Las Vegas on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Travel and Entertainment

Las Vegas is famously known as an expensive travel destination. With lavish hotels, world-class entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to spend money, it may seem out of reach for budget-conscious travelers. However, with some planning and insider knowledge, you can fully experience all the glitz and glamour of Sin City without breaking the bank. Follow these tips for finding affordable accommodations, scoring deals on shows and attractions, getting around town, and more.

Finding Cheap Flights 

Flights are often the biggest expense for a Las Vegas trip. But you can use a few tricks to cut down on airfare costs. Sign up for fare alerts on sites like Going.com to get notifications when budget airline Frontier or Spirit Airlines have sales for routes to Las Vegas. Flexible travel dates also open up cheaper flight options – these tips for finding a cheap flight to Las Vegas can lead to big savings. Flying mid-week is cheaper than flying on weekends. And consider flying into nearby airports like Burbank and driving the last leg.

Choosing Budget Accommodations

With over 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas, there are plenty of options for affordable accommodations. For a classic Vegas vibe, downtown hotels like The D Las Vegas and Golden Nugget offer low nightly rates and complimentary self-parking. Off-Strip hotels like South Point and Palace Station are just a short ride away from the action and offer rooms for under $50 per night. Another budget-friendly option is renting a vacation home or condo. Sites like Airbnb and VRBO have full apartments available to rent by the night, with access to kitchens to prepare your own meals. This saves considerably over dining out for every meal. Shared spaces like hostel dorms are also easier on the wallet for solo travelers.

Scoring Entertainment & Attraction Deals

Las Vegas shows and attractions can be expensive, with tickets ranging from $60 up to a few hundred dollars each. But if you know where to look, you can score major discounts on top entertainment options. Sign up for players clubs at casino hotels along the Strip to get offers on free and reduced price show tickets. Local venues like the Orleans Arena and Sam Boyd Stadium also host concerts, sports, and events at lower price points. Booking shows for off-peak days/times saves money too. Matinee show tickets are always cheaper than primetime weekend shows. And you can find $25 tickets to Cirque du Soleil productions by arriving at the box office same-day or using discount ticket sites like Goldstar.

Getting Around Affordably

Las Vegas has a reliable, extensive bus system called CAT (Central Area Transit) that can take you all along the Strip and to downtown for only $6 per day. The Monorail also connects various hotels and casinos for budget-friendly transport between attractions like Caesars Palace to the Las Vegas Convention Center. When you do want to cab it, use rideshares instead of hailing traditional taxis. Uber and Lyft rates are much lower than cab fares for the same trips. Just avoid surge pricing times when events are letting out.

Dining & Drinking on a Dime

Save big on meals in Las Vegas by taking advantage of happy hour deals at restaurants. Nearly every restaurant on the Strip offers special menus from around 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with dishes priced at half-off or even less. This is the best time to sample that fancy steakhouse or famous chef restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Gambling in moderation also leads to free drinks and casino comps. Join the players club at whatever hotel casino you frequent most to score freeplay offers, matching gaming credits, and discounted or even comped meals at casino restaurants and buffets. Just set a budget for gambling and stick to it.

A trip to Las Vegas doesn’t have to wreck your budget. With some flexible travel dates, savvy flight search tricks, budget hotel picks, show ticket discounts, free transportation, and other money-saving tips, you can enjoy all the perks of Sin City without overspending. Follow these guidelines for keeping costs low and the Vegas fun meter set on high.