If you are travelling to Las Vegas by air, you will arrive at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport. Several shuttle-bus services operate from airport to various spots along Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, while taxis are also readily available, but they can be considerably more expensive. The minute you sit in the taxi the meter will start to run at a price of $3.20. For journeys that start at McCarran airport an additional fee of $1.20 is added. The fair is calculated on distance travelled once a speed over 12mph is detected by the taximeter. Getting to the centre of the Strip should cost $12-$15.

• Preparing for the airport security checkpoint will help speed your processing time. Some tips before you travel: .
• Wear shoes with rubber soles. Otherwise, you will have to remove and place your shoes in the bin.
• Avoid wearing lace-up boots, high-top or platform shoes. It might be best to pack these in carry-on or checked baggage. .
• Remove belts with metal buckles or studs and place in the bin, or pack in your carry-on or checked baggage. .
• Empty pockets of coins, key chains, cell phones, PDAs and any other metal. .
• Remove any heavy metal chains or jewellery. .
• Clothing with excessive metal studs and zippers should be packed, not worn. .
• Laptop computers must be removed from their cases and placed in bins. .
• Remove coats or heavy jackets. .
• Carry-on baggage is limited to one suitcase and one small personal item (purse or tote-bag). .
• Your boarding pass and a valid ID should be kept in your hand or around your neck. .
• Any items prohibited from being carried on the plane should be checked through baggage or, better yet, left at home. .
• Bags should be tagged for identification inside and out. Even loose personal items like cell phones and laptops should be labelled and easy to identify at the other side of the checkpoint.

Should you wish to experience as much as you can while on your break in Las Vegas, why not think about driving to Sin City. The tree major cities outside Las Vegas include Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, each route offers amazing views of the surrounding desert. Always carry a spare tire in good condition, and remember to bring extra drinking water during the summer; pay close attention to your fuel level and engine temperature. On some stretches of road, you might not see a gas station for up to an hour.

Los Angeles to Las Vegas is approximately 270 miles (430 km). Leaving Los Angeles, take I-15 North into Nevada. Once in Las Vegas, exit on East Tropicana Avenue or East Flamingo Road if your destination is the Strip. You can plan on completing the drive in four to five hours, depending on stops. Construction delays can occur on this route (the state of California is in the process of expanding I-15), so be sure to check for holdups ahead of time.

Phoenix to Las Vegas is about 290 miles (300 km). Take U.S. 93 North out of Phoenix, and follow it right into Las Vegas.

San Francisco to Las Vegas is about 580 miles (930 km). Take I-80 East to Reno, and then follow U.S. 95 South to Las Vegas.

There is no train service to Las Vegas, but you can travel via Amtrak to destinations in California and Arizona, and then connect to Vegas on a Greyhound bus. Bus service is available between Las Vegas and major centres like Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.