Traveling in Las Vegas can be affordable and easy. Our public transportation guide covers the RTC bus network, including the Deuce on the Strip, SDX express service, the monorail, the Downtown Loop shuttle, and the Boring Company’s Vegas Loop. Find up-to-date fares, schedules, and key information.
The RTC Bus System
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada is responsible for the main public system in the city, including routes on the Strip, which are central to the system.
RTC Bus Routes: Deuce vs. SDX
The Deuce is the primary route of interest for tourists, while the SDX is the quickest route, offering fewer stops. RTC also services the Las Vegas Valley community. It is also important to know that there is also a transit terminal at South Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT) and Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) in Downtown for all transfers.
RTC Bus Fares: Strip & All-Access vs. Residential
How to Purchase RTC Passes & Reduced Fare Info
1. rideRTC Mobile App(Recommended)
Instantly purchase and activate passes with a credit or debit card.
2. Onboard RTC Vehicles
Cash only for single-ride or 2-hour passes. Exact change required.
Reduced Fares (typically 50% off) are available for Seniors (60+), Youth (6-17), and Veterans.
→ Reduced Fare Details & Eligibility
RTC Transit (Buses) Contact Information
- Customer Service: (702) 228-7433 (CAT-RIDE)
- Lost & Found: (702) 676-1849
- Business Hours: Mon – Sun, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Official Website: rtcsnv.com
The Two Free Loops (Essential Clarification)
Las Vegas has two transit systems, both ironically named “Loop,” but they’re very different. The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle that serves Fremont Street, the Arts District, and nearby attractions. The Vegas Loop by The Boring Company uses Teslas in underground tunnels to connect resorts and the Convention Center.
The Downtown Loop (City of Las Vegas Free Shuttle)
A free shuttle service operated by the City of Las Vegas to connect key attractions in the Downtown area, acting as a crucial link from the main RTC bus lines.
- Cost: FREE to ride.
- Purpose: Connects the Bonneville Transit Center, Arts District, Fremont Street Experience, Mob Museum, The Strat, and Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.
- Operating Hours: Sun–Thu: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm | Fri–Sat: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Please check the official site for the current status).
The Vegas Loop (The Boring Company Tunnels)
This system uses Tesla vehicles in an underground tunnel network. It is not a traditional public transit bus or rail system.
- LVCC On-Campus Rides: Travel between any stations inside the Las Vegas Convention Center is FREE.
- Off-Campus Rides (Paid): Travel to or from the Resorts World, Westgate, or Wynn/Encore stations requires a paid ticket.
- Operating Hours (Varies by Event):
- Convention Center & Encore Stations: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Riviera, Resorts World & Westgate Stations: 7:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Future: Proposed expansion (Vegas Loop) would connect the Strip, Downtown, and LAS Airport.
Paid Non-Convention Center Fares:
Tickets are required for travel to/from off-campus stations (Resorts World, Westgate, Wynn/Encore).
- Single Ride: $4.25
- Round Trip: $7.00
- Day Pass: Pricing varies
The Las Vegas Monorail
The Monorail runs along the East side of the Strip between the MGM Grand and Sahara stations. It is a separate system from the RTC buses.
Key Stations (MGM Grand to SAHARA):
- MGM Grand
- Horseshoe/Paris Las Vegas
- Flamingo/Caesars Palace
- Harrah’s/The LINQ
- LV Convention Center (Boingo Station)
- Westgate
- SAHARA Las Vegas
Monorail Fares
The Monorail is a separate system and requires its own ticket.
Nevada residents must show a valid ID to purchase a $1.00 single-ride ticket at customer service desks.
Operating Hours (Vary by day, check schedules)
Monday: 7 am – 12 am | Tuesday–Thursday: 7 am – 2 am | Friday–Sunday: 7 am – 3 am
→ Full Monorail Tickets, Hours, and Station Details
Las Vegas Monorail Contact Information
- Customer Service: (702) 699-8200
- Official Website: lvmonorail.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use my RTC bus pass to transfer onto the Monorail or the Vegas Loop?
A: No. All systems operate independently and require separate fares:
- RTC Bus Fares: Only cover the RTC Deuce, SDX, and residential buses.
- Las Vegas Monorail: Requires its own single-ride, day, or multi-day passes.
- Vegas Loop (Boring Company): Requires a separate ticket purchase for paid off-campus rides (Resorts World, etc.).
The only exception is the Downtown Loop, which is completely free and managed by the City of Las Vegas.
Q: How long does it really take to ride the Deuce or SDX from one end of the Strip to the other?
A: The Deuce does run a loop theoretically, but because of the heavy traffic and stops, it will take 60 to 90 minutes, at least to get from Mandalay Bay to Downtown (Fremont Street). The ride will be longer from Friday to Sunday and during peak evening hours. You can still expect a trip time of approximately 45–60 minutes by the SDX, as the SDX bus eliminates some stops and utilizes bus lanes in the downtown area.
Q: Do any transportation options service the Strip for free?
A: Yes, several of the large resorts have free trams that connect their property to other properties, which will cut down on the amount of walking the guests have to do.
- Mandalay Bay Tram: connects Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur.
- Aria Express Tram: connects Park MGM, Aria, and Bellagio.
Q: Are the Vegas Loop tunnels operational year-round, or only during conventions?
A: The Vegas Loop operates based on the schedule of the venues it serves:
- LVCC Loop (On-Campus): This portion operates whenever a major trade show or convention is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, as it is specifically designed for event attendees.
- Off-Campus Connectors: Services to Resorts World or Westgate generally operate on a more consistent daily schedule (e.g., 7:30 am to 9:00 pm), but it is always best to check the official Loop website for the most current schedule, as hours can change based on demand and events.
