Bus from airport to Orleans

I've taken the WAX to NYNY and transferred to the 201 on numerous occasions, but the wrong timing can result in an hour wait and at least a $10 airport beer. So … the question is: has anyone ridden the 108 or 109N to Tropicana to catch the 201? Those stops don't look overly appealing and I wonder how safe they may be with luggage even in daylight. Comments appreciated.

 

I have done the 108 to 202 (Flamingo rd to Gold Coast) during daylight hours with a roller bag and felt plenty safe. I've done the 201 to and from the Strip before, but never to where the 108 stops on Tropicana. Sorry I can't give more details about your specific scenario.

 

Done it last August (just missed the WAX) and one or two other times (once walked the rest of the way to the Strip). Nothing is really going on there, so I wouldn't worry about safety It will be hot and cover is minimal at the bus stop. Trop buses typically run every 15-20 minutes, so you shouldn't have to wait long (baring construction) once you hit Tropicana Ave.

 

I won't do it at night.

 

Thanks for everyone's comments. I've transferred from the 109 and 108 to the 202 at Flamingo several times (when going to Gold Coast or Sam's Town), but those stops aren't nearly as isolated as the ones on Tropicana. Our flight usually arrives a little before 10 am, so if we have a long wait for the WAX, we'll try the 108 or 109 to Tropicana or maybe even the CX from Terminal 3. (Of course, in the rare event of rain, well spring for a cab.)

 

In the daytime, no worries right there by UNLV.
Night time can get a little more sketchy, but still no big deal.

 

The Trop/Swenson stop is sort of in the middle of nowhere (from memory), but we have done that in the daytime with no problems at all. Trop/Maryland has a bit more activity from what I remember, again, no problems in the daytime.

 

I don't like the Tropicana connections at night with luggage. Otherwise I am fine with them. I'd take a shuttle to the Orleans but it generally hits there last. Lately, I just take a book and wait for wax.

 

Turtleman,
I've done that same walk at 4:00 am in the morning. I'm fine with it because I'm on the go.
However, I wouldn't be as comfortable waiting for the 108 in a stationary position at the Trop bus stop in the darkness.
That little area is kinda no-man's land.

 

Thanks for the additional comments. Like I said, I'll be arriving around 10 am, so if not the WAX, it sounds like the 108 or 109N (whichever comes first) to Tropicana should be fine. There are many places that feel safe during the day that are much less so at night – everywhere.

The WAX times have changed since my last trip. In the past, I'd only have a chance of making the 10 am departure if the plane arrived 15 minutes early. That happened about half the time, and usually resulted in a mad rush to the bus stop. The new times (from Terminal 1) are now around 20 minutes later, which should work out a lot better. There's also a tram from D-Gates to Terminal 3 (never been there), so if the timing works out, I may get adventurous and try the CX. I'm also wondering when taking the WAX, if it might be just as good to get off by MGM instead of the more crowded NYNY stop. (Has anyone done that?) Going to the Orleans offers so many choices!

 

I thought the WAX was limited stop, and didn't use that particular bus stop. I can't recall it stopping there on previous journeys. If it does, it would be a better option than the NYNŶ stop.

 

pebbles: I didn't think it stopped there either, but I've ridden the WAX when it has. I don't remember if someone was waiting or signaled to get off. In any case, there's little to lose by trying, and it has to be less crowded and noisy than the stop by NYNY. If I take the WAX and get off there, I'll try to remember to post back here.

 

Thanks. That will be good to know. We begin our next trip at Orleans.

 

That WAX stop is at Koval. Stop J. It is behing the self parking MGM garage. This would be where you would catch the 119 if you wanted a residential route to casinos it serves.
http://www.rtcsnv.com/wp-content/uploads/routes/2013/119(07-07-13).pdf
One poster here wanted to cross Tropicana back there for a restaurant he liked for food right after the flight and he asked about the location. Maybe it was Laguna.
I remember calling the RTX and the RTC clerk telling me that the stop did not exist. It does.
Pdog set me straight.

But unless someone is there waiting for the WAX (unlikely) or on the WAX and signals the driver before the stop, the bus passes it.
I'm thinking that the walk to the strip would be much farther than going up at NYNY and crossing over to MGM.
You could catch the 201 there to go to the Orleans, but as I remember there is no shelter or seats. However, you would be getting a better choice of seats and not have the NYNY line.

It also might be the best spot to get off the WAX and go looking for the MGM monorail station.