[CES 2026] 'Musk's Imagination Almost Became Reality': A Ride on the High-Speed 'Vegas Loop'

[비즈한국] Navigating the vast exhibition halls of CES is an exhausting ordeal that attendees face every year, but the Vegas Loop, operated by Elon Musk's The Boring Company, has been providing a solution underground since 2021. Now in its fifth year, the system saw countless CES attendees flocking to this subterranean transit network to escape the gridlock above ground. I, too, hopped on the Vegas Loop to experience it firsthand.

Operated by Elon Musk's The Boring Company, the Vegas Loop uses underground tunnels to assist attendee movement during CES. Photo = Reporter Kang Eun-kyung

“Gridlock Above, Speed Below”: Crossing the Exhibition Hall in 90 Seconds

I used the Loop station to travel from the LVCC Central Hall to the West Hall, as the expansive exhibition area makes moving between them inefficient. The Central Station for the West Hall requires taking an escalator down underground first, whereas the West Station is conveniently located at ground level to improve accessibility.

To travel from the LVCC Central to the West hall via the Vegas Loop, one must head underground. Photo = Reporter Kang Eun-kyung

The boarding process is systematic. The lines connecting the major hubs within the LVCC (South, Central, West, and Riviera stations) operate for free, with passengers boarding waiting Tesla vehicles under the guidance of station staff. While the 'Cybertruck,' recently introduced to some routes, caught my eye, the vehicle I boarded was a Model Y.

Immediately after boarding, the driver enters the loop. It took about 1 minute and 30 seconds from the Central to the West station.

“Please fasten your seatbelts,” the driver announced, and the vehicle departed immediately. The driver manually operates the steering wheel and turn signals; as soon as we entered the tunnel lit by vibrant LED lights, the car accelerated to about 35 mph (approx. 56 km/h). Given the nature of repeating short-distance trips, the operation felt very stable, and the staff at the stations were well-trained in managing boarding and alighting.

It took only 1 minute and 30 seconds from departing the Central station to arriving and stepping off at the West station. I had covered in an instant a distance that would have taken about 10 minutes to walk on the surface.

Tesla Model Ys are most common, but Cybertrucks are also in operation on some routes. Photo = Reporter Kang Eun-kyung

Started with Global Attention at CES 4 Years Ago

The Vegas Loop took its first step in 2021 with the official opening of its first phase connecting the LVCC Central, South, and West Halls. Notably, during the January 2022 CES, the world's media swarmed to report on this unconventional underground transport, putting it at the center of attention. Once praised as the moment 'Elon Musk's wild imagination became reality,' the Loop has now established itself as a go-to transit method for moving between major hubs, at least for the duration of CES.

Due to the nature of repeating short-distance trips, the operation was stable, and the boarding/alighting management was professional. Photo = Reporter Kang Eun-kyung

The business is pushing to expand beyond the exhibition center into the city, but it is not an easy road. The Boring Company's ultimate goal is to build a massive network spanning 68 miles (approx. 110 km) with 93 stations across Las Vegas. Recently, it secured approval from Clark County to connect to the Harry Reid International Airport, accelerating the formation of a 'golden line' that links the airport, convention centers, and the Strip.

However, the expansion process continues to face growing pains. Challenges remain, such as securing land and negotiating with the local community, evidenced by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) recently rejecting a proposal for a station on its campus. There are also ongoing tasks regarding operational efficiency, including labor costs, until fully autonomous driving technology is completely implemented.