Las Vegas Airport - shuttle or taxi?

March 30, 2015 9:52 AM

My husband and I will be arriving in Vegas on different days and then leaving on the same day but several hours apart. We are staying at Mandalay Bay, so how should we each get to and from our hotel?

He arrives Saturday afternoon and will have 1-2 suitcases. He leaves mid-afternoon on the next Saturday. I arrive Monday afternoon and leave Saturday morning. I will only have a backpack and purse. SuperShuttle is $11 each way - is that our best bet? How much should a taxi be including tip? Any tips to ensure the driver takes the shortest route?

I guess we can check luggage in at the hotel in the morning on the day we leave. Are we just asking for lost luggage if we do that?

posted by soelo to Travel & Transportation around Las Vegas, NV (13 answers total)

On my own, I'd purchase a ticket for the airport shuttle - that would certainly be cheaper than taking a taxi on your own.
Be prepared to sit on the shuttle for a while waiting for it to fill up.
Also be prepared that you might be the last drop off.
Shuttles are definitely good value for the single traveler... but they come with an extra "time cost".
posted by JenThePro at 10:14 AM on March 30, 2015 [2 favorites]

In September 2014 I took a cab from the Vegas airport to Southpoint Casino which (I believe) would be a longer trip than one to Mandalay on the strip. My cab (one way) was ~$30 and I tipped 20%, but my trip was for business and I was reimbursed for the ride. On my own expense I might consider a shuttle.
posted by ndfine at 10:44 AM on March 30, 2015

Best answer: To Mandalay Bay, I would be very surprised if a taxi was more than about $20 with tip. Mandalay is pretty much just across the Strip from the airport.
posted by dzot at 10:47 AM on March 30, 2015

Taxis in Vegas are plentiful, reasonably priced, the drivers aren't wannabe NASCAR or Indy 500 drivers (unlike in NYC and Boston taxis), and I've never felt uncomfortable in a Vegas taxi. I'd opt for a taxi. I don't think it would cost much more than the SuperShuttle, and you won't have to wait for other people to fill up the shuttle.
posted by tckma at 11:00 AM on March 30, 2015 [3 favorites]

You're going to Vegas for a week. The difference between a taxi and a Super Shuttle is hardly going to be the biggest expense of the trip. Super Shuttles drive around the airport to make sure they have a full van, and then you have to go to each hotel to drop them all off -- no guarantee you'd be first.

I'm very rarely in the mood to get off a flight and get shoved in a van only to drive around the airport for 45 minutes, and then Hotel Row for another 30 minutes.

Get a cab, get to the hotel, have a drink, be happy!
posted by barnone at 11:38 AM on March 30, 2015 [8 favorites]

Best answer: I'n October I did Vegas airport to Mandalay Bay for $19.68 total. I usually tip about 20%.
posted by tayknight at 11:54 AM on March 30, 2015

Agreed with the above - taxi will only cost you $20 to Mandalay Bay and is well worth it so you can get right to the hotel and start relaxing.
posted by joan_holloway at 1:44 PM on March 30, 2015

We go to Vegas at least once per year and the last time we took the shuttle was about 3 years ago. It's so frustratingly slow... The extra few dollars for the taxi is totally worth it. Note that the taxis charge a fee ($3, I think) for using a credit card, so have cash with you.
posted by jshort at 1:51 PM on March 30, 2015

Best answer: I did that ride last week, but a little further from Mandalay Bay to the rental car pickup. My fare was $17 with tip--be sure to tell the driver not to take the freeway, which makes you feel like you're moving quicker, but adds extra miles.
posted by icaicaer at 4:07 PM on March 30, 2015

Another vote for Taxi. Bring small bills and pay in cash to avoid the $3 fee for using a credit card. Note that there is a $2 airport fee, unavoidable. Cost should be under $20, tip $4-5 on the fare. Taxi drivers in Las Vegas might seem like they're driving in a roundabout way because they're going a back way, avoiding the Strip which could end up being super slow.

Re: Luggage storage - People have the hotels store luggage all the time, just tip $1-2 per bag when you pick it up later. (Anyone can chime in if this sounds like over-tipping, not totally sure).
posted by belau at 4:38 PM on March 30, 2015

Response by poster: It's not just luggage storage, it's bag check-in for your flight.
posted by soelo at 4:50 PM on March 30, 2015

Taxi. And if you leave at wtf o clock to go home, hit up a slot machine to make change. Maybe you'll win $500 like I did. :)
posted by tilde at 4:52 PM on March 30, 2015

Not for most people, and of course depends on your luggage, time of day, and weather, but another option is walking. Google maps says it's 2.4 miles. Certainly not the most traditionally scenic walk, but I found it an interesting way to see the parts of Vegas that you ordinarily wouldn't.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 6:15 AM on March 31, 2015