Meter starts around $3.50 as soon as you leave LAS Terminal 1
The Taxi Rank at Harry Reid International’s Terminal 1 sits on Level 1 outside baggage claim doors 1–4, and meters typically start around $3.50 plus a $2.40 airport fee. Expect posted flat-rate “zone” pricing to most Strip hotels, usually in the $20–$30 range depending on distance. Taxis line up 24/7, and during peak arrivals (Friday evenings 6–10 p.m. and Sunday afternoons), queues can stretch 50–100 people deep.
From the Terminal 1 baggage claim area, follow signs for “Taxi” down to Level 1; walking time from the carousels to the rank is usually 3–5 minutes. Uniformed airport staff manage the line and direct passengers to specific cabs, which helps keep dispatch times under a minute once you reach the front. All licensed LAS taxis take credit cards and cash, and you’ll see the company name and taxi number posted on the rear doors.
Flat-rate Strip zones from Terminal 1 are broken into price bands, for example a lower tier for hotels near Tropicana Avenue and higher tiers for properties up by Wynn and Resorts World. Downtown runs off the meter rather than the Strip zone table, with most fares landing in the $30–$40 range before tip. Drivers are required by Nevada law (NAC 706) to use the shortest practical route unless you request something specific like “via I-15.”
Plan on 10–20 minutes from the Terminal 1 rank to mid-Strip in normal traffic, but that can jump to 30–40 minutes on big convention days or after weekend events. One standard taxi legally carries up to 4 passengers, while some vans at the rank can take 5–6; if you have 3–4 checked bags plus carry-ons, two people per standard cab usually fits better. Fares include a per-mile and per-minute component, so heavy congestion around the Tropicana/I‑15 interchange can add $5–$10 versus off-peak runs.
Practical tip: Before you get in at Terminal 1, confirm with the driver: “Flat rate Strip zone for Bellagio, right?” or “Meter to Fremont Street?” and snap a quick photo of the taxi number on the door; it takes five seconds and helps if you need to file a complaint later with the Nevada Taxicab Authority at (702) 668‑4000.