The Deuce Tourist Bus: From the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign to Fremont Street (w/Tips)

Follow my $2 Deuce bus trip from the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign all the way to downtown Vegas’s “Fremont Street Experience.”

It’s not that hard to grab a prime seat on the Deuce bus as it travels up and down the famous Las Vegas Strip. Just climb the steps to get to the second floor of the bus and get as close as you can to the front seat where the splendors of the Las Vegas Strip unfold before your eyes. As soon as one of the four front seats opens up, immediately get up and move to the front. Don’t be shy and don’t hesitate. Other tourists willingly slide over and share the view.

The Deuce travels continuously up and down the strip 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. At any designated stop, a bus is supposed to arrive every 15 to 20 minutes. But during mid-day and other busy times, don’t be surprised if the bus is full and you need to wait for the next one. If you are in a hurry, just go to a side street or a hotel and grab an Uber.

If you are coming from the airport, you can take the $2 local bus #109 from “ground zero” of terminal one. It will take you to the south strip transit station. From there, you just need to walk to the other side of the building and get on the “Northbound Deuce.” It doesn’t take too long and you can save on a taxi or Uber ride.

Once on the northbound bus, there is one more stop before the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. If this is your first time in Vegas, you’ll be shocked when you realize that this iconic symbol of glitz and glamour is actually very small.

Near the end of the route in downtown, most people get off at the first stop on Carson Street, which is the next stop after the “Bonneville Transit Center.” When you are done with the Fremont experience, to get on the southbound Deuce in downtown, the first stop is at Vegas Blvd and another one is at Carson & Third Street. You could also walk to the Bonneville Transit Center, but you don’t want to wander any further than that.

Before you head to Vegas, do yourself a favor and download and add funds to the “RTC” bus app where you will be able to pay for local buses. You can also use the app to buy 2-hour, 24-hour, and 3-day Deuce passes. This will save you a little money and a lot of time. It makes things a whole lot easier. You don’t want to be one of those tourists fumbling for money and delaying everyone else.

Tips

• When using the app to get on the Deuce, you might need to flip your phone upside down so that the bus reader can scan the barcode. (If you do, the bus driver might even give you a smile to acknowledge your acumen and his relief in “keeping things” moving).
• The north and southbound bus stops are listed on the door. As an unfamiliar tourist, this will certainly help to orient yourself as to where you are and where you want to go.
• If you are on the lower level and the bus is crowded, you might want to stay near the exit door for a quicker exit. Some windows are obscured by advertising, so you may not know where you are. It will save you a lot of “excuse me’s” and possibly a missed stop with a resulting long walk to your intended destination.

Northbound Deuce Stops

(As shown on a map from the end to the beginning. You actually start at the bottom of the list and travel North up the list)

1. Fremont Street Experience (on Las Vegas Blvd)
2. Stewart & 4th St (Mob Museum)
3. Fremont Street Experience (on 4th St)
4. Fremont Street Experience (on Carson at Casino Center)
5. Bonneville Transit Center (BTC)
6. Arts District (Charleston)
7. 3rd St & Imperial
8. Oakey Blvd
9. St. Louis Ave
10. The STRAT
11. Sahara Las Vegas
12. Hilton Grand Vacations
13. Sky Las Vegas
14. Circus Circus/ LV Convention Center
15. Convention Center Dr
16. Wynn
17. Venetian
18. Harrah’s
19. Paris
20. Planet Hollywood
21. Polo Towers
22. MGM/Showcase Mall
23. Tropicana
24. Mandalay Bay
25. Four Seasons
26. Welcome to LV Sign
27. Las Vegas Golf
28. South Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT)

Southbound Deuce Stops

1. Fremont Street Experience (on Las Vegas Blvd)
2. Fremont Street Experience (on Carson at 3rd St)
3. Bonneville Transit Center (BTC)
4. Arts District (Charleston)
5. 3rd St & Imperial
6. Oakey Blvd
7. The STRAT
8. Sahara Las Vegas
9. Hilton Grand Vacations
10. Slots-A-Fun/Circus Circus
11. Resorts World Las Vegas
12. Encore
13. Fashion Show Mall
14. Treasure Island
15. Mirage
16. Caesars Palace
17. Bellagio/Cosmopolitan
18. Park MGM
19. Excalibur
20. Luxor
21. Mandalay Bay
22. Welcome to LV Sign
23. Sunset Rd
24. Town Square
25. LV South Premium Outlets
26. Harry Reid Rent-A-Car Center
27. South Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT)

Safety Tip: Unless you know what you are doing, I would not wander around downtown outside of heavily touristed areas between the Fremont Street Experience and The STRAT.

The bus can be a fun and excellent way to acclimate yourself to the Vegas area and immerse yourself in the tourist environment. However, if you want to experience a less hassled, yet more expensive and supposedly relaxing excursion, there are other options available.

If you are new to Las Vegas or a budget traveler, this is the perfect way to start your journey. From the outside, at least, you will be able to see all of the top attractions. But this is just scratching the surface of the many opportunities for fun, excitement, and relaxation that Vegas offers you.

Additional Tips and Attractions

Must-See Attractions Along the Deuce Route

1. The Bellagio Fountains: A must-see, the fountain show at the Bellagio is a stunning display of water, music, and light that happens every 30 minutes in the evenings.
2. The High Roller: The world’s tallest observation wheel located at The LINQ Promenade offers breathtaking views of the Strip, especially at night.
3. The Venetian: Take a gondola ride through the canals and enjoy the exquisite architecture and ambiance.
4. Caesars Palace: Explore the Forum Shops, a high-end shopping mall with a unique Roman theme.
5. The STRAT: For the adventurous, head to the top of The STRAT for thrilling rides and spectacular views of the city.

Dining Recommendations

1. Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas: A charming French bistro with great views of the Bellagio Fountains.
2. Giada at The Cromwell: Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis’ restaurant offers Italian cuisine with a California twist.
3. Eataly at Park MGM: A vibrant Italian marketplace with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and to-go counters.

Entertainment Options

1. Cirque du Soleil Shows: Various venues along the Strip offer these world-renowned shows, each with its unique theme and breathtaking performances.
2. Fremont Street Experience: Aside from the light show, there are often free concerts and performances that add to the lively atmosphere.
3. Casino Hopping: Take the opportunity to visit different casinos, each with its own theme and unique attractions.

Personal Anecdote

On my first Deuce bus ride, I remember the excitement of seeing the Strip from the top deck, the neon lights illuminating the night sky. Each stop offered something new and exciting – from the grandeur of Caesars Palace to the whimsical gondolas at The Venetian. I even made a few friends along the way, fellow travelers who shared their tips and experiences, making the journey even more enjoyable. This bus ride wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it was a quintessential Vegas experience, filled with sights, sounds, and stories I’ll never forget.

Final Tips for a Great Deuce Experience

• Stay Hydrated: Las Vegas can get extremely hot, especially in the summer. Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
• Be Mindful of Your Belongings: Keep an eye on your personal items, especially in crowded areas and on the bus.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• Plan Ahead: Know the bus schedule and stops to avoid any confusion and ensure a smooth trip.

Exploring Las Vegas by Deuce bus is a budget-friendly and convenient way to see all the iconic sights the city has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Deuce provides a unique vantage point to experience the magic and excitement of the Las Vegas Strip. So hop on, sit back, and enjoy the ride!