First time in vegas, coming on Thursday to early Tuesday. Deciding if renting a car ($187 for the rental) is worth it or better off ubering/ taking the bus. We’re staying at the Rio, and not sure how parking is on the strip etc.

First Time in Vegas: Should You Rent a Car or Rely on Rideshare?

Planning a first trip to Las Vegas is exciting—and a little overwhelming. From the flashing lights of the Strip to the wild energy of Fremont Street, there’s a lot to see and do. If you’re arriving on a Thursday and staying through early Tuesday, you’ll get to experience both the vibrant weekend scene and the slightly calmer weekdays. One big question many first-timers face: should you rent a car or use Uber and public transit?

You’re staying at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, which is just off the Strip—about a mile west of Caesars Palace. It’s not a far walk technically, but in the Vegas heat and especially at night, walking that distance can be uncomfortable or even unsafe due to traffic-heavy roads without great pedestrian access. That’s where the car rental vs. Uber debate becomes very real.

Renting a Car: Pros and Cons

You mentioned the car rental would cost $187. At first glance, this seems pretty reasonable for a 5-day stay. That’s about $37 per day—less than many single Uber trips during peak hours. But let’s break down the true costs and benefits.

Pros:

• Freedom and Flexibility: Want to take a day trip to the Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon? Having a car makes it easy to explore outside of Vegas.
• Convenience: Late night drives, quick trips for snacks, or simply avoiding long Uber wait times can be nice perks.
• Cost Control: If you plan on visiting several places in one day, driving can be cheaper than stringing together multiple Uber or Lyft rides.

Cons:

• Parking on the Strip: While some casinos still offer free self-parking, many now charge $15–$25 per day for self or valet parking—especially on weekends. The Rio offers free parking, but once you head to the Strip, those charges can add up quickly.
• Traffic: The Strip gets seriously congested, especially on weekend nights. Driving a car there can be a pain, and parking garages can be a maze.
• Gas: Not a huge cost, but worth noting. You’ll likely spend $20–$30 on fuel if you’re doing moderate driving.

If you plan to leave the Strip and explore, or if you don’t like waiting on Ubers, renting a car might be worth it. Otherwise, it could be more of a burden than a benefit.

Uber, Lyft, and Public Transit

Las Vegas has a strong rideshare presence. Uber and Lyft are easy to use, and most major hotels have designated pickup zones. Prices vary, of course, and can spike during peak times (Friday/Saturday nights), but typically you can expect to pay:

• $10–$15 from Rio to the center of the Strip
• $20+ to Fremont Street or the airport during surge hours

Let’s say you average two to three Uber rides per day—maybe one in the morning, one midday, and one at night. Over five days, that could easily total $150–$200. So, it’s fairly comparable to the rental cost—but without parking or fuel hassles.

Public transportation is also an option. The Deuce bus runs up and down the Strip and to Fremont Street 24/7. A 3-day pass costs just $20, and you can combine it with Uber for shorter or off-strip rides. The RTC buses are clean and safe, though they can be slow during busy times.

Final Thoughts

If your Vegas plans mostly revolve around the Strip, a few side trips to Fremont Street, and maybe one or two off-Strip attractions (like AREA15 or a restaurant), you’re probably better off skipping the rental and relying on Uber and the Deuce. You’ll save on parking fees, avoid traffic, and can relax between destinations.

However, if you’re the type who likes impromptu drives, wants to explore the outskirts, or just prefers the independence of having your own vehicle, the car rental could be a smart move—especially since the base rate is fairly affordable.

Ultimately, your travel style is the deciding factor. Either way, you’re going to have a blast—it’s Vegas, after all.