Car Rental vs Uber in Las Vegas: Which Is Better?

What is Cheaper in Las Vegas: Car Rentals or Uber?

The big question here is, of course, which option is cheaper. The short answer is Uber for one-time rides or airport transfers, and a rental car for longer journeys or family trips.

Of course, we are still going to do the legwork and compare the actual average daily costs of car rentals and Uber fares.

Uber Costs in Las Vegas

Depending on your destination, an Uber ride price may land between $12 and $50. It is a practical and affordable option for airport transfers and short rides from hotels to the city's major attractions. Here's a list of the most popular routes along with average Uber fares for them:

• LAS Airport   →   Las Vegas Strip: $25;
• LAS Airport   →   MGM Grand: $17;
• LAS Airport   →   Fremont Street Experience: $28;
• North Strip area   →   Fremont Street Experience: $12;
• LAS Airport   →   Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa: $48;

Car Rental Costs in Las Vegas

Surprisingly, car rental rates in Las Vegas are around average for the country. Here's a list of prices you should expect for different types of vehicles:

• Small car - $37 a day;
• Large car - $57 a day;
• SUV - $63 a day;
• Van - $103 a day;
• Luxury car - $87 a day.

Fox Rent a Car is a solid option with an airport location in Las Vegas and a fleet ranging from economy cars to luxury sports cars.

If you'd rather compare offers from multiple rental companies, you can browse prices and vehicle options from more than 30 suppliers in Las Vegas.

Cost Comparison

Of course, you cannot just compare an Uber fare with the daily rate of a rental car. As a driver, you will also need to cover parking and fuel costs, which might add up quickly.

Renting a small car for a week will cost around $270, while gas expenses will average around $30, and hotel self-parking will be approximately $140, totaling roughly $440 per week. Uber rides around the Strip and Downtown usually range from $19 to $24, so the same amount of money normally gets you somewhere between 18 and 23 rides.

Navigating the Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is what makes this decision unique. It is the center of the action, and if you're planning to mainly stay there, you should likely stick with Uber rides.

If you're a first-time visitor, you should know ahead of time that it is not as walkable as it might seem on a map. The distances are long, and walking around is simply not always a viable option for most travelers.

Driving the Boulevard may be slow during peak activity hours. Uber saves you from dealing with traffic, parking garages, and finding your way through massive resort parking lots. If you haven't yet chosen a place to stay, our guide to Las Vegas hotels covers everything you need to know to get the most out of your experience in the city.

Driving Conditions in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is well-equipped for drivers, but there are several downsides to having a car in the city. Parking fees can reach up to $25 per day not including valet, which is already a noticeable bump in your costs. You'll also spend time navigating massive resort parking garages, which isn't how most people picture spending their Vegas vacation.

As you already know, traffic within the Strip can get slow, but the situation outside is different. If you're planning day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, or Death Valley, having your own vehicle becomes much more convenient than relying on rideshares.

If you're looking for something different than a traditional rental agency, Turo lets you rent vehicles directly from local owners and often has unique sports cars, convertibles, SUVs, and specialty vehicles.

If you're celebrating a special occasion, visiting for a bachelor or bachelorette party, or simply want the full Las Vegas experience, an exotic car rental can be part of the attraction. Driving the Strip in a Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, or Rolls-Royce is something you simply can't replicate with a standard rental car.

Another thing to consider is heat, as it can easily reach 105°F in summer. Normally, you won't have an issue finding a parking spot in the shade, but it's important to carry plenty of drinking water with you for longer drives.

Should You Rent a Car or Get an Uber in Las Vegas?

The best choice ultimately depends on how you plan to spend your time in Las Vegas. Here's when each option makes the most sense.

Rent a car if you:

• Plan to take day trips outside Las Vegas
• Are traveling with family or a group
• Need extra luggage space
• Plan to make several stops each day
• Don't mind driving and parking
• Aren't planning to drink

Get an Uber if you

• Staying mostly on the Strip or Downtown
• Are visiting for a weekend
• Planning to enjoy nightlife
• Only need a handful of rides
• Don't want to deal with parking or getting gas

If Uber sounds like the better fit for your trip, it's an easy way to get around the Strip, Downtown, and the airport without worrying about parking.

Summary

Both Uber and rental cars can be excellent choices in Las Vegas. The right option simply depends on your itinerary. If you're only visiting the city for a weekend of wild nights at casino resorts, you won't really have a ton of opportunities to ride anything other than an Uber.
At the same time, if you're traveling with your family, your day trips will be much easier to manage with a rental vehicle

Once you figure out your transportation, don't forget to pack everything you might need to take with you. Our guide on must-have travel gadgets might give you some creative ideas on what might be useful during the trip.