Las Vegas is known for bright lights, exciting shows, and packed streets. But if you’re driving through the city, you might be wondering where you can park without spending too much or getting a ticket. Whether you’re visiting the Strip, heading downtown, or just passing through, knowing your parking options ahead of time can save you time, money, and stress.
This guide breaks down where to find free and paid parking in Las Vegas, including tips on avoiding fines and using helpful tools to make parking easier.
Free Parking on the Las Vegas Strip
Yes, free parking still exists on the Strip—if you know where to look. Over the past few years, big hotel brands like MGM Resorts and Caesars started charging for parking. But some locations still offer free garage or surface lot parking.
Here are a few places on the Strip that currently offer free parking:
- Treasure Island
- Fashion Show Mall
- Circus Circus
- Sahara Las Vegas (Paradise Road garage)
- The Shops at Crystals (limited duration)
- Venetian and Palazzo (subject to change)
These locations tend to be more flexible with short-term parking and are close to popular attractions. Still, it’s smart to double-check parking policies online, as rules can change quickly—especially during big events.
Free Parking Away From the Strip
Hotels and casinos off the Strip often offer free parking to draw visitors. If you don’t mind a short ride or walk, this is a great way to save money. Here are some reliable spots:
- Red Rock Casino Resort
- Palms Casino Resort
- Orleans Hotel & Casino
- Sunset Station
- Santa Fe Station
- Sam’s Town
- Gold Coast Hotel & Casino
- Palace Station
These places are less busy, and you’re less likely to fight for a space. They’re also helpful if you’re staying in Henderson and want to avoid the Strip traffic altogether.
Paid Parking on the Strip
Some of the most popular hotels and casinos now charge for self-parking and valet. In 2023, the average parking fee at hotels like the Venetian and The STRAT ranged from $15 to $18 per day.
Even if you’re not staying at these resorts, you may still have to pay if you visit. Look for signs before pulling into the garage or check the hotel’s website for pricing.
Keep in mind:
- Some properties offer the first hour or two free
- Locals with a Nevada ID may receive discounted or free rates
- Validation is sometimes available if you dine or shop inside
Street Parking in Las Vegas
Street parking is limited in most of the tourist-heavy areas, especially on the Strip. But you can find some metered and free options in Downtown Las Vegas and nearby residential areas.
Las Vegas offers an interactive parking map that shows where to find:
- Metered spaces
- Public lots
- Garages
- Free time-limited street parking
Downtown Las Vegas also has a real-time parking locator to help you find open spots before you arrive.
Expect to pay $2 to $12 per hour in metered zones, with maximum time limits depending on the location. Most meters take cards and mobile app payments.
Residential areas can have free street parking, but always read the signs. Parking where it’s not allowed—even for a few minutes—can lead to tickets or towing.
Parking Tips to Avoid Tickets or Towing
Getting a ticket in Las Vegas is not how you want to spend your time. Here are some simple tips to avoid parking trouble:
- Always check signs near your spot
- Don’t park in red, yellow, or handicapped zones (unless allowed)
- Watch for permit-only residential areas
- Don’t park too close to driveways or fire hydrants
- If using a garage, keep your ticket—it’s often required to exit
If your car gets towed, you’ll need to pay a hefty fee to get it back. You’ll also need to find the impound lot, which isn’t always close to where you parked. If you’re unsure whether you can park somewhere, it’s better to find a garage or use an app.
Use Parking Apps for Easier Planning
Apps can help you avoid wasting time circling blocks. Some of the most popular ones for Las Vegas include:
- SpotHero – reserve and pay for parking in advance
- Parkopedia – compare rates, check availability
- BestParking – map out options across the city
You can use these tools to check for height restrictions, garage hours, and whether they allow overnight parking.
Getting Around Without a Car
If you’re parking away from the busy areas, Las Vegas offers the Downtown Loop, a free shuttle service that stops at popular attractions and parking lots. You can also use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get back to your destination if you park farther out.
Walking on the Strip is common, but be cautious at night or when traffic is heavy. Use crosswalks and avoid distractions while walking near busy roads.
Why Planning Your Parking Matters
Not only can hunting for parking waste your time, but it can also cause distractions while driving. People looking for spots often stop suddenly, make quick turns, or drive slowly, which can lead to rear-end collisions or other accidents.
By knowing your options and using parking maps or apps, you can stay focused and avoid risky situations. Plus, you’ll save money by avoiding tickets or unexpected fees.
Need Legal Help After a Las Vegas Accident?
Parking in Las Vegas can be stressful, especially during busy weekends or events. If you’re ever in a car accident while driving or parking in the city, call Friedman Injury Law. Our team helps drivers who’ve been hurt in crashes caused by careless or distracted drivers.
We handle rear-end collisions, hit-and-run crashes, and parking lot accidents. If you need someone to look out for you, we’re here to help.
Call (702) 970-4222 today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and help you understand what to do next.
