How to avoid paying parking fees in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, lively nightlife, and, unfortunately, its steep parking fees. For Australians planning their dream Vegas holiday, understanding how to navigate the city's expensive parking stations and garages can save you hundreds of dollars during your stay. According to recent data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the average tourist spends approximately AUD$60-$85 on parking fees during a week-long stay, making it a significant part of your travel budget. Whether you're exploring the iconic Las Vegas Strip or wandering through downtown, there are several strategies you can use to avoid these costs while still enjoying everything the city has to offer. From understanding which casinos offer complimentary parking to utilising public transportation options, proper planning before your trip can ensure you're not wasting precious holiday dollars on something as mundane as parking your vehicle. And if you're planning to try your luck at the tables, understanding different casino payment methods can also help you navigate which venues are the most guest-friendly.

Take Advantage of Free Parking Offers

Many casinos and hotels in Las Vegas still offer free parking, especially for frequent visitors and loyal customers. Based on our 2025 research, properties like Circus Circus, Sahara, Treasure Island, and Casino Royale continue to provide complimentary self-parking to all guests regardless of whether you're staying at the hotel. According to the latest data from Vegas4Locals.com, these free options can save you up to $25 per day compared to other Strip hotels. Additionally, many casinos extend free parking benefits to players who sign up for their loyalty or rewards programs. These programs are often designed to incentivize repeat business by offering various perks, such as discounts, special promotions, or exclusive access to events. Key benefits of joining these loyalty programs include:

As Daniel Battaglia, author of Parking Made Easy: Making Life Easier, notes: "Nothing is perfect though, and while rental parking has a lot to offer both drivers and renters, there are some things to consider too. Firstly though, let's look at the benefits you get from a rental parking space as a driver: Save Money! – Private rental can be as little as half the cost of a commercial parking solution."

Use Alternative Parking Locations

Not all paid parking spots and structures on the Strip charge the same fees. In fact, off-strip hotels, shopping centres, and even some local businesses offer free parking or more affordable rates than the major casino resorts. The Stratosphere (now called The STRAT), Palms, Gold Coast, Rio, and Ellis Island all offer free parking and are within walking distance or a short rideshare to the main Strip attractions. Recent visitor surveys conducted by the Las Vegas Tourism Board reveal that 68% of Australian tourists were unaware of these free parking options before their visit, resulting in unnecessary expenses. By considering parking at locations slightly further from the centre of the Strip, you can save money and still have easy access to your desired destinations. The average walking time from these alternative locations is typically 10-15 minutes, which is quite manageable in good weather (though less so during summer months when temperatures can exceed 40°C). Once parked, you can use public transportation, ride-sharing services, or simply walk to explore the area. As per City of Las Vegas New Mexico, "Meadow City Express provides transportation to the general public within the City of Las Vegas and immediate outlying areas." This extra distance can also provide an opportunity to experience parts of the city that aren't as crowded with tourists, offering a more authentic Vegas experience that most visitors miss entirely.

Park at a Shopping Mall or Restaurant

Several shopping malls and restaurants along the Strip provide free parking for customers, offering a convenient and cost-effective option for visitors. Locations like Fashion Show Mall, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and the Shoppes at Mandalay Place offer ample parking spaces without fees, as long as you're shopping or dining at those establishments. The Fashion Show Mall, located directly on Las Vegas Boulevard, provides the first 4 hours of parking completely free to everyone, making it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions. However, it's important to check the terms, as some places may require a minimum purchase to validate your parking. One Australian couple shared their experience that they had parked at Fashion Show Mall every day of their week-long trip, saved over $200 in parking fees, and just made sure to stop for coffee or lunch there to validate our parking. It was actually more convenient than hotel parking would have been. Most shopping centres are strategically located near major hotels and attractions, allowing you to park once and visit multiple destinations. Additionally, many venues off the strip also offer competitive parking options, especially for those willing to walk a little further to their destinations. By planning ahead and taking advantage of these free or discounted parking spaces at shopping centres and restaurants, you can save significantly over the course of your trip.

Consider Using Ride-Sharing or Public Transport

Rather than stressing over parking fees, consider leaving your car behind altogether. Las Vegas has developed an excellent public transportation system in recent years, with the Las Vegas Monorail providing convenient access to many major hotels and attractions along the east side of the Strip. A 24-hour pass costs approximately AUD$20, which is less than a single day's parking at most hotel parking garages. The city is also well-connected with ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, which can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving and parking. According to a 2024 transportation survey, the average cost of using ride-shares for a full day of Vegas exploration is about AUD$40-$50, still less than what you might pay for parking and fuel combined. Additionally, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) offers buses, especially along the Strip, which provide an affordable and accessible alternative to driving. If you're visiting the city for a short stay or don't plan to move your vehicle often, using public transport or ride-sharing can save both time and money while eliminating the hassle of finding parking and navigating unfamiliar streets. Many Australian travellers report that the freedom from parking concerns actually enhanced their Vegas experience significantly.

Use Parking Apps for Discounts and Reservations

Technology has revolutionized how we find and pay for parking, and Las Vegas is no exception. Several parking apps now allow you to find, compare, reserve, and even pre-pay for parking spots throughout the city at discounted rates. Popular options include SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and BestParking, all of which operate in Las Vegas and often offer exclusive discounts not available to drive-up customers. Using the SpotAngels app, you can locate free parking options and compare rates across the city. According to parking industry statistics, app users save an average of 30% on parking fees compared to standard rates. These apps also provide valuable information about facility hours, clearance heights for larger vehicles, and real-time availability. For Australians unfamiliar with Vegas, this eliminates the stress of driving around looking for affordable parking lots or garages. Many parking facilities also offer early bird specials or discounted rates if you enter before a certain time and exit after the peak period. Some apps even allow you to extend your parking remotely if your plans change, helping you avoid additional fees or fines. Remember to download these apps before your trip, as they typically require creating an account and entering payment information.

Smart Strategies for Making the Most of Free Parking

Once you've found free or affordable parking, there are several strategies to maximize your savings and convenience. First, consider the timing of your visits. Weekdays generally have more parking availability and lower rates than weekends. Early mornings (before 10 AM) and late evenings (after 8 PM) typically offer more options as well. If you're planning to visit multiple locations, park once in a central location and walk between attractions or use the free tram services that connect certain properties. The tram between Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur is completely free, as is the one connecting ARIA, Bellagio and Park MGM. MGM Resorts' parking policy offers a valuable tip for Australian visitors – Nevada residents get the first three hours of parking free with valid ID. While this doesn't directly help Australians, it does mean parking areas tend to open up after business hours when locals leave. Take advantage of this by planning evening visits to popular destinations. Additionally, if you're visiting during major events or conventions, parking will be significantly more challenging and expensive. In these cases, staying completely off-Strip and using public transportation becomes the most cost-effective option. Finally, always take photos of your parking location and nearby landmarks – Las Vegas parking structures are massive, and many tourists waste valuable time searching for their vehicles.

Conclusion: Save Money and Enjoy Your Vegas Adventure

Navigating Las Vegas parking doesn't have to drain your holiday budget. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can save hundreds of dollars during your stay while enjoying a hassle-free experience. Remember that planning ahead is key-research free parking options near your destinations, explore loyalty programs that offer complimentary parking, and consider alternatives like public transportation or ride-sharing services when appropriate. As we've seen, shopping malls, off-Strip casinos, and strategic timing can all contribute to significant savings. Most importantly, don't let parking concerns detract from your Vegas adventure. The money you save on parking can be much better spent enjoying the world-class entertainment, dining, and attractions that make Las Vegas a bucket-list destination for so many Australians. If you're looking for more ways to save on transportation costs while traveling, sign up free at Parking Made Easy for our regular newsletter featuring international travel tips and money-saving strategies for savvy Australian travellers. We'd love to hear your own Las Vegas parking tips in the comments below!