In America, the car is king. Las Vegas is right next to the mythical and scenic Route 66 and you’re missing half a vacation if you don’t venture beyond the glitz and glamor of downtown. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States is just outside the city gates.
Death Valley National Park, Zion National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park are less than three hours’ drive from Las Vegas, and the legendary Grand Canyon is just five hours away. The natural beauty of these canyons and deserts couldn’t provide a better balance to the eye-popping excitement of the poker tables. Even if you don’t have that much time, you can try similar wonders nearby, like Red Rock Canyon, with a 13-mile scenic drive and miles of hiking trails.
Driving through the city of Las Vegas is easy thanks to its grid layout, with Las Vegas Boulevard running north to south. There is little street parking, but many hotels and casinos offer free or valet parking. It is customary to tip the valet around $2, which is still the cheapest parking in any urban center in the United States.
In the United States, all traffic travels on the right side. However, most traffic laws vary from state to state, so you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the basics of each state you’ll be passing through. Some of the key regulations in Nevada are: you may turn right at a red light (unless otherwise posted), after coming to a stop; all passengers in a car must wear a seat belt; and must stop for a school bus that stops with flashing lights.
American police take “driving under the influence” (of alcohol) very seriously. The maximum legal blood alcohol ratio for drivers over the age of 21 in Nevada is 0.08% and random breath tests may be imposed. It is illegal to even drive with an open container of alcohol in the car.
Renting a car in Las Vegas is simplicity itself. You can get a quote and reserve a car online before you even leave, and it’s actually cheaper if you do. Most companies have a minimum age of 21 and charge more for drivers under 25. National driving licenses are usually acceptable, but it is recommended to check first if an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Daily rental charges start at around $50 per day, or much less if renting for longer periods. Surcharges (local taxes and other fees) can add up to an additional third of the cost, not to mention various insurance and other extras such as child seats, GPS/SatNav, and return refueling.
The economic recession has hit tourism hard and there are many special offers, such as upgrades or additional rental days. Search the websites or even try a little counter negotiation. Your credit card policy may automatically offer some rental car insurance, which can also lower your out-of-pocket costs.
For car rental Las Vegas offers many options. Hertz and Avis are the largest agencies, with Alamo, Enterprise and Budget their budget counterparts. You’ll find all of this at McCarran Airport or in Las Vegas and on the web. You can rent a small smart car, a luxury limo or Chevrolet Corvette convertible, and everything in between. Most dealers also offer eco-friendly cars, like the Toyota Prius Hybrid. It couldn’t be easier to see America, so get behind the wheel and hit the road.