Las Vegas Airport: Does It Exist?

Las Vegas, Nevada, is served by several airports, including the Harry Reid International Airport (IATA: LAS, ICAO: KLAS, FAA LID: LAS), formerly known as McCarran International Airport. It is the main commercial airport serving Las Vegas and is located about 5 miles (8 km) south of downtown Las Vegas, in the unincorporated area of Paradise. The airport is named after the late US congressman and senator from Nevada, Harry Reid. It has four runways, two terminals, and five gate areas, all connected by a people mover system. Other airports in the Las Vegas area include the Henderson Executive Airport, North Las Vegas Airport, Jean Airport, and Overton Municipal Airport.

Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport)

Harry Reid International Airport has two terminals with five gate areas (concourses) all connected with a people mover system. Terminal 1 was built in 1963 and expanded between 1970 and 1974. It has four runways, each connected to a central pre-security area. Terminal 3, built in 2012, is located on the eastern side of the airport corridor, slightly north of Concourse D. It has 14 gates, seven domestic and seven international. The airport has a total of 110 gates.

The airport is served by over 30 airlines and is an operating base for Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Southwest became its dominant carrier in the 1990s. In 2024, over 58.4 million passengers passed through the airport, the most in its history. The airport offers international flights to cities in Asia, Europe, and North America. It is one of two airports in the United States with slot machines inside the terminals.

The airport can be easily accessed by car or bus. A 5,000-space consolidated rental car facility is located 5 km (3 mi) away, with shuttle buses connecting it to the terminals. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada's public bus system also serves the airport.

Terminals, gates, and concourses

Harry Reid International Airport (IATA: LAS), formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is the main airport serving Las Vegas. It is located just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip, about 8 km south of downtown Las Vegas. The airport is named after the late US congressman and senator from Nevada, Harry Reid.

Harry Reid International Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with five gate areas or concourses. Terminal 1, which was built in 1963 and expanded between 1970 and 1974, handles domestic flights and has four concourses: Gates A, B, C, and D. Gate A and B areas offer multiple gates and amenities, while Gate C, primarily used by Southwest Airlines, features 18 gates in a straight-line configuration and more shopping options than the other gates. Terminal 1 provides a range of dining, shopping, and relaxation options, including slot machines, and connects to Gates D and E (Terminal 3) via a tram system for seamless travel.

Terminal 3, located on the eastern side of the airport, is designated for international and some domestic flights and contains the E concourse. It has 14 gates, seven domestic and seven international. The international gates can handle wide-body aircraft more efficiently, with four of them featuring two jetways. Transitioning between terminals and concourses is facilitated by an efficient automated tram system with Green, Blue, and Red Lines, and shuttle services, ensuring a smooth passenger experience.

In addition to slot machines, gaming lounges, and various dining and shopping options, Harry Reid International Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi, ample charging stations, and dedicated facilities for families and pets. The airport also provides parking options and a cellphone lot with free parking for those waiting for arriving passengers.

Transportation to and from the airport

Harry Reid International Airport (IATA: LAS), formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is the main airport in Las Vegas. It is located 8 km south of downtown Las Vegas and is owned by Clark County. The airport is served by over 30 airlines and is an operating base for Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.

Harry Reid International Airport is easily accessible by car, bus, or shuttle. The airport is reachable via Paradise Road and Russell Road from the north and via the Harry Reid Airport Connector from the south. A 5,000-space rental car facility is located 5 km away, with a courtesy shuttle service connecting it to the airport. Several companies offer low-cost shuttle services to and from the airport, including SuperShuttle and Bell Trans. These shuttles typically depart from outside the baggage claim area and can take between 30 to 50 minutes to reach the Las Vegas Strip or downtown. It is recommended to schedule return transportation to the airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight departure.

Additionally, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada's public bus system serves the airport, providing another affordable transportation option. For those seeking a more luxurious option, limo rentals are also available from the airport.

When planning transportation to and from the airport, it is important to keep in mind that Nevada has high rental car taxes and fees, and Las Vegas has additional surcharges for car renters. Furthermore, animals, excluding service animals, must be kenneled to board shuttle vehicles, and there may be weight restrictions in place.

Car rental options

Harry Reid International Airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is the main airport in Las Vegas. It is located about 8 km (5 miles) south of downtown Las Vegas. The airport offers a wide range of car rental options, with a dedicated rental car centre located about 3 miles south of the airport.

There are 11 rental car companies with a spot at the airport's rental car centre, including:

• Alamo Rent a Car
• Avis
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• Thrifty Car Rentals
• Advantage
• Ace Rent A Car
• Budget
• Dollar
• Europcar
• Sixt

You can also find luxury options, such as limos, at the two passenger terminals. Bell Limousine offers limo rentals at competitive rates.

When renting a car at the airport, it is important to keep in mind that Nevada has the highest rental car taxes and fees in the country, and Las Vegas has additional surcharges. It is recommended to compare prices and deals online before booking.

Renting a car at the airport is a convenient and flexible option for getting around Las Vegas, especially if you want to visit restaurants, museums, and other attractions. It can save you time and money, as you won't have to rely on public transportation or taxis.

The airport also provides a courtesy shuttle service that arrives every 5 to 7 minutes to take passengers to and from the car rental centre.

Airport amenities and services

Harry Reid International Airport, formerly McCarran International Airport, is the main airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is located about 8 km (5 mi) south of downtown Las Vegas and is owned by Clark County and operated by the county's Department of Aviation. The airport is open 24/7 and offers a wide range of amenities and services for travellers.

Parking and Transportation

Harry Reid International Airport provides parking options for travellers, with parking garages available at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Each parking garage has an economy lot with lower parking rates. Additionally, the airport offers a complimentary cellphone lot, providing free parking for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers. For travellers who prefer not to drive, there are various transportation options available. Taxi services are accessible outside the baggage claim areas of both terminals, with estimated fares to the Las Vegas Strip ranging from $25 to $45. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available, with designated pickup areas outside the baggage claim in both terminals. Car rental services can be found at the rent-a-car centre located 3 miles south of the airport, with companies like Alamo Rent a Car, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Thrifty Car Rentals offering convenient options. Limo rentals are also available for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

Dining and Lounges

The airport offers a variety of dining options to satisfy different tastes and preferences. Travellers can choose from restaurants like Burke in the Box, Las Vegas Chophouse & Brewery, and Wolfgang Puck Express. Additionally, there are lounges such as The Centurion Lounge and The Club at LAS, which provide comfortable spaces with amenities like complimentary food and drinks, business facilities, and tranquil environments.

Entertainment and Relaxation

For those seeking entertainment during their layover, the airport features slot machines, a common feature in Las Vegas, allowing travellers to try their luck. Additionally, the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum provides an insightful look into the history of private and commercial flying in southern Nevada, with exhibits and displays located throughout the airport. XpresSpa offers various relaxation services, including massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, and reflexology, ensuring travellers feel pampered before their next flight.

Other Amenities and Services

Harry Reid International Airport provides a range of other amenities to make travellers' experiences more convenient and enjoyable. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and mobile charging stations can be found in various locations. ATMs and currency exchange services are accessible for those who need to manage their finances. Additionally, the airport provides a lost and found office, baggage claim areas, and Skycaps, assisting travellers with specialized needs.

Frequently asked questions