Rising like a mirage from the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas has a well-earned reputation as the party capital of the USA. Rent a hire car in Las Vegas in 2026, and it becomes a gateway to much more. Away from the manic 'Strip' you'll find wide-open roads that lead to dramatic canyons, winding rivers and stunning state parks.
Language: English | Currency: Dollar ($) | Avg. Flight time: 10 hrs 45 mins
Most major car hire companies have desks at McCarran International Airport (LAS), including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise and Budget. With so many options, finding a competitive rate is a little easier. Before you travel, make sure to shop around online for the best chance of getting a cheap car hire deal.
The drive to Las Vegas Strip takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on the traffic. Driving to Las Vegas Boulevard from the airport is straightforward. Head south on Paradise Road, take the I-15 highway north for two miles and take exit 39 for the famous Las Vegas Strip.
McCarran International Airport has a central location for all car rentals. The McCarran Rent-A-Car Center on Gilespie Street is a three-mile drive south of the airport, and a free shuttle service runs from terminals 1 and 3. The center is open 24/7 and features 11 car hire companies.
Car rental companies at McCarran Rent-A-Car Center include:
If you're spending a few days in Las Vegas before going touring, it can be easier to pick up a car on the Strip rather than head back to the airport. Hertz has 20 offices around the city, including at the Wynn and Caesars Palace, while Avis has a desk at the Luxor Hotel.
Las Vegas is an easy city to get around. The I-15 runs through Downtown Las Vegas and alongside the Las Vegas Strip, while the I-515 and the I-215 circumnavigate the city.

Las Vegas is set out in the grid system favoured by most American cities. All roads and highways are well signposted, but it's worth bringing a satnav or using a GPS-enabled smartphone to navigate the lesser known routes – particularly if you plan to head out into the desert.
The main Las Vegas streets do get congested during rush hour – around 7am–9am and 4pm–6pm – and at weekends, and traffic is almost always busy along the famous Las Vegas Strip. If you're in a hurry, plan your route in advance and try to avoid the main drags.
Most of the big hotels and casinos offer valet parking at a price. Circus Circus, Treasure Island and The Venetian all offer free self-parking for customers and guests.
Driving time: 30 minutes
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only a short hop from Vegas, making it a must-do day trip. Located 17 miles south of Downtown, the park attracts fit, outdoorsy types who come to hike through its rugged red terrain and climb its sheer rock faces. The 13-mile scenic drive through the park takes in Turtlehead Peak, Sandstone Quarry and the Pine Creek trail.

Driving time: One hour
Head further into the Mojave Desert to visit Nevada's oldest and largest state park. The Valley of Fire is one of the highlights of the Silver State. Famous for its blazing red Aztec sandstone outcrops, petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back over two millennia, the Valley of Fire makes a dramatic alternative from the bright lights of Vegas. Don't miss the Visitor Centre for an insight into the history, geology and ecology of the park.
Driving time: Two hours 30 minutes
With nearly 1000 miles of paved and dirt roads, a drive through Death Valley is one of the highlights of a California/Nevada road trip. Visit the lowest point in North America at the unearthly Badwater Basin salt flats, hear the rattle of the indigenous rattlesnakes at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or snap a panoramic photo at Dante's View in the Black Mountains.
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