How to get to Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam sits on the Colorado River in the Black Canyon, on the border of Nevada and Arizona. From Las Vegas it is a drive of 30 to 35 miles (48 to 56 km) to the south-east, depending on where you start. Allow about 45 minutes from the airport, plus time at the security checkpoint and for parking.
Coming from Nevada, take I-11 South, which carries US-93 South, to Exit 2. Follow NV-172, the Hoover Dam Access Road, to the parking areas. Coming from Arizona, you cross the Memorial Bridge and take the same turn-off on the Nevada side. If you would rather not drive, Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas include the transfer, and the Las Vegas guide compares the options.
Parking at Hoover Dam: Nevada and Arizona
Prices as of 2026. There is no free parking guarantee, so arrive early on busy days.
| Where | Fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada parking garage | $10 per vehicle | The usual choice for the Visitor Center |
| Arizona Lot 9 | $10 per vehicle | Charged like the Nevada garage |
| Arizona Lots 13 and 14 | Free | Only these two Arizona lots are free |
| Large vehicles and RVs | – | Use the Arizona lots set aside for them |
| Memorial Bridge parking | – | Separate from the garage, on the Nevada side |
For most visitors, the Nevada garage is the simplest choice. Pick Lot 13 or 14 on the Arizona side only if you want to save the $10 and do not mind a longer walk.
Our pick: no car needed
If you would rather not drive, this coach day picks you up at your hotel and passes the dam on the way to Grand Canyon West.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hoover Dam tours with transfer from Las Vegas
Small-group tours with hotel pickup, helicopter flights and Grand Canyon combinations, with live prices and availability.
The security checkpoint
Every vehicle is inspected before it reaches the dam. Officers check your car and its contents, and visitors may walk through a metal detector or be patted down. You can decline an inspection, but then you will not be allowed in.
- Not allowed: weapons, explosives, fireworks, marijuana and drones. Knives are not allowed inside the buildings.
- Vehicles: box trailers and semi-trucks are turned away.
- Food and drink: water is fine. Keep other food and drinks sealed, and do not eat or drink inside the buildings.
- Bags: pack light, because every bag is checked.
- Pets: pets may not go onto the crown or into the buildings. Trained service animals are allowed.
- On the crown: do not stop your car or change passengers there.
Driving on to Arizona
The road across the dam crown is not a through route. To continue to Arizona, go back to US-93 / I-11 in Nevada and cross the Memorial Bridge. The bridge also has a walkway with views of the dam. Read the bridge guide before you plan the stop.
The two states also keep different clocks for part of the year. Nevada follows Pacific time with daylight saving. Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) all year. US daylight saving time runs from 8 March to 1 November 2026. While it applies, the clocks show the same time. In winter, Arizona is one hour ahead. Check the opening hours for the tour times.
Buses, shuttles and taxis
Public bus
The Las Vegas bus network reaches Boulder City on route 221, but the line does not continue to the Visitor Center. A bus stop in Boulder City is not a stop at the dam, so you would still need a taxi or a ride for the rest of the way.
Shuttles
A shuttle runs from Las Vegas to the Boulder City Historic District. There is no fixed-schedule public shuttle that takes you to the dam itself, so check what a shuttle covers before you book.
Hoover Dam from Las Vegas →Organised tours
Small-group tours collect guests at Las Vegas hotels. Pickup areas depend on the hotel, so confirm yours when you book. A tour fare is not the same as the entry to the Powerplant Tour, so see the Hoover Dam tickets page for what the dam itself charges.
Taxi or ride-hailing
You can get there this way, but a ride back from the dam is not guaranteed. Agree on the way back before you set off.
Where to go next
Hoover Dam opening hours
Dam, Visitor Center and tour times, and the two days a year the tours are closed.
Things to do near Hoover Dam
Boulder City, Lake Mead and the Historic Railroad Trail.
Where to stay
Boulder City or Las Vegas as your base.
Planning the Grand Canyon as well? Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are covered by our sister guide.
Getting to Hoover Dam: frequently asked questions
How far is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
About 30 to 35 miles (48 to 56 km), depending on where you start. From the airport the drive takes roughly 45 minutes, not counting the security checkpoint.
How much does parking at Hoover Dam cost?
As of 2026, the Nevada garage costs $10 per vehicle, and so does Arizona Lot 9. Arizona Lots 13 and 14 are free.
Is there a public bus to Hoover Dam?
No. Route 221 serves Boulder City but does not run to the Visitor Center. Take a tour with transfer, drive, or arrange a ride.
Can I drive across the dam to Arizona?
The dam road is not a through route. Return to US-93 / I-11 and use the Memorial Bridge to cross into Arizona.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not allowed on the crown or in the buildings. Trained service animals are allowed.
Is this the official Hoover Dam website?
No. This is an independent guide and is not connected to the Bureau of Reclamation, the National Park Service or any tour operator.