We all love the Fortress, but nobody loves the $30+ parking fees at New York-New York or the gridlock on Frank Sinatra Drive. If you are looking for the smartest way to get to T-Mobile Arena this season, you need to ditch the car and hop on the RTC Game Day Express.
Whether you are a local coming from Green Valley or a tourist staying off-Strip, this guide covers everything you need to know about the "Hockey Bus."
What is the Game Day Express?
The Game Day Express is a dedicated bus service run by the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada) specifically for sports fans. Unlike the regular Deuce or residential routes, these buses run express from suburban casinos directly to T-Mobile Arena.
Why fans love it:
- It’s Cheap: A round-trip ticket is only $4. Compare that to an Uber surge or event parking.
- The Atmosphere: It’s often standing-room-only with fellow fans, creating a "fun atmosphere" before you even get to the arena.
- Convenience: You get dropped off right near the arena (Excalibur lot) and picked up at the same spot.
2025-26 Pickup Locations & Route Numbers
You can’t just hop on at any bus stop. The Game Day Express departs from six specific casino resorts across the valley. Parking at these casinos is free.
| Route | Neighborhood | Casino / Location | Pickup Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 605 | Summerlin | Red Rock Casino | Charleston Blvd (near Pavilion Center Dr) |
| 606 | Green Valley | GVR (Green Valley Ranch) | Paseo Verde (near Village Walk) |
| 607 | Centennial Hills | Santa Fe Station | Rancho Dr (near Lone Mountain) |
| 609 | East Side | Sam’s Town | Boulder Hwy (near Nellis) |
| 610 | North Las Vegas | Aliante Casino | Aliante Pkwy (outside Movie Theater) |
| 612 | West Henderson | M Resort | St. Rose Pkwy (near Bowes Ave) |
Pro Tip: If you are parking at Green Valley Ranch, make sure to park in the casino garage, not The District shopping area, to avoid towing.
Schedule: Don’t Miss the Puck Drop
The buses don't run on a standard hourly schedule; they are synchronized with the game time.
- Departure to Arena: Service begins 2 hours before puck drop. The last bus leaves 1 hour before puck drop.
- Return Home (The "Load-and-Go" Rule): This is where new fans get caught out. The RTC officially states service runs for "up to 30 minutes" after the game. However, buses operate on a load-and-go basis.
- The Reality: Boarding begins immediately. The first wave of buses often departs as early as 20 minutes after the final horn once they are full.
- The Risk: If you stay to watch the Three Stars or use the bathroom and miss that first wave, you might find the operation has already shut down. Do not linger.
Warning: If you miss the 30-minute hard cutoff, you will be stuck taking an Uber or the Deuce back to your car.
How to Pay & Board
You have two main options to pay the $4 fare:
- The App (Recommended): Download the rideRTC app. You can buy a pass up to 7 days in advance.
- Cash: You can pay $2 each way with exact change on the bus.
- Tap & Go: You can now tap your credit card or mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay) on the validator when boarding. Tap twice to pay the full round-trip fare instantly.
Fan FAQ: What You Actually Want to Know
Based on the most common questions from the social media.
1. Can I drink alcohol on the bus?
The Official Rule: Alcohol is strictly prohibited on RTC buses and at transfer centers.
The Reality Check: While you will see fans claiming online that the "vibe" is loose and "drinking is permitted if not encouraged", do not rely on this. Drivers have the discretion to deny boarding to anyone with an open container.
- The Smart Move: If you are bringing a beverage, RTC policy explicitly requires it to be in a sealed, spill-proof container. Don't risk being left at the curb because you tried to bring an open solo cup on board.
2. Is there a bathroom on the bus?
No. Go at the casino before you board. The ride takes about 20–45 minutes depending on traffic.
3. What if the bus is full? Will I get stranded?
It is very rare to be stranded on the way to the game. The RTC dispatches multiple buses for each route. If one fills up, another pulls up behind it. However, it is often standing room only, so be prepared to stand if you aren't at the front of the line.
4. Where exactly does it drop me off?
For Golden Knights games, the drop-off is at the Excalibur oversized lot on Frank Sinatra Drive. It is a short walk (about 6-10 minutes) north to T-Mobile Arena. You will board the return bus at the exact same location.
5. Can I bring a bag?
Be careful here. While the bus might allow bags, T-Mobile Arena has a strict "No Bag" policy (clutches smaller than 4.5” x 6.5” only). There are no lockers at the bus drop-off, so leave the backpacks and purses in your car.
6. I’m a tourist on the Strip. Can I use this?
Technically yes, but it’s designed for locals coming from the suburbs. If you are staying on the Strip, it is usually easier to walk, take a tram to Park MGM, or use the Deuce bus which runs 24/7 along Las Vegas Blvd.
7. Does the bus run for preseason games?
Yes! The service runs for all preseason and regular-season home games.
Ready for the game?
Download the rideRTC app, grab your $4, and we’ll see you at the Fortress! Go Knights Go!