Renting a Car in Las Vegas: The Complete Guide for 2023

Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, drawing over 40 million visitors per year. With its world-class hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment, the city offers endless things to see and do. But to fully experience all that Las Vegas has to offer, having your own set of wheels is a must.

Renting a car opens up possibilities to easily explore landmarks on the Strip, take day trips to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or Death Valley, or discover hidden gems off the beaten path. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know to rent a car in Las Vegas and make the most of your visit.

Choosing the Right Las Vegas Rental Car Company

With Las Vegas being such a major tourist destination, you'll find branches of all the major car rental companies either at McCarran International Airport or dotted along the Strip. Which one you choose can depend on your budget, what kind of vehicle you need, as well as brand loyalty programs.

Comparing National Car Rental Brands

BrandOverview
AlamoPopular for unlimited mileage policies on rentals. Good for road trips outside the city.
AvisLong-established company with branches at the airport and major hotels.
BudgetOne of the more affordable national brands, but with more mileage restrictions.
DollarSimilar to Budget, focuses on low base rates but with add-on fees.
EnterpriseMajor brand with a large selection of vehicle types and pick-up locations.
HertzThe largest rental car company in the world, with well-maintained vehicles.
NationalLuxury sister-brand of Alamo, with high-end vehicles available.
ThriftyDiscount brand that offers some of the lowest rates but very limited mileage.

When comparing the major national brands, be sure to factor in any membership programs you may be a part of that offer perks or discounts. For example, AAA members can save up to 20% with certain companies.

Local Las Vegas Agencies

Beyond the big national chains, there are also some local Las Vegas rental car companies to consider:

  • Black Jack Rent a Car - Independently owned agency with low rates and free airport shuttle service.
  • City Car Rental - Local brand with cheap deals, mostly compact and economy vehicles.
  • Las Vegas Car Rentals - Family owned agency with new model vehicles and unlimited mileage.
  • Sixt - European rental car company recently expanded to the Las Vegas market.

The smaller local companies can sometimes undercut the major brands on pricing, though their fleets may be more limited. They are worth comparing for possible savings.

Rental Car Comparison Sites

To simplify the process of finding the best deals across various rental companies, you can use an aggregation website that lets you compare rates in one place:

  • Kayak
  • Priceline
  • RentalCars.com
  • RentalCarMomma

Be sure to compare the results across a few different comparison sites, as the best price can vary between them. Also double check exclusions or blackout dates directly on the rental company site.

Getting the Best Las Vegas Car Rental Deals

Renting a car in a major tourist destination like Las Vegas does not have to be expensive, especially if you use these tips to get the best rate:

  • Book Early/Reserve in Advance
  • Avoid Renting at the Airport
  • Look for Coupons and Discounts
  • Consider a Weekly/Monthly Rental
  • Avoid Unnecessary Extras
  • Use Membership Discounts
  • Compare Taxes and Fees

Vehicle Types and Features

Carefully consider what size and type of rental vehicle will work best for your Las Vegas travel itinerary. Here are some common options:

  • Economy or Compact Cars
  • Midsize/Intermediate Cars
  • Full Size/Standard Cars
  • Luxury/Premium Sedans
  • 7-8 Passenger Vans
  • SUVs
  • Convertibles
  • Specialty Vehicles

When booking, only opt for a larger vehicle than you need if you specifically want the extra space or SUV/van capabilities. Over-sizing for just 1 or 2 people will mean wasting more on gas and parking.

Navigating Las Vegas with your Rental Car

Driving in Las Vegas can be a bit bewildering with its massive scale, heavy traffic, and maze of mega-casino parking garages. Here are some pointers for getting around:

  • Use GPS Navigation
  • Study Casino/Hotel Maps
  • Allow Extra Time
  • Use Rideshares Selectively
  • Park Farther Away
  • Consider Valet Parking

Helpful Add-Ons to Consider

Basic rental cars will include minimum requirements like liability insurance and state-mandated features. But Las Vegas has some unique driving conditions and risks where extra addons can be wise:

  • Collision/Damage Waivers
  • Theft Protection
  • Supplemental Liability
  • Roadside Assistance
  • GPS Navigation

Evaluate your personal risk tolerance and safety net to decide which extra protections are worthwhile, if any. Just avoid duplicate coverage between personal and rental policies.

Picking Up and Returning Your Vehicle

The rental car process should go smoothly as long as you follow some best practices around pick-up and drop-off:

  • Have Your Paperwork Ready
  • Inspect at Pick-Up
  • Check Fuel Level
  • Load Your Luggage
  • Ask About Tolls
  • Allow Extra Return Time
  • Refill Gas If Needed

FAQs

Here are quick answers to some frequently asked questions about getting a rental car for your Las Vegas vacation:

How old do I need to be to rent a car in Las Vegas?

Most major companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, and charge added fees for drivers under 25. Some local agencies allow younger drivers but for an added daily surcharge.

Is a credit card required to rent a car?

Yes, companies require a valid credit card (not debit) in your name to process the rental transaction. Prepaid debit cards generally aren't accepted either.

Can I use rideshares like Uber/Lyft instead of a rental car?

While rideshares are plentiful, a rental allows more freedom and reliability getting around at your own schedule. Surge pricing can also make rideshares expensive for frequent use.

Are taxes and fees included in rental rates?

Usually not - expect to pay about 30% extra on top of the base rate for things like airport fees, city taxes, liability insurance, etc. Read the fine print.

Is it better to book Las Vegas car rentals in advance?

Absolutely - last minute walk-up rates will almost always be far more expensive. Reserve 1-2 months early for the best selection and pricing.

Driving Outside Las Vegas

A rental car opens up easy side trip options to nearby attractions like National Parks and unique desert landscapes. Just keep these driving tips in mind:

  • Avoid Dirt Roads
  • Beware Heat Stroke Risks
  • Watch for Wildlife
  • Seek Shade for Parking
  • Check Your Cell Service

By taking basic safety and preparation steps for out-of-town driving, you can comfortably use your Las Vegas rental for exciting side trips and day excursions.

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