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Where to catch the SDX Express from 4Queens?

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by user3657, Jul 5, 2014.

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  1. user3657

    user3657 VIP Whale

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    If one is staying at 4Queens, where do you go to pick up the SDX Express?
     
  2. jimboguy

    jimboguy MIA

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    Right by the Cowgirl Up bar at Binion's...on the corner of Fremont St @ Casino Center (assuming you're wanting to head south toward the strip).
     
  3. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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  4. user3657

    user3657 VIP Whale

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    Thanks...I had missed it last night because it was past 12am. I purchased a 24hr pass for the Deuce. Will that let me ride on the SDX or are they separate passes?
     
  5. SpinyNorma

    SpinyNorma Low-Roller

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    The passes for SDX and the Deuce are interchangeable. I believe the pass for those buses will be accepted on any bus actually but as I only ride those two, I can't say for a fact.
     
  6. jimboguy

    jimboguy MIA

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    Yes, the 24 hour pass you purchased for the Deuce can be used on the SDX, the Deuce, the WAX, the CX, the 201, the 202, the 108, the 109, etc, etc, etc.
     
  7. keno60

    keno60 VIP Whale

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  8. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Not on my blog with that detail Keno. And did your photo ID bring up the senior prices?
    These should be easily available from the driver on the 202 or the 109 as well. Or if one caught the WAX or other residential bus at Binion's, the driver should sell these tickets.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 23, 2014
  9. FullBoat

    FullBoat VIP Whale

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    Is it cheaper to get a pass at the airport, or at the Walgreen's downtown? I think I read somewhere(probably dewey's great blog) that they're cheaper at Walgreen's.
     
  10. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    There are different kinds of passes.
    The 15 day/30 day "residential" passes at Walgreen's (or other Vendor's convenient to locals but well off the usual tourist path) will save money and still be officially "all access" for tourists.
    In addition, these passes can be purchased by seniors at half price so that is a huge savings.
    Seniors can buy an all access "residential" pass for 15 days at Walgreen's (or the BTC during some daytime hours) for $17 which is a much greater value than a strip 3 day pass for $20.
    There is no senior discount on strip passes.

    Here is some basic information.
    http://vegasonthebus.blogspot.com/2014/04/once-again-explaining-residential-vs.html

    Adding to the complication is that folks report buying 24 hour "residential" passes (say on the WAX) and then using them on strip buses. Technically, this breaks the rules, but to be caught the driver or inspector would have to check to see if you are a tourist or a local by asking for a local ID.
    It does not break the rules for locals.
    One poster on a post just this week reports doing this all the time and never getting asked about being a local. No posters here have reported being caught.
    However, doing it on the WAX and then taking luggage and catching a strip bus there near MGM might make you pretty visible as a tourist and bus people told me they see that as a problem and that is why they installed a machine for strip passes at the stop at the airport.
    And some folks just feel more comfortable playing by the rules.

    We can offer better advice if we know more about your trip:
    Are you over 60 years of age?
    How long are you staying in Vegas?
    Where are you staying?
    What are you thinking about doing on buses?
     
  11. FullBoat

    FullBoat VIP Whale

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    Nope, haven't hit the big 60 yet.
    I fly in Monday evening(7pm), and leave early Thursday morning(7am)
    Staying downtown at the Four Queens
    Was planning on going to Aria Tuesday evening, then to the Stratosphere . Then back downtown.
     
  12. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    You won't want to bother with Walgreen's passes.
    I'd pay $2 for at least one of your airport WAX rides.
    You can then either pay $20 for a strip pass from the machines at Binions,
    or you can pay $8 for 24 hour passes from those machines. If you are only riding the bus to and from the airport and on Tuesday as outlined pay $2 to get downtown on the WAX, $8 to cover 24 hours and all your Tuesday needs and then $2 to get back to the airport on the WAX. $12 total for the trip.
    If you want to bend the rules to save $3, take the WAX from downtown on Tuesday. Buy a $5 residential pass when you board. Get off at NYNY, Walk to Aria. Use that $5 'RESIDENTIAL" pass (and pretend you are a local) on the strip buses for the Stratosphere leg and the leg back downtown and hope you don't get asked for a local ID. In my mind the peace of mind is worth $3 as well as the convenience of getting closer to Aria by taking a strip bus.
    You may well find the Deuce very crowded on your way to Aria. Give yourself enough time. I'd take the SDX to Bellagio and then go inside for the free shuttle to Aria. That beats the heat and the overcrowded, every stop slow Deuce. The SDX will also get you to/from The STRAT early in the evening but not after midnight. Then you take the Deuce to/from the Stratosphere. It will not be as crowded then.
    From the Stratosphere I'd catch the SDX if possible to downtown by walking over to the Denny's stop. The area around the Strat is sketchy at night. At the Denny's stop you are visible to the people eating in the restaurant directly behind the bus stop, and you can duck in there if your street smarts are bothered by any odd characters.

    Here is some information on buses around the Stratosphere
    http://vegasonthebus.blogspot.com/search?q=Denny%27s

    The Stratosphere pool is open to everyone. There are not lockers for storing personal items. I leave mine where I can see them around the pool area. There is a changing area.
    http://www.stratospherehotel.com/Hotel/Amenities/Resort-Swimming-Pool
    It doesn't sound like you are going during pool times, but on your way to Aria you might like a dip.
    The Four Queens will give you access to Binions pool, but it is often closed. Call ahead. Even on scheduled open days it can be used for a private party and closed.

    Pay close attention to the WAX schedule posted in front of Binions on your return to the airport. It runs only about once an hour and you don't want to sit waiting, nor do you want to miss the one you need to get you back to the airport. Once on the bus, luggage is easy to manage and it is a quick ride to the airport with very few stops. Generally, in the daytime, there are RTC folks giving advice and checking tickets at this stop, so you would run by them your plan for airport return.
    Here is a photo of the bus stop
    http://vegasonthebus.blogspot.com/2014/03/convenience-of-binions-for-catching.html
    Note also that the Deuce does not stop at Binions. You pick that up around the Neonopolis corner.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 24, 2014
  13. FullBoat

    FullBoat VIP Whale

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    As always Dewey you're the man. Thanks for the tips.
     
  14. user3657

    user3657 VIP Whale

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    So wait, the walgreen/7-11 passes are only good for seniors?
     
  15. keno60

    keno60 VIP Whale

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    I already had my 15 day pass, so I did not use the machine but thought I would check it out and pass along the info. My first night was the Gold coast so I took the 109 from the airport and transferred at that stop for the 202.
     
  16. FullBoat

    FullBoat VIP Whale

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    Well, since MyVegas has made a major change to how you can redeem points(you have to stay there), I don't think I'll be going to the buffet at the Aria any more. So, I'll just be going to the Strat and back downtown. I'm hoping I can do it the night I get there, just got to plan to catch the SDX before midnight, I know the Duce runs 24/7, but it's twice as long it looks like.

    My next big question is, what bus can I catch to get to the airport at about 6:30am, my flight leaves at 7:30am. I have a feeling that I'll just have to shell out the $25 or so bucks for a cab.
     
  17. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    I'll assume you mean to get to the airport from downtown.

    Take the first WAX of the morning from next to Binions. Plenty of room for luggage. Uncrowded. Just check the schedules at the bus stop while you are downtown to double check their schedules. I am seeing one at 5:19 every day and it takes about 45 minutes to make the airport. This thread contains a photo of the stop

    http://vegasonthebus.blogspot.com/2014/03/convenience-of-binions-for-catching.html
     
  18. FullBoat

    FullBoat VIP Whale

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    Doh, I was looking at the north bound, and not the south bound. Teaches me to do it half asleep. :)

    For the SDX to the strip, does it use the same stop there at Binions? It looks like it at least.
     
  19. mdlee3_46041

    mdlee3_46041 MIA

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    It should also be noted that when you're at Binion's waiting on the SDX, make sure you get on the right bus as there are a few buses that have a stop there. They will have their signs on saying what bus it is, but some people see a bus and just assume that it's theirs and hop on.
     
  20. FullBoat

    FullBoat VIP Whale

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    Get a good tour of Vegas then. ;-)
     
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