Lake Tahoe, Ca: Which Airport Is Best?

Lake Tahoe is a popular vacation destination that straddles the border of California and Nevada. While there are no airports that are directly accessible from the lake, there are several airports nearby that you can fly into. In this article, we will explore the different airports you can choose from when planning your trip to Lake Tahoe, as well as the pros and cons of each option.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

Reno-Tahoe International Airport offers a range of transportation options to Lake Tahoe. The South Tahoe Airporter provides an express shuttle service from the airport to South Lake Tahoe multiple times daily. Alternatively, taxi, limo, bus, rideshare, and car rental options are also available. All major car rental companies are housed in one building at the airport, making it convenient for travellers to pick up their rental cars.

The drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Lake Tahoe offers a quick and scenic route, showcasing the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Mount Rose route offers a direct 45-minute journey, crossing the breathtaking Mount Rose pass at 8,260 feet elevation. This route leads to the north end of Lake Tahoe, located in Incline Village. Another route from Reno to Lake Tahoe takes travellers through the historic silver-mining town of Virginia City and Nevada's state capital, Carson City. This route takes closer to an hour but offers more landmarks along the way.

For travellers heading to North Lake Tahoe, the North Lake Tahoe Express Bus offers a convenient connection from the airport to the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions.

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Sacramento International Airport is a larger airport than Reno-Tahoe International Airport, with more flight options and often cheaper prices. It also has a variety of car rental companies with competitive pricing, which is ideal for those who want to road trip around Lake Tahoe.

To get from Sacramento International Airport to Lake Tahoe, you can take either of the two main routes. One route takes you along Interstate 80 (over Donner Pass) to the north side of Lake Tahoe (Kings Beach). The other route is along Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe.

Shaka Guide offers road trip tours along both of these routes, so you can make the most of your journey and take in the scenery.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is a major hub for United Airlines, serving as the airline's primary transpacific gateway and a major maintenance hub. It is also a hub for Alaska Airlines. The airport has four terminals (1, 2, 3, and International) and seven concourses with a total of 120 gates. It offers a variety of airlines and direct flights from major cities across the United States and around the world.

SFO is located about 210 miles from Lake Tahoe, with a drive time of over three and a half hours. It is the closest major airport to the lake. To get to Lake Tahoe from the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus or shuttle.

The airport offers convenient ground transportation options, including the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, which provides direct rail transportation to downtown San Francisco, Oakland, and the East Bay. The AirTrain people mover connects passengers to the BART station, as well as the airport's terminals, parking lots, and the Rental Car Center.

SFO provides a range of services and amenities for travellers, including dining options, lounges, and art installations as part of the SFO Museum. The airport also implemented a "Wag Brigade" program, featuring trained therapy dogs and a therapy pig to comfort nervous fliers.

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Oakland International Airport offers a variety of airlines and direct flights from some major cities across the United States and the world. The airport has two terminals with a total of 29 gates, and four runways. It offers nonstop service to destinations across the United States, as well as Mexico, San Salvador, and seasonal European service. OAK is an operating base for Southwest Airlines, and other airlines that operate from the airport include Advanced Air, Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, Sun Country, Viva, Volaris, and Volaris El Salvador.

The airport has a range of dining and shopping options for passengers, and ground transportation options include private automobile, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), and AC Transit bus routes.

Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)

If you're looking for an airport to fly into for a trip to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) is a good option, especially if you're planning a longer vacation and want to visit both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. Located in Mammoth Lakes, California, MMH is approximately 266 miles from Lake Tahoe, with a five-hour drive to South Lake Tahoe. The airport is about seven miles from Mammoth Lakes and is owned by the town.

MMH offers direct flights from several major cities across the United States, including Los Angeles/Hawthorne and San Diego/Carlsbad. The airport is served by Advanced Air, which operates Dornier 328JET regional jet aircraft provided by Taos Air. These flights are seasonal and primarily serve the airport during the winter ski season.

The airport covers 230 acres of land at an elevation of 7,135 feet. It has a single runway, 9/27, which is 7,000 by 100 feet in size. In 2010, the airport recorded 8,285 aircraft operations, averaging 22 per day, with most of these being general aviation flights.

There is a plan in place to expand operations at MMH to accommodate larger aircraft. The expansion includes a new terminal building, an airline parking apron, access roads, automobile parking facilities, and more.

Frequently asked questions