander's Palace.

lifelist

The shuttles are fine if it's a short distance to your hotel, but not so good if you want to go farther. The problem is that the shuttle tends to stop at many hotels along the way, so it takes a while to get to your destination. A taxi would be much better - figure around $10-12 with tip.

At that time of day during the week, you should be fine with security - not too long. Sunday afternoon, on the other hand, you could expect 2 hours.

With 7 hours, I'd definitely hit the strip for lunch - someplace near the Bellagio - the fountain shows start at noon. Perhaps, Mon Ami Gabi at Paris.

Commander's Palace is currently closed - they're moving to a new location.

rm_mn

We were recently in Las Vegas and flying home on a Wednesday security kept us in line for more than 2 hours. I wouldn't count on short lines.

One person in our group of 4 was pulled aside at check-in for extra security screening. His lasted about 20 minutes and he waited in the gate area for an hour and a half for us. Pray to be pulled out for extra screening. ;^)

ChristieP

Take a cab. It will be cheaper and more direct. Getting a shuttle to go back will be difficult since you have to call several hours ahead of time!

If you like art, the Guggenheim Museum in the Venetian is neat. Also, the Bellagio gallery currently has an exhibition of Ansel Adams' photographs. (Missed those on my last trip, darn it!)

I'd get to the airport 2 hours in advance. Since your bags will already be checked, you'll just go on through security. It only took me 30 minutes last trip (3 weeks ago) and that was on a busy Monday morning.

Kristi

Thanks for the advice! Will do the cab, I thought I had read it was much more expensive and couldn't figure out why since the airport seemed so close to the strip.

And I'll try to look suspicious to get through security faster ;-)