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City Guide - Las Vegas - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport Although Las Vegas is a bustling metropolis with over one million inhabitants, its publicly operated transportation services are limited to buses, operated by the Citizens Area Transit (tel: (702) 228 7433; web site: www.rtc.co.clark.nv.us/cat/cat.htm). Adult fares cost US$1.25, except for routes 301, 302 and 303, which cost US$2. Transferring between different buses is free of charge, and transfer tickets are available from the bus driver. Tokens are available from the Downtown Transportation Center and offer a 20% discount. Privately run trolley services are also available and are used more by visitors than locals. The Las Vegas Strip Trolley runs the length of the strip and cost US$1.50 per journey and runs every 20 minutes between 0930 and 0200. The Downtown Trolley, serving the downtown casinos, runs every 15-20 minutes between 0700 and 2300 and costs US$0.50 per journey. Taxis Thousands of taxis service the high volume of tourists in Las Vegas. It is against the law to hail a taxi in Las Vegas, although some drivers will stop if this is done. There are large numbers of taxi stands on the Strip and downtown at which taxis can be hired. At more remote locations, it is easiest to phone for taxi service from such companies as ABC Union (tel: (702) 736 8444), Ace (tel: (702) 736 8383), Desert Cab (tel: (702) 376 2687), and Yellow Checker Star Cab (tel: (702) 873 2227). Taxis charge a flat rate of US$2.20 and add 30 cents every 0.2 mile or for each minute of waiting time. A 5-10% tip is common. Limousines Limousines are a popular way of seeing Las Vegas - a city with lavish habits. Chauffeur and limousine services are available from Ambassador Limousine (tel: (702) 362 6200; US$40 per hour), CLS of Las Vegas (tel: (702) 740 4545; US$57 per hour), Las Vegas Limousines (tel: (702) 736 1419; US$35 per hour) and Presidential Limousines (tel: (702) 731 5577; US$40 per hour). Driving in the City Traffic is heaviest during rush hour (0800-1000 and 1630-1900), especially on highways and roads connecting the city centre with the suburbs. The Strip and downtown, however, can also become congested anytime tourists congregate in hordes, whether it is to see a boxing match at the MGM Grand or merely Friday night at the casinos. The city is laid out on a grid pattern, with one or two major streets veering slightly off this plan. Most north-south running streets are named according to number (1st Street, 3rd Street). There is very little street parking in Las Vegas, although hotels and casinos usually offer free parking. Car Hire Car hire is extremely popular with visitors to Las Vegas, as a result there are quite a few firms offering car hire service in the city, such as: Alamo (tel: (702) 263 8411), Assured (tel: (702) 597 9710), Avis (tel: (702) 261 5595), Budget (tel: (702) 736 1212), Dollar (tel: (702) 739 8408), Enterprise (tel: (702) 795 8842), Hertz (tel: (702) 736 4900) and National (tel: (702) 261 5391). Hire charges are in the region of US$25 per day and may vary seasonally. Drivers must be 21 years or older and drivers under 25 years of age often have to pay a surcharge with certain firms. National driving licences are permissible, however, it is advisable to check with the rental company in case an International Driving Permit is required. Insurance can be purchased from the car hire firm. |