Las Vegas is a lively hub of entertainment and thrills, a true oasis in the middle of Nevada’s desert. Known worldwide for its sparkle, glamour, and indulgence, the “Entertainment Capital of the World” attracts millions of travellers every year — and you don’t need to be a high roller to enjoy it.
In 2021, Las Vegas welcomed over 32 million visitors, each drawn by its dazzling lights, world-class shows, buzzing casinos, and endless shopping options. But beyond the city’s glamorous exterior, there’s a side of Las Vegas that is accessible, affordable, and just as exciting.
With a bit of planning and a few smart tips, you can enjoy the city’s thrills without draining your savings account. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, Las Vegas offers something new every time — and it’s an experience everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.
Top Five ways to do Vegas on the cheap
| Category | Budget-Friendly Tip | Extra Savings Hack |
|---|
| Flights | Book tickets early to lock in low prices. Consider budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier for affordable fares. | Use flight aggregator websites (Google Flights, Skyscanner) and set price alerts to grab deals when they drop. |
| Food & Drinks | Skip expensive Strip restaurants — explore local diners and happy hour menus. | Visit food courts, Chinatown, or Fremont Street for wallet-friendly meals. |
| Transportation | Use the Las Vegas Monorail or RTC buses for cheap, reliable transport. | Buy multi-day Monorail passes or check group promo codes for discounted rates. |
| Entertainment | Many attractions like Bellagio’s fountain show and Conservatory are free. | Look for last-minute show tickets on sites like Tix4Tonight for 50%+ off. |
| Hotels | Book directly with hotels for price-match guarantees. Stay off the Strip for lower rates. | Use membership discounts (AAA, military, student) for extra savings. |
1. Flying
Harry Reid International Airport, just a short distance from downtown Las Vegas, is equipped to deal with or accommodate over 4 million visitors a month.
Las Vegas is one of the most budget-friendly flight destinations in the world, offering a head start for visitors seeking to enjoy Vegas on a budget.
To enjoy the best time in Las Vegas you must book your tickets in advance, as ticket prices tend to increase as the departure date gets closer. For flying consider budget airlines such as Spirit and Frontier, these airlines offer cheaper flights to Las Vegas.
2. Food
Food is one of the most important aspects to consider when traveling or visiting any location. Foods define everything about any country. Whenever you’re visiting Las Vegas there’s no need to spend money on expensive dishes, Las Vegas has many bars and restaurants that offer happy hours where visitors can enjoy discounted drinks and food.
Although the Las Vegas Strip is famous for its upscale restaurants, venturing off the Strip can lead to more affordable and equally tasty eateries. Las Vegas has many budget-friendly restaurants.
3. Transportation
The Las Vegas Monorail is the perfect option for visitors who want to save time and money while roaming around the Las Vegas Strip.
Groups of 12 or more can access discounted tickets with a promo code found on Monorail’s website, they offer many amenities to their visitors, and even smaller groups or individuals can take advantage of multi-day passes that offer cost-effective mobility.
The Monorail runs from 7 a.m. to 2 or 3 a.m., except Mondays (midnight closure), making it convenient for various plans, whether club visits or late-night shows.
4. Entertainment
In Las Vegas, you’ll need to choose between budget and bankroll. Some events will cost an arm and a leg, while others won’t cost you anything at all. Many different activities you can opt to enjoy during your visiting time to Las Vegas. They have the Aria Fine Arts Collection, that has a captivating collection of paintings and sculptures at Aria. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: offers various events and holidays throughout the year.
5. Hotels
Las Vegas has many budget-friendly hotels and restaurants for their budget travelers. Make your reservations directly with the hotel to get the best rates, especially when done well in advance of your trip. In many cases, hotels will even match lower prices listed by third-party booking programs.
Staying off the strip is another consideration, where you can find cheaper rates and access free cost transportation to maintain the attraction of visitors. Take advantage of affiliation discounts, many resorts offer lower prices for military personnel and certain groups.
Flying to Las Vegas on a Budget
Las Vegas is one of the most affordable flight destinations in the U.S., thanks to its high visitor volume and competitive airline pricing.
Harry Reid International Airport handles over 4 million passengers per month, making it well-connected to major U.S. cities.
Booking tickets early can save you 20–40% on airfare compared to last-minute fares.
Budget airlines such as Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest often run flash sales with round-trip flights as low as $40–60 from nearby states.
Eating Well Without Overspending
Food is an essential part of any Vegas trip — but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Happy Hours: Many bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials with half-priced drinks and appetizers.
Off-Strip Dining: Step away from the Strip and you’ll find hidden gems offering tasty meals at a fraction of the cost.
Buffet Deals: Vegas buffets can be pricey, but some hotels offer “all-day dining passes” for under $50.
Affordable Dining Options in Vegas
| Average Price (Per Meal)
|
Local Diners & Cafés
| $10 – $15
|
Happy Hour Menus
| $5 – $12
|
Off-Strip Restaurants
| $12 – $20
|
Chinatown Restaurants
| $12 – $20
|
Getting Around: Cheap Transportation
Driving on the Strip can be stressful — and parking fees can add up quickly. Instead, opt for these budget-friendly transport solutions:
Las Vegas Monorail: Runs from 7 a.m. until late night (2–3 a.m.), connecting major resorts along the Strip.
Multi-Day Passes: Start at around $13/day and go lower when you buy multiple days.
RTC Bus System: Routes like the Deuce on the Strip run 24/7 and offer unlimited rides for just $8 (24 hours).
Entertainment for Every Budget
Las Vegas is a city of non-stop entertainment — but not every show costs hundreds of dollars.
For music lovers, don’t miss special residencies like Kenny Chesney at the Sphere, which draw thousands of fans every year and add to the city’s incredible live entertainment lineup.
Affordable Hotels & Lodging
Hotel costs can make or break your budget, but there are plenty of ways to save:
Book Early: Hotel prices can spike by 30–50% closer to travel dates.
Stay Off-Strip: Hotels in areas like Downtown Las Vegas or just off the Strip are often 30–40% cheaper and may offer free shuttles.
Use Rewards: Redeem credit card points, airline miles, or loyalty program rewards for free or discounted nights.
You can also explore celebrity events and shows that often make Vegas buzz — check out our coverage of Top Richest Female Singers of All Time 2025 to see which music icons perform here.
Travel with the Las Vegas Monorail and save money in Sin City
By planning ahead, you can experience the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas without overspending. Plus, if you have a ticket for the Las Vegas Monorail, exclusive Las Vegas discounts and offers through our Show Your Ticket & Save program.
Don’t forget to utilize the Las Vegas Monorail for convenient transportation while you explore all the exciting attractions.
Final Tips
By planning ahead, using budget transportation like the Monorail, and looking for discounts, you can experience the glamour of Vegas without overspending.
And remember:
Bring an adventurous spirit.
Take advantage of free attractions.
Book smart — not last-minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a free shuttle in Vegas?
The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle that takes you to all the fun attractions in downtown Las Vegas, including Bonneville Transit Center - First Street, South of Bonneville Avenue.
2. What is the cheapest part of Vegas?
- Centennial Hills Town Center.
- Lone Mountain.
- The Arbors.
- South Shores.
- Grand Canyon Village.
- Desert Shores.
- Elkhorn Ranch.
3. Is it easy to get around Las Vegas without a car?
Exploring the vibrant city of Las Vegas without a car is easier than you might think, thanks to its wide array of transportation options designed to cater to the millions of tourists that visit each year.
