Nestled behind some of the prominent fixtures on Las Vegas Boulevard, the Monorail is an ideal way to avoid the traffic on the famed street, commonly known as “The Strip.” On a length of track about 4 miles long, the Monorail takes visitors quickly from the north end of the Strip, at the former site of the Sahara Hotel, all the way to MGM Grand. The entire ride takes around 15 minutes, and train frequency varies between about every 4 minutes to every 10, so there’s never a long wait at the station.
The Monorail runs from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. Monday – Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. Friday – Sunday. The Monorail has seven station stops, four of which are conveniently located at the rear of iconic Strip hotels. Those travelling on foot on Las Vegas Boulevard will easily to be able to find those stations due to the prominent signs outside of each hotel.
• MGM Grand Station
Sometimes referred to as “the Green Monster,” the MGM Grand is the largest hotel in Las Vegas. To find the Monorail station, enter the hotel behind the golden lion statue from either Tropicana Avenue or the Strip and walk all the way through the casino, following signs along the way. You’ll need to veer to the south and walk through the Starlane Shops to reach the station.
• Bally’s/Paris Station
Like many Strip hotels, Bally’s and Paris are connected to each other via long hallways of shops and attractions. Enter either hotel from LVB and follow the signs to reach the Monorail. Bally’s visitors will walk through the main floor of the hotel and through the Bally’s Avenue Shoppes.
• Flamingo/Caesar’s Station
Caesar’s Palace is on the west side of Las Vegas Boulevard, but it can easily be reached from the Flamingo via a footbridge over the Strip. To access the Flamingo Monorail Station, walk through the casino floor or take a quick detour into the hotel’s lovely garden space, which houses koi fish, turtles and, of course, flamingos.
• Harrah’s/Imperial Palace Station
After stopping at Harrah’s, the northbound Monorail passes over the golf course behind the Wynn as it heads to its final stops, located along Paradise Road. The Harrah’s Monorail station is located on the second floor past the Toby Keith Restaurant and the Diamond Lounge.
• Las Vegas Convention Center Station
This station can easily be found on the west end of the Convention Center. Take an escalator or elevator up to the platform. The LVCC is currently undergoing a renovation, and part of the plans include the addition of an enclosed pedestrian walkway to the Monorail station.
• Las Vegas Hotel and Casino Station
Formerly called the Las Vegas Hilton, this famous hotel is located just off the Strip. This stop is the only one on the Monorail route that is located at the front of a hotel rather than the rear. Guests can catch a Strip trolley easily from the LVH Monorail station.
• Sahara Avenue Station
The Sahara Hotel and Casino closed its doors in 2011, but it is scheduled to re-open in the fall of 2014 under the name SLS Las Vegas. Until then, this Monorail station, located on an elevated platform on Paradise Road behind the hotel, provides quick access to the north end of the Strip, including the Stratosphere.
A single ride ticket on the Las Vegas Monorail costs $5, but unlimited passes are also available. A 24-hour pass is $14 while a convenient 3-day unlimited pass will set you back $30. Ticket vending machines are available at all Monorail Stations.
CASINO TRAMS (FREE):
Another way to beat the heat and escape the crowds during a Las Vegas trip is by utilizing the free tram services available at MGM Resorts hotels. These trams run every day, and riders enjoy bench-style seating or have the option to stand.
• Excalibur/Luxor/Mandalay Bay Tram
This tram runs about every 15 minutes between 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and provides quick access to these distinct properties. The east tram, called the express, only runs between Excalibur and Mandalay Bay. To reach the Luxor, take the west tram, and remember that it only stops at the Luxor as it heads north.
• Mirage-Treasure Island Tram
A quick ride, lasting about 3 minutes, this tram runs from 7 a.m. – 2 a.m. and provides a birds-eye view of the TI pool.
• Monte Carlo-City Center Tram
Stretching all the way from Monte Carlo’s Street of Dreams shopping center to the Bellagio with stops in between at City Center, one of the Strip’s newest skyline additions, this tram runs approximately every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
When planning your next visit to Las Vegas, consider the Monorail and hotel trams instead of pricey cabs or long walks. You’ll see the amazing city in a whole new way.
– Has an in-service rate of more than 99 percent
– Carries an average of 67,000 passengers during tradeshows
