RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION RATHER THAN GET INTO A NELLIS TAXI. Especially operator 585-middle aged white male.  After spending a memorable three day stay at Mandalay Bay-2 or 3 blocks from the airport, we stepped into a Nellis taxi. The first clue was he headed North up the strip, Mandalay is at the South end and we only needed to go East about two blocks. He said that he didn't know the street by the Tropicana was closed and he had to travel to the end of the strip. We explained that our flight was leaving at 6 am and we needed to be at Terminal 3 for United by 5:15am. He picked us up at 4:45am. He circled through Terminal 1 twice, pulling up behind cars that were unloading. Again, we explained that we had only minutes to get to Terminal 3 and to get into the far left lane to pass through Terminal 1. We had to get out and ask someone at luggage check in to find out where Terminal 3 was. At this point we sat behind the driver rather than the back of the van so we could  read the traffic signs. On the third pass he bypassed the Terminal 3 sign and we were leaving the grounds of the airport. We asked why are you doing this to us. We didn't offend him... we were going to miss our flight. He said that he was going to turn off his meter, but he didn't.  Finally, I saw a sign that said take a left to rental car drop off. I said to take us there because a shuttle could get us to the airport. Again, instead of making the turn to the rental car drop off he went straight down a deserted road. Now, I am not one to drop the F bomb especially directing it to someone but clearly OPERATOR 585 was effen us. Not only was he racking up charges we were going to miss our flight back to the East Coast. After screaming and demanding that he back up and make the turn to the  rental car depot he did so. Security came over and we explained what he did to us. At this point it was 5:30am, we knew that we had to call the police but we needed to make this flight. OPERATOR 585 was going to pull away with our luggage still in his cab. We got our luggage and got into another cab. We arrived at 5:40 am to the airport. The United staff assisted us through the airport and we made our flight. When we made it home I called Nellis and spoke to Dave. He explained that the driver was new. REALLY. I am not from Las Vegas and could read traffic signs and could have made it to Terminal 3. He asked if we paid the driver. We did, we threw $20. on the ground. Dave said that's good because the driver will have to make up the difference. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? That is not what I am looking for. I was told to call the transit authority and am pressing charges.  I called Mandalay Bay to forewarn them of our experience and protect their guests from stepping into this taxi. Hopefully I will meet others that care enough and will help me stop Operator 585 Nellis Taxi from picking up any customers