Reno Tahoe International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Reno Tahoe International Airport RNO

United States

The single terminal handles domestic connections to major cities in the western United States.

Gateway to Reno, Nevada, a city known for casinos and as the gateway to Lake Tahoe.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.renoairport.com

How to get to Reno Tahoe International Airport

Reno city center is a few kilometers from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15-20 minutes by RTC RIDE bus.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach downtown Reno in approximately 10-15 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railroad station at the airport: Reno has no urban rail network.

By Bus

Line RTC 12 (stop near Terminal Way and Villanova Drive, active 7 days a week) and line 19 (direct to Downtown 4th Street Station, stop at baggage claim, weekdays only) connect the airport to downtown Reno; fare 2 USD.
💡
Tips Line 19 operates only on weekdays: on weekends use line 12, active 7 days a week, though with a slightly less convenient stop.

Average travel time to RNO

TrainNot available (Reno has no urban rail network)
Shuttle bus15-20 min (2 USD, RTC 12/19)
Taxi / Private hire10-15 minutes (15-25 USD)

Parking near Reno Tahoe International Airport

Multi-story parking is located adjacent to the terminal, with daily rates approximately $14 to $24; distant economy lots offer lower rates with free shuttle service.

How to get to Reno from RNO

By Train

There is no train station at the airport.

By Bus

RTC lines 12 (7 days/week) and 19 (weekdays only) connect the airport to downtown; fare $2.

By Taxi

A taxi applies a fixed regulated rate of $14; Uber/Lyft cost approximately $10-18, to downtown, with a trip of about 10 minutes.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Reno Tahoe International Airport

Every major car rental company has a desk inside the terminal.

Bring your driver's license, passport and credit card in your name; in winter check if winter tires or chains are needed to reach the Lake Tahoe ski resorts.

 

Hotels near Reno Tahoe International Airport

Reno-Tahoe International is just minutes from downtown, so there's no real distance dilemma as at other airports: the choice depends instead on what you want to do. Anyone with a short layover or a morning flight finds everything needed right next to the terminal. Anyone looking for a pool, spa and restaurants without moving around too much chooses the big resort-casinos along South Virginia Street, about ten minutes by car. Anyone who instead wants to stay within walking distance of historic casinos, bars and the Riverwalk on the Truckee River does better sleeping in downtown proper, a quarter hour from the airport.
Airport area

Airport area

About 2-3 minutes by car from the terminal, with a free shuttle.

Best for: anyone with a short layover or an early flight who wants the bare minimum

Pros
  • Free shuttle and a very short trip
  • No worries about late-night or early-morning flight times
Cons
  • An isolated area, nothing to do on foot in the evening
  • Possible takeoff noise in the more exposed rooms
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

South Virginia Street and Convention Center

About 10 minutes by car from the airport, along South Virginia Street; some hotels offer a shuttle at limited hours.

Best for: anyone looking for a resort with spa and pool without staying right in the historic center

Pros
  • Resort-level spa and pools inside the property
  • Dozens of in-house restaurants, useful if you don't want to go out
Cons
  • A car or rideshare is needed to get around
  • Far from the bars and the Riverwalk of the historic center
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Historic center

By car or rideshare the airport is about 15-20 minutes away; there's no direct rail link.

Best for: anyone who wants to stay within walking distance of casinos, restaurants and the Riverwalk on the Truckee River

Pros
  • Everything within walking distance, from the Riverwalk to the historic casinos
  • Nightlife and restaurants open late
Cons
  • Possible noise on weekends
  • The airport is farther away than from the other two areas
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Reno and Lake Tahoe with domestic connections.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features casino products, Nevada souvenirs and luxury goods.

Lounges & relaxation

Various dedicated lounges welcome business-class passengers in transit.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is active throughout the terminal, with good coverage from major U.S. cellular providers.

Families & Children

Regardless of departure terminal, families will find play areas and dedicated assistance.

Terminal guide

The airport has a single terminal, reserved for domestic flights.

Before flights it is prudent to present yourself 2-2.5 hours in advance.

Map of Reno Tahoe International Airport

Map of Reno Tahoe International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Reno Airport close to Lake Tahoe?

Yes, it's the main airport for reaching the lake, about 45-60 minutes away by car.

Q. How much does the RTC bus cost from Reno Airport?

2 USD; line 19 goes directly to Downtown 4th Street Station but only on weekdays, line 12 operates 7 days a week.

Q. Is Reno known for its casinos?

Yes, like Las Vegas but on a smaller scale, with numerous casino hotels downtown.

Q. Do you need a rental car to go skiing at Lake Tahoe?

Yes, it's advisable, checking whether winter tires or chains are required in winter.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Reno

Related articles