Walking the Las Vegas Strip Guide

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Can you really walk the entire Las Vegas Strip in just one day?

As someone who’s done it several times (yep, feet throbbing and all), I’m here to report that yes – you absolutely can.

But should you? That depends on your plan, your pace, and how many frozen margaritas you intend to sip along the way.

This guide breaks down exactly what to expect if you’re thinking of conquering the Strip on foot.

From total mileage and key stops to the best times to go and sneaky shortcuts only seasoned Vegas walkers know, I’ve got you covered.

How Long is the Vegas Strip?

Where Does the Las Vegas Strip Begin and End?

The strip roughly goes from Sahara Ave (North) to Russel Road (South).

How Long is The Las Vegas Strip?

The Las Vegas Strip is 4.2 miles long (6.8 km). So, total out and back is 8.4 miles (13.2 km).

Strategies for Walking the Las Vegas Strip

Zig Zagging

One strategy for tackling the strip is to zig-zag your way down! Although this might seem like an effective way, it isn’t my favorite; and here’s why:

There are actually not a lot of horizontal crosswalks on the Vegas Strip. Instead, there are pedestrian bridges. And in case you weren’t already overwhelmed, there are sometimes two levels of the street.

Why Crossing the Street is Hard in Vegas

When crossing a bridge, you need to take the stairs/escalator/elevator up and then either explore the upper level or go all the way back down.

Simply, crossing the street on the Vegas Strip isn’t simple. It may not feel like it, but you might actually walk more by zig-zagging. 

I digress, this might be your only way to walk the strip if you can only do one section of the strip or don’t have as much time.

Or, the hotels you want to see might be congregated all in one place! 

Up and Down

In this method, I just walked from hotel to hotel all the way down the strip, and then crossed and did the same thing on the other side.

I basically did a giant circle of the strip and ended up exactly where I started. 

I didn’t miss much and had a generally clear path, but it can feel a bit more daunting as you gaze at all the hotels on the other side of Las Vegas Blvd. 

This can also be a bit tricky because as you make your way down, you may enter and exit a hotel at different places.

This can make it a bit confusing and you can cause you to get lost.

But let’s be honest, you are probably going to be confused and lost no matter what route you take. That’s Vegas, baby! 

What Side of the Vegas Strip to Start on

If you are planning to walk the Las Vegas Strip, it might be beneficial to have a plan. This includes where you are going to start or end. 

When I went, I started at Mandalay Bay, made my way down all the way to Treasure Island, crossed over to the Venetian hotel area and made my way down the other side until the Luxor.

Most of the hotels mentioned above are in the middle of the strip. The only ones that are far out there is the Venetian and Treasure Island on one end and the Excalibur and Luxor on the other. 

My Advice for Route Planning the Las Vegas Strip

My advice would be to see which hotels you want to see and then plan around that. You may find that you only want to do one end or one side based on your bucket list preferences! 

Another thing to keep in mind: as your adventure progresses, you will most likely get fatigued or run out of time.

Creating a game plan of which hotels you are going to see and which ones you are going to walk past may save you time and keep you from getting overwhelmed. 

Can You Walk the Las Vegas Strip in One Day?

I know what you’re thinking. Can this all be done in one day?

It depends. To see everything in one day would be a intense long day. Luckily, Vegas never sleeps, so you can keep exploring as long as you are able! If that is your travel style, then go for it! 

I was there for 1.5 days, walked about 15 miles, and didn’t even come close to seeing everything…

Also, even though this guide is free, there are a ton of things to throw your money at in Vegas.

In addition to walking the Las Vegas strip, you may need to factor in time for shows, incredible food, gambling (responsibly!), and other bucket list activities.

I will tell you this: you certainly won’t be bored in Vegas! 

I would actually treat this like a very fancy hike and act accordingly.

Tips and Tricks for Walking the Las Vegas Strip

Be Careful Not to Get Lost

I think that anyone who has been to Vegas can agree…it is a sensory overload! It is also what I would guess is the best destination equivalent to ADHD.

Meaning, you look at something and then get distracted looking at something else. 

It doesn’t help that every hotel layout is different and there are multiple entrances/exits.

Next thing you know, you are completely lost in a hotel you didn’t even know existed.

Cut Through hotels

Here’s a tip that’ll save your skin (and sanity): don’t be a sidewalk warrior the whole way – cut through the casinos! 

Most major resorts along the Strip are connected by indoor walkways, shopping promenades, or pedestrian bridges.

Not only does this give you a much-needed blast of air conditioning, but it’s also a great excuse to explore some of the over-the-top interiors (hellooo, indoor canals and Roman statues).

Don’t forget to stay hydrated

Walking the Strip isn’t just a sightseeing mission – it’s a sweaty adventure, especially in the scorching Vegas heat.

Combine that with a few boozy beverages, and dehydration can sneak up fast. Make sure you’re sipping water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Bring a refillable water bottle if you can (many hotels have water fountains or restaurants that’ll happily top you off), or grab bottled water from one of the countless convenience stores or street vendors along the way.

Pro tip: If you’re drinking alcohol, double down on the H2O between cocktails to avoid that dreaded dehydration hangover combo. I also like to include some electrolyte packets.

Wear Comfy Shoes or Pack Extra

I cannot stress this enough. It is Vegas.

It is tempting to grab your tallest heels and go out on the town. I did this.

Do you know how it ended? Me crying in my hotel room with my feet elevated because I walked 10 hours and 12 miles in heels. 

Super proud of myself, but I probably could have been smarter!

Portable Shoes are a Lifesaver in Vegas

This is such an issue on the Vegas Strip that I’ve seen vending machines that give you portable flats.

Speaking of this…it is brilliant! If you can’t give up the heels (I get it!) there are foldable flat shoes that you can put into your purse.

That way when your feet start to hurt, you have an extra pair of shoes and can put your heels back on for pictures. 

I would recommend buying them cheap online because they will always upcharge you in person in Vegas.

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Vegas is a lot of fun…but it is called sin city for a reason. There are a lot of people constantly walking on the strip, no matter what time it is.

Although the crowds makes it safer in a sense, it can be a bit chaotic at the best of times. There can be performers, crowds, and/or drunk people. 

Always keep an eye on your belongings, be aware of scams, and use common sense for your safety.

I would generally stay in the public areas of the strip (or go through the hotels) instead of trying to take back-cut shortcuts.

I did this once and it was super sketchy and very confusing.

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Vegas is a Unique Experience

Even if you are walking for free down the strip, you will soon realize that Vegas is a very flashy, loud, and boisterous destination.

Try to keep an open mind and realize that it is a true bucket list experience to witness this type of environment…just try your best to stay out of trouble 😉

Although it Can be Done with Children, I Wouldn’t Recommend it

Again…it’s called sin city. There are gambling, drinking, and possibly inappropriate themes throughout.

Casinos have pathways for families but children aren’t allowed in some areas. As I said, this is doable and there are plenty of things to do for families.

But it makes more sense to me to wait until they are an appropriate age and then go! 

Vegas is kind of like Disneyland…but for adults. 

I went once when I was 17, and then again at 24. And let me tell you, it is a completely different experience when you are an appropriate age and WAY more fun!

I even won 20 cents at a slot machine! Woop!

A Note on Wheelchair Accessibility

As far as I am concerned, you can explore the Las Vegas Strip with a wheelchair. 

However, based on my observations, it would be very hectic. There are so many people walking about and it is crowded.

Some of the vertical streets have crosswalks, but the horizontal crosswalks are all pedestrian bridges. 

And 9 times out of 10, one escalator isn’t working.

The elevators seemed to have a better track record, but if it goes out, it would be very hard to cross the street in a wheelchair.

You can definitely cross exploring the Las Vegas strip off of your bucket list, but it may be an adventure! 

Free Ways to Get Around the Las Vegas Strip

There are different ways to get around if you don’t want to walk. Here are your free options.

Walk

This may sound obvious since I have been talking about it throughout this entire article, but the best way to truly see everything (and its completely free!) is just to walk.

With that being said, it is a LOT of walking. Do NOT underestimate it!

You may cut some of that distance off by not going completely to Sahara Ave or Russel Road, but if you are doing both sides, that is clocking in around 6-8 miles to walk the full thing. 

I love to walk! But some people don’t or are unable.

That is why I would also recommend combining it with some other modes of transportation or spreading out the trip for a longer period of time to give your legs a break. 

Trams

Please keep in mind that there are paid trams on the east side that are operated by the Las Vegas Monorail system.

However, this is a free guide, so let’s talk about your options that don’t involve your wallet!

There are 3 free trams between Treasure Island and Montaray Bay that are paid for by the casinos themselves and work independently. 

I am not going to mention hours because they are subject to change, so please confirm the hours of operation with the tram before you start exploring.

Excalibur to Monterey Bay to Luxor

The first free tram goes to three major hotels in the south area of the strip. The trains run every five minutes or so. 

If you take the tram to the Excalibur, there is a short walkway to New York New York and then it is a quick walk to MGM. 

Park MGM to Aria to Bellagio

This tram starts at the Park MGM near the Aria and stops at the Crystals Shopping Mall near the Cosmopolitan. It ends at the south tower of the Bellagio. 

This tram is the one that I used the most because it is very central and you can get from to and from several hotels from each stop! It goes both directions and is very useful when your legs start to feel tired! 

Mirage to Treasure Island

On the north end of the strip, this tram provides a no-stop and quick access to the Mirage and Treasure Island. There are several attractions and shops on both sides that require little walking from there. 

*Note: this service is temporarily suspended due to construction on the Mirage.

Buses

If you are looking to explore more of Downtown Vegas past the main hotels and casinos, I would check out the free Downtown Loop buses provided by the city of Las Vegas.

If you are looking for a cheap bus option, I would see if the Las Vegas Deuce could be an option for you. 

Final Thoughts: Is Walking the Las Vegas Strip Worth It?

Walking the entire Las Vegas Strip in one day is totally doable – but it’s not for the faint of feet. With around 4+ miles of glitz, glam, crowds, and constant distractions, it’s more of a marathon than a stroll.

But if you’re strategic with your timing, stay hydrated, wear comfy shoes (seriously, ditch the heels), and take advantage of indoor shortcuts, you can absolutely conquer it.

Having done it multiple times myself, I can confidently say it’s one of the best ways to really experience the heartbeat of Vegas.

You’ll pass iconic landmarks, catch a few free shows, and maybe even stumble into an Elvis impersonator wedding. Is it exhausting? Sure. Is it worth it? 100%.

Just pace yourself, take breaks, and enjoy the ride!

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