Is the Las Vegas Monorail Under or Overused in 2026?
I still have a love/hate relationship with it
The Las Vegas Monorail is something I have a love/hate relationship with.
It’s one of those things that sounds genius on paper, a quick, elevated ride skipping Strip traffic. But in reality? It’s like that friend who’s super convenient when you’re in the mood, but a pain in the ass any other time. We all have a Lenny…. lol
I’ve ridden it enough to know both sides. During my recent MGM Grand stay, it was nice for hopping to places on the east side. But if your plans start on the west?
Forget it.
The system opened in 2004 with big promises: 7 stations from Sahara to MGM Grand, every 4–8 minutes, no traffic. It’s still running that way in 2026 - 99% uptime, clean cars, and a smooth ride. But ridership tells the story: around 5.5–5.8 million passengers a year (stable post-pandemic, up 5% YoY from conventions). That’s decent, but way under its designed capacity of 30 million. Daily average? 15,000–19,000 riders. During CES? It spikes to 140,000 over four days. Otherwise? Often feels empty.
Is it failed? Nah. Profitable under LVCVA ownership since 2020. But underutilized? Absolutely. Blame the limited route, east side only, no west stops like Bellagio or Caesars, no airport extension despite years of talks. A Sphere stop would’ve been killer (the ride by it now is pretty cool), and I’m shocked it hasn’t made Sahara more popular.
No plans for new trains or extensions in 2026, the Bombardier fleet (from 2004) is aging but upgraded ($12M in tracks/power/maintenance) to last until at least 2035. Parts are still available; rumors of “no new trains possible” are bogus.
The Good: When It Works, It’s Gold
If you’re staying at a station hotel (MGM Grand, Horseshoe, Sahara), it’s super convenient. During that MGM stay, we used it to hit Chilangos Tacos in front of Horseshoe (Go There). No Uber, no walking in 100-degree heat. $6 single ride ($5.50 e-Ticket), or unlimited passes: 24-hour $15 ($13.45 e-Ticket), up to 7-day $62 ($57.50). Locals with Nevada ID get 50% off.
Digital tickets are a game-changer. Buy online, get a QR code on your phone, scan at the gate (as in my video). Valid for a year, activates on first use. No lines at vending machines. MyVegas rewards sweeten it: BOGO or half-off multi-day passes (redeem in-app, show code at station, pay for one/get second cheap).
For conventions? It’s a no-brainer (sometimes), direct to LVCC is cool for Cowboy Christmas and other happenings there. And during big events, it removes thousands of car trips from the Strip.
The Bad: When It Doesn’t, It’s a Bitch
To really be successful, it should’ve serviced both sides of the Strip and gone to the airport. Huge miss. It’s a bitch to get to from most places; stations are set way back, so you’re trekking through casinos just to board. If your plans start or end on the west side? Zero value.
From NYNY to Caesars? I’m not so sure it isn’t quicker to cut through Park MGM, hop the Bellagio tram, and walk over than looping through MGM to Horseshoe and across. Misdirection at its finest.
I never stay north Strip, but if they build an arena up there, the lack of more stops will be an even bigger disappointment. And that empty-train feel? It’s real outside peak hours.
The Verdict: Underutilized, Not Failed — Use It Smart
The Monorail isn’t a failed experiment. It’s profitable, reliable, and a lifesaver for east-side hops or conventions. But it’s underused because it’s too limited, no airport, no west side, no Sphere stop. Ridership could double with those fixes, but don’t hold your breath.
If you’re at MGM/Horseshoe/Sahara and heading that direction, grab a digital pass and go. Otherwise? Uber or walk. For MyVegas players, the BOGO makes it a steal.
In 2026, it’s still worth it for what it is. Just don’t expect it to be more.
What’s your Monorail take — underrated hack or overrated relic?
-Jason
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