If you are strapped for cash and want to travel to Las Vegas, a number of options exist to help you get to Sin City. Las Vegas has no passenger trains that run to the city, so you can only get in one of four ways. You can get to Las Vegas by car, by bus, by plane or by hitchhiking. Each method of travel has its own advantages--and at least one has unbearable perils.
Craigslist ride share can be an inexpensive way to get to Las Vegas. Many people travel to Las Vegas on business trips or for a quick weekend, and you can catch rides with some of them for the cost of a half-tank of gas. Craigslist rideshare has a large degree of the stranger factor, putting you side by side in a car under the control of someone you've never met. Be careful to document the identity of your ride for your own safety and the comfort of your driver. Trust your instincts; if a situation seems fishy, don't take the ride. The road to Las Vegas is dark, lonely and long, so it's best to err on the safe side.
The bus will likely cost you about 40 percent to 60 percent more than splitting a tank of gas carpooling with a Craigslister. A bus trip guarantees your relative safety and security while you are on the bus, even if the bus stations are a bit sketchy. Unfortunately, coach seats on buses are often uncomfortable, and a bus trip to Las Vegas can take anywhere from six hours to six days, depending on the bus route and your starting point. If you are thinking of taking the bus, look into flight prices to see if they are competitive.
Flight deals to and from Las Vegas are abundant, especially during the slow season in the hot months of the year. Last-minute deals can yield decent prices, but if you want a real deal, plan your trip at least a month ahead to secure the cheapest airfare. A good airfare deal to Las Vegas can be cheaper than taking the bus, especially if you package your airfare in a bundle with a stay at a Las Vegas hotel. Many travel websites offer deep discounts to clients who book a hotel room and flight in a travel package.
It is possible to hitchhike to Las Vegas. Depending on your location, it might be a quick trip or a hefty feat. If you are traveling to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, you will find many people along the way who are willing to give you a ride to Las Vegas. Hitchhiking carries the same risks as Craigslist rideshare, multiplied by your level of desperation to get out of the hot sun and into a car. Because of the inclement weather and inherent danger, hitchhiking to Las Vegas should be reserved for hiking extremists or those who are flat broke and need a ride for free. See Resources for tips on successful hitchhiking.
