Don't know if cabs go via freeway to downtown is a scam. But distance and time wise they are more or less the same if you go via I-15 north or LV Blvd north.

Because cab fares run "per distance driven" (per 1/8 mile or whatever), the longer distance through the tunnel costs more. It may (or may not) be faster in time, but it is definantly longer - so more cost!

With a rental car, you have unlimited mileage, so time doesn't matter. You will go the fastest route. But with a cab (using distance for the fare), you want theeeee shortest distance for cost. A rental car cost (say) $30, but a cab can cost (say) $15 using a direct route or (say) $20 using the tunnel.

One way to cross the Strip and avoid the congested corners at Tropicana, Flamingo or Sahara is by using Desert Inn. From Paradise (near the Convention Center), DI runs UNDER the Strip!

So you can get from (say) the LV Hilton to the Rio without the traffic on the Strip. The same thing from the airport to (say) the Palms. You don't need to go on the Strip if you don't want to.

I took a taxi from LAS one time -- $18 one way between the airport and the Excalibur. It's one of the closest hotels! :mad:

After that trip, I decided that I would either rent a car or take the bus. One time I took the bus to the Crowne Plaza next to Hard Rock Cafe (a bus to the Strip requires a connection).

It's too bad they didn't build the train all the way to the airport. Then those scam artists known as taxi drivers could take a hike.

For $18, I'd rather spend the extras and go with a limo.

what about time spent sitting in traffic? most cabs have a fee for that too, something that usually works out to 50 cents/minute or so.

Last time I went to LAS, I stayed at the hilton at the top of the strip, past Circus Circus, arriving about 10pm Friday. Cabbie told me that the tunnel/I 15 route would be faster that time of night. Did I get scammed?

The cheapest way from McCarran is the CAT city bus. At the airport, hop on the 109 Maryland Parkway SOUTHBOUND toward the SSTT. Ask the conductor if he is headed there. The marquee does not always change until the coach exits McCarran.

At the SSTT, take the 301 Strip or 302 Strip Express. The 109 runs about every 15 minutes, the 301 every 10 mins during most times. They are both 24-hour services.

There are only 2 stops between McCarran and the SSTT.

$1.25 for a one way, $5.00 for a 24-hour pass. If you board the 301 or 302 initially, it’s $2 for a one-way.

The 301 and the 302 are two of the few public transportation routes in the country that actually make money. (Most subside on grants).

And for those unfamiliar with a city bus, exact change only.

The most efficient way (and best bargain) to most major hotels (Both Downtown and the Strip) is the Bell Trans (and other companies) shuttle bus. It is ~ $6 per pax, one-way.

If there are a handful of people in your party, hire a limo, even if you are staying at multiple properties. $75 for 1 hour (IIRC). Plus tip.

Say, 8 passengers. Ya get prompt service and get to ride in style.

Now, if you’re a valued guest (read: habitual gambler), they’ll provide limo service for you.

I get transportation complements of Station Casinos now. Even for rides to Target, the supermarket, Barnes & Noble, etc.

I’ve been LAS based for 2 years now and am unable to drive for an indefinite period of time due to an injury last year.

UAL MSN –

Were you at the Hilton Grand Vacations at Sahara and LVBS?

If so, I wouldn’t say you got scammed. The cabbie did long haul, though. With your permission, this is legal.

The cabbie took a longer route to McCarran – hence charging you more. However, you benefited by saving time.

There was a big expose in the Las Vegas Review-Journal last year about long-hauling. I’d post a link, but I cant seem to get my user ID on their site to work.

>>>And for those unfamiliar with a city bus, exact change only.

(My quote from a previous post on this thread)

I meant to add: Last year, I was getting on the Strip bus at Slots-A-Fun (between Circus and the HO). Guy in front of me crams a $50 bill into the machine. The conductor provided him with an address to get a refund. Apparently those machines take any denomination bill.

He didn’t hear my snide remark that any machine in LV willingly takes bills.

With permission, taking the tunnel to the MGM is legal also so permission should never be given. The only legitimate destination that the tunnel should be used for is the north-west part of the valley, i.e. Summerlin or if you are staying in the Texas or Santa Fe hotels.

The area the Hilton is in is easily accessible via Paradise road and the time difference is negligible.

If you are headed for the Strip from the airport I believe the taxi driver has to get your permission to travel via the tunnel. I fell for this scan once. Never again. I, too, like the CAT bus. Also, I often stay at the DoubleTree which has a complimentary shuttle 24 hours a day - via the tunnel. For south of the airport the tunnel is the fastest way.

Screw the taxis, I'm walking to my Hotel! Get there with my own legs, no scams! :D

Same here, this "ride" was going to cost $200. Opt for the taxi ride through the tunnel,it only costs an extra $5-$10. :D

The cabbies like to take it without telling you despite the fact that doing so is illegal. It's generally fast but runs up the bill.

You got ripped off. It shouldn't cost anything like that.

He told you the truth that it would be faster. That doesn't mean cheaper.

I took a taxi from LAS to the Mandalay Bay.. cost about that much (18 or so).

I hadn't been to vegas for years. I know as the crow flies they're close but didn't know if there was a fast/easy way to get there. He took the freeway but I don't think any sort of tunnel thing was used.

In all fairness, I didn't have a lot of time (layover) and whatever was faster = better.