How To Find Parking In Las Vegas Without Paying Fees

Some destinations are designed as places where travelers are encouraged to sit back, relax, and enjoy the simple things in life. Other places, like Las Vegas, take the opposite approach. Welcoming nearly 39 million visitors in 2022, according to Travel Weekly, Las Vegas is a city that's long been loved for its easy access to just about everything in excess.

From seemingly endless buffets and thrilling performances to the casinos, towering hotels, and glittering lights, Las Vegas is a place that never fails to offer up a bright and shining welcome. It's also a destination where it feels like anything goes because honestly, it's just all within easy reach. While the city is certainly brimming over with vibrant options when it comes to entertainment and fun, what might feel less readily available upon arrival is budget-friendly parking.

As with other popular vacation destinations, parking fees have a way of leaning towards the potentially astronomical when you don't know where else to go. The good news is, there are ways around expensive parking in Las Vegas with a little pre-travel planning. Having the options in place ahead of time lets you focus less on parking stress and more on the fun ahead. You'll also have more money in your pocket to spend on activities you're looking forward to when you're feeling particularly lucky.

Consider luxury hotels and shopping malls

You might assume that staying on or near the Las Vegas Strip would result in boosted parking fees. However, this isn't the case — which is often a treat for travelers to discover. Many luxury hotels in this area have free parking available for those who book a stay.

You'll plan on spending more when you reserve a hotel room at centrally located and upscale places like The Venetian or The Cosmopolitan. That said, you can also count on paying nothing for parking. Both of these destinations are among the many high-end hotels in Las Vegas that come with complimentary self-parking options for registered guests.

At The Venetian, guests have access to two free parking garages. Those who book a stay at The Cosmopolitan enjoy complimentary self-parking options while those who hold Gold Status as Identity Members can also enjoy free valet parking. Self-parking options at The Cosmopolitan are also free to non-registered guests who only plan on staying less than an hour.

Las Vegas-bound travelers looking to save on parking fees won't want to overlook the financial benefits of finding a place to park at nearby shopping malls. While it's not a solution that might initially come to mind, there are several shopping malls on or within walking distance of the Las Vegas Strip. A few of these that offer free self-parking include The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay, The Shops at Crystals, and Fashion Show Mall.

Reap the benefits of reward programs

Many travelers are drawn to Las Vegas in the name of enjoying time exploring the vast collection of casinos. According to a report by Las Vegas KTNV, casinos on the Las Vegas Strip alone brought in $8.2 billion in revenue in 2022. These lucrative establishments are known and often loved for showcasing enticing games of chance. However, one thing you don't have to bet on at many Las Vegas casinos is free parking if you happen to be a part of a rewards program.

Those who are members of Caesars Rewards can earn both free self-parking and free valet when they reach Platinum status and beyond. Travelers who are a part of MGM Rewards and have earned M Life Elite status also reap the benefit of parking perks. Within this program, Pearl status members enjoy free self-parking and those who have earned Gold status can make the most of complimentary valet parking options.

Heading to Las Vegas for gambling adventures means you never quite know what your losses or winnings might be in the end. When it comes to parking fees here, there's no reason to leave the total cost up to lady luck. Instead, take some time to plan out your preferred parking options ahead of time and skip the fees altogether to keep money in your wallet and fortune on your side.