How to avoid paying parking fees in Las Vegas

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Travel to Las Vegas is booming, and this year promises to be particularly exciting for the city.

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas just debuted after years in the making and is proving to be a must-visit hotel. Also, the new $1.8 billion entertainment venue (and the largest spherical structure in the world), The Sphere, recently opened; it’s drawing crowds for its futuristic giant outdoor videos and 360-degree immersive indoor concerts. Additionally, Allegiant Stadium will host Nevada’s first-ever Super Bowl in February 2024.

Of course, travelers flock to the area for the nonstop, around-the-clock entertainment and casinos, the dynamic food scene, and the wealth of hotels.

What’s one thing that can be hard to find in this city, though? Free parking.

Related: The 17 best hotels in Las Vegas

If you’d rather spend your money on dinner, drinks, a show or the casino instead of parking, we have good news: We’ve found several ways to park without paying fees.

This includes seeking out hotels offering free parking to guests and visitors. We also have a few workarounds for scoring free parking on The Strip.

Here are all the tips and tricks you need to know.

Stay at a hotel that offers free parking

Whether you’re looking for a budget or a luxury property, there are several hotels on and around The Strip that offer free parking.

If you’re bringing your car and free parking is paramount, plan to visit Strip stalwarts Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Sahara Las Vegas, Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and Treasure Island Las Vegas. These hotels all offer free parking for both visitors and hotel guests.

Some hotels have free parking for hotel guests only. This includes The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where there’s also free valet, and Wynn Las Vegas and Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. Over at the  IHG-associated Venetian and Palazzo, Venetian Grazie Rewards Premier members and above receive complimentary self-parking; Nevada residents receive three hours of complimentary self-parking by scanning their valid Nevada driver’s license at a self-parking kiosk.

Free parking through MGM Rewards

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Elite members of MGM’s rewards program get free parking, depending on their status level. Currently, members with Pearl status or higher receive free self-parking, while those with Gold status or higher qualify for free valet.

However, with MGM and Marriott’s upcoming partnership, there will be new loyalty reward levels coming in 2024. Although not all details of the upcoming loyalty program are available, we do know that complimentary self-parking will be available for Ambassador Elite members staying at MGM Resorts properties like Bellagio Las Vegas, Aria Resort & Casino and MGM Grand.

Related: 18 things to know before staying at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

Free parking through other rewards programs

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Several other casinos have rewards programs that offer elite members free parking. Caesars Rewards offers free valet and self-parking to those with Platinum status or higher.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Identity and Membership Rewards program offers free self-parking for members with Sterling status and higher. Those with Gold status and beyond get free valet parking. Just bring your rewards card and show it to the attendant to take advantage of this benefit.

Free parking at shopping malls

If you want free parking during the day and don’t mind a short trek to your destination, consider parking at a shopping center. Fashion Show Las Vegas mall, The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay and the Shops at Crystals offer free self-parking.

Parking at a shopping mall for free might be convenient if you visit different nearby casinos that don’t offer free parking. Just be aware of mall hours and be sure to move your car when the stores are closed since overnight parking isn’t allowed.

Related: Yes, Las Vegas can be done on a tight budget — here’s how

Free parking for veterans

Caesars Entertainment has a special discount program for veterans, active U.S. military members and their spouses.

Salute members receive complimentary parking at Caesars hotels, including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and others. Salute also offers discounts on dining and show tickets.

Free parking for local residents

Being a local pays when it comes to finding free parking in Las Vegas.

At all MGM resorts, Nevada residents receive up to three hours of complimentary self-parking by showing a valid Nevada driver’s license at the exit gate, except during special events.

Local residents also get three hours of free parking at Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Horseshoe Las Vegas (a Bally’s property) and Hard Rock (formerly The Mirage). Three hours of free parking at Paris Las Vegas is also available for Nevada residents.

Use a ride-hailing service

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If you want to avoid parking fees and the hassle of renting a car, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are the way to go.

You can hail a ride from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to a hotel on The Strip for around $25. Getting around without a rental car is feasible and free, thanks to complimentary shuttles offered between popular hotels on The Strip.

Bottom line

Travel to Vegas is booming, but there’s no need to dip into your entertainment funds to pay for parking.

Instead, follow these tips to avoid parking fees in Las Vegas this coming year.