How to make the most out of your layover in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a bucket-list travel destination for gamblers, sightseers, and essentially anyone who wants to capture the glamorous (and hedonistic) experience portrayed in the media. There’s nothing quite like it, even if you’re only there for a few hours on a layover. 

Formerly McCarran International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport is the primary gateway to the US’s top tourist hotspot and a perfectly serviceable airport for domestic and international flights. If you want to explore Las Vegas for a few hours during a layover, the airport’s proximity to the action absolutely helps.

And if you're stuck with awkward and heavy luggage during your layover in Vegas, Bounce can help. We have luggage storage locations in key areas like the Strip, Downtown Las Vegas, and the airport. So, whether you're visiting the Neon Museum, riding a roller coaster, or hitting one of the many casinos, you don't have to do it with your luggage in tow.

Things to keep in mind before leaving Las Vegas Airport

Visa requirements in the US

Even on international flights, Americans won’t need anything other than a valid state-issued ID or passport to leave the airport. International travelers will need to apply for visa-free entry to the U.S. or obtain a valid visa to get in and out of the airport. If you're worried about time and want to make sure things run smoothly, TSA precheck is a useful tool.  

Minimum layover times in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Strip is only a few miles away from the airport, so commuting only takes a few minutes if you want to hit the main drag. Still, you’ll need at least four or five hours in order for it to make sense to leave the airport. 

What to do in Las Vegas during a layover

Depending on the length of your layover, you can hit the Strip for an abbreviated version of the quintessential Las Vegas experience. There are also plenty of outdoor activities worth checking out if you want to stretch your legs. Either way, the airport is easy to get in and out of so you'll have time for at least a few activities. 

And if you're worried about lugging your bags around, Bounce has convenient locations exactly where you need them.

Morning layover in Las Vegas

This is the best time of day to be outside so if you're looking to take a hike or walk the full length of Las Vegas Boulevard, now is your time. 

• You can take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon, and if you have enough time, you can plan day trips for epic hiking experiences. 
• One of the top family-friendly activities in the city is the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel, which is a gorgeous conservatory filled with exotic birds and fish. 
• It’s not hard to find an epic brunch in Vegas. Esther's Kitchen, La Cave, Bouchon, and Bardot Brasserie are a few favorites. 

Afternoon layover in Las Vegas

Well, you'll be surprised (and even disturbed) to find that the action never truly dies down in Las Vegas, the post-lunch action really starts to heat up at the casinos and other attractions. The weather also starts to heat up, so indoor activities are advisable. 

• You can beat the heat on the LINQ Promenade that runs between the LINQ Hotel and the Flamingo to avoid the traffic of Las Vegas Blvd. It's a covered walkway that makes for a comfortable stroll and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and rides like the High Roller observation wheel, and the Fly Linq zipline. 
• For something a little constructive, take a short cab ride to the leafy oasis of the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. It's not far from the airport and allows you to stretch your legs while taking in a stunning array of exotic plants in a gorgeous setting. 
• Shopping at the Venetian is a solid option, but heading downtown is even better. Head to Fremont Street for hip boutiques and trendy vintage stores! 
• For a quick lunch, hit local favorite Tacos El Gordo for Tijuana-style tacos that won't break the bank.  The carne asada and adobada (chili-marinated pork) tacos are the most popular, and their handmade tortillas are regarded as some of the best in the city. 
• For something a little more hearty and familiar, Park on Fremont close to the Golden Nugget offers solid diner food in a hip setting and is the perfect spot for international travelers to sample quintessential American classics. 

Evening Las Vegas layover

As the sunset bathes the Las Vegas strip in beautiful hues of orange and red, you can feel the energy coming to a boil. The casinos will fill up, bachelor or bachelorette parties will be patrolling the boulevard, and some serious money will start to get lost. 

• Hit the Las Vegas Strip! This one should be obvious, but at least taking a stroll down Las Vegas Blvd is the perfect way to take the sights. Iconic casinos like Mandalay Bay, and Caesars Palace light up the night sky and are also gorgeous at sunset. 
• If you feel compelled to gamble but are wary of overspending, you can nurse the slot machines along for practically no money. 
• For an essential Vegas experience, take in the water show at the iconic Bellagio Fountains using 1,214 water jets and 4,792 lights to create mesmerizing displays to classic songs. 
• Momofuku has been the trendy spot in Las Vegas for a few years now, and their sleek menu of pan-Asian menu dishes like sticky, pork buns, chicken katsu (cutlets), and salt-and-pepper lobster make for an indulgent and intriguing meal. 
• If you’re famished, head to the Caesars Palace for an all-you-can-eat buffet at Bacchanal. The spread covers almost every type of cuisine, so there's no decision-making. The dining room overlooks the Garden of the Gods pool and provides stellar views of the skyline. 

Overnight Las Vegas layover

Unsurprisingly, Las Vegas has one of the best nightlife scenes in the world. Seeing the bright neon of the Strip under the night sky is an absolutely breathtaking experience, and will make an overnight layover a treat rather than a logistical problem.  

• While you may be tempted to stay at a hotel right outside of the airport, the truth is that hotels on the Vegas Strip are quite accessible for quick commutes. The Luxor and Mandalay Bay are just two world-class resorts just a few minutes from the airport! The Luxury Suites International and Hampton Inn are also right outside for a more budget-friendly stay. 
• The Eiffel Tower Experience provides the best views of the city and is a great way to take in the entirety of the glowing Las Vegas strip. This gigantic replica of the world’s most famous structure is (fittingly) situated at the Paris Las Vegas and is perfect for families or couples who want stunning views of town. 
• The Sphere has quickly become the world's most famous concert venue, so check out the calendar to see what iconic act has a residency there. You can always drive by the massive globe-shaped structure to admire the light show.
• If you want a more quintessential experience, a Vegas show at a casino is always a solid option. 
• If you want to experience Vegas at its most classic, make a reservation at Delmonico Steakhouse for martinis, succulent cuts, and indulgent shrimp cocktails. 

Tips to make the most out of your time in Las Vegas

• While the weekend is obviously the busiest time of the week, you'll find large crowds on the Vegas Strip essentially every day. This can make hotels more costly if your layover is on Friday or Saturday, but you might be able to save money by stashing your bags with Bounce and staying up all night! 
• Summertime in Las Vegas is especially scorching, but it'll be warm throughout the year. Packing lighter clothing is advisable if you're planning to walk around during the day.   
• Everything is in USD, but basically, every restaurant and casino will take credit cards for drinks and food. You will want to take cash out of an ATM or currency exchange if you're planning on gambling.
• English is the official language of the United States, but Las Vegas will have plenty of Spanish speakers. 
• There are certain neighborhoods of Las Vegas that you'll want to avoid at night, so it's advisable to stick to the Las Vegas strip or downtown areas like Fremont. 

There’s a good chance you’ll plan a trip to Vegas at some point, especially if Sin City impresses during your layover. Just remember that Bounce has convenient luggage storage locations up and down Las Vegas Boulevard for your next trip!