If you’re planning a night out in Las Vegas, you’ve probably come across two main ways to get into the clubs: guest list or paid tickets. On paper, they both sound great — one can get you in for free, and the other guarantees your spot. But in true Vegas fashion, there’s a bit more to it than that.
Here’s a breakdown of what each option really means, based on first-hand experiences from regular Vegas-goers, promoters, and nightlife veterans.
| Your Priority | Best Option |
| Save money | Guest List |
| Guaranteed entry | Paid Tickets |
| Arrive late (after 11:30 PM) | Paid Tickets |
| Traveling with mostly women | Guest List |
| All-male group larger than 4 | Paid Tickets |
| Big headliner / Holiday weekend | Paid Tickets |
| Casual night out | Guest List |
The Guest List: Free Entry (With a Few Strings Attached)
Let’s start with what everyone loves — free entry. All clubs in Vegas offer a guest list for men, women or mixed groups (guys and girls with a decent ratio). The benefit is obvious: you skip the cover charge.
But here’s the reality: guest list entry is never guaranteed. On busy nights or for big headliners, it can mean waiting in a long line or being restricted to certain sections of the club. At some venues like XS, guest list entry may only grant access to the outdoor area, not the main indoor dance floor where the headliner performs.
Neil Guieb, Tao Group promotions director summed it up perfectly:
“Guest list doesn’t mean you’ll get in — if you do, go early.”
That’s the key. Guest list works best if:
- You arrive early (usually by 10:30–11:00 PM).
- You’re part of a mixed group or mostly women.
- You’re okay with possibly being placed outside or waiting a bit longer.
Guest list is ideal for those on a budget or who don’t mind the trade-off of time for money. You’ll save cash, but you’ll also spend more of your night waiting, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be right in front of the DJ. Learn more about how the Las Vegas Guest List
works.
Paid Tickets: Less Risk, More Control
Now let’s talk about paid tickets — the straightforward, stress-free way to get in. When you buy a ticket, you’re essentially reserving your spot for the night. As long as you arrive before capacity hits (usually before 1 AM), your entry is almost always guaranteed.
A LasVegasNightclubs.com user said:
“I always buy tickets. It’s not worth waiting hours in line just to get in for free — or not get in at all.”
Buying a ticket also gives you better access. You’re more likely to be inside the main room instead of stuck outside, and you’ll breeze through the line much faster than the guest-list crowd.
If you’re visiting for a special occasion — a birthday, bachelorette, or you’re in town for a major DJ like The Chainsmokers or Tiesto — buying a ticket is 100% worth it. The extra $50 or so is a small price to pay for skipping the stress and securing your night. See current club ticket prices.
Timing Is Everything
If you’re on the guest list, showing up early is non-negotiable. Doors usually open around 10:30 PM, and most guest-list entry ends around midnight. By 11 PM, those lines can stretch for blocks — and some people never make it inside.
Paid ticket holders, on the other hand, can roll up closer to midnight and still get in without hassle. Just don’t cut it too close — even tickets aren’t a magic pass if the venue hits capacity.
Dress Code
For dress code, think smart and stylish — collared shirts, nice shoes, dresses, heels. Even with a ticket, looking sloppy can get you turned away. Learn more with our dress code guide.
The Real Vegas Strategy
Here’s what most nightlife insiders will tell you:
- If you’re visiting on a normal weekend or just want to experience the scene, go guest list — show up early, look sharp, and enjoy free entry.
- If you’re going for a big headliner, major event, or special occasion, buy the ticket. It’s the difference between a guaranteed good night and a night spent in line hoping to get lucky. Unless your a group of all women.
- For all-male groups over 4 men, skip the guest list entirely and just buy tickets — it’ll save time, money, and frustration.
And if you want no issues? Sign up for the guest list and arrive early in dress code.
The Bottom Line
In Las Vegas nightlife, time is money — and how you spend both determines your experience.
Guest List is perfect if you’re flexible, budget-minded, and early.
Paid Tickets are best if you want certainty, comfort, and access to the main action.
No matter which you choose, planning ahead is the key to a smooth Vegas night out. So if you have questions, or guest list isn’t your thing and you prefer bottle service, contact a VIP host using our verified VIP host directory.