1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

To rent a car or not to rent.....that is the question

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by Wanger1969, Sep 20, 2021.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Wanger1969

    Wanger1969 Iowa Nice

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2005
    Messages:
    725
    Location:
    Iowa
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    18
    This coming November will be my 15th trip to Vegas, my 4th or 5th solo trip. :headbang: During one trip (not solo) I actually rented a car, but only for a day, so we could go to Red Rock and check out most of the Off Strip casino's I had never visited. I loved having a car and the freedom to travel at will, so I've been considering it for this upcoming trip. My flight comes in VERY LATE on the 15th, so the plan is to get a car the next morning if I decide to rent. I just don't know if I am going to. If I decide to rent, I would have the car Tuesday - Friday, November 16-19. Having the car the one day before was absolutely wonderful, as it allowed me to visit places I had never been. :biker: And I know many hate driving in Vegas, but I found it to be an easy place to get around. However, my biggest worry is that I won't get the use out of it to justify the cost. For most of my trips, I get a 3 day bus pass, and that takes care of all my travel needs, but does limit me some. (only because I don't venture off the Deuce much) But usually, I stay downtown. However this trip, I got a great offer from MGM and am staying at Delano, so I feel like I am a little further from everything. I am Pearl, so I can self park for free at MGM properties. :wiggle:

    HELP! Should I stick with what I know and just get a bus pass? Should I venture out more with the bus system and try routes other than the Deuce? Or, should I rent a car and be free to travel all over the valley. I JUST CAN'T DECIDE! :grrr::nworthy:
     
  2. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2003
    Messages:
    29,780
    Location:
    A nice place
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    I would not do Vegas w/o a car, unless flying in and staying put in one area for a few nights. Others never have a need for a car. AMWV Have a great trip.
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2021
    • Agree Agree x 4
  3. DaiLun

    DaiLun R.C., L.C., and A.A.N.G.

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2014
    Messages:
    13,085
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    Well, if it were me (and it's not), these are the items that would factor into my decision:

    1)Weighing the cost and (for some) the inconvenience of renting a car vs. taking uBer
    2)What non-gambling things are on your bucket list this trip that require driving
    3)Eating off-strip could be cheaper. For example for sushi, $75 or more at Koi or Morimoto vs. $29.99 at Sakana or Nabe

    Delano is a bit out of the way, but there is a tram from Mandalay Bay into Excalibur, so you're not totally stranded (except for the hours that the tram isn't running.

    Car rental rates will still be high this November.

    Oh, and if you drink, not having a car eliminates the possibility of DUI . . . . . just sayin'
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2021
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 2
  4. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

    Joined:
    May 4, 2009
    Messages:
    23,206
    Location:
    TN
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    We stopped renting a few years ago and love it… we wander around a lot.. Uber works great… no worry about damage to car. Traffic tickets… where did we leave car..avoiding the damn rental shuttle

    we some times get one fir one day… especially when switching hotels
     
  5. Wanger1969

    Wanger1969 Iowa Nice

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2005
    Messages:
    725
    Location:
    Iowa
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    18
    I am not much of a drinker. I will occasionally have one while gambling, but usually my entire trip consists of water/soda/coffee. You make a good point though with the prices. I'm looking at around 200 for 3 days, which I could easily just pay that with UBER/LYFT and probably get anywhere I want. Plus, $20 for a 3 day bus pass is a bargain and gets me to almost all of my desired locations.

    I have been looking at TURO also, but not sure if I want to try it out.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. SMG

    SMG VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2018
    Messages:
    2,061
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    49
    I always rent a car when I go to Vegas, since I hate taking public transportation unless I have no other choice. LOL Since I often take side-trips away from the strip, a car is also a must have for most of my trips. I also get free parking at MLife and CET properties, so I rarely have issues with parking on the strip. Although, I have used the free trams for getting around the strip when I've gone casino hopping.

    We're all different when it comes to renting a car. It's more of personal choice. I can't do Vegas without one, but for others it can be an inconvenience and/or just an added expense that isn't worth the cost.
     
  7. Farner

    Farner High-Roller

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2017
    Messages:
    626
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    60
    It all depends on your Vegas style. If you are doing downtown and strip with drinking involved, no car. If you want to take a break and hike Red Rock etc, car. I would go with a rental from Mandalay Bay (just checked Avis has rentals for 60+ one day) and only on the day of hiking. But I cannot visit a without drinking , hence even for off strip casinos, would do Lyft.
     
  8. mr.vegas

    mr.vegas Peace sells, but who's buying?

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2015
    Messages:
    3,537
    Location:
    minnesota
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    46
    We always rent a car or drive, the freedom to come and go is worth it to us, we stay at up to 5 casino and stay for 2 weeks also the wife plays bingo and likes to play at Santa Fe, Rampart, Arizona Charlies, Jerry's Nugget and also likes to visit the M for her Spa day and we often drive to Henderson and Boulder City, we hit 5 to 10 casinos a day and enjoy are drives around the valley shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment, only 1 drinks when we drive. If I figured the cost of any UBER/LYFT it would make a rental car seem cheap. A car is a must for us.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  9. yooperguy

    yooperguy Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2014
    Messages:
    476
    Location:
    Felch, Michigan
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    13
    I always rent a car. I like to play poker, (it's the only reason I come to Vegas), and the poker rooms are all over the place. I CAN NOT STAND waiting around for a bus, or cab, or Uber/Lyft. When I want to go somewhere at a certain time, I go. Well worth the cost, IMHO. Car rental prices are horrible at the moment, so for my upcoming trip, I am going to try TURO. 8 days, $360. The car I am renting has free pick up and drop off at the airport. We'll see how it goes.
     
  10. Ten_On_The_End

    Ten_On_The_End VIP Whale

    Joined:
    May 15, 2018
    Messages:
    2,148
    Location:
    Portage County, OH
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    171
    I always used to take the Duece when I'm solo but I currently have a problem being jammed into a crowded bus. Of course I'm jammed into a crowded plane to get to Vegas but there's no practical way around that. I would never rent a car due to DWI concerns so it's either cab or Uber/Lyft for a while. On my trips this year we've walked everywhere except for one Uber to downtown and back. I need every dollar of my bankroll.
     
  11. ReTriggerMe

    ReTriggerMe Stand Up to Jewish Hate!

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2020
    Messages:
    10,286
    Location:
    San Francisco East Bay
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    48
    I consider this every time I rent a car. I HATE the idea of an unneeded car sitting in the garage.

    so I either rent at Airport, drop off at resort location. Or pick up at hotel, drop off at airport.

    my next trip, I'm renting a car for one day pickup and return at my hotel.
     
  12. Guy

    Guy Captain of the Heads

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2003
    Messages:
    945
    Location:
    Hampshire, England
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    I've always got a car, but I'm coming from abroad so find it 'fun' to drive in America and visit run of the mill suburban shops and the outlying parts of town.
     
    Easter 2024
    • Like Like x 1
  13. bull0120

    bull0120 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2014
    Messages:
    1,574
    Location:
    Virginia
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    34
    I'm renting a car for the first time next week and got it for $70 for basically 24 hours. I have to have it for golf, but am going to use it for some other excursions after my round. I'll probably eat at a place I haven't been to before, get some supplies from the dispensary, etc. I'm kind of excited about having some wheels.
     
    • Like Like x 1
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.