I am going for a long weekend in Las Vegas in early March. Evidently, that's also NASCAR weekend. We'll be staying at the Rio primarily because that's where my conference is being held. They want to charge me over $400. for a compact car for four days! - I guess because of the NASCAR situation. If I don't get a car, are there shuttles available from the airport or would I just need to get a taxi? Also, I know once I get to the strip I can get around fine (especially if the tram is running by the time I get there) BUT it's a pretty good walk from the Rio to the strip, isn't it? Any advice would be appreciated!

We've gone to Vegas twice a year for the last 10 years and we have never rented a car. To me it seems like a hassle with all the traffic. You can get a shuttle from the airport to your hotel for around $7 or a taxi. Both are right outside the baggage claim.
Once at the Rio they have their own free shuttle that runs to the strip.
Also, we tend to drink a lot while in town so driving isn't an option.
Hope this helps. Have a great time!

Have you checked Priceline for car rates? On NASCAR weekend you may find nothing available, but you should check.
You can easily take a cab to the Rio, around $12 in average traffic. Shuttles are cheaper, but take a lot longer, too.
You can walk to the Strip, but it's a long mile or so, across a windy overpass.

Dear Tudorprincess,
Thank you for the great info! Does the shuttle from the Rio go to Harrah's only? Then it might be a little tricky to get down the strip as far as Bellagio's unless the new tram is up and running. Any thoughts on that?

The Rio shuttle only goes to Harrahs. You can always take the bus up and down the rest of the strip.

Great! Thanks all...

The monorail is supposed to be open March 1. You could take it to Bally's and walk over the street to Bellagio. I would walk from Harrah's, it's really not that far. If you don't want to go to Harrah's you could take a cab to the Forum Shops at Caesars and tell the cabbie you want to take the back way (Rio Dr.)it should be about $5 and is cheaper than riding up and onto the strip. Once at Caesars you can always go outside and walk to anywhere you like.

Thanks again... Now I'm beginning to formulate a no car plan! It's good to know a more specific date for the tram opening.

Definitely do not rent a car in Las Vegas. There is no need for it and the traffic can be horrendous. You can either take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to the hotel. The Rio to Harrahs shuttle is very convenient. Once on the Strip just take the 301 or 302 city bus up and down the strip. The busses run about every 5 or 10 minutes during peak times and they operate 24 hrs. a day

I agree, a car is unnecessary especially since you are going in March. Of course, I would have killed for a car one July when I watched bus after bus pass all of us by completely full in 100+ degree weather.

You are already convinced not to rent a car, so I won't add to that. But, if you want to go out to the Dam, you can just rent a car for the day. We stayed at Treasure Island and there is a car rental stand right in the hotel. The vehicles are in their parking garage. I think the company was Dollar.

Once you are on the strip, it's easy walking to all the hotels. It's flat, and it won't be hot in March. Helps you walk off the last buffet and get ready for the next!