How many airports are there in Las Vegas
There are a total of 3 airports in Las Vegas:
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): this is the city's main airport and the one you'll be using, as it handles both international and domestic flights.
- North Las Vegas Airport (VGT): primarily handles private aircraft, corporate flights, and helicopters, and is also used for pilot training.
- Henderson Executive Airport (HND): doesn't operate passenger flights, but instead serves private jets, medical evacuation aircraft, and corporate flights.
In this post, we’ll focus on Harry Reid Airport, but… did you know it changed its name in late 2021? For 78 years, it had been called McCarran International Airport in honor of Pat McCarran, who served as a U.S. senator from Nevada for 21 years.
Although he played a crucial role in the development of the state’s aviation laws, he was also known for being racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic, as well as for supporting the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. For all these reasons, it was decided to honor Harry Reid, who, in addition to holding less controversial thoughts, served as a senator for 30 years and contributed to the airport’s growth.
Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas is one of our top picks for flying if you’re planning a trip along the USA West Coast. In addition to handling both international and domestic flights, it’s located very close to the touristic part, something that doesn't happen in other cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, whose airports are about 13 miles (21 km) from downtown.
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Las Vegas Airport Map
In the photo below, you can see a map (created by ourselves) of the Las Vegas airport, which has two terminals:
- Terminal 1: serves domestic flights and is divided into Gates A, B, and C.
- Terminal 3: this terminal handles all international flights and some domestic flights. This is where immigration control is located, and it has only Gate E.
On the other hand, there are Gates D, which connect to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and primarily handle domestic flights, although they also handle some international.
To get around the different areas of the airport, you can use several free transportation options that operate 24/7:
- 🔵Blue Tram line: connects Terminal 1 with Gates D
- 🟢Green Tram line: connects the main building of Terminal 1 with Gates C
- 🔴Red tram line: connects Terminal 3 with Gates D
- 🚌Inter-Terminal Shuttle: a bus that connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
How far is it from Las Vegas Airport to the Strip
Harry Reid Airport is located right next to the southern end of the Strip, specifically 2.5 mi (4 km) by car from Luxor Hotel (the southernmost themed hotel) and 4 mi (6 km) from the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign.
Even though the map might make it look like you could walk there, don't even think about it! Not only can it get really hot, but you'd have to take a much longer route to avoid the major highways that surround the city.
If you want to go to Downtown, where Fremont Street is located, the distance is about 9 mi (15 km).
How to get from Las Vegas Airport to Strip (and Downtown)
Here are all the ways you can get from Las Vegas Airport to the Strip and Downtown:
1. Bus, the cheapest transportation from Las Vegas airport
💸Price: $4 to $8
⏱️Trip duration: 20 to 45 minutes depending on the stop and the line
There are 3 RTC bus routes connecting the airport to the strip and downtown. You can buy tickets through the rideRTC app, with a credit card, using your mobile wallet, or in cash—as long as you have the exact amount. The fares are as follows:
- Single ticket: $4
- 2-hour pass: $6
- 24-hour pass: $8
- 3-day pass: $20
Centennial Express (CX) Line
It's the best line of all because it's the only one that goes through both Terminal 3 and Terminal 1, and it's also the only one that drops you right on the Strip, in addition to making several stops in Downtown.
ℹ️ It runs every day of the week from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, with buses departing approximately every hour. On the Strip, the stop is at Flamingo & LV Boulevard; in Downtown, the stops are Grand Central, the Bonneville Transit Center, and Casino Center & Fremont. You can find the specific schedules and all the stops here.
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Line 109 + The Deuce
Route 109 connects Terminal 1 with Downtown Las Vegas, but it doesn’t stop directly on the Strip; instead, it drops you off several blocks away. For this reason, it’s a great option for getting to Downtown, but if you want to go to the Strip, it’s best to ride just one stop to the South Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT) and transfer there to The Deuce bus line, which runs the entire length of the Strip to Fremont Street.
In this case, since you'll be taking two different buses, it's worth buying the 2-hour pass ($6) or the 24-hour pass ($8) if you plan to use public transportation more that day.
ℹ️ This 109 line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with buses running approximately every 30 minutes. You can find the specific schedules and all the stops here. The Deuce also operates 24 hours daily every day and the frequency is every 10 to 20 minutes.
Line 108
Route 108 connects Terminal 1 with Downtown Las Vegas, but it doesn’t run directly along the Strip either. Unlike the previous route, it doesn’t stop at the South Strip Transit Terminal, so you won’t be able to transfer to The Deuce bus. For this reason, this bus is only worth taking if you’re heading to Downtown.
ℹ️ Line 108 runs every day of the week from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., with buses arriving every 30 minutes. You can find the specific schedules and all the stops here.
2. Private transportation from Las Vegas airport to hotel, the most convenient option
💸Price: starting at $40 per vehicle
⏱️Trip duration: 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and where is your hotel
A private transfer is the most convenient way to get from Las Vegas Airport to downtown, whether it’s the Strip or Downtown. This way, you can book it in advance online, knowing the price up front, and it’s a door-to-door service, as it drops you off at your hotel. You can also book it in the opposite direction—that is, from your hotel to the airport.
Please note that the cost of the service is per vehicle, not per person, and the more people there are, the cheaper it becomes. The vehicles have a maximum capacity of 5 people.
In Terminal 1, private transfers normally pick you up on the west side of baggage claim, outside the exit doors numbered 7-10. In Terminal 3, they pick you up on Level Zero on each end of the building.
3. Taxi, Uber, or Lyft at Las Vegas airport
💸Price: $20 to $45 per vehicle
⏱️Trip duration: 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and where is your hotel
Both terminals offer taxi and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. Taxi fares are fixed and regulated by the Nevada Taxicab Authority, which has established three fare zones. That said, it’s customary to tip.
Please note that the pickup locations are different for both types of transportation:
- Terminal 1: Taxis are located in the baggage claim area, next to exits 1 through 4. Uber and Lyft are located in the Level 2 parking lot.
- Terminal 3: Taxis are located in the baggage claim area, next to Gate 52. Uber and Lyft are on Level V of the parking garage.
4. Car rental at Las Vegas Airport
If you're planning a road trip along the USA West Coast and you fly into Harry Reid Airport, your best bet is to rent a car at the Las Vegas airport and use it to get around the city.
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All rental car agencies are located at the Rent-A-Car Center, about 3 mi (5 km) from the airport. To get there, take the free shuttle called Airport Rent-A-Car Center from either terminal. Just follow the signs for the Rental Car Shuttle in the baggage claim area of each terminal to find the shuttle stop.
In our article on where to stay in Las Vegas, you’ll find several hotels that offer free parking—perfect if you’d like to park your car at the same hotel where you’re staying without breaking the bank (some charge as much as $50 a day). There are even hotels that let you park your car even if you’re not staying there!
FAQs about getting from Las Vegas Airport to the Strip
What’s the best way to get from Las Vegas Airport to the Strip?
It depends on your budget and comfort level, as you can take a bus (the least comfortable but cheapest option), a pre-booked private transfer, a taxi, an Uber, or even a rental car.
How long does it take to get from the airport to the Strip?
10 to 35 minutes if you choose a private transfer, taxi, or Uber. 20 to 45 minutes if you take the bus.
How much does it cost to get from the airport to the Strip?
If you take the bus, it’s only $4, but if you take a transfer, taxi, or Uber, the price ranges from $20 to $45 depending on where your hotel is located.
Is Uber or a taxi better in Las Vegas?
Uber is usually a bit cheaper and lets you know the price in advance, though both services work well.
Is there public transportation from the airport to the Strip?
Yes, there is a bus that connects the airport to the Strip. There are other lines that go to Downtown but stop somewhat far from the Strip.
Can you walk from the airport to the Strip?
You can, but it’s not recommended, because although the distance isn’t great, it’s not a route designed for pedestrians and can be uncomfortable.
😊 We hope we've answered your questions about how to get from the Las Vegas airport to the Strip and Downtown.
