Taking the bus in Las Vegas mostly means the Deuce, the 24-hour double-decker that runs the Strip and downtown. Here’s what it costs, when it’s worth it, and when to skip it, from a 24-year local.
$8 for 24 hours on the Deuce. Slow in traffic, great from the top deck.
It runs around the clock from the South Strip Transit Terminal to downtown. Use it for sightseeing, not when you’re on a schedule.
24-Hour Pass, $8
Unlimited rides for a day. Buy it in the rideRTC app before you reach the stop.
Single Ride, $4
Fine for one trip. If you’ll ride twice, the 2-hour pass or day pass is the better deal.
South Strip to Downtown
Runs 24/7 from the South Strip Transit Terminal up the Strip to downtown and Fremont Street.
It Sits in Traffic
On Friday and Saturday nights, a ride that looks like 10 minutes can take much longer.
Las Vegas is a car city. I say that as someone who has lived here more than 24 years. But if you’re staying on or near the Strip and not straying far from the Boulevard, the Deuce gets you around for $8 a day.
My kids loved riding the top deck. Even waiting at a bus stop in 115° heat, they thought it was an adventure. The adults had a different view of that part.
What the Deuce Actually Is
The Deuce is RTC’s double-decker bus on Las Vegas Boulevard. It runs from the South Strip Transit Terminal south of the Strip, up through the resorts, to downtown and Fremont Street, 24 hours a day, every day.
The top deck is the reason to ride it. At night on a first visit, it’s one of the best cheap ways to see the Strip. In the summer heat during the day, the air-conditioned lower deck is the smarter seat.
Not every double-decker is the Deuce. RTC uses double-deckers on some local routes too. Check the route sign on the front before you board.
Deuce Fares: What It Costs
| Fare | Price | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Single ride | $4 | One trip |
| 2-hour pass | $6 | A quick there-and-back |
| 24-hour pass | $8 | The best value for a day of riding |
| 3-day pass | $20 | A multi-day Strip trip |
These Strip and All Access fares also work on RTC’s local routes, so one pass covers the whole system. The cheaper $2 local fare doesn’t cover the Deuce for visitors.
Fares may go up. RTC has proposed raising the Strip single ride to $5 and the 24-hour pass to $10, and dropping the 2-hour and 3-day passes. If approved, the change would take effect January 31, 2027.
Buy in the rideRTC app before you get to the stop. It’s faster than paying on board, and the app shows where the bus is in real time.
The local tip
Nevada residents can ride the Deuce on residential passes with a valid local ID, which costs less than the Strip fares. If you live here and head to the Strip for work or a night out, that’s the cheaper way to do it.
The Honest Downside
The Deuce sits in Strip traffic like everything else. On a normal weekday it’s fine. On Friday and Saturday nights, during conventions and on event days, a trip that looks like 10 minutes on the map can take a lot longer.
It’s best for relaxed Strip exploring and budget travel. It’s not the move when you need to be somewhere on time, when you’re hauling luggage, or when you’re out in peak heat with small kids. For speed along the east side of the Strip, the Monorail skips the traffic entirely.
From the Airport by Bus
There’s no direct bus from the airport to the Strip. Take the RED LINE from Terminal 1 to the South Strip Transit Terminal, then transfer to the Deuce. It works if you’re traveling light and not in a hurry. With several suitcases, take a taxi or rideshare. Our airport transportation guide has every option.
Staying on the Strip
Where you stay decides how useful the Deuce is. A center Strip hotel puts most places a few stops away. Read our neighborhood guide before you book.
Taking the Bus in Las Vegas: FAQ
How much is the Deuce bus in Las Vegas?
A single ride is $4, a 2-hour pass is $6, a 24-hour pass is $8 and a 3-day pass is $20. These Strip and All Access fares also work on RTC’s other routes.
Does the Deuce run 24 hours?
Yes. The Deuce runs 24 hours a day, every day, between the South Strip Transit Terminal and downtown Las Vegas.
Can I use a $2 local bus fare on the Deuce?
Not as a visitor. The Deuce uses Strip fares. Residential passes are valid on the Deuce with a valid local ID, which makes it cheaper for Nevada residents.
Is there a bus from the Las Vegas airport to the Strip?
Not directly. Take the RED LINE from Terminal 1 to the South Strip Transit Terminal, then transfer to the Deuce.
Are Las Vegas bus fares going up?
RTC has proposed raising the Strip single ride to $5 and the 24-hour pass to $10, and dropping the 2-hour and 3-day passes. If approved, the changes would take effect January 31, 2027.
Is the Deuce bus worth it?
For casual Strip sightseeing on a budget, yes, especially from the top deck at night. If you’re on a schedule, rideshare or the Monorail is faster.