Submit feedback
In May, Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major departure hub for travelers flying to Las Vegas and surrounding destinations. Expect increasing flight frequencies as airlines add capacity for Memorial Day and the start of summer. Use early-week and midweek travel windows to find cheaper fares and nonstop DEN to LAS options.
Arriving at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in May brings warm weather, lively events, and high demand around holiday weekends. This guide covers ground transport to the Las Vegas Strip, downtown, Henderson, and nearby attractions like Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, plus tips to avoid arrival delays.
May in Las Vegas is event-heavy and drives demand on the DEN→LAS route. Notable events often include Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in mid-May, numerous pool parties and nightclub events, and Memorial Day weekend festivities that attract extra flights and higher fares. Conventions and trade shows also increase mid-week demand. Plan travel around event dates if looking for cheaper fares and lower hotel rates.
The best time to fly DEN→LAS in May is during early May weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) for the best balance of price and availability. Avoid late-May around Memorial Day weekend and headline events like Electric Daisy Carnival if you want lower fares and fewer crowds. For comfortable travel, fly early morning to minimize weather-related delays and take advantage of lower airport crowds at Denver International Airport (DEN).
Direct nonstop flights between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) are the fastest option (about 1h 45m–2h) and are widely available in May. Connecting flights can be cheaper in rare cases but usually add 2–4+ hours of travel time and increase the risk of missed connections during event-driven traffic. For short-haul routes like DEN→LAS, nonstop is usually the best balance of convenience and cost unless significant savings are found.
Major carriers operating DEN→LAS in May include Southwest, Frontier, United, and American. Southwest often offers multiple daily nonstop options with two free checked bags, making it competitive for families. Frontier targets ultra-low fares but charges for add-ons (bags, seat selection). United and American offer flexible schedules, loyalty benefits, and sometimes premium amenities on select flights. Compare total trip cost (fare + baggage + seat fees) and loyalty benefits when selecting a carrier.
May travel between Denver and Las Vegas requires planning for both spring weather at DEN and hot, dry conditions at LAS. Dress in layers for changing temperatures through DEN airport and cooler plane cabins; pack sun protection for Las Vegas activities. Reserve airport parking or shuttles in Denver early for Memorial Day weekend, and pre-book rental cars and ride-shares at LAS during event weekends. Stay hydrated, watch for flash sales early in May, and opt for refundable fares if traveling on event dates.
Nonstop flight time between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is typically about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, covering approximately 740–750 miles. In May, airlines schedule multiple daily nonstop flights, with early morning and evening peaks to suit business and leisure travelers. Expect first departures as early as 6:00 AM and last departures near 9:00–10:00 PM local time, depending on the carrier. Seasonal increases before Memorial Day can add additional frequencies on weekends.
Search and book cheap Denver to Las Vegas flights for May by comparing low-cost and legacy carriers, using flexible-date search tools, and setting fare alerts. Midweek and early-morning flights tend to offer lower prices, while late-May holiday dates (Memorial Day weekend and events like Electric Daisy Carnival) command premiums. Consider one-way vs roundtrip combinations, and look for bundled savings (seat + bag) on low-cost carriers. Use incognito mode cautiously—focus on fare history tools and price-tracking to time purchases. For best savings, book 3–8 weeks in advance and check Southwest, Frontier, United, and American for competing deals.