You're standing on the Strip. It's 105 degrees. Your feet are screaming because you thought "it’s just one block" to the next casino, but Las Vegas blocks are actually lies. They’re massive. Naturally, you look up, see that sleek train gliding overhead, and wonder if there is a las vegas monorail free ride waiting for you.
I'll be blunt: the official Las Vegas Monorail—the big one that runs from Sahara to MGM Grand—is not free. It’s a private system. They want your $5 or $15 or $50 depending on how long you're staying. But here is where it gets interesting, and where most tourists mess up their budget. While the "Official" monorail costs money, there are actually three separate, completely independent tram systems on the west side of the street that cost exactly zero dollars.
Most people use the word "monorail" to describe anything on a rail in Vegas. If you know which "monorail" is which, you can basically traverse half the Strip without spending a dime or melting into the sidewalk.
The "Free" Las Vegas Monorail Confusion
The biggest headache for visitors is the branding. When people search for a las vegas monorail free experience, they usually find the paid 3.9-mile route that hits the Convention Center. That system is run by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). It’s great for getting to a Raiders game or a massive tech expo, but it’s a paid ticket.
If you want the free stuff, you have to look West.
On the opposite side of the Las Vegas Boulevard, several major hotel groups—specifically MGM Resorts—operate their own private cable-driven trams. They aren't technically the "Las Vegas Monorail," but they serve the same purpose. They are air-conditioned. They are fast. They are free for everyone, not just hotel guests.
The Mandalay Bay – Luxor – Excalibur Tram
This is the workhorse of the south end of the Strip. If you’ve ever tried to walk from the Mandalay Bay convention space all the way up to New York-New York, you know it feels like a desert trek.
This tram saves you. It’s got a bit of a quirky schedule, though. There is an express that skips the Luxor and a slow one that hits everything. Honestly, it’s a bit of a gamble which one shows up first. Most days it starts running around 10:00 AM and goes until after midnight. On weekends, they usually kick things off earlier because the crowds are a nightmare.
You find the stations tucked away in the back or side of the properties. At Excalibur, you’re looking for the station near the front of the "castle" near the bridge to New York-New York. At Mandalay Bay, it’s way back near the aquarium entrance.
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The Aria Express (Crystals – CityCenter)
This is the "fancy" one. It connects the Park MGM (formerly Monte Carlo), Aria, Vdara, and the Bellagio.
This is arguably the most useful las vegas monorail free alternative because it drops you right in the heart of the high-end shopping at Crystals. If you’re staying at Park MGM because it’s smoke-free but you want to see the fountains at Bellagio, this tram is your best friend. It runs frequently, usually every few minutes.
Pro tip: The walk from the Bellagio station to the actual Bellagio conservatory is still a bit of a hike. Wear comfortable shoes even if you're taking the train.
Why the Paid Monorail Still Gets Your Money
Look, the free trams are great, but they don't go to the Las Vegas Convention Center. They don't go to the Westgate. They don't go to the Sahara.
If you are a business traveler, the "real" Las Vegas Monorail is often a necessary evil. It’s better than a $40 Uber surge price when a convention lets out. But even then, there are "sorta" free ways to handle it. Many people don't realize that certain employers or large-scale conventions provide promo codes for the monorail. If you’re in town for a massive show like CES or NAB, check your registration emails. Sometimes there’s a discount buried in there that makes the "paid" version feel a lot closer to free.
Also, children under five ride the main monorail for free. It’s not a huge win for a solo traveler, but for a family, it cuts the cost down significantly.
The Mirage – Treasure Island Tram (The Ghost System)
We have to talk about the "maybe" tram. For years, the tram between the Mirage and Treasure Island was a staple for people trying to get from the mid-Strip to the Wynn/Encore area.
However, Vegas is changing. With the Mirage transforming into the Hard Rock Las Vegas, the status of this specific tram has been a bit "up in the air." As of the most recent updates, the service has been intermittent or closed during major construction phases. It’s a bummer because it was the only free rail link on that specific stretch of the North-ish Strip.
Before you bank on this one, look at the construction cranes. If the Mirage (Hard Rock) looks like a total mess, don't count on the tram being open.
Realities of Using "Free" Systems
Vegas is a city designed to keep you inside the casinos. These free trams aren't charity; they are designed to move you from one slot machine floor to another. Because of that, the stations are often located in the very back of the properties.
- The "Walk" Factor: You might ride the tram for 3 minutes, but you'll walk for 10 minutes just to get to the platform.
- The Heat: Most platforms are outdoors or only partially covered. You will still sweat.
- The Hours: They aren't 24/7. Most shut down around 12:00 AM or 1:00 AM. If you’re out partying until 4:00 AM, prepare to walk or pay for a ride.
Navigating Like a Local
If you really want to optimize your las vegas monorail free strategy, you have to think like a local.
Locals rarely take the paid monorail unless they work at a casino on the route. Instead, we use the "Deuce" bus (which isn't free, but it's cheap) or we daisy-chain these free trams. You can start at Mandalay Bay, take the tram to Excalibur, walk across the bridge to New York-New York, walk through Park MGM, hop the Aria Express to Bellagio, and suddenly you’ve traveled two miles of the Strip without spending a cent on transport.
It’s about the "indoor" route. Vegas in July is a health hazard. Using these free rail systems is basically a survival tactic.
The Future of Free Transit in Vegas
Will there ever be a truly free version of the main monorail? Probably not. The LVCVA bought it out of bankruptcy specifically because it’s a vital piece of infrastructure for the convention business. They need the revenue to maintain the tracks and the rolling stock.
However, keep an eye on the "Vegas Loop" (the Elon Musk Boring Company tunnels). While it’s currently a paid service or restricted to certain hotel guests (like at Resorts World or the Encore), there has been talk of various "sponsored" free rides for certain events. It’s not a monorail, it’s a Tesla in a tunnel, but it’s the new tech on the block.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Pin the Tram Stations: Before you leave your hotel, open your maps app and specifically look for "Mandalay Bay Tram Station" and "Aria Express." Don't just search for "monorail" or you'll get the wrong directions.
- Check the Hard Rock Progress: If you’re heading to the TI/Mirage area, check the latest local news (like Las Vegas Review-Journal) for the status of that specific tram. It changes monthly based on construction.
- Bundle Your Travel: Use the free trams during the day when the heat is brutal. Save your walking for the evening when the temperature drops to a "balmy" 90 degrees.
- Download the App: If you do end up needing the paid Las Vegas Monorail, buy the tickets on your phone. It’s usually a dollar or two cheaper than using the physical kiosks at the stations.
- Look for the "Secret" Bridge: At the Park MGM tram station, there is a pedestrian bridge that most people miss. It’s the fastest way to get over to T-Mobile Arena if you're trying to see a Golden Knights game.
The dream of a las vegas monorail free ride is alive, you just have to know which rail you’re looking for. Stay on the west side for the freebies, and keep your wallet ready for the east side. Your feet will thank you either way.