Trips to Las Vegas
Las Vegas anchors one end of our Denver to Las Vegas itinerary, run in either direction, so it's either where the trip winds down after days of canyon country and small-town stops, or where it kicks off before the landscape opens up. The Strip delivers exactly what it promises, shows, casinos, dining, retail, built at a scale meant to be seen. Step outside the resort corridors and the city changes fast, ordinary neighborhoods giving way to open Mojave Desert within a few miles. Whichever direction you're headed, it's worth building in a full stay to take it all in.
Getting To and From Las Vegas
Harry Reid International sits about 2 to 3 miles south of the Strip, one of the shortest airport-to-city runs in the country, so we usually skip the shuttle talk entirely and just get guests into a taxi or rideshare, 10 to 15 minutes and you’re checked in. For the drive-in leg of the itinerary, motorcoach transfers connect Las Vegas with the rest of the Southwest route, so however you’re arriving, the city fits into the trip without extra logistics on your end.
Guests arriving in Las Vegas for a Rocky Train Vacations itinerary featuring the Canyon Spirit train are scheduled for pick-up at Park MGM Las Vegas. This centrally located property sits along the primary resort corridor, providing convenient access to surrounding hotels, dining venues, entertainment options, and connecting transportation for guests with an independent stay prior to the start of a tour.
Guests are responsible for arranging their own accommodations in Las Vegas prior to the start of the tour.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) operates with separate arrival facilities at Terminals 1 and 3, each featuring an individual baggage claim area and adjacent parking garage. Terminal 1 is located on Level 1 of the parking garage, accessible via the pedestrian bridge from baggage claim. Terminal 3 passenger pick-up is also located on Level 1 of the parking garage.
Taxi and rideshare services are available at both terminals. Terminal 1 taxis are outside Doors 1–4 at baggage claim, with rideshare pick-up on Level 2 of the parking garage via the pedestrian bridge. Terminal 3 taxis operate from Level Zero, while rideshare pick-up is on the Valet Level, accessible via elevators near Doors 52, 54, and 56.
Amtrak does not operate direct rail service into Las Vegas. Guests traveling by rail must route through the nearest connecting station and continue onward by scheduled bus service to the Las Vegas Strip. These connecting bus services are operated by Alvand Transportation and may be purchased in conjunction with the rail ticket. Bus arrivals in Las Vegas are scheduled at the Tour Bus Loading Zone located at 624 South 1st Street. Ticket purchases are completed online in advance of travel.
The Rent-A-Car Center serving Harry Reid International Airport is located at 7135 Gilespie Street, approximately three miles south of the terminal complex. Complimentary blue and white shuttle buses operate from both terminals. From Terminal 1, guests proceed from baggage claim to Ground Transportation on Level 1, with shuttle pick-up located outside Doors 10 and 11. From Terminal 3, Ground Transportation is accessed on Level Zero, with shuttle stops positioned outside Doors 51 through 54 on the west side of the building and Doors 55 through 58 on the east side.
The Rent-A-Car Center houses multiple rental providers, including Enterprise, Budget, National, Alamo, Avis, and Hertz, allowing guests to arrange vehicle pick-up or return as part of independent travel plans.
Guests departing Las Vegas on a Rocky Train Vacations itinerary featuring the Canyon Spirit train are scheduled for drop-off at Park MGM Las Vegas. This designated drop-off location is situated along the main resort corridor, allowing straightforward access to nearby hotels and supporting organized transfers at the conclusion of independent stays prior to onward travel.
Guests are responsible for arranging their own accommodations in Las Vegas following the conclusion of the tour.
Departures from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) require confirmation of the correct terminal in advance of arrival. Terminal 1 vehicle drop-off is located at the Departure Curb on Level 1, while Terminal 3 departures are accessed from the Departure Curb on Level 2.
An inter-terminal shuttle operates when transfers between terminals are required, with service running approximately every 20 to 30 minutes. At Terminal 1, the shuttle stop is located on Level Zero near the parking garage, positioned across from the baggage claim area. At Terminal 3, the shuttle stop is located on Level Zero at the center of the curb area.
Amtrak does not offer direct rail departures from Las Vegas. Guests traveling onward by rail must begin with a scheduled connecting bus from the Las Vegas Strip to the designated rail connection station. These bus services are operated by Alvand Transportation and may be purchased in conjunction with the rail ticket. Bus departures in Las Vegas operate from the Tour Bus Loading Zone located at 624 South 1st Street.
Tickets are required to be purchased online in advance of travel.
The airport Rent-A-Car Center is located at 7135 Gilespie Street, approximately three miles south of Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Vehicle returns are directed through the designated Car Return Garage, with clear signage provided on approach. Shuttle buses operate between the Rent-A-Car Center and Terminals 1 and 3, with departures scheduled approximately every 15 minutes to support timely airport access.
Where to Eat in Las Vegas
Vegas kitchens draw celebrity chefs the way the Strip draws headliners, Michelin stars across resort towers, and food that ranges from a quick bite between shows to a full tasting menu. It's not something you plan around on a scheduled itinerary the way dining is elsewhere on the route, meals here happen on your own time, whenever a break in the day allows for it. Whatever the budget or the mood, there's a real answer waiting somewhere on the Strip or just off it.
The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas offers an extensive selection of international and American dishes across 16 food stations. Guests can enjoy made-to-order items, fresh pasta, Latin and Asian specialties, hand-carved meats, seafood, and a variety of sides and salads. A patisserie completes the experience with pastries, cakes, gelato, and other desserts.
Gourmet Brunch | Daily | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Gourmet Dinner | Daily | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Chandelier Las Vegas is a multi level lounge set within the heart of the resort, offering distinct atmospheres across its interior spaces. Level 1.5 focuses on hand crafted cocktails in an intimate setting, while Level 2 provides an open lounge environment that highlights the scale and visual design of the venue.
Jean Georges Steakhouse presents a contemporary interpretation of the American steakhouse through globally influenced flavors and precise culinary technique. The menu centers on premium meats and seafood, supported by inventive side dishes and house prepared sauces.
The Laundry Room is a discreet speakeasy located within Commonwealth, recognized internationally for a highly limited admission format. Entry is restricted to a small number of guests per seating, allowing cocktail preparation to be carefully tailored and presented within an intimate, reservation based setting.
Sunday to Thursday | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge offers a classic Las Vegas dining experience defined by vintage style and a long standing presence along the Strip. Known for generous portions, signature cocktails, and distinctive interior design, the venue reflects an earlier era of the city entertainment culture. The atmosphere combines retro décor with a lively setting that continues to draw visitors seeking a traditional Las Vegas dining and lounge experience.
Monday to Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday to Sunday | Open 24 Hours
Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant and Lounge offers contemporary Japanese cuisine with refined global influences, featuring seasonal seafood and premium ingredients prepared through both traditional and modern techniques. The setting pairs elegant design with views of the Bellagio fountains, supported by a broad selection of sake, whisky, and beer.
Sunday to Thursday | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday | 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Skyfall Lounge is located on the 64th floor of W Las Vegas, offering expansive views across the city skyline after dark. The setting pairs crafted cocktails with an elevated, relaxed atmosphere shaped by evening lighting and panoramic overlooks. On Fridays and Saturdays, a DJ provides background music from 9:00 PM to midnight, adding a subtle rhythm to the late evening experience.
Sunday to Thursday | 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday & Saturday | 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Las Vegas Sightseeing Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers for guests arriving in or departing from Las Vegas as part of their trip: getting from the airport, settling into your hotel, and what to expect once the escorted portion of your journey wraps up.
It’s the natural landing spot, flights out in every direction, hotels for every budget, and none of the logistics headaches that come with wrapping up somewhere smaller. After days in canyon country, Vegas gives guests options on how to close out the trip.
Drop-off is at Park MGM Las Vegas, right on the Strip, after the full-day drive from Bryce Canyon through Zion National Park. We send exact arrival timing ahead of time so check-in and onward plans aren’t left to guesswork.
No, that part’s up to you. Once the drop-off happens, hotel booking is independent, which also means you’re free to pick whatever fits your plans for the rest of the stay.
Only to that Park MGM Las Vegas drop-off. Anything after that, a ride to the airport, a hotel switch, is on your own arrangement.
Plenty do, and we’d encourage it. Between the shows, the food, and the sheer scale of the Strip, a night or two tacked on either end of the trip is time well spent.
Build in more buffer than you think you need between tour arrival and any flight or reservation. Confirmed end times get sent ahead, use those to work backward rather than guessing.
It’s desert heat, and it swings hard by season. Not something that touches the escorted portion of the trip, but worth factoring into whatever you’ve got planned once you’re on your own.
Las Vegas Vacation Packages
