Getting here is easier than most people think. It all starts at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), the nearest airport to Lake Tahoe and your gateway to the Sierra. Read on for the top benefits of flying into RNO and more transportation tips.
Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Fly Into RNO
Ask anyone who visits Lake Tahoe regularly and they'll tell you the same thing: Fly into RNO. This method saves you hours and makes your whole trip feel easier from the jump. There are three reasons why.
Proximity
No other commercial airport in the region comes close. RNO is the nearest airport to Lake Tahoe by a lot; North Lake is about 45 minutes away by car, and South Lake clocks in at just over an hour. Sacramento adds another hour to your drive, and the Bay Area airports put you well over three hours out.
The Flight Network
RNO serves more than 20 nonstop destinations through 10 airlines, with over 130 daily arrivals and departures. You can fly in from cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, Nashville, and Atlanta. That kind of reach means you’re rarely more than one connection away from the mountains, no matter where your trip begins.
Straightforward Airport Layout
RNO is a single-terminal airport with two concourses, which means getting from your gate to ground transportation is easy. There are no terminal transfers, no long connector walks, and no complicated layouts to figure out after a flight. You land, stroll to baggage claim, and you’re steps from rental car counters, shuttle pickups, and rideshare zones.
How to Get From Reno to Lake Tahoe
So, you’ve flown into RNO. Now what? How do you get up to the lake?
Most Popular Option: Renting a Car
Having access to your own vehicle is the easiest way to give yourself the freedom to explore the whole region on your own schedule. Inside RNO, just across from baggage claim, you’ll find the rental car desk. For most companies, their cars are housed in the airport’s main parking garage — just a 200-foot walk. No shuttle and no waiting around. Just grab the keys and go.
If you're visiting during winter, we recommend booking a four-wheel-drive vehicle with snow tires to stay safe on the drive up.
Shuttle Services
Not interested in driving? We get it. Shuttle services connect the airport to both shores of the lake all year long.
- The North Lake Tahoe Express operates daily between the airport and Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, with scheduled stops at destinations including Kings Beach, Incline Village, and the Truckee area. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, and rates vary based on party size.
- The South Tahoe Airporter covers the South Shore route with daily service from RNO to spots like Hard Rock, Edgewood, and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (formerly known as Harvey’s).
Once you're at the lake, getting around without a car is no problem. Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) serves the north and west shores.
All shuttle schedules are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check availability ahead of your vacation.
Rideshare Apps
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also available at RNO if you want a more on-demand option. During peak seasons, like spring break or summer, RNO may offer rideshare discounts to travelers. Be sure to check on their website as you’re planning your trip.
All Routes Lead to Lake Tahoe
Flying into RNO is one of the fastest ways to get to Lake Tahoe, but it’s far from the only one. Road trips through the Sierra give you legendary photo ops, and Amtrak’s California Zephyr route drops you right in Truckee with some of the most dramatic train scenery in the country.
You've figured out how to get here. Now comes the fun part: Explore things to do in Lake Tahoe and build your perfect trip!