Part of Business Travel Guides
Quick answer
Reviewed · 5 min read
Las Vegas is about an hour’s flight from LAX to Harry Reid International (LAS), 10–20 minutes from the Strip. For trade shows, book the hotel closest to your venue, because walking between resorts takes far longer than it looks. Lock in rooms months ahead for CES in January and other big conventions, and budget for resort fees and parking.
Researched and maintained by Empyrean Travel · How we research
- Main airport(s)
- Harry Reid International (LAS)
- Flight from LAX
- About 1 hour 10 minutes nonstop, with many daily flights; about 4–5 hours by car via I-15
- Time vs Los Angeles
- Same time zone (Pacific) year-round
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Business districts
- The Strip and its convention venues, Downtown, Summerlin, Henderson
- Tipping
- US norms: 18–22% at restaurants, plus housekeeping, valet and bell staff
How do you get from Harry Reid airport to the Strip and convention center?
Harry Reid International (LAS) is one of the most convenient big-city airports in the country: most Strip resorts are 10–20 minutes away and the Las Vegas Convention Center about 15. Taxis queue at well-marked ranks outside baggage claim, while ride-hailing pickups are in the parking garages, which can mean a long walk.
During convention weeks, taxi and ride-hailing lines can stretch long at peak arrival times. For executives and VIPs, a pre-booked car with meet-and-greet saves real time. Teams carrying booth materials often drive from Los Angeles instead; plan for heavy traffic on I-15 on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
Which hotel should you book for a Las Vegas convention?
Book by venue. The Strip is about four miles long, and getting from one resort to the next on foot means casino floors, footbridges and heat, so “across the street” can take 20 minutes.
Weekend rates usually run far higher than midweek because of leisure demand, so a Sunday-to-Thursday stay often prices best outside big show weeks.
- Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC): resorts at the north end of the Strip and on Paradise Road are closest, and the Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip to an LVCC station.
- Venetian Expo: connected to The Venetian and The Palazzo, an easy walk for anyone staying there.
- Mandalay Bay Convention Center: at the south end of the Strip, linked by a free tram to Luxor and Excalibur.
- Caesars Forum: a conference center behind The LINQ and Harrah’s, reached by a pedestrian bridge.
How do you get around Las Vegas during a trade show?
On the LVCC campus, the underground Vegas Loop shuttles attendees between halls in Tesla vehicles, saving a long walk. The Monorail is usually the fastest link between the LVCC and mid-Strip resorts when show traffic jams the roads.
Ride-hailing works well, but each resort has a designated pickup zone, often deep in the parking structure; allow 10 minutes to reach it. For hosting clients off-Strip or visiting offices in Summerlin or Henderson, a car service is simplest. Wear comfortable shoes: attendees routinely walk several miles a day.
What should you know about meetings and client hosting in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas business runs on conventions, hospitality and, increasingly, sports and tech. During major shows, meeting suites, restaurant private rooms and hospitality spaces book out months ahead, so reserve them as soon as your dates are confirmed. Our meetings and events service handles room blocks, suites and venue logistics.
Dress follows the event: business casual on the show floor, smarter for client dinners at the resorts’ signature restaurants. Casino-level venues are noisy, so book a quiet room for serious negotiations. If your company has a gifts-and-entertainment policy, confirm what applies to gaming and shows before you host clients.
When are the big Las Vegas conventions and events?
Las Vegas hosts more large trade shows than almost any US city, and they set hotel prices. Plan around these typical dates, and check each show’s official calendar. Summer is hot, often above 105°F, but rates can be lower in July and August outside big shows.
- CES — early January, filling the LVCC, the Venetian Expo and much of the city; book rooms as soon as dates are announced.
- NAB Show (broadcast and media) — April, at the LVCC.
- Black Hat and DEF CON (cybersecurity) — August.
- SEMA (automotive aftermarket) — typically early November, at the LVCC.
- AWS re:Invent — late November or early December, across several Strip resorts.
- Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix — typically November, with Strip road closures that complicate transfers.
What hidden costs and comfort issues catch Las Vegas visitors out?
Vegas is easy to reach and easy to get wrong on cost and logistics.
- Resort fees and parking: most Strip resorts add a nightly resort fee, and many charge for parking; include both in budgets and policy caps.
- ID: You’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license or a passport to fly from LAX.
- Hydration: The desert air is extremely dry; carry water on the show floor and in summer.
- Packing: Our business conference packing list covers show-floor essentials.
- Smoke: Smoking is still permitted on many casino floors; request non-smoking rooms and floors.
Las Vegas convention venues and districts
Las Vegas Convention Center
Paradise Road · Major trade shows
The city’s largest venue, home to CES, NAB and SEMA, with the Vegas Loop linking its halls.
Venetian Expo
Mid-Strip · Conventions
Large exhibit halls attached to The Venetian and The Palazzo; ideal for attendees staying on property.
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
South Strip · Conferences
Hosts big conferences such as Black Hat; Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur are linked by tram.
Caesars Forum
Center Strip · Meetings
A purpose-built conference center with large ballrooms, linked by bridge to The LINQ and Harrah’s.
Downtown, Summerlin and Henderson
Off-Strip · Offices
City government and a smaller convention scene downtown; many local corporate offices in the suburbs.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book hotels for CES?
Should I fly or drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
Which hotels are closest to the Las Vegas Convention Center?
Are resort fees included in Las Vegas hotel rates?
Is Las Vegas good for corporate offsites and incentive trips?
Official sources
Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.