Getting to Reno and Lake Tahoe
No limits on reaching Reno Tahoe.
Chances are you’ve been thinking about a weekend away. Do you daydream of breathing in fresh air, sampling farm-to-table cuisine or hearing the celebratory sounds of that jackpot you just won? How about experiencing all of those on the same day? Then it sounds like Reno Tahoe is calling your name. No matter whether you drive, fly or take the train to Reno Tahoe, rest assured your trip couldn’t be easier. And once you’re here, getting around is easy, whether you have your own car, a rental car or are looking for shuttle options.
How to Get to Reno
Getting to Reno is simple, no matter where you're coming from. Whether you prefer to fly, drive, take the train or a bus ride, there are convenient options to fit every type of traveler.
Flying to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport
With daily direct flights from the Bay Area, Southern California, Las Vegas and more, flying to Reno Tahoe International Airport is the perfect way to get your trip started even sooner. More than 50 airports nationwide offer either nonstop or one-stop flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO).
Airport Construction Information: For those traveling through the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, please be aware of their ongoing expansion project. You can find travel-related updates on their More RNO page.
Driving into Reno
There’s something special about a road trip – creating the ideal playlist, finding the perfect stops along the way and of course, you can’t forget the snacks. The scenic San Francisco to Reno drive takes less than half a day and makes for an ideal weekend getaway. You may choose the most direct route along Interstate 80, or opt for a picturesque detour along Highway 50. Both options provide travelers with plenty of photo ops and opportunities for adventure.
The drive from Los Angeles to Reno takes about eight hours and does not disappoint with a myriad of stops to experience delicious food, national parks and other attractions along the way.
Driving from Las Vegas to Reno offers plenty of quirky and memorable pit stops along the way, including ghost towns and unique artwork.
Take a Train Ride into Reno
If you’d rather leave the navigating to someone else, Amtrak’s California Zephyr offers one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. The Zephyr runs through Reno and Sacramento, into Emeryville/San Francisco.
Bus Trips to Reno
If you are headed to the area but don’t have a car, don’t worry! There are plenty of bus and shuttle options in Reno. Greyhound offers a variety of one-way and round-trip routes to Reno, making travel easy and convenient. Check their website for schedules and to reserve your seat ahead of time.
How to Get to Lake Tahoe
Traveling to Lake Tahoe is seamless and rewarding. Whether you fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport or drive through the surrounding mountain landscapes, getting there is a seamless experience.
Flying to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
When booking your trip to Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to fly into RNO as this is the closest major airport to Lake Tahoe. Shuttle services provide easy access to and from the airport, while rideshare options like Uber and Lyft, as well as car rentals, offer flexibility for getting around the Lake Tahoe area.
Driving to Lake Tahoe
Driving into Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area offers beautiful scenery and many pit stops you can take along the way.
Driving from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe is a scenic journey, with I-80 offering the most direct route through Sacramento and into the Sierra Nevada. You can take Highway 50, which leads directly into South Lake Tahoe and offers stunning views along the way, including iconic spots like Emerald Bay.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport Information
In 2024, more than 4.8 million passengers passed through RNO. Major airlines continue to offer nonstop flights to Reno, Nevada, and even more flights are available with just one stop.
Hop a flight to Reno from Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin and more. These routes can change depending on the season and other factors, so be sure to check flights ahead of time before finalizing your plans.
The nearest major airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), located about a 45-minute drive away. Once you arrive, getting to Lake Tahoe is stress-free with options including shuttles, rideshares, car rentals, and public transportation.
Okay, maybe we’re a little biased here, but the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is a great airport to travel through. Its smaller size means you can be out of baggage claim and on to the real adventures even faster! Don’t worry about leaving hungry or thirsty – there are plenty of local and chain restaurants to choose from. Grab a slice of pizza at local favorite Wild Garlic Pizza or quench your thirst with a beer at Tap & Pour.
There’s even entertainment to be had! The Arts at the Airport Program showcases public and local art year-round. The airport hosts local performances and has an art gallery with permanent installations and rotating exhibitions. RNO opened the Connector Collections Gallery in 2005 to celebrate artistic development in Northern Nevada. Local art is also featured in their depARTures Gallery, which is located on the C Concourse.
It wouldn’t be a Reno airport if there wasn’t a touch of gaming. If you’re feeling lucky, there are more than 200 machines to test your luck.
For those looking to park and fly, lot availability can fill up fast during peak seasons. That’s why the Reno-Tahoe International Airport offers its new Real-Time Parking Availability feature, where you can view lot availability and plan ahead.
The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) offers a variety of different services for passengers with disabilities. Wheelchair service at RNO is provided by each airline, so if you are traveling with a mobility device, please contact your airline directly. If you need a wheelchair at the airport, wheelchairs are available free of charge for all passengers and can be found inside the Ticketing Hall near the Alaska Airlines ticket counter.
Accessible parking is located west of the terminal building on each level of the airport parking garage. ADA-accessible parking can be found in the Short-Term Parking Garage and Long-Term Parking area, with convenient access to the skywalk leading directly into the terminal.
Visit RNO's accessibility page to find more detailed information about the airport's accessibility, including TTY/TDD phone locations, service animal areas and accessible restrooms.
How to Get From Reno to Lake Tahoe
Getting from Reno to Lake Tahoe is a breeze, with the drive to North Lake Tahoe taking just under an hour. You can choose from shuttles, car rentals, rideshare, and public transportation. If you are traveling from Reno to Lake Tahoe during the winter months, please account for snow and longer drive times.
How to Get Around Reno and Lake Tahoe
Once you’ve landed in Reno, you’re going to need a way to get around Reno and Lake Tahoe. Transportation options around the region include shuttles, rideshare, car rentals, and public transportation.
Reno Tahoe Shuttles
Most major casino hotels offer shuttles to and from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. For those flying into Reno but heading to Lake Tahoe, a variety of shuttle services are available to take you directly from the airport to the lake. If you are looking for a more upscale experience, you can also hire a car or limo service to chauffeur you around such as Reno Tahoe Limousine.
Rideshare Options
Uber and Lyft are commonly used around the area and are available to get you around the city and the lake.
Car Rentals
Renting a car is a perfect way to explore the region at your own pace. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport offers many car rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis.
Public Transportation
In addition to shuttles and rental cars, Reno has a variety of public transportation services available. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) offers bus routes throughout the Reno area, including the RTC RAPID Virginia Line which provides convenient access to stops along Virginia Street, from downtown to Meadowood Mall. For more information on public transportation in Reno, see the complete and up-to-date RTC schedule and route map.
If you’re traveling to Lake Tahoe during your visit, you can get around the lake using the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART). This free bus system is a great way to avoid the hassle of parking and while also traveling more sustainably in the region. TART operates several bus routes along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe, including Olympic Valley, Northstar and Truckee.
In addition to the bus routes, TART Connect is a simple, free service that makes getting around North Lake Tahoe a breeze. This on-demand, curb-to-curb transportation option means you can park your car and easily navigate throughout the North Lake Tahoe area. TART Connect vans are ADA accessible and come equipped with bike racks. This service operates seasonally, so be sure to check their schedule while planning your trip.
Travel Tips Before Your Trip
Before heading out on your drive to Reno or Lake Tahoe, it’s always a good idea to check road conditions, especially if you’re making the trip in the winter months. During snowy winters, the highways to Reno may have chain controls or even close for periods of time to keep travelers safe. For current road conditions for driving to Reno, visit Caltrans or NDOT, depending on the direction you’re coming from.