Las Vegas Parking Guide 2025: Costs, Free Spots & Tips
Parking Fees in Vegas: Parking in Las Vegas used to be free everywhere. Now, most Strip resorts charge — but there are still smart ways to save money and even park for free during your trip.
Cheap room rates. Cheap all-you-can-eat prime rib buffets. Free cocktails. Penny slots. And free parking. I’m old enough to remember when Las Vegas was as much about cheap as it was about sin. The sin itself might cost you, but everything else was a bargain.
Table of Contents – Parking Fees in Vegas
- Why Did Vegas Start Charging for Parking?
- MGM Resorts Parking Fees
- Caesars Entertainment Parking Fees
- Other Hotels & Downtown Parking
- Free Parking Options in Las Vegas
- Tips to Avoid Parking Fees
- Key Takeaways
- FAQ
- Parking Smart, Playing Smart
Why Did Vegas Start Charging for Parking?
Those were the days when gambling profits subsidized everything else — the good ol’ days. As casino gaming revenue dipped and Vegas reinvented itself as a global entertainment capital, the freebies disappeared one by one. Room rates shot up, buffets transformed into celebrity-chef restaurants, and resort fees arrived with a vengeance.
Parking was one of the last perks left untouched. But resorts soon realised millions were being left on the table. With nearly 40 million visitors a year, paid parking became too tempting to ignore.
Hotels now publicly justify fees as upgrades to parking systems, lighting, and security. But for most visitors, it feels like a straight-up money grab — and one that’s here to stay.
MGM Resorts Parking Fees – Parking Fees in Vegas
The turning point came when MGM Resorts International introduced paid parking at major Strip properties including ARIA, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Luxor, Excalibur, and New York-New York.
Parking fees at MGM resorts now typically include:
• Self-parking:hourly rates rising to a daily max
• Valet: significantly higher charges
Locals and higher-tier MGM Rewards members sometimes receive complimentary parking — but only after meeting certain play or tier credit thresholds.
Good internal tip: If staying on the Strip, compare hotel options through our Las Vegas hotel deals page — some packages include parking perks.
Caesars Entertainment Parking Fees
Shortly after MGM rolled out fees, Caesars Entertainment followed suit at eight major properties including Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, Flamingo, Harrah’s, and The LINQ.
While locals and high-tier Caesars Rewards members still get breaks, the majority of visitors now pay:
• **Up to ~USD $18/day for valet**
• **Self-parking fees vary based on location & demand**
Hotels claim fees help reduce congestion and improve valet demand — but the average traveller sees yet another expense added to the Vegas bill.
Other Hotels & Downtown Parking
Wynn and Encore charge for valet, while self-parking is **free “for now”** — a phrase Vegas visitors have learned not to trust over the years.
Along Fremont Street, many garages operate by the hour — often cheaper, but not always. Casinos like The D and Golden Nugget validate for players or diners, but you may still pay during special events.
Pro-Wedding Tip: If you’re visiting for a ceremony, many venues include free parking. Check out our Vegas wedding chapels for options.
Free Parking Options in Las Vegas
Good news — you *can* still park free in Vegas with a little strategy:
- Off-Strip casinos like Palace Station
- Shopping centres such as Fashion Show Mall (with conditions)
- Stay-and-play validations for gamblers & dining guests
You may need to show receipts or loyalty cards, but it can save $20+ per day — money better spent on cocktails or slot pulls.
Best hack: If renting a car for your wedding trip, choose a hotel that still offers complimentary guest parking.
Tips to Avoid Parking Fees
Here are smart ways to beat those Strip charges:
- Book with a hotel offering **free guest parking**
- Use **rideshare** for Strip-hopping (surge pricing depending)
- Walk the Strip — it’s designed for it!
- Join hotel **loyalty programs** before you arrive
- Look for **wedding packages** that include valet for the couple
Remember — the Strip is closer together than it looks. Driving between every stop often wastes more time than it saves.
Key Takeaways – Parking Fees in Vegas
- Pay-to-park is now the norm at most Strip hotels
- MGM & Caesars set pricing trends across Las Vegas
- Locals and top-tier loyalty members get the best deals
- There are still ways to score FREE parking if you plan ahead
- Budget parking costs into your Vegas travel or wedding plans
FAQ – Parking Fees in Vegas
Do all Las Vegas Strip hotels charge for parking?
No — but most major resorts do. Off-Strip and some downtown casinos still offer free options.
Is parking free if I’m staying at the hotel?
Usually not. Many hotels charge overnight guest parking as part of the bill.
Can I avoid parking fees by gambling?
Sometimes. Earn enough tier credits and you may unlock complimentary parking — check policies ahead.
Is valet worth the price?
If you’re dressed up for a wedding or event — absolutely. Otherwise, self-parking is usually faster.
What about parking during my Las Vegas wedding?
Many venues include parking or validation. Confirm details when booking your wedding package.
Parking Smart, Playing Smart
Parking Fees in Vegas – In Fun City, every decision can save — or cost — you money. Parking-fees might not break the bank, but savvy planning means more in your pocket for the things that *really* make Vegas sparkle: shows, dinners, and maybe a little lucky streak.
Keep the memories rich and the extra charges low. Choose your hotel wisely, take advantage of wedding-included perks, and remind yourself — it’s your Vegas adventure, and every dollar should bring you more joy, not a parking ticket.
