There’s much more to Nevada than Las Vegas. While the bustling desert city is jam-packed with entertainment, beyond the city limits there’s a whole world of natural and cultural wonders to explore. Hiring a rental car allows you to experience this incredible state on a road trip from Las Vegas or elsewhere in the state.
When you explore the state by car you can create your itinerary, visit off-the-beaten-path destinations, and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
This guide will provide comprehensive information on car rentals, managing tolls, and adhering to traffic laws, to ensure your Nevada road trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
Decision-Making: To Rent or Not to Rent?
If you’re looking to explore Nevada beyond the big urban centres such as Las Vegas and Reno, then renting a car is a practical and convenient choice. While in the cities you’ll find decent public transportation, much of the state is out of reach without a private vehicle. Many of Nevada’s most awe-inspiring destinations, such as the Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, and the many remote ghost towns, are best accessed by car.
When you rent a car you can be flexible in your plans, tailoring your itinerary to your interests, while covering the miles more efficiently.
Where To Rent Your Car
Nevada is ideal terrain for an American road trip to remember. Home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the whole of North America, as well as the global pleasure capital of Las Vegas, it’s a stunning state to explore by car.
If you’re travelling to Nevada, it makes sense to book your car in advance. The best car rental at Las Vegas Airport will be competitively priced as well as convenient, allowing you to begin your exploration of the state shortly after landing. Whether you’re looking for a sturdy Jeep for a big desert adventure or a classic Chevrolet for cruising the strip Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find affordable car hire from Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport.
Insurance & Roadside Assistance
Before beginning your exploration of Nevada’s breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history and vibrant cities, it’s important to ensure that you’re adequately covered when it comes to insurance. Breakdowns without insurance can be costly as well as inconvenient.
The principal types of car insurance include:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental car in case of an accident.
- Theft Protection (TP): Covers the cost if the rental car is stolen.
- Third-Party Liability: Covers damage to other vehicles or property in an accident.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
Most rental companies will offer a range of insurance packages. While these are convenient, it can sometimes be cheaper and more comprehensive to arrange cover in advance.
For added peace of mind, it can be sensible to include roadside assistance in your rental package. This will typically include breakdowns, towing, and other emergencies. If required, it can sometimes include a replacement vehicle.
Including road assistance in your rental package gives you crucial peace of mind. This will typically include breakdowns, towing, and other emergencies. It may also include a replacement vehicle. Many rental companies in the state will provide a support line that can be used if a breakdown or other incident occurs. If necessary, they may be able to arrange roadside assistance. Ensure you understand how to use any service offered by your rental company and always keep the contact information close at hand.
Fuel Consumption & Cost Efficiency
There’s a lot of potential miles to cover when you’re exploring Nevada, some of it through challenging conditions. The fuel efficiency of your rental vehicle will make all the difference to the overall cost of your trip.
As of the spring of 2024, Nevada fuel prices are broadly in line with the national average at approximately $4.00 per gallon for petrol and $3.80 per gallon for diesel. A newer vehicle is likely to be more fuel-efficient than an older one, but the rental costs may be higher.
Here’s a brief comparison of how different types of vehicles perform:
- Electric Vehicles (EV): EVs are the most environmentally friendly option and have lower running costs. However, it’s important to remember that charging infrastructure may be less available in more remote areas. Details of where to find charging points across Nevada can be found online
- Hybrids: These provide a balance between fuel efficiency and range, making them a good option whether you’re planning on exploring Nevada’s stunning landscapes, or want to stay in the city.
- Petrol: Petrol vehicles are usually the cheapest to rent but tend to be less fuel-efficient. However, with petrol stations being so ubiquitous across the state you’re unlikely to struggle to find fuel.
As a general rule, the smaller the vehicle the more fuel-efficient it will be. So if fuel costs are a concern, it’s important that you opt for a vehicle that is comfortable but not oversized. Choose something just right for your needs, and you’ll save money, particularly if you intend to chalk up the miles exploring the state.
Tolls & Traffic Fines
Unlike many states across the country, Nevada has no conventional toll roads. If however you’re looking to enjoy a scenic drive through some of the state’s national parks then you may encounter a toll road.
The Valley of Fire Road provides access through the Valley of Fire State Park, connecting I-15 with Route 169. Admission is charged for entrance to the national park that allows you to use the road through the state park. The current charge for cars is $15.
Speeding Tickets
Like the rest of the country, Nevada enforces strict traffic regulations, and fines for speeding can be substantial. Speed limits are generally 75 mph on rural interstates, 65 mph on urban interstates, and 25 to 45 mph in urban areas.
If you’re caught speeding, fines begin at $50 for minor offences, but can increase significantly for higher speeds. Expect a substantial fine if you speed in a school zone. The responsibility for paying fines lies with the driver and rental companies will charge an additional administrative fee for processing the fine.
Planning Your Route
Nevada is a stunning state to explore with landscapes that are truly out of this world. It’s great to explore, and even if you don’t want to be tied down to a specific itinerary, it can be helpful to have some plans for your journey.
Nevada’s diverse geography offers numerous scenic drives, such as the Extraterrestrial Highway, the Loneliest Road in America, and the Lake Tahoe Loop. Some of these terrains can be challenging, and if you’re in an EV, ensure you know where the charging stations are located using Apps like PlugShare . For petrol and hybrid vehicles, frequent gas stations are generally not an issue, but it’s wise to fill up before venturing into remote regions.
Nevada’s diverse geography offers numerous scenic drives, such as the Extraterrestrial Highway, the Loneliest Road in America, and the Lake Tahoe Loop.
Driving Tips & Regulations
For a truly memorable Nevadan experience for all the right reasons, it’s important to remember local driving etiquette as well as regulations. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Parking Rules: In cities, look for designated parking areas and obey parking signs to avoid fines.
- Seat Belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
- Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% for regular drivers and 0.04% for commercial drivers.
- Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially when driving through rural areas and national parks. Take extra care at night.
- Seasonal Driving: If you’re travelling to mountainous regions like Lake Tahoe in winter, be prepared for snow and icy conditions. Carry chains and check weather forecasts.
- Desert Driving: Much of Nevada is made up of desert, and your vehicle needs to be in good condition. Always carry plenty of water, and be prepared for extreme temperatures when driving through desert areas.
By having a basic grasp of local driving regulations, driving with consideration for other road users, and keeping informed, you can ensure to stay safe and enjoy your Nevadan driving experience.
Buckle Up for A Big Desert Adventure
Nevada is a truly awesome state to explore. From the bright lights of Las Vegas, to the otherworldly landscape of the desert, there’s so much to discover.
Navigating Nevada behind the wheel of your very own rental car is the best way to experience everything that the state has to offer.
With Cheaper Than Cars you can easily compare the prices of dozens of car rental companies across Nevada and beyond. Whatever the size of your party, your budget, and your travel plans, we’ve got your transport needs covered.
