Can You Take Amtrak to Las Vegas? Complete Guide (2026)
No—Amtrak does not currently serve Las Vegas directly. Although the city was once served by passenger rail, there is no Amtrak station in Las Vegas today. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your plans to travel by train. Several nearby Amtrak routes make it easy to include Las Vegas as part of a rail vacation, with convenient bus connections or short drives completing the journey.
Whether you’re planning to experience the famous Las Vegas Strip, see a world-class show, visit Hoover Dam, or use the city as a base for exploring the Grand Canyon and the Mojave Desert, traveling by train can still be an enjoyable alternative to flying. This guide explains the best ways to reach Las Vegas using Amtrak, which routes to choose, and what to see once you arrive.
Does Amtrak Serve Las Vegas?
No. Las Vegas currently has no direct Amtrak station. The city’s former passenger rail service, including the historic Desert Wind route, was discontinued many years ago, and Amtrak trains no longer operate into downtown Las Vegas. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
However, Las Vegas is still surprisingly easy to reach by combining an Amtrak train with a connecting bus, rental car, or shuttle. Many travelers use nearby stations in California or Arizona before completing the final leg of the journey by road.
Closest Amtrak Stations to Las Vegas
- Kingman, Arizona – approximately 105 miles (170 km)
- Needles, California – approximately 110 miles (177 km)
- Barstow, California – approximately 155 miles (250 km)
- Los Angeles Union Station – ideal for travelers connecting via Amtrak Thruway buses
Depending on your starting point, one of these stations will usually provide the easiest connection to Las Vegas.
Best Amtrak Routes for Visiting Las Vegas
Although no Amtrak train goes directly to Las Vegas, several routes provide convenient access to nearby stations.
Southwest Chief
The Southwest Chief is one of the most popular options for travelers heading to Las Vegas. The train stops in Kingman, Arizona, one of the closest Amtrak stations to the city. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive or shuttle ride to the Las Vegas Strip.
Travelers coming from Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, or Flagstaff often choose this route because it combines spectacular Southwestern scenery with relatively easy road connections.
California Zephyr
If you’re arriving from Northern California or the Midwest, the California Zephyr provides another excellent option. Although the train doesn’t pass through Las Vegas, travelers can continue by rental car or connecting transportation after reaching California.
Coast Starlight
Visitors traveling from Seattle, Portland, or California can ride the Coast Starlight to Los Angeles before continuing to Las Vegas via connecting bus services or rental car.
How to Get from the Train to Las Vegas
After arriving at a nearby Amtrak station, several transportation options are available for completing your journey.
- Amtrak Thruway buses: Available on selected itineraries from Southern California.
- Rental cars: Ideal if you’re planning to visit Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, or the Grand Canyon.
- Regional bus operators: Several companies operate daily services between nearby cities and Las Vegas.
- Private shuttle services: Available from certain nearby stations and airports.
What to See in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is much more than casinos. While gaming remains one of its biggest draws, the city also offers award-winning restaurants, spectacular entertainment, outdoor adventures, museums, and iconic landmarks that appeal to all kinds of travelers.
The Las Vegas Strip
The world-famous Strip is home to many of the city’s best-known hotels, casinos, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. Even if you don’t gamble, simply walking along Las Vegas Boulevard is an unforgettable experience.
Bellagio Fountains
One of the city’s most iconic free attractions, the Bellagio Fountains perform choreographed water shows throughout the day and evening, synchronized to music and lights.
High Roller Observation Wheel
Standing 550 feet tall, the High Roller offers spectacular panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip, especially after sunset when the city lights come alive.
The Neon Museum
Discover the history of Las Vegas through its collection of restored vintage neon signs. It’s one of the city’s most unique cultural attractions and a favorite for photographers.
Fremont Street Experience
Located in downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street Experience offers a completely different atmosphere from the Strip. Here you’ll find historic casinos, live music, street performers, restaurants, zip lines, and one of the world’s largest LED canopy light shows.
Hoover Dam
Less than an hour from Las Vegas, Hoover Dam is one of America’s greatest engineering achievements. Visitors can tour the dam, explore the visitor center, or admire breathtaking views over the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Just west of the city, Red Rock Canyon offers a peaceful escape from the bright lights of Las Vegas. Scenic drives, hiking trails, rock climbing, and dramatic desert landscapes make it one of the area’s best day trips.
Day Trips to the Grand Canyon
Many visitors use Las Vegas as a base for visiting the Grand Canyon. Guided tours, rental cars, and helicopter excursions make it possible to visit either the West Rim or the South Rim, depending on how much time you have available.
Getting Around Las Vegas
Although Las Vegas is known for its wide roads and large resorts, getting around without a car is easier than many first-time visitors expect. The Strip is highly walkable, and several transportation options connect hotels, attractions, and downtown.
- The Las Vegas Monorail: A convenient way to travel along the eastern side of the Strip.
- The Deuce Bus: Operates 24 hours a day with frequent stops along Las Vegas Boulevard and downtown.
- Walking: Many resorts are connected by pedestrian bridges and walkways, making it easy to explore on foot.
- Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the city.
- Rental cars: Recommended if you plan to visit Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, or the Grand Canyon.
Travel Tips for Visiting Las Vegas
Las Vegas welcomes visitors year-round, but a few practical tips can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Visit during spring or autumn for the most comfortable temperatures.
- Book accommodations early if traveling during major conventions, sporting events, or holiday weekends.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C).
- Wear comfortable shoes, as distances between resorts are often much longer than they appear.
- Plan at least three days to experience both the Strip and nearby attractions.
- Reserve popular shows and restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment.
Suggested Las Vegas Itinerary
If it’s your first visit, this itinerary combines Las Vegas’ biggest attractions with one memorable day trip.
- Day 1: Explore the Las Vegas Strip, Bellagio Fountains, High Roller, and enjoy an evening show.
- Day 2: Visit Fremont Street Experience, the Neon Museum, and nearby Downtown Las Vegas.
- Day 3: Take a day trip to Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, or the Grand Canyon before returning to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Planning Your Las Vegas Rail Adventure
While Amtrak doesn’t currently serve Las Vegas directly, reaching the city by train is still entirely possible with a simple connection from nearby stations. Whether you’re planning to experience the famous casinos, enjoy world-class entertainment, or use Las Vegas as a gateway to the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest, combining rail travel with a short road journey offers a comfortable and memorable alternative to flying.
For more travel inspiration, explore our guides to California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Sunset Limited, and the Ultimate Guide to Amtrak Travel in the USA.
