If you’re attending a trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), you’ve probably noticed the signs for the Vegas Loop — Elon Musk’s underground tunnel system that transports visitors between the different halls of the convention center. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and should you use it? Here’s everything trade show attendees need to know.
What Is the Vegas Loop?
The Vegas Loop is an underground electric vehicle transportation network built by The Boring Company, Elon Musk’s tunneling company. At the Las Vegas Convention Center, it operates as the LVCC Loop — a system of tunnels beneath the convention complex that moves passengers in Tesla vehicles between the West Hall, Central Hall, and South Hall.
The LVCC Loop was the first operational Boring Company tunnel system in the world, opening in 2021 just in time for the return of in-person events after the pandemic. It was commissioned by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) to solve a real problem: the LVCC complex is enormous, and walking between halls can take 15–20 minutes through long corridors.
How Does It Work?
The system is simpler than you might expect:
- You walk to one of the Loop stations inside the convention center (there are three main stations — one per hall).
- A Tesla Model 3 or Model Y pulls up, driven by a human driver.
- Up to 3 passengers board (though during busy periods, vehicles sometimes take solo passengers).
- The car drives through the tunnel at speeds up to 155 mph (though practical speeds are typically 35–40 mph in the tunnel).
- You arrive at the other station in under 2 minutes.
There’s no app to download, no ticket to buy, and no reservation required. You simply walk up and get in the next available car. During major events like CES, there can be short queues — but even then, wait times are typically under 5 minutes.
Is the Vegas Loop Free?
Yes — completely free for convention center attendees. The LVCC Loop is operated as a free service included with your trade show attendance. There’s no charge to use it during convention hours. This is one of the most underutilized perks of attending any LVCC event — many visitors simply don’t know it exists or don’t realize it’s free.
Where Are the Stations?
The three main stations are located inside each major hall:
- West Hall Station — Located near the main entrance of the West Hall, the newest and largest addition to the LVCC complex. This is the primary station and often the busiest.
- Central Hall Station — Located in the lower level of the Central Hall, near the center of the building. This is typically the midpoint stop.
- South Hall Station (Convention Center Drive) — Located near the main entrance on Convention Center Drive, this station also connects to the broader Vegas Loop network.
Signage inside the LVCC is clear — look for the blue Loop station signs. Staff at the convention center can also direct you.
How Long Does the Ride Take?
The tunnel journey itself takes approximately 1 to 2 minutes between any two stations. Including time to walk to the station and board the vehicle, the total transit time is typically 3–5 minutes — compared to 15–20 minutes on foot through the surface corridors. During peak periods at major trade shows, add 3–5 minutes of queue time.
For reference, the tunnel between the West Hall and the South Hall station is approximately 0.8 miles long.
The Vegas Loop vs. Walking: Which Is Faster?
The math is straightforward:
| Route | On foot | Via Loop |
|---|---|---|
| West Hall → Central Hall | 10–12 min | 3–5 min |
| Central Hall → South Hall | 8–10 min | 3–4 min |
| West Hall → South Hall | 18–22 min | 4–6 min |
Over a 3-day trade show, this time saving adds up significantly — especially if you’re moving between halls multiple times a day for meetings, demos, or sessions.
Tips for Using the Vegas Loop at Trade Shows
- Use it in the morning — Queues are shortest right when the show opens and during the first 30 minutes of the day.
- Avoid the lunch rush — Between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM, queues can be longer as large numbers of attendees move simultaneously.
- It doesn’t go to parking — The Loop only connects the three convention halls, not the parking structures or hotels. Don’t count on it for off-site transport.
- It’s wheelchair accessible — Tesla vehicles accommodate folding wheelchairs. Notify the station attendant for assistance.
- No large rolling luggage — If you’re arriving at the LVCC with large luggage, use the surface entrances instead.
- The tunnel is air-conditioned — This is a genuine relief during summer trade shows when exterior temperatures exceed 100°F.
The Broader Vegas Loop: Beyond the Convention Center
The LVCC Loop is part of a larger planned Vegas Loop network that eventually aims to connect major Strip hotels, the airport, and other Las Vegas destinations. As of 2026, the broader network has expanded to include stations at Resorts World, the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, and several other destinations near the northern Strip.
However, the Strip-wide network remains separate from the LVCC Loop — you can’t currently take the Loop directly from your hotel to the convention center, though this is part of the long-term expansion plan.
Is It Worth Using?
Absolutely yes. The Vegas Loop is one of the genuine innovations at the LVCC and makes a real difference to your trade show experience. If your show uses multiple halls — which is common for major events like CES, NAB, or SEMA — using the Loop every time you change halls will save you 30+ minutes per day, reduce fatigue significantly, and keep you fresher for the meetings that matter.
The ride itself is also a conversation starter — arriving at a meeting fresh from a 2-minute underground Tesla ride never fails to generate a comment from first-time visitors.
Plan the Rest of Your Las Vegas Trip
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🚗 Car rental: Discover Cars
Plan the Rest of Your Las Vegas Trade Show Trip
🏨 Book your Las Vegas accommodation: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
🎭 Shows & Entertainment: Book Las Vegas shows and attractions via Caesars — from world-class concerts to comedy and magic, perfect for evenings during your trade show trip.
Once you have the Vegas Loop sorted, here are the other key things to plan for a successful Las Vegas trade show trip:

- Best hotels near the Las Vegas Convention Center — our most complete accommodation guide, ranked by proximity and value
- Las Vegas trade show budget guide — full cost breakdown including hotel, food, transport and registration
- Getting from Las Vegas airport to the convention center — all transport options with costs and timing
- Las Vegas trade show packing list — what to bring and what to leave behind
- 15 essential tips for surviving a Las Vegas trade show — practical advice for making the most of your time on the floor
- Las Vegas trade show calendar 2026–2027 — full list of upcoming shows with dates and venues
🗺️ Discover experiences and tours on Viator. 🎟️ Browse activities on GetYourGuide.
🚗 Carla — car rental comparison for Las Vegas trade show attendees. 🎰 Station Casinos — local Las Vegas hotel options at lower rates than Strip properties.
📍 Related: Looking for the complete picture? Check our complete LVCC hotel guide with all 25+ hotels ranked by walking distance to the LVCC, real trade show prices, and insider booking tips.
About this guide
Independent guide for trade show professionals attending events in Las Vegas. We cover hotels near the LVCC and Venetian Expo, transport options, dining, and exhibitor tips for CES, NAB Show, CONEXPO, SHOT Show and 20+ other major Las Vegas trade shows.
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