How to Do a Vegas Trip for Less Than $300 (Yes, All-Inclusive!)
Las Vegas. The neon lights, the ringing slot machines, the thrill of walking down the Strip like you’re in your own movie. It’s the city of big dreams and even bigger temptations—and let’s be real, it’s also the city of big bills if you don’t plan smart. But what if I told you that you could pull off a full Vegas getaway—flight, hotel, food, transportation—for under $300?
I know what you’re thinking: That sounds impossible. But it’s not. With some planning, flexibility, and a few insider tricks, you can sip that drink by the slot machine, snap selfies on Fremont Street, and still come home without your wallet crying for help.
Let’s break down how it works.
Step 1: Time It Right – Midweek is Magic
First rule of Vegas travel: avoid weekends if you’re on a budget. Friday through Sunday is when flights and hotels skyrocket. Instead, target Tuesday to Thursday or Wednesday to Friday.
Airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and even the major carriers often have round-trip fares from cities like Chicago to Vegas for around $118–$130 if you book midweek. Basic economy may not come with frills, but do you really need seat selection for a three-hour flight? Pack light and save your cash for when you hit the Strip.
Pro tip: use Google Flights’ “Price Graph” to track when fares dip, and jump on them fast. Ultra-low-cost carriers will try to get you with baggage fees, so stick to a personal item and keep it moving.
Step 2: Dodge the Resort Fee Trap
Here’s the sneaky Vegas secret: those flashy $39 hotel deals on the Strip? They often come with resort fees of $35–$55 per night. Suddenly, that $39 room is closer to $90+ once fees and taxes are added. Not so budget-friendly.
The solution? Stay at hotels that don’t charge resort fees. Yes, they exist!
Two of the best-known options:
- Four Queens (Downtown on Fremont Street): Classic Vegas vibes, solid rooms, and absolutely no resort fees. Midweek stays can run $70–$90 after tax.
- Best Western Plus Casino Royale (Center Strip): Nothing fancy, but the location is unbeatable, right on Las Vegas Boulevard, and—again—no resort fees.
These hotels save you $50+ a night right off the bat, which is the difference between staying under budget and blowing it.
Step 3: Get Around Like a Local (For Pennies)
Don’t get stuck paying $20 for every Uber ride up and down the Strip. Vegas has a cheap, tourist-friendly option: The Deuce bus.
For $8, you get a 24-hour pass that takes you from the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign all the way to Fremont Street. For a longer trip, the 3-day pass is just $20. The buses run 24/7, they’re air-conditioned, and you’ll meet plenty of other tourists riding along with you.
Pro tip: download the rideRTC app and buy your passes in advance—it’ll save you time standing at kiosks.
Step 4: Eat Smart Without Feeling Cheap
Vegas wants you to blow money on $30 cocktails and $70 buffets. But you don’t have to.
Here’s how to eat well without draining your wallet:
- Food courts & quick bites: Casinos like Excalibur, MGM Grand, and Luxor have cheap food courts where you can grab pizza, burgers, or tacos for under $10.
- Happy hours: Look for happy-hour deals on the Strip and Downtown. You’ll often find small plates for $5–$7 and drinks under $6.
- Player’s club sign-ups: Many casinos give new members discounts or free play that can cover a snack or drink.
- Off-Strip gems: Step a few blocks away from the Strip and you’ll find diners and taco joints where meals are half the price.
Budget about $50–$70 total for food over one or two days, and you’ll be fine.
Step 5: Plan Your Budget Breakdown
Here’s how the math works for a one-night blitz trip:
- Round-trip flight: $120
- Hotel (1 night, no resort fee): $80
- Deuce bus (24-hour pass): $8
- Food & drinks: $70
Total: $278
Want two nights? Split a room with a friend and here’s the breakdown per person:
- Round-trip flight: $120
- Hotel (2 nights, shared): $70–$85 per person
- Deuce bus (3-day pass): $20
- Food & drinks: $60
Total: $270–$285 per person
Boom. Vegas for less than $300.
Step 6: Maximize Your Time Without Spending More
With such a tight budget, you’ll want to squeeze every bit of fun out of your trip. Here’s how:
- Red-eye return flight: Fly out early and back late so you maximize your time without paying for extra hotel nights.
- Free attractions: Watch the Bellagio fountains, the Mirage volcano, or the Fremont Street light show—none of it costs a dime.
- Window-shop luxury: Wander through The Venetian, Caesars Palace, and Wynn to soak up the vibes without opening your wallet.
- Casino time: You don’t need to gamble hundreds—drop $20 at the slots, get free drinks while you play, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Vegas is about the experience, not how much you spend.
Step 7: Watch Out for Hidden Budget Killers
If you’re aiming to stay under $300, avoid these traps:
- ATM fees: They can run $8–$10 per withdrawal. Bring cash if you need it.
- Airport transfers: Don’t grab the $40 cab—use the Deuce bus or a $2 shuttle if available.
- Impulse cocktails: That $18 piña colada on the Strip? Hard pass.
- Add-on hotel charges: Early check-in, late checkout, or “upgrades” will drain your budget. Stick to the basics.
Why This Works
The truth is, most people go to Vegas and overspend because they’re not prepared. They fall into the resort fee trap, Uber everywhere, and buy overpriced meals when they’re starving. By flipping the script—flying midweek, staying at no-fee hotels, riding the bus, and eating smart—you can unlock the same Vegas experience without breaking the bank.
Vegas doesn’t care how much you spend. The lights will still flash, the fountains will still dance, and your Instagram photos will still look fire.
Final Word: The Under-$300 Vegas Challenge
Pulling off a Vegas trip under $300 isn’t about deprivation. It’s about playing the game better than the city expects you to. You’ll still walk the Strip, stay in the heart of the action, eat, drink, ride, and enjoy yourself—it just won’t come with a maxed-out credit card bill.
So next time someone says, “Vegas is too expensive,” hit them with the challenge: show them how you can book flights, hotels, food, and fun for under $300. That’s how you win in Vegas before you even step foot in a casino.
✈️💸 Now tell me—are you ready to take the under-$300 Vegas challenge?
