(Wanted to specify on the Subject line that I was asking about L.V. specifically).

Wish to inquire about "shuttles".

Are there "shuttles" that take you from hotel to hotel? I might not be able to walk the whole strip continuously (going in August) the whole time, so if I wanted to get from one hotel to another, at some point, can I hop on a shuttle that will take me from one hotel to the other? Or are buses and taxis it? I'm talking about up and down the strip (Las Vegas Boulevard South) specifically. Thanks in advance!

If you check out the hotels that have shuttles to their sister hotels you can get up and down the strip easily. Also there is a very good bus that goes up and down all the time, you can get a multi ticket for as many days as you like.Taxis are ok but can be pricey as they tend to take you the long way round. There is a mono rail but this is very expensive to use all the time.

Please be aware that the casinos themselves are HUGE and walking through a casino can be an ordeal in itself if you have trouble walking for long distances.

Agree that the larger casinos are monstrously large. Not sure you will want to walk between them as well. The best method of transit depends on how many you are. We were 3 and just did cabs - not so expensive as for just one person. But - obviously free shuttles between patner casinos is the best IF it goes where you want.

There's a bus that runs up and down the strip called the Deuce. A daily pass costs $5.00.

Yes, there are shuttles that go between various hotels (within their partner properties). For some, you need to show a room key.

There's a list of all shuttles on TripAdvisor for Las Vegas under "getting around".

Note that some of the shuttles do not run that often or very early or very late, and it can be a hike to the shuttle pickup/dropoff place.

The Deuce does go up and down the strip, but often not as frequently as scheduled and can sit in traffic endlessly, as the traffic signals are very long. You can also wait a very long time just to have the next bus, and the one after that, too full for the passengers waiting.

It's best to plan your destinations by location. And, visit one side of the strip, then the other. There are only a few places where you can cross over, so it's often a hike just from one side to the other.

The Monorail is not as convenient as it would look on the map. It's a hike to/from the stops.

The taxis take you the "long way around" to avoid strip traffic.

For places you have to be at a particular time, it's best to allow a LOT of extra time for getting there.

We took the free shuttle to the Rio (offered at some Harrah's properties), but otherwise we took taxis. We averaged $9-11 with tip per ride. The monorail is $5 a ride, one way. Rip off. I considered the bus, but it was so hot there (108 two weeks ago) that I don't know if I could have handled getting to a bus stop, and waiting.

As others have said, the Deuce runs 24/7 for $5 per day. The monorail is available as well, but costs more and the monorail pick-up/drop-off points aren't very convenient - they are located at the back of the participating casinos making it necessary to walk all through the huge casino to get to and from the monorail. But it is an option, as are cabs.

There is a tram that runs (for free) between TI and Mirage and also one that runs (also free) from Excalibur to Luxor to Mandalay Bay. And some of the properties do have free shuttles between their properties - depending on where you stay that might work out for you. Other than these suggestions, you're hoofing it.

In August it will be VERY hot here - please be prepared and wear your sunscreen and a hat and take water with you - since you're a first timer don't let our desert sun ruin your trip. One suggestion is to chill out inside the casinos during the day - especially the late afternoon (our heat peaks at about 4-5 pm) and save the walking for after the sun goes down. That's one advantage of it being a 24 hr place - you can still get out and about in the evening. It will still be hot - in August it only cools off to about 95 or so in the middle of the night, but you'll be amazed how much easier it is to tolerate without the sun blaring down on your and reflecting off the concrete sidewalks and buildings.

I couldn't believe how hot it was at 11 pm at night.

The metal hand railings were still warm.

At least after the sun goes down, even if it's still very hot out, the sun is not burning down on you.

Many people rent cars, as there is free parking at all the hotels. You can self-park or plan to tip the valet.

When we were there last March, the weather was very pleasant, so we didn't mind walking or waiting for the Deuce. And, it wasn't very busy at all during our visit. But, in the hot weather, you may want to seriously consider renting a car. If you shop for the right deal, would cost less than taxis.

Also, you cannot flag taxis down. You have to go to a taxi stand, and most of those are at the hotel entrances, which are often quite a hike from the Strip (the one at Bellagio is uphill!), typically with very long lines, especially at dinner time and when a show has just let out.

Note that shuttles are usually a mini-van or van, and are on a first-come, first-served, basis.

Seriously, you cannot just "hop on" a bus or shuttle or "grab" a taxi.

If you do rent a car, be sure to have a detailed map along and know the locations of the parking garages to avoid the Strip as much as possible. If you try to drive up and down the strip, walking would probably be faster.

Even though I'd read/heard that things are MUCH farther apart than they appear on any map, I was still astonished at the distances between things. Especially getting to/from the Monorail stops.

Great advice. We did just "grab" a taxi at one point. He was at a light and saw me so he motioned us to get in. Maybe a rare thing though. Otherwise we got them at hotels, but that's where we were so it was not a hassle.

I think renting a car could actually be a good idea. Free parking everywhere? (everywhere I saw). As long as you can handle the traffic. It's not that it's hard or difficult to maneuver, it is just slow and takes patience.

Cira,
And let me put this in perspective for you. We were there from a Tuesday morning to a Saturday. Taxi from airport (with tip) $14. Going back on Saturday it was $15.

On the strip we were with my parents and another couple. The other couple had a car so a few times my husband and I got picked up in their car and we drove (on the strip) to the various hotels.

Otherwise, with walking some, and free shuttles, I think we took a cab 5 total times. Split with my parents it wasn't too expensive.

I do think it's doable to walk some, free shuttle at some, and cab it now and again. I think we worked out that we spent $50-60 total on cabs for the five days.

Yes - renting a car is a good idea. You could get one very reasonable through priceline.com. I frequently use their "Name Your Own Price" option and have gotten cars at McCarran's facility for obscenely cheap fares (some as low as $10 per day). Or most of the hotels have rental car counters in their lobbies. That way you can either valet (tip when you pick up but otherwise free) or self-park and save yourself from the heat.

My sincerest thanks to all those of you who were kind enough to provide feedback, suggestions and answers.

My in-laws will have their car with them. With any luck, we'll be able to walk some and use their car some. They wouldn't use the shuttle, bus or cab. LOL

Thanks again!