Traveling to Reno & Lake Tahoe
Planes, trains and automobiles.
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 the Biggest Little City is calling your name… and maybe you should heed the call. Don’t stress about getting here. 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 Reno is easy, whether you have your own car, a rental car or are looking for shuttle options.
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). With more than 20 nonstop destinations and one-stop access through 10 major hubs, you can find yourself hiking a mountain trail in the Sierra Nevada foothills or sipping a craft cocktail along the Truckee River just a few hours after you leave home.
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.
Plan your drive to 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 the train to 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 Tahoe
If you are headed to the area but don’t have a car, don’t worry! There are plenty of bus and shuttle options to and around Reno, Tahoe and stops in between. Many Reno hotels offer complimentary shuttles from the airport to their properties. If you are looking for shuttle services to Lake Tahoe and Tahoe ski resorts from downtown Reno, there are options available as well.
Flights to Reno Tahoe
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.
Did you know that RNO is the closest major airport to Lake Tahoe? Plan your trip today to get away to Reno Tahoe, the stuff of dreams for the foodie, outdoor enthusiast and nightlife lover. Once you land, head over to Big Blue by rideshare service or rental car.
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.
Transportation from Reno to Lake Tahoe
Need to get to Lake Tahoe from Reno but don’t have a car? No problem! There are several ski shuttles to area resorts during the winter months, as well as transportation options to and around Lake Tahoe throughout the year. Check out this list of shuttle services to and from the lake, and learn more about flights to Reno Tahoe.
Reno transportation
Most major casino hotels offer shuttles to and from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. One of the easiest way to explore the area is by rental car, giving you the freedom to explore the entire Reno Tahoe region. Cruise with the top down or put it in 4-wheel drive, go where you want when you want and make memories that will last a lifetime. Not wanting to rent a car, but still looking for the freedom a vehicle offers? You can hire a car or limo service to chauffeur you around or take advantage of our rideshare and taxi services available. If you’re looking for a unique way to get around downtown and Midtown then check out Pineapple Pedicabs, Reno’s fun bicycle transportation service.
Reno Public Transportation
In addition to shuttles and rentals 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. In addition to providing public transportation for residents and visitors, RTC’s fixed-route bus fleet operates with 100% alternative-fuel buses. One-third of the buses are fully electric, with the remainder being electric-diesel hybrids. For more information on public transportation in Reno, see the complete and up-to-date RTC schedule and route map.
Car Charging Stations in Reno and Sparks
With the Tesla Gigafactory located just east of Reno, it’s no surprise that the number of charging stations for Teslas and other electric cars is quickly growing. Charging stations can be found at many major hotels, as well as other convenient locations throughout Reno and Sparks. Find the location of charging stations near you.
Lake Tahoe transportation
Lake Tahoe is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Reno, making it an easy and beautiful addition to your trip to Reno Tahoe. 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 Information
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.