By Author Jake Hoffman
Posted on Last updated:
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Key Points:
- Taxicabs now charge a flat rate fare from the airport to hotels on & near the Strip to prevent “long hauling”.
- That flat rate fare is dependent on what “zone” your hotel falls into (detailed below).
- Even with flat rates, Uber & Lyft tend to be a better deal than cabs – Price it out quickly before hailing a ride.
Getting long hauled, or taken for a longer ride than necessary by Vegas cabbies is a common complaint of visitors. Oftentimes, newcomers to Vegas don’t even realize they have paid an inflated fare.
The taxi industry’s bad reputation has driven many to avoid the mode of transportation altogether, opting for rideshare services Uber or Lyft which are typically cheaper and have always offered transparent pricing.
To reinstate trust in the cab industry, the Nevada Taxicab Authority initiated flat rates from Harry Reid International Airport to hotels along the Strip to address customer fears of getting long-hauled.
The flat rate that customers pay is based on which “zone” your destination hotel is located within.
Taxi Flat Rates from the Airport to Strip Hotels By Zone
Zone 1 – $22: Delano, Excalibur, Virgin Las Vegas, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, OYO, and Tropicana.
Zone 2 – $26: Aria, Horseshoe, Bellagio, Elara, New York New York, Marriot Grand Chateau, Paris, Park MGM, Planet Hollywood, Polo Towers, The Cosmopolitan, The Orleans, The Signature at MGM, Vdara, and Travelodge by Wyndham.
Zone 3 – $30: Caesars Palace, Circus Circus, Encore, Flamingo, Gold Coast, Harrah’s, Hilton Grand Vacations, Las Vegas Convention Center, Palace Station, Palms, Resorts World, Rio, Sahara, STRAT, The LINQ, The Mirage, The Palazzo, The Venetian, Westin, Trump International, TI, Westgate, Fontainebleau, and Wynn.
Note that flat rate fares do not include credit card fees, gratuity, or a $2 fuel surcharge.
The real question is if taxi flat rates from the Airport to Las Vegas hotels are a good deal. Not really. More on that below where I compare taxi flat rates vs. rideshare options.
Taxi Prices Still Expensive vs. Uber/Lyft
While transparent pricing is a welcome move by an industry often perceived as acting unethical, I don’t expect throngs of visitors to flock back to cabs as prices are still inflated compared to Uber and Lyft.
For example:
- A zone 3 cab trip to Caesars Palace will cost you a $30 flat rate while an Uber would be $15-$20 depending on demand.
- A zone 2 cab trip to MGM Grand will cost $26 flat rate while an Uber would be $9-$15.
- A zone 1 cab trip to Tropicana will cost $22 flat rate while an Uber would be $10-$15.
Keep in mind, cabs also charge a fuel surcharge and credit card fee in addition to the flat rate fare (which most of us use as it’s the 21st century) while Uber/Lyft do not.
When Hailing a Cab Makes Sense
There are rare occasions when surge pricing on rideshare apps makes taxi flat rates a better deal.
I recommend scoping out what both Lyft and Uber will charge for a ride from the airport the moment you land to guide your decision. If pricing is outrageous, just hop in the cab line near baggage claim.
Ultimately, I’m grateful that the taxi industry has adopted a straightforward pricing structure that will prevent unknowing visitors from getting ripped off. I want newcomers to leave Vegas with a good taste in their mouths, making them more likely to return.
Seasoned vets will also appreciate not needing to ask their driver to take a certain route to avoid the dreaded long haul.
(Sarcastically stated) I’m glad the cab industry has finally realized that it’s difficult to maintain and grow your market share when your customers have to ask you upfront not to steal from them.
Related Articles:
- Las Vegas airport transportation options – A full breakdown.
- Things to do at the Airport – For those with time to fill!
Feature Image: ©zhukovsky/123RF.COM
Jake Hoffman
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
More about me, here.
