Overview
Las Vegas is the desert city that never quite sleeps: a strip of neon resorts, world-class shows, championship boxing and lavish buffets rising straight out of the Nevada sand. Beyond the casinos it makes a brilliant base for the American Southwest, with the Grand Canyon, Zion and Death Valley all within a day's drive. For UK travellers it remains one of the most popular long-haul city breaks, and direct flights make it an easy one-flight trip.
Best time to fly to Las Vegas
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots, with warm, dry days and comfortable evenings for walking the Strip. High summer brings intense desert heat, often above 40C, while winter days are mild but the nights can be genuinely cold. Rates tend to climb around major conventions, big fight weekends and US public holidays; the When to book chart above shows how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London Heathrow to Las Vegas, and Virgin Atlantic also operates a seasonal direct service from Manchester. TUI Airways runs holiday flights from Manchester and London Gatwick. Non-stop flying time is around 10 to 11 hours westbound from London or Manchester, with the return a little quicker thanks to tailwinds. One-stop options with American, Delta, United or a European carrier such as KLM or Lufthansa are often cheaper and worth comparing.
Things to do in Las Vegas
You can fill days here without ever gambling a penny:
- The Strip: stroll past the themed mega-resorts, from the Venetian's canals to the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas.
- Fountains of Bellagio: free choreographed water shows set to music through the afternoon and evening.
- Fremont Street Experience: downtown's covered light canopy, live bands and old-school casinos.
- High Roller: a 550ft observation wheel at The LINQ with valley-wide views, best at dusk.
- Grand Canyon day trip: coach and small-plane excursions run to the West Rim and South Rim.
At Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Harry Reid International sits just five miles south of the Strip, so transfers are short. Taxis reach most Strip hotels in 10 to 20 minutes from a marked rank; Uber and Lyft use designated pick-up points. RTC public buses serve the Strip and downtown cheaply, and many resorts offer paid shuttle transfers. There is no rail link from the airport.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Las Vegas
- Book roughly three to six months ahead for peak dates, and use the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest departure days.
- Fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) and avoid UK school holidays and bank-holiday weekends.
- Keep your dates flexible and check the When to book chart above to shift a day or two either side.
- Compare direct fares against one-stop routes, and price a Gatwick or Manchester departure as well as Heathrow.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days but must hold an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Programme before travelling; apply online well in advance and keep the confirmation. Your passport needs to be valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the US dollar, and tipping is expected in bars, restaurants and taxis. No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is essential given the high cost of US medical care.
