Vegas Balloon Rides

Reviewed by the Vegas Guide editorial team · Updated September 2026

A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the open Mojave Desert outside Las Vegas, meeting at an office just off the Strip before a drive to the launch site.

Check availability · from $359

Is Vegas Balloon Rides Worth It? Review & Booking

Vegas Balloon Rides is a long-running hot-air balloon operator that runs sunrise flights over the open Mojave Desert. Despite the name, the balloons do not float over the Strip or the city: passengers meet at the company's office just off the Strip and are then driven about an hour out to a remote desert launch site, where the flying happens away from the lights and casinos.

The outing starts in the dark, about two hours before sunrise, so the crew can inflate the balloon in the calm morning air. Once aloft, riders spend at least 45 minutes and often more than an hour drifting over the Mojave floor, with wide views of the surrounding mountains and desert ridgelines catching the first light. A champagne toast on landing, drinking water and round-trip transport from the office are included. Food is not, so bring your own snacks.

Be clear on what it is: a desert-scenery flight, not a tour of the Strip, so anyone expecting to see the casino skyline will be disappointed. The pre-dawn start, roughly one-hour drive each way and frequent weather cancellations test your patience, and the whole outing eats about six hours. Riders must be at least six, under 280 pounds and able to climb into the basket. For travelers who want a genuinely serene sunrise over the desert, and don't mind waking before 4 a.m., it delivers.

Insider tipDon't book this for your final morning: flights cancel often for wind, so leave a backup day. Groups of three or more get 15% off, and no food is served at any point, so throw a snack in the car.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you fly over the Las Vegas Strip?

No. The balloons launch from open desert about an hour's drive from the meeting point, so the views are of the Mojave floor and surrounding mountains rather than the casino skyline.

Why does the flight start so early?

Hot-air balloons need the calm, cool air just after dawn to fly safely, so check-in is roughly two hours before sunrise. Plan on a wake-up in the 3-4 a.m. range depending on the season.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Flights are weather-dependent and cancellations for wind or storms are common. The operator puts out a flight-status update the evening before and will reschedule you or issue a voucher, and vouchers bought directly never expire. Build a spare morning into your trip rather than booking this for your last day.

How long is the flight, and where does it land?

At least 45 minutes in the air and often more than an hour, depending on the morning's wind. Landing sites change day to day, which is why a chase vehicle follows the balloon and drives you back.

Are there age or weight limits?

Passengers must be at least 6 years old and under 280 pounds, and everyone needs to be able to step up and climb into the balloon basket. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Is there a discount for groups?

Groups of three or more get 15% off when booking. Vouchers bought straight from the operator never expire either, which softens the blow if the weather scrubs your morning.

Rating

4.1

PriceFrom $359

DurationAbout 6 hours

Getting thereHotel pickup from major Strip hotels (confirm at booking)

Meeting pointMeet at the Vegas Balloon Rides office at 4390 Polaris Avenue, just off the Strip, roughly two hours before sunrise. The exact time shifts with the season and is confirmed the evening before; the crew then drives the group about an hour out to the desert launch site.

TransportRound-trip transport between the Polaris Avenue office and the flying area is included, and there is no self-drive option to the launch site.

Time in the airAt least 45 minutes aloft, sometimes more than an hour. The full outing runs about 6 hours once the drive, inflation and pack-up are counted.

What's includedChampagne toast after landing plus complimentary water. No breakfast or snacks are provided, so pack your own.

Age & fitnessRiders must be at least 6 years old, in good physical condition, able to climb in and out of the basket, and under 280 pounds. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian along.

What to bringDress in layers with long pants and flat, solid-soled shoes or boots. Pre-dawn desert air is cold and the landing ground is uneven, so leave heels and sandals at the hotel.

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