Greyhound offers arguably the most convenient bus service departing from Southern California for Las Vegas. Departing locations span the length of the region from Santa Barbara south to San Diego with as many as 15 departures during 24 hours, depending on the station. Departures leave throughout the day, though service is limited between midnight and 6 a.m. All trips include a 15-minute rest stop in Barstow and terminate at the Las Vegas Greyhound Station. Substantial discounts can be had by booking in advance and online. Additional discounts are available for veterans, military personnel, children, students and seniors.
Spend even more time at those downtown $2 blackjack tables after booking a trip aboard a Chinatown bus. Ideal for those seeking the least expensive means of travel across the desert, the Chinatown bus offers the best option for those who require no special services. Departure points include the downtown, East Los Angeles, Hacienda Heights, Monterey Park, Rowland Heights and San Gabriel bus stations. Arrival points include Chinatown, Harrah's, the Tropicana and the Stratosphere Hotel. As of 2010, the cost of a round-trip ticket was $45 and one-way tickets were $30. Tickets can be purchased online or at depots.
Avoid the din that is Barstow and the rest of the scenic drudgery of the desert by chartering a party bus. Platinum Express Limo serves passengers from Ventura County south to San Diego County and provides a driver and an air-conditioned bus accommodating up to 50 people. Ideal for those who want to drink and dance their way through the cactus, buses include a complimentary bar, plush leather, wrap-around seating, flat-screen televisions, disco lighting, a fog machine, a dance pole, stereo system and iPod stations. Prices will vary according to model of bus being rented, number of customers and date of departure and all payments must be made in advance.
