Everything you need to know about the International Airport in Las Vegas

Everything You Need to Know About Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Official Name: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Former Name: McCarran International Airport (renamed Dec 2021)
• Address: 5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119
• Distance to the Strip: 3.5 miles south (~10–15 minutes driving time)
• Distance to Downtown: ~10 miles south (~20 minutes driving time)
• Terminals: Terminal 1 (Domestic) & Terminal 3 (International + Select Domestic)
• Official Website: flyreid.com

Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Whether you are visiting for world-class entertainment, major conventions, or a weekend getaway, your journey will likely begin at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Formerly known as McCarran International Airport, it is one of the busiest and most accessible commercial airports in the United States.

Here is your complete guide to navigating Las Vegas’s primary gateway with ease, efficiency, and comfort.

Location and Accessibility

Harry Reid International Airport is exceptionally well-located compared to most major metropolitan airports. Situated at 5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard, it lies just 3.5 miles south of the famous Las Vegas Strip and about 10 miles from Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street).

Driving Access and Routes

• I-215 Beltway: Connects directly to the airport tunnel, offering fast access to Henderson, Summerlin, and the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard.
• Tropicana Avenue (SR 593): Provides a direct route to the central and northern sections of the Strip.
• Russell Road: Offers easy access to the north side of the airport complex and east-west city connections.

Thanks to its proximity to the main resort corridor, travel time from tarmac arrival to your hotel lobby is often under 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Airport Layout: Terminals and Gate Concourses

Understanding the layout of Harry Reid International Airport will save you time upon arrival and departure. The airport operates across two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Note that there is no active Terminal 2 (it was demolished following the opening of Terminal 3).

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 serves the majority of domestic passengers flying with major U.S. carriers.

• Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, among others.
• Gates: Connects to Concourses A, B, C, and D.
• Services: Includes a full baggage claim area, multi-level parking garage, ticketing counters, and ground transportation pickup areas.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is a modern 1.9-million-square-foot facility designed to handle all international traffic as well as several domestic airlines.

• Airlines: All international carriers (e.g., British Airways, Air Canada, Aeroméxico, Virgin Atlantic) plus select domestic carriers including United Airlines, JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, and Breeze Airways.
• Gates: Connects directly to Concourse E and via tram to Concourse D.
• Services: Houses U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities, a dedicated baggage claim area, parking structure, and separate ground transportation zones.

Inter-Terminal Trams and Shuttles

Moving between gates and baggage claim areas is quick and automated:

• Automated People Movers (Trams): Three separate tram lines connect satellite concourses (such as Gate D) directly to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 baggage claims.
• Curbside Shuttle Bus: If you land at Terminal 1 but need to get to Terminal 3 (or vice versa), a free airport inter-terminal shuttle bus runs regularly outside of baggage claim at both terminals.

Ground Transportation Options

Getting from Harry Reid International Airport to your resort or residence is straightforward, with options tailored to every travel style and budget:

1. Private Chauffeur & Luxury Car Services

For travelers seeking convenience, comfort, and zero wait times, pre-booking a private luxury sedan, SUV, or limousine is ideal.

• Benefits: Your professional driver meets you inside the terminal or near baggage claim, assists with all luggage, and provides direct, door-to-door transport in a premium vehicle.
• Best For: Corporate travelers, groups, executives, or anyone wanting to start their Las Vegas experience in style.

2. Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)

Rideshare services operate at designated areas in the airport’s parking garages:

• Terminal 1: Located on Level 2 of the T1 Parking Garage.
• Terminal 3: Located on Level 1 of the T3 Parking Garage.

3. Taxis

Taxi stands are situated directly outside the baggage claim doors at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Fixed-rate zonal pricing applies for trips between the airport and various sections of the Las Vegas Strip.

4. Rental Cars

The Harry Reid Rental Car Center houses all major rental car companies in a single off-site facility located at 7135 Gilespie Street (approximately 3 miles from the terminals).

• Shuttle Service: Dedicated blue-and-white rental car shuttle buses depart every few minutes from outside Terminal 1 (Doors 10-11) and Terminal 3 (Doors 51-54, 55-58).

Passenger Amenities, Dining, and Entertainment

Harry Reid International Airport offers a wide range of facilities to keep travelers comfortable and entertained during layovers or pre-flight waits:

Shopping

Explore high-end retail, travel gear, and specialty stores across all concourses:

• Luxury & Fashion: Coach, Brooks Brothers, Pandora, Victoria’s Secret, and Brighton.
• Beauty & Electronics: MAC Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics Kiosks, and Best Buy Express.
• News & Gifts: Hudson News, Marshall Rousso, and Las Vegas souvenir shops.

Dining & Drinks

From quick-service bites to sit-down dining, LAS features extensive food options:

• Quick & Casual: Starbucks, Burger King, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pei Wei Asian Diner, and Metro Pizza.
• Bars & Lounges: Red Star Lounge, PGA Tour Grill, Gordon Biersch Brewery, and various craft beer bars located throughout gates A, B, C, D, and E.

Slot Machines & Gaming

In true Las Vegas fashion, Harry Reid International Airport is one of only two commercial airports in the U.S. with casino gaming. Over 1,400 slot machines are situated across passenger terminal areas for travelers aged 21 and older.

Culture & Family Features

• Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum: Located on Level 2 above baggage claim in Terminal 1, featuring historical exhibits on southern Nevada’s commercial aviation history.
• Children’s Play Area: Located in Concourse D, offering an aviation-themed interactive play area for families traveling with young children.
• Lounges: Features The Club at LAS (accessible via Priority Pass or day pass in T1 and T3), Centurion Lounge (Concourse D), and USO Lounges for military service members.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is McCarran Airport the same as Harry Reid International Airport?

Yes. The airport was officially renamed Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in December 2021 to honor former Nevada Senator Harry Reid. The official IATA location code remains LAS.

How far is Harry Reid International Airport from the Las Vegas Strip?

The airport is approximately 3.5 miles south of the central Las Vegas Strip. Depending on traffic and your specific hotel location, travel time by taxi, rideshare, or private chauffeured vehicle takes between 10 to 15 minutes.

How do I transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3?

Travelers can transfer between terminals by using the complimentary airport inter-terminal shuttle buses operating outside the baggage claim doors at both terminals. If transferring between gates, automated tram lines connect satellite concourses to both terminal buildings.

Does Harry Reid International Airport have slot machines?

Yes. The airport features over 1,400 electronic slot machines throughout its gate areas and concourses for adult passengers 21 years of age or older.

What is the official website for Las Vegas airport information?

The official website for real-time flight status, terminal maps, parking availability, and airport directory information is harryreidairport.com.