Your Ultimate Guide to Mandalay Bay Convention Center Parking

Parting from one side of a Las Vegas resort and reaching the other seems to be an early test of a visitor’s patience. The Mandalay Bay Convention Center is garnered with massive industry gatherings. Almost after crossing the resort’s gates, one of the more intriguing challenges is trying to find a parking spot. Parking is more complicated than just finding an available space. A parking plan is essential. A haphazard parking plan will result in the needless loss of time and money, the two most necessary assets to any attendee, especially an exhibitor. The following guide settles any remaining uncertainty, providing a systematic strategy for incoming and outgoing procedures.

Parking Options: Self-Park vs. Valet

The very first strategic move to be made upon landing the aircraft at Mandalay Bay resort complex is the choice between self-service and blanket valeting. This strategic choice goes beyond simple preference. Each parking type serves a unique purpose, and the strategic difference must be clear for a smooth start to one’s day. For the business person who is being serviced or paying, the two options offer completely different structures in all business dealings with the relations providers.

The logical, cost-effective option for the singular participant with a briefcase and a just as empty agenda is self-parking. This is the only option available, and the outlines are as follows. The participant maintains full control and autonomy over their vehicle. The only cost you endure is the walk. You are selflessly destining your time and energy for the 10-15 minute walk from the garage to the convention center.

In stark contrast, to the person who is classified as an exhibitor with a case of product samples and a short time for setup, or who wants to maintain a professional look, valet is not a luxury – it is an operational necessity. The additional cost is much more beneficial. The efficiency gained is unparalleled by the time it takes to look for a parking space, being that you now also have to consider the distance from the parking space to your end destination. You step out of your car, walk to the entry, and with no additional resources at your disposal, you are free to concentrate on the goals you have set for the day. This costs additional money, but is more beneficial for your time and energy, which are the two most invaluable resources on sho day.

In order to better relay the thought process behind this decision:  

Current 2025 Parking Rates & Fees

Knowing the hour parking fee is crucial for financial planning. The operator of the Mandalay Bay, MGM Resorts, has set fee structures for its properties in Las Vegas.  The rates in force in the year 2025 are presented in the tables below.  Pay attention to the difference between hotel guests, who gain access to the parking with the use of a room key, and the rest of the general public.  

Self-Parking Fees (Non-Hotel Guests)

• First Hour: Free
• 1 to 4 Hours: $15
• 4 to 24 Hours: $18
• Over 24 Hours: $18 for each additional 24-hour period or fraction thereof

Note: For Nv residents, the first 3 hours of self-parking are free with a valid Nevada driver’s license.

Self-Parking Fees (Registered Mandalay Bay Hotel Guests)

• The daily self-parking fee is included in the resort fee for registered guests, allowing for in-and-out privileges at all MGM Resorts self-parking facilities.

Valet Parking Fees

• Monday – Thursday:
  • 0 to 4 Hours: $18
  • 4 to 24 Hours: $25
  • Over 24 Hours: $25 for each additional day or fraction thereof
• Friday – Sunday (Weekend Rates):
  • 0 to 4 Hours: $20
  • 4 to 24 Hours: $30
  • Over 24 Hours: $30 for each additional day or fraction thereof

Note: Valet parking for registered hotel guests is a separate charge and is not included in the resort fee. Tip for the valet staff is customary and not included in these rates.

On-Site Navigation: The Exhibitor’s Path

Located just a few miles from harry reid international airport, the Mandalay Bay property is like a city of its own. A professional is able to use both sides of the property to its fullest. The route to the convention floor from a car should be direct, and not a meandering road.

Route 1: From the Main Self-Parking Garage to the Convention Center Entrance

The primary self parking garage is large and connected to the main resort. To reduce the walking distance, park at the closest access point.

1. Entry: As you enter the garage, there is access to self parking which is signposted.

2. Optimal Parking Area: Level 2 is the most recommended. The parking slots here are more easily accesible owing to the covered sky bridge to the Resort. This is the only Level where you can park closer to the central bank of elevators.

3. The Walk: You are to board the elevator to Level 1. This is where the elevator doors open to an enclosed pathway. From there the signs will guide you past major resort attractions like the spa and the famous wave pool on your way to the casino and convention center. Your route will somewhat lead you to the casino floor, then bypass the main entrance to the hotel, and finally the the pathway to the Shoppes at Mandalay Place.

4. Final Approach: Likewise, continue to follow the signs for the Convention Center. The entire length of this retail rest area must be covered for the journey.  You will need to stay inside for the rest of the journey and you’re expected to be comfortable. Upon reaching the end of the walk, the entrance for the Convention Center is expected to be at the end of the long pathway, as it is highly visible. Ensuring a steady pace, a bare minimum of 10-15 minutes should be enough time for this walk.

Route 2: Accessing the Convention Center Loading Dock

For you exhibitors and freight drivers this route is a lifeline. The loading docks and marshalling yard serve as the circulatory system of the convention center, and access to them is strictly controlled. Personal vehicles are not permitted here, as the space works on a spine and rib anatomy system.

1. Approach: Escorting freights begins at the marshalling yard located off W. Ali Baba Lane behind the resort complex. The freights should not try to enter through the main guest entrances on the las vegas strip (Las Vegas Boulevard).

2. Check-in: All freights should check into the marshalling yard first. You will be assigned a dock number and clearance to proceed. Have the event name, booth number, and company identification ready.

3. To The Docks: Once cleared, the yard staff will direct you to the specific event freight doors. The Mandalay Bay Convention Center has dozens of loading docks, so it is important to follow the staff’s direction carefully.

4. Unloading: The assigned offloading time should be strictly honored. The docks are busy and efficient so your vehicle must be moved immediately after offloading.

Insider Tips for Free & Cheaper Parking

Joining the MGM Rewards loyalty program is the best and direct way to eliminate parking payments at Mandalay Bay. For the smart person, gaining the necessary spending amount for elite status is still quite easy.

Achieving Free Parking with MGM Rewards

The free parking benefit is available for MGM Rewards members who have reached the Pearl, Platinum, Gold, or Noir MGM Rewards members levels.

• How it Works: Within a single calendar year, a member with Pearl status has accrued a minimum of 20,000 Tier Credits. Although it sounds a bit overwhelming, Tier Credits are earned on almost every dollar spent at MGM Resorts International locations. Spending at all MGM Resorts properties—from the Bellagio and Aria to Park MGM and the MGM Grand—on hotels, meals, and various other entertainment options, aids in this Tier Credit collection.

• A Fast Track to Pearl Status: For individuals scheduling a multi-day convention, visiting MGM hotels is enough to get you to Pearl status. Coupled with a few group dinners that are held at the resort’s restaurant, a three night hotel stay provides more than enough credits. Just before the trip, register for a MGM Rewards account. Then, use the card the entire time in the MGM property to maximize your credit collection.  

An even faster shortcut is the MGM Rewards Mastercard. For current MGM Rewards Mastercard cardholders, Pearl status is granted automatically, providing an immediate path to complimentary parking without needing to accumulate Tier Credits through spending.

The Tram Strategy: Park Cheaper, Ride Free

If you don’t have the time to spare on earning Pearl status, there is an effective way to save money that involves parking at an adjacent property and taking the complimentary Mandalay Bay Tram.

The tram connects three resorts: Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. Excalibur often has slightly lower parking rates, and the tram provides a direct, climate-controlled ride to your destination.

If you are looking for a strategy that works for saving some bucks for parking or If Mandalay Bay garage is completely reserved during a citywide event, this strategy can help you.

A Smoother Exhibitor Experience

Navigating the parking garage is the first logistical test of your day, but inside the convention hall, the real challenge begins: transforming an empty space into a powerful brand statement. The pressure is immense. Juggling separate designers, fabricators, and shipping companies creates friction and risk, draining energy that should be focused on your clients and products.

At Aplus Expo, we eliminate these complexities. We are a single, integrated team providing a comprehensive one-stop solution, from initial 3D design and manufacturing to final delivery and installation. Our philosophy is built on achieving Brand Resonance; we create strategic environments that focus attention squarely on your products, not just on flashy architecture.

For any event at Mandalay Bay, our core advantage is our large, local Las Vegas factory. This proximity provides unparalleled control, speed, and the ability to resolve any on-site issue instantly. Our dedicated teams are not distant vendors; they are your on-the-ground partners, working as an extension of your own.

Since 2008, we have been committed to one goal: delivering a Carefree Exhibition. At Aplus Expo, we handle the heavy lifting of trade show logistics. We believe your energy is best spent preparing your presentation and engaging with potential clients, not wrestling with crate deliveries or managing labor crews. While you focus on getting here stress-free, we ensure a stunning, professionally-built booth is waiting for you. Let us manage your exhibit design and construction, so your only job is to connect with your future clients. Explore our work at https://www.aplusexpo.com/.

Special Parking: EV, ADA & Oversized

Mandalay Bay accommodates a variety of vehicle needs beyond the standard sedan.

• EV Charging: For those that own electric vehicles, Level 1 of the self-parking garage normally has several charging stations. These stations are frequently found in the ChargePoint network. If you have the app on your phone, you can pay the standard rate for parking and will be charged a varying amount.  

• ADA Accessible Parking: Accessible parking with a valid disability placard or license plate is also available. These zones are strategically placed near the elevators for each level of self-parking garage as well as at the main valet entrance.

• Oversized Vehicle Parking: Trailers, buses, and RVs cannot be accommodated in the main garage. There is an oversized parking lot located on the property close to the marshalling yard. On the entry to the resort, you will need to follow the signs specifically for this lot. Parking fees are higher than for standard vehicles and are charged at a daily rate.

Quick Answers & Final Checklist

This part summarizes the entire text and answers the questions that are most likely to come up, providing a checklist to make sure that nothing has been missed.

FAQs

• May I leave my vehicle unattended in the self-park garage for multiple days? Yes. You will be charged for every increment of 24 hours upon exit.
• What is the process for making payment for parking my vehicle? You can use your parking ticket to make payment at payment kiosks which are found at the garage lifts or directly at the exit gate. Payment can be done with a credit card. Hotel guests can use their room keys for access; if you have issues, please see the front desk for assistance.
• Will there be a full capacity on the parking garage at the time of my event? During major special events, large scale conventions, or peak tourist months like June and December, the garage does fill. It is definitely best practice to build in time to arrive or to execute the tram strategy from the Luxor or Excalibur.
• Am I allowed to use a small cart in order to carry materials from my vehicle? Yes, personal carts or dollies are allowed for moving materials from the self-park garage to the convention center. Just remember, be prepared for a long push.
• Are there any gaps in time to which I cannot access my vehicle for during after hours? For these instances there are no restrictions, the self-parking garage is open 24 hours a day, letting you get to your vehicle at any time.
• What are my options besides driving? Ride-sharing services and the taxi pickup areas are clearly marked near the hotel’s main entrance and offer a convenient alternative to parking.

Checklist Before Your Arrival

[ ] Check Status on MGM Rewards: Log in to see if you are eligible for complimentary parking.

[ ] Take a Screenshot of Current Rates: Save a document with the parking rates on your cellphone.

[ ] Look Over the Walking Map: Learn the route from the garage to the convention center.

[ ] Set Aside for Parking: Include the anticipated daily parking fee in your total event budget.

[ ] Install MGM Resorts Mobile App: This will assist you in regrouping all your accounts as well as for navigation.

[ ] Include Additional Time: For your first day, allocate an additional 30 minutes for parking and navigation in your travel plan.