McCarren International Airport
McCarren International is the main airport serving Nevada. It is located right in the heart of Las Vegas, just five minutes from the Strip. Every year around 40 million passengers fly into McCarren, nearly all of them heading straight to Sin City. Nearly two dozen airlines fly from domestic and international cities with the busiest route to Los Angeles followed by San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and New York. The main international connections are to Canadian cities via WestJet and Air Canada, with good service to London on British Airways and Virgin.
McCarren Airport has two terminals, both of which host a range of eateries, bars and shops selling everything from Vegas souvenirs to fashion, electronics and travel sundries. There are slot machines and gaming machines all over the airport to help relieve you of any remaining cash. Kids have a great play area at the D Gate, while flying fans can pass some time at the Aviation Museum. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport.
There are 10 taxi companies that handle the bulk of transportation between the airport and Las Vegas destinations. Limousines and Town Cars are another popular way to arrive in style, while group shuttles are an economical choice to reach the main hotels along the Strip. Travelers who want to rent a car should hop on the special shuttle that runs the three mile journey to the massive McCarren Rent-a-Center. More than 10 companies have offices here, including all the big name US outfits. The airport is located just off Interstate 25 and 215 for easy driving anywhere in Nevada.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Nevada’s other airport is located just three miles south of Reno in the northern part of the state. Reno’s hub is convenient for skiers heading into Lake Tahoe or gamblers going to Reno’s casinos. The airlines that fly here include Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United, and US Airways. The most popular route is to Las Vegas, followed by Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Dallas, and Seattle.
The single terminal has a decent selection of restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries for light meals. A couple of airport shops sell reading materials, knick knacks and gifts and there is free Wi-Fi internet throughout. Ground transportation is by taxis, limousines, paid communal shuttles, and courtesy hotel shuttles for guests of the casinos. There are also nine rental car companies with desks just outside Baggage Claim, including big names like Avis, Alamo and Budget. The airport is just off Interstate 80 for easy access to the northern region of Nevada.