Every year since Electric Daisy Carnival has been in Las Vegas there’s been the discussion and debate about whether the shuttle’s are worth the purchase or you’re better off driving yourself to the festival. It’s up to you to make this decision and each has their pro’s and con’s. The shuttle passes won’t sell out until at least June if they even sell out so you’ll have time to decide, there’s no pressure to buy them right away.
A shuttle pass will cost you money and the stories about long lines waiting to get on the shuttles and long waits to get back are true. For those driving to the festival or renting a car it may be easier for you and your friends to just drive to the festival. You’ll just have to compare the costs of a shuttle pass for each member of your group to the cost of a car for the time you’re there.
The shuttle lines at places like Excalibur and Circus Circus will be longer than everywhere else because of the amount of people that stay at the hotels. The lines at Excalibur were extremely long with at least almost an hour line before you even got on to the shuttle. It’ll take you at least an hour once you’re on the shuttles until the time you arrive at the festival so make sure you plan accordingly.
As you near the front of the lines to the shuttles you may be asked to open any back packs or purses before getting onto the shuttle. They’re just looking to make sure that no one is bringing drinks onto the shuttles. They aren’t patting you down and digging into your sneakers for whatever you’re hiding. Finish your drinks before you get on the shuttle or don’t make it so obvious if you want something to sip on during the ride. Like everything else, respect the shuttles and the drivers for the service they are providing. Speaking of drinking, the shuttles will have bathrooms but don’t be that person getting up and visiting them every 10 minutes. You’ll have a long night ahead at the festival so take it easy and also don’t be that person that needs to throw up because you partied hard all day.
Since the shuttle ride can be at least an hour it’s a great time to catch a disco nap headed to the festival and get some rest!
The other option is to drive yourself to the festival and save the hassles of long lines waiting to get on the bus and then long lines in the morning to get back. You can take off for the festival when you want and also save time with what could be a quicker drive back to your hotel. The traffic for those driving in 2013 was much lighter compared to 2012. If you’ll have a car and a responsible driver it’s probably the better option.
Another thing to keep in mind is how long everyone in the group will be partying at the festival.
Shuttle: Everyone can leave for the festival when you want to.
Car: Everyone has to leave at the same time.
If a pool party is in your plans discuss with others when you want to leave. If someone is at a pool party until 6 pm and someone else wants to leave for the festival at 6 pm than a shuttle could be for you.
Shuttle: When you’re ready to leave you can leave, no worries about others.
Car: Everyone has to leave at the same time.
Shuttle: Party how you’d like and you have a designated driver to get you back to your hotel.
Car: Someone needs to behave themselves to be the responsible driver. For those driving make sure to drive and keep an eye out on others. There’s always small fender benders so keep a safe distance in traffic.
Shuttle: At least an hour if not longer to get back to your hotel from the time you walk out of the festival.
Car: Everyone gets in the car and you can be back within 30 minutes.
The shuttles can be frustrating but if you don’t want to rent a car and worry about managing a group they are a great option. Assuming everyone in your group is on the same page it could mean that a car is an easier option.
Another option is a taxi cab and while the cost may run you $100 or more for a one way trip it could still be affordable split amongst others.
Here’s where the shuttle pick up locations were last year and will likely be the same again. You can take any shuttle you want there or back, you are not restricted to just one place.
Bellagio – Tour and Travel Lobby
RIO – Carnival World Buffet Door
Mandalay Bay – Shark Reef/Convention Center Entrance
Monte Carlo – Taxi, Bus, and Group Pickup
Excalibur – Rotunda Airport/Shuttle Bus Pickup Drop-off
ARIA – Tour Lobby
MGM Grand – South conference center entrance
Cosmopolitan – Main Entrance near Registration
Hard Rock – Paradise Self-Parking Lot
Mirage – North Valet
Downtown Bus Terminal – Between N Casino Center Blvd. & 4th St. at Stewart Ave.
Circus Circus – West Side Lot Behind Adventure Dome
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