Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

There’s a really good reason not to drive to Las Vegas this summer (or maybe ever again)

Why you may never want to drive in Las Vegas again (and what to do instead)

A nighttime photo of the Las Vegas skyline
Julian Paefgen / Unsplash

Are you thinking of taking a road trip to Las Vegas? You may want to think again. Though many, particularly from the Northeast, may touch down in Sin City via airplane, some may wish to arrive via car (especially given all the air travel woes this year). Once there, travelers may rent a vehicle to gain easier access to all the attractions Las Vegas offers.

However, you should reconsider how you get around on your Vegas vacation. More and more casino resorts are phasing out a policy that tourists and locals like: Free parking.

Recommended Videos

Casino giant MGM started the trend in 2016, asking customers to shell out for parking. Rival casino company Caesars did the same the following year. Flash forward to 2023, and Venetian and Palazzo have announced they’ll be cashing in on people who need parking during their Vegas trip. The new pay-for-parking policy is set to begin “later this summer,” per a Las Vegas Journal Review report.

David Vives / Unsplash

What to expect when two more casinos start charging for parking — and why it’s happening

The self-parking rates are still TBD for Venetian and Palazzo, which the same company owns. At Caesars, self-parking rates can soar as high as $40 per day for non-guests, though hotel guests can pay a one-time fee of $20. Rewards members can get reduced-priced parking rates (or free ones).

MGM charges up to $18 for hotel guests and non-hotel guests. Nevada residents with a valid license can get the first three hours on the house.

Why can’t we have nice things?

Typically, casinos have considered free parking the least they could do, assuming you’re likely to lose money during your Vegas trip (whether or not you luck out at blackjack or the slot machines). Sin City casino resorts offer much more than gambling opportunities — there are spas, high-end restaurants, golf, and e-sports. Though the reasons for the Las Vegas resort parking policy shifts are unclear, one doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist to speculate the cause: Businesses love to squeeze all the money they can out of customers.

Grant Cai / Unsplash

How to save on a Vegas vacation

A Vegas trip will probably be a splurge, any way you slice it. Even before casino resorts made asking customers to pay for parking trendy, heading to Sin City was a pricey venture. Still, you can save some money.

  • Consider a cheap flight. Depending on where you live or the time of year you book, a flight may be better than driving and paying for parking—price out both options before booking a trip.
  • Take public or ridesharing transportation. See if you can use shuttles, Uber, Lyft, or other transportation options. Again, price these options out – they may be more expensive than forking over for parking.
  • Stick to one resort. Vegas resorts offer so much that you may not need to hop around, especially if you’re only there for a few days. Consider seeing all that one resort offers instead of going to multiple.

Then, you can put your savings into a high-end dinner or shopping. The resort will likely win either way.

BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Sip and sightsee: tea time gets a Las Vegas twist with Tea on the Strip
Pinkies up!
Tea on the Strip

Las Vegas is known for its dazzling lights and over-the-top experiences, but starting January 2, visitors can enjoy the city in a uniquely elegant way. Tea on the Strip, a new luxury tour, combines the sophistication of British afternoon tea with the excitement of sightseeing in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Guests will step aboard a stylish (pink!) double-decker coach, where they can sip on perfectly brewed tea, nibble on classic tea-time snacks, and soak in panoramic views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Modeled after Great Britain’s cherished tradition, this mobile tea experience brings a touch of refined glamour to the bustling cityscape.
A luxurious way to see the sights of Vegas

Read more
TSA Precheck is a must-have, but there’s another travel program you should join if traveling abroad
The STEP program may actually save your life
People walking through an airport with large windows in the background

Traveling should be an adventure, but if something happens that could threaten your safety, such as extreme weather or security issues when traveling abroad, I know that I would want to have as much reliable information as possible so I can make the best choices to stay safe while trying to get home if that's necessary.

While most international travelers are familiar with programs like TSA Precheck and TSA Global Entry, there's a third U.S. government program that helps Americans traveling out of the country called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you're abroad and the unthinkable happens — injury, illness, a lost passport, or even a global emergency, signing up for the free STEP program could literally save your life. I've signed up for the program, so keep reading to find out why you should take advantage of it, too.
What is STEP?

Read more
W Las Vegas officially debuts at Mandalay Bay
Marriott Bonvoy now hosts 12 properties on the Las Vegas Strip
W Las Vegas

The highly anticipated W Las Vegas has officially opened, marking the transformation of the former Delano Las Vegas into the globally celebrated W Hotels brand. Located within the iconic Mandalay Bay campus, the revamped 1,117-suite tower combines luxury with the signature style and energy of W Hotels. Starting today, Marriott Bonvoy members can book stays, earn, and redeem points at this vibrant destination, now part of the exclusive MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy.

"W Las Vegas represents an exciting new chapter for MGM Resorts and for our guests seeking a new, sophisticated all-suite luxury experience on The Strip," said Travis Lunn, President & COO of Mandalay Bay and Luxor, in a press release. "W Hotels is a brand that is celebrated globally for their unique style and exceptional service, and we can't wait to see the hotel come to life over the next couple of years, through its distinct personality, dynamic programming and elevated service culture."
The success of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy

Read more