Discover insider Vegas tips for budget travelers, including transportation tricks, food deals, and where to score free drinks on the Strip.

Las Vegas is a thrilling blend of bright lights, world-class entertainment, and spontaneous adventure—but if you’re not careful, it’s also where your money disappears faster than a Houdini trick. This Vegas budget travel guide arms you with smart, tested Las Vegas travel hacks that let you enjoy the experience without blowing your bankroll.

Let’s roll the dice on some serious savings.

🎰 1. How to Get Free Drinks in Las Vegas Casinos

Yes, free drinks in Vegas are real. Casinos offer complimentary cocktails while you play—even at the penny slots. Simply place a small bet, flag a server, and sip away.

🚌 2. Cheap Transportation in Las Vegas: The Deuce & SDX

Skip the pricey rideshares. Hop on the Deuce Las Vegas Bus or SDX to travel the Strip and Downtown on the cheap. These buses are tourist-friendly, safe, and seriously cost-effective.

Consider adding a list of stops or linking to the RTC map for deeper value.

🎟️ 3. Where to Buy Discount Show Tickets in Vegas

Apps like Vegas.com and TodayTix are goldmines for discounted tickets to Cirque du Soleil and more. Don’t forget about Tix4Tonight Las Vegas booths for walk-up deals.

🏨 4. Best Player’s Clubs for Free Perks in Vegas

MGM Rewards is the loyalty program for MGM Resorts, offering perks across their hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Members earn two types of rewards:

  • MGM Rewards Points: Redeemable for hotel stays, dining, entertainment, and more.
  • Tier Credits: Help you climb through status levels—Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Noir—each unlocking better benefits like priority check-in, room upgrades, and exclusive event access.

You can also earn rewards through BetMGM wagers and by using the MGM Rewards Mastercard, which offers bonus points and tier credits on everyday purchases.

To sign up or learn more, head over to the official MGM Rewards page. It’s free to join, and you can start earning points right away—even on your next Vegas getaway.

🚶 5. Fastest Ways to Get Around the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Monorail: Glide Past the Crowds

The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip, connecting major resorts like MGM Grand, Paris/Bally’s, Flamingo, Harrah’s, and the Convention Center. It’s climate-controlled, driverless, and runs every 4–8 minutes, making it a reliable way to avoid traffic and the desert heat.

Budget tip: A 24-hour unlimited ride pass costs around $13, and multi-day passes offer even better value. Nevada residents even get a discount. It’s a great way to avoid walking the Strip while hopping between casinos, shows, and restaurants.

🚗 Vegas Loop: The Tesla Tunnel Hack

The Vegas Loop, built by Elon Musk’s Boring Company, is a futuristic underground tunnel system where Tesla vehicles shuttle passengers between key destinations like the Las Vegas Convention Center, Resorts World, and Westgate3.

Here’s the Vegas Tesla tunnel hack: If you’re attending a convention, rides within the Convention Center Loop are completely free. For others, a day pass costs just $5, and you can ride between Resorts World and the Convention Center in minutes—no traffic, no sweat.

Why These Are Game-Changers

  • Time-saving: Skip 45-minute walks or bumper-to-bumper rides.
  • Budget-friendly: Way cheaper than rideshares or taxis.
  • Cool factor: Who doesn’t want to zip through a neon-lit tunnel in a Tesla?

Want to see a map of the Vegas Loop or grab a monorail pass? I can help you plan your route or even find the best station near your hotel. Let’s make your Vegas trip smarter, not harder.

🍽️ 6. Cheap Places to Eat in Las Vegas: Where the Locals Go

🥢 Chinatown: Authentic, Affordable, and Always Buzzing

Vegas’s Chinatown is a goldmine for foodies in the know—just minutes west of the Strip.

1. Monta Noodle House

  • What to try: Tonkotsu ramen with rich pork broth and perfectly chewy noodles.
  • Price range: $10–$15
  • Why locals love it: No-frills, fast service, and ramen that rivals Tokyo’s best.

2. Tacos Los Barrios

  • What to try: Al pastor tacos and carne asada burritos.
  • Price range: $2.50–$8
  • Local tip: It’s a no-frills taco stand with big flavor and late-night hours.

🎨 Arts District: Hip, Hidden, and Delicious

This revitalized neighborhood is where locals go to escape the Strip and eat well.

1. Esther’s Kitchen

  • What to try: House-made rigatoni with pork ragu, sourdough bread with cultured butter.
  • Price range: $15–$25
  • Vibe: Rustic-chic with a rotating seasonal menu and serious pasta cred.

2. Soul Belly BBQ

  • What to try: Brisket, mac & cheese, and the “Hot Link” sandwich.
  • Price range: $12–$20
  • Why it’s a gem: Chef-driven BBQ with live music and a laid-back patio scene.

🍕 Bonus: Strip-Adjacent Cheap Eats That Feel Like a Hack

If you’re near the Strip but want to eat like a savvy local:

1. Secret Pizza (Cosmopolitan)

  • What to try: Classic New York-style slices.
  • Price range: $5–$7 per slice
  • Search tip: It’s literally unmarked—just follow the vinyl records down the hallway.

2. Ocean One Bar & Grille (Miracle Mile Shops)

  • Vegas hack: 3-for-1 cocktails all day. Yes, really
  • What to try: $5.99 lunch specials like chicken wraps and quesadillas.
  • Price range: Everything’s under $6

🕒 7. When to Visit Vegas for Cheap Hotels and Fewer Crowds

If you’re searching best time to visit Las Vegas on a budget, the sweet spots are:

  • January to April
  • September to early November

These shoulder seasons offer lower hotel rates, cheaper flights, and fewer crowds—especially right after New Year’s and before the holiday rush in November. You’ll also avoid the triple-digit summer heat, which can be brutal for walking the Strip or exploring neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Arts District2.

Pro tip: Avoid major convention weeks unless you’re attending—hotel prices can spike dramatically. But if you’re flexible, you can plan around them using the Las Vegas Convention Calendar 2025 to dodge the busiest dates or even score last-minute deals when demand dips.

💡 Bonus Budget Hacks

  • Sign up for hotel loyalty programs like MGM Rewards to unlock discounts and comps.
  • Book midweek stays (Sunday–Thursday) for the best rates.
  • Use public transit like the Monorail or Vegas Loop to skip rideshare surges.