The Ultimate Guide to Area 15 in Las Vegas

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Opening its doors back in September 2020, Area 15 quickly garnered the attention of Las Vegas locals and visitors alike. What began as a 200,000 square foot bunker with select art installations and interactive features, it has since expanded into a 40 acre entertainment district.

While featuring popular premium attractions such as Universal Horror Unleashed, the John Wick Experience and Omega Mart, Area 15 itself offers its own attractions and dining/drink offerings. Having fun isn’t an issue…but figuring it all out can be.

Despite researching prior to my first visit, I found myself dazed, confused, and sometimes lost at Area 15. It’s a place with a lot to do and even more to see, so it’s easy to get distracted and even disappointed if you don’t know what’s going on. This guide aims to clear that up for you.

In my ultimate Area 15 guide, I’m going to discuss important visitation details such as where everything is, the different zones, ticket pricing and inclusions, what isn’t included in your ticket, dining options, parking, and more.

How Far is Area 15 From the Strip?

Given the sheer size of Area 15, there was no way they would be able to fit it all on the strip. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s there. Area 15 was built on a parcel of land on the other side of Interstate 15 from the Las Vegas Strip.

How far Area 15 is from the strip depends entirely on which section of the strip you’ll be coming from:

• From north strip: About 2.0 to 2.2 miles (Sahara, Strat, Resorts World, etc)

• From center strip: About 1.3 to 1.8 miles (Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Wynn, Cosmopolitan, Linq, etc)

• From south strip: About 2.9 to 3.6 miles (New York, New York, Luxor, MGM Grand, Mandalay, etc)

As you can see, staying at a center-strip hotel would put you closest to the action. If you’ll be making Area 15 and its many attractions a large focus of your trip, booking a hotel as close to center-strip as possible would be advantageous.

Getting There and Parking

If you’re driving yourself to Area 15, there’s a large open lot located right next to the building in zone one. In zone two (more on that later), there’s a multi-story garage. Nevada residents (with registered plate) receive complimentary parking in both.

For non-residents, it’s a super reasonable $6.99 for a full day of parking. That’ll be the least you’ll pay for parking in all of Vegas. Area 15 uses the Metropolis app to collect parking fees and you can download the app to your phone at this link.

Getting around the entertainment complex is easy via Area 15’s free tram that’ll take you between both zones throughout the day and evening. There are designated pick up and drop off areas in both zones (just follow the signs).

Ride share remains the preferred method, though. There is a designated ride share space just outside of the bunker in zone one. In zone two, riders can be picked up on the bottom level of the garage, which is the same space the tram uses.

Area 15 Experience Passes (Tickets)

At Area 15 tickets are referred to as “experience passes”. They’re multi-tired according to how much you want to do and are priced accordingly. It’s important to note that Area 15 itself doesn’t cost anything to enter. You could just go in and look around if you wanted.

If you want to take part in any of the attractions, though, you’ll either have to pay a la carte or purchase an experience pass. A la carte pricing depends on the attraction and day, but you can expect to pay between $5 and $35 each (not including premium attractions - more details later).

Some pricing examples are as follows (these can change at any time):

• Brainstorm: $5

• Particle Quest: $8

• Birdly: $13.50

• Haley’s Comet: $15 - $18

• Wink World: $12 - $15

• Dueling Axes: $35 (starting)

I advise researching the various attractions ahead of time before investing in an experience pass. If only two or three interests you, paying a la carte would be more affordable. If you decide to do several, though, an experience pass would be the way to go.

As stated above, there are five experience passes to choose from:

• Access Level 1: Starts at $31

• Access Level 2: Starts at $63

• Access Level 3A: Starts at $116 (includes Omega Mart and good for two days)

• Access Level 3B: Starts at $144 (includes Universal Horror Unleashed and good for two days)

• Access Level 4: Starts at $160 (includes Omega Mart and good for three days)

Pricing listed above are current as of the publishing of this post. Exact pricing is day and time of year dependent as well. I recommend checking Area 15’s website for current pricing and inclusions.

Each pass includes and excludes certain attractions. For example, the level one pass includes thirteen attractions such as Brainstorm, Museum Fiasco, Laser Maze, Liftoff, and more.

The level two pass includes eighteen attractions, including popular Haley’s Comet and Wink World. Additionally, you can choose one premium attraction, such as Interstellar Arc or John Wick Experience.

The two versions of level three passes include everything as level two, except one includes entry to Omega Mart and other Universal Horror Unleashed (there’s no single pass that includes both). Additionally, they’re good for two days, whereas the first two are good for one. Furthermore, you can choose two premium attractions.

Level four is virtually the same as level 3A, in that it includes all Area 15 attractions and Omega Mart. Though what sets it apart is it’s valid for three days and includes access to all premium attractions (Universal Horror Unleashed being the sole exception).

***You can purchase a level one or level two experience pass from my preferred ticket vendor, Viator, at this link or by clicking/tapping the ad below.

Doing so helps support Inked with Wanderlust and doesn’t cost you anything more.

Area 15 Zones

There are currently two zones at Area 15, each with its own attractions, shops, and dining options. Zone one is referred to as “The Bunkers” and zone two is referred to as “The Terminals”.

This is important to distinguish as depending on which attractions(s) you’re going to be visiting, you’ll need to know which zone it’s in to avoid having to needlessly spend time walking or taking the tram to the other side.

The Bunkers (Zone 1)

The Bunkers is the original zone of Area 15. The list of attractions you’ll find in this zone include:

• Area 15 complex

• Meow Wolf Omega Mart

• John Wick Experience

• Art Island

• Odyssey Manor (dining, drinks, and performance)

• Kaia (dining)

• The Beast (dining)

• Oddwood (drinks)

The Terminals (Zone 2)

Officially opening in August 2025, the Terminals (zone two) is a 20-acre expansion that features headline anchor attraction, Universal Horror Unleashed. Here, you’ll also find shops, dining options, art installations, and more.

A list of said attractions in The Terminals include:

• Universal Horror Unleashed

• Interstellar Arc

• Looper (dining)

• Gateway Plaza

• Great Big Game Show

• The Escape Game

• Museum of Ice Cream (coming soon)

• Runway Plaza

• ALTAIR Lounge (event space)

• Grounded Grills (dining)

• Dolls Kill (retail)

• Eye Dropper

• Saint Honore Doughnuts & Beignets (coming soon)

Special (Premium) Attractions

Premium attractions at Area 15 are those that are part of the entertainment district as whole but not necessarily operated by Area 15. In simple terms, think of Area 15 as a mall. While malls themselves will have their own features, they’re largely fueled by third-party businesses.

Premium attractions are only included in the higher-tiered experience passes (level three or higher). Alternatively, you can purchase tickets through each one directly.

These premium attractions include:

• Meow Wolf Omega Mart

• Universal Horror Unleashed

• Interstellar Arc

• John Wick Experience

• Odyssey Manor

• The Escape Game

• Great Big Game Show

• Eye Dropper

• Museum of Ice Cream (coming soon)

Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart opened roughly six months after Area 15 and has been a smash hit ever since. It’s easily the property’s most in demand attraction, often eclipsing that of Area 15 itself. Furthermore, it’s the only premium, third-party attraction located inside the Area 15 bunker.

Universal Horror Unleashed, located in the Terminals zone, is Area 15’s year-round haunt. Brought to the complex by Universal, Horror Unleashed features four themed haunted houses, character experiences, dining options, bars, and live entertainment.

I won’t get too deep in UHU here, as I’ve previously written an extensive review of my experience at Horror Unleashed (that you can read here). If you’re a horror fanatic, or even just mildly curious, I highly recommend it.

Coming soon to the Area 15 Entertainment District is the Museum of Ice Cream. With several locations throughout the world, their upcoming Vegas location will be their biggest one yet, advertised to eclipse their flagship New York venue in both size and scope.

Plans include 14 immersive, Las Vegas-inspired installations, a “sprinkles filled banana boat” canal ride, an ice cream wedding chapel, and an expansion of their popular sprinkles pool. The museum is expected to open sometime in 2026.

Area 15 Dining and Drink Options

Within the vast Area 15 Entertainment District, there are a plethora of dining and drink options to satisfy just about anyone. The list (and their locations) include:

• Kaia (Area 15 - ground level)

• The Beast (Area 15 - ground level)

• The Beast food truck (outside - Art Island)

• Asylum Bar & Arcade (Area 15 - second level)

• Conduit Cafe (Area 15 - ground level)

• Dream Weaver (Area 15 - ground level)

• Oddwood Bar (Area 15 - ground level)

• Datamosh (Omega Mart)

• Grounded Grills (The Terminals - Runway Plaza)

• Liftoff Bar & Ride (outside - Art Island)

• Looper (The Terminals - Gateway Plaza)

• Premiere House (Universal Horror Unleashed

• Rough Cuts (Universal Horror Unleashed)

• The Broiler (Universal Horror Unleashed

• Jack’s Alley Bar (Universal Horror Unleashed)

On my wife and I’s visit to Area 15 we enjoyed lunch at Kaia, an Asian-electric sushi and noodle restaurant. Its interior matches the creative, artistic spirit of Area 15. Warm lighting, bold artwork, and contemporary design elements give the eatery a distinct personality.

I tried their stand-out dish, Birria Ramen. It’s packed with rich, slow-cooked flavors with a comforting broth that felt both indulgent and unique. Their sushi line-up features traditional favorites as well as inventive, beautifully presented rolls.

Our finale was the bold, eye-catching Ube Cheesecake. It featured the distinctively sweet, nutty flavor of ube, giving the cheesecake a rich purple hue and a taste that’s slightly earthy, but pleasantly sweet. It’s smooth, creamy, and checks all the boxes.

For post-game drinks we headed across the room to Oddwood Bar. Anchored by its glowing centerpiece tree, the space is filled with vibrant colors, shifting lights, and an energy reflective of Area 15’s atmosphere.

It was a great place to sip on a crafted cocktail while taking in the scenery surrounding us. If you’re like me, you may end up spending more time admiring the environment than looking at the menu.

Even among Area 15’s many visual spectacles, Oddwood managed to stand out as an attraction in its own right. The multi-colored illuminated tree catches your eye, while managing to bring you in, if nothing else, out of pure curiosity.

How Many Days Should You Spend at Area 15…

For most visitors, I’d recommend budgeting and planning for half a day to a full day, depending entirely on how much you want to do. I suggest researching each Area 15 attraction and deciding on which ones (how many) you want to experience.

Omega Mart is the top draw for a reason, so I highly recommend starting your day there as it gets packed quickly. They either open at 10am or 11am, depending on the day. My suggestion would be to get there right at opening.

If you’re wanting to visit Universal Horror Unleashed as well, that doesn’t open until 4pm. If you plan accordingly and don’t get tied up on too many Area 15 attractions, it’s entirely possible to visit Omega Mart, a handful of Area 15 attractions, and Horror Unleashed in one day.

Conversely, if Horror Unleashed doesn’t interest you, you could easily knock out Omega Mart and a few other attractions in a half day. Each attraction (aside from Omega Mart) takes five to ten minutes each to do. Omega Mart will easily set you back a couple hours on its own.

Multiple days only comes into the equation when considering additional premium attractions like Interstellar Arc or the John Wick Experience, and/or you’re wanting to experience all of what Area 15 proper has to offer. If that’s you, two days would be essential.

Is Area 15 Worth It?

If you enjoy immersive attractions, interactive art, and outside-the-norm experiences, then Area 15 is absolutely worth a visit. It’s one of the most unique attractions in Las Vegas because it combines art, bars, restaurants, rides, virtual reality, and interactive exhibits into a single venue.

Since it acts as a pick-your-poison type of attraction, controlling costs is manageable. You can do as little or as much you want, or pay nothing to walk in and simply explore the space, possibly even enjoy a meal.

Like most things, it has its drawbacks. If left unchecked, it can get very expensive to visit, crowds can get dense (particularly on weekends and evenings), and let’s just say not all of the attractions were created equal.

The best attractions, in my opinion, are Omega Mart, Universal Horror Unleashed, Interstellar Arc, Wink World, Liftoff (at night is best), Haley’s Comet, Museum Fiasco, and Eye Dropper. When it opens, I’m sure Museum of Ice Cream will make this list as well.

If you go with a plan and a budget, Area 15 can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Much like a trip to Disney, it’s a place where children, parents, and couples alike can all have fun together.

See my review of my experience at Universal Horror Unleashed to decide if it’s for you. If you’re looking for an on-strip activity, read about my experience at Flyover Las Vegas, as well as my review of the Happy Half Hour ride on High Roller.