Distance from the Rio to the Las Vegas Strip – Can You Walk It?

By Steve Beauregard

Although it’s located on the other side of Interstate 15, away from the bustling action of the Strip, the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino is within reasonable walking distance of Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip). Previously there was a free shuttle from the Rio to the Strip, however that has been discontinued.

The closest Strip point to the Rio is at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and E. Flamingo Road – basically the southeast corner of Caesars Palace. It’s a pretty busy intersection, with the Bellagio anchoring one corner on your right, Bally’s on another, along with The Cromwell and the aforementioned Caesars Palace.

It’s just under a mile walk to this location. To be more exact, it is 9/10 of a mile, (or 1.4 kilometers), from the front door of the Rio to the Las Vegas Strip. The walk is doable, pedestrian-friendly (in spots), and would take you in the 17 to 20 minute range to walk.

Here I have to issue the standard disclosure that everyone’s physical conditions vary, and if you have any health issues at all, you should avoid this nearly one mile walk during the summer months. With Sin City temperatures often lingering above the 100 degree mark well into the evening, this .9 miles on the concrete could feel like a death march.

(Related: Rio Las Vegas address, phone number and parking information)

Directions When Walking from the Rio to the Strip

To get there, you’ll be heading out the south (front) doors of the Rio, past the entrance, and onto the sidewalk on the north part of the W. Flamingo Road, which is the street directly in front of the Rio. Do not cross the street over to the south side of Flamingo, as there is not a sidewalk on portions of this side. So even if you want to hit up places like the Bellagio that are on the south side of Flamingo, keep on the north side for now.

(Here’s a general map of the walking route)

This sidewalk you’ll be taking is not real wide, and heavy traffic dominates Flamingo at almost all hours, thus, it’s not the most pedestrian-friendly stroll you’ll ever take, but hey, at least you’re in Las Vegas, so it’s hard to complain.

Before you get to Interstate 15 however, the sidewalk meanders left, bordering an exit lane, leading you to a more friendly fenced and protected sidewalks. This will lead you to a pedestrian bridge over the exit ramp, then back on to the Flamingo sidewalk.

After crossing over I-15, you’ll encounter a couple of walk lights, so be sure to wait for the crossing signal, as Las Vegas drivers are notoriously bad. And those are just the locals. The distracted tourists (like me), are even worse.

Once you’ve crossed over Interstate 15, you’ll strong alongside the tall towers of Caesars Palace. From I-15, it’s about 800 feet to the entrance to the private Laurel Collection suites and 7 Star valet parking at “Augustus Road” on your left.

Caesars Palace is massive however, and this entrance is for guests staying at the high-priced Laurel Collection suites. However the Strip is just another 400 feet straight ahead to Las Vegas Boulevard.

A little before that, you will see a pedestrian bridge that can guide you over on to the Bellagio, or, on your left, you’ll see the gleaming white Caesars Palace plaza, where you can treat yourself to a frozen cocktail at their outdoor bar, Spanish Steps.

Taxi/Uber From the Rio to the Strip

This is a cheap option for those of you not wanting to walk.

Besides saving time, taking a taxi/Uber/Lyft is actually a little less in distance than walking to the Strip. That’s because taxis and ride shares cannot stop on the Strip, and will drop you off a nearby casino.

In this case, you’ll want to tell the driver to drop you off at the Bellagio’s north entrance, at the street called “Via Del Nord.”

From the Rio, this drop-off point is about .7 miles away, and would take you five minutes (or less) to get there. The taxi driver won’t be happy, as this fare would cost you just in the $8 to $10 range (including tip).

(Photos courtesy of Cliff and Highlander 411 via Flickr).