How Do I Get From Reno to Lake Tahoe?

You can reach Lake Tahoe from Reno in a variety of ways, including by car, shuttle, bus or rideshare, such as Uber or Lyft. North Lake Tahoe Express will take you from the Reno International Airport to North Lake Tahoe. If you’re looking to reach the south side of the lake, South Tahoe Airporter can get you there. Another option is Airport Mini Bus, which will take you wherever you need to go and seats 29 people. If you want to make a stop in town first before heading to Lake Tahoe, the RTC Ride is a public transit bus system that has a stop right outside of the airport’s baggage claim area. This bus route has stops all over town and is an inexpensive way to get around. UNR and TMCC students ride free. Rental cars are also available at the airport, and rideshare companies are always a click away to take you where you want to go quickly.

How Far Is the Reno Airport From Lake Tahoe?

The Reno airport is 33 miles from Incline Village (North Lake Tahoe) and is less than an hour’s car ride away. The airport is 59 miles from South Lake Tahoe and will take you a little over an hour to get there by car. Please note that travel times can vary depending on traffic and seasonal weather conditions, so always make sure to check the weather and traffic reports before you depart.

How Long Does It Take To Get From Reno to Lake Tahoe?

From Reno’s city center, the trip will take you a little under one hour to get to North Lake Tahoe by car. Travel time can vary depending on traffic and time of year. If you are traveling from Reno to Lake Tahoe during the winter months, please account for snow and longer drive times.

Is There a Shuttle From Reno to Lake Tahoe?

Yes! There are several shuttles available from Reno to Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re looking to reach one of the area’s many ski resorts, or you’re simply looking to take a relaxing day trip to the lake, there is a shuttle service that can get you there. Check out our Reno Tahoe Shuttles page to learn more about the area’s best shuttle services.

What airlines fly out of Reno-Tahoe?

Passenger airlines that fly in and out of RNO include: Alaska Airlines American Airlines Delta Air Lines JetBlue JSX (Hop-On jet service) New Pacific Airlines Southwest Airlines Spirit Airlines Sun Country Airlines United Airlines Volaris Flights and airline services are subject to change. Please check with each airline’s website for the most up-to-date information on arrivals and departures.

What are nonstop flights to Reno, Nevada?

New flights to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport are continually being added, making getting here even easier. RNO currently flies to the following cities: Atlanta Austin Burbank Chicago (Midway, O’Hare) Dallas (Love Field, Fort Worth) Denver Guadalajara Houston (Intercontinental) Las Vegas Long Beach Los Angeles Minneapolis New York Oakland Ontario Orange County Phoenix Portland Salt Lake City San Diego San Francisco San Jose Seattle Check out new flights being offered in and out of Reno at the official Reno-Tahoe International Airport website.

What's the best time to visit Reno Tahoe?

Reno is a year-round destination. Choosing when to visit largely depends on what kind of trip you’re into. If you’re looking to experience hiking, camping and swimming, you’ll want to book your flights to Reno in the summer. Reno’s weather starts to really warm up June through August. Summer is prime time to take a dip in Lake Tahoe, embark on early morning hikes or have an unforgettable camping trip in one of the most beautiful forests in the world. If you’re looking to experience some world-class skiing, then the mid-to-later winter months are best. There are several shuttles that run from Reno to Tahoe ski resorts. For a comprehensive list, check out our Reno Tahoe ski shuttles page. When planning your trip to the Biggest Little City, it’s best to start shopping flights early to save money on airfare, especially if you are traveling to Reno during the summer or winter months, which tend to be the most popular times to visit. Flights to Reno can be a bit pricier during the summer months, which is a peak season around here. People from around the country fly in to enjoy sunshine, events and the great outdoors. But the winter months bring in their own sort of crowds, most of them sporting goggle tans and clutching ski or snowboard bags. Regardless of what type of visitor you are, the earlier you shop flights, the better.

Traveling to Reno & Lake Tahoe

Planes, trains and automobiles.

Chances are you’ve been thinking about a weekend away. Do you daydream of breathing in fresh air, sampling farm-to-table cuisine or hearing the celebratory sounds of that jackpot you just won? How about experiencing all of those on the same day? Then it sounds like the Biggest Little City is calling your name… and maybe you should heed the call. Don’t stress about getting here. No matter whether you drive, fly or take the train to Reno Tahoe, rest assured your trip couldn’t be easier. And once you’re here, getting around Reno is easy, whether you have your own car, a rental car or are looking for shuttle options.

Flying to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport

With daily direct flights from the Bay Area, Southern California, Las Vegas and more, flying to Reno Tahoe International Airport is the perfect way to get your trip started even sooner.

More than 50 airports nationwide offer either nonstop or one-stop flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). With one-stop access through 10 major hubs, you can find yourself hiking a mountain trail in the Sierra Nevada foothills or sipping a craft cocktail along the Truckee River just a few hours after you leave home.

Airport Construction Information: For those traveling through the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, please be aware of their ongoing expansion project. You can find travel-related updates on their More RNO page.

Plan your drive to Reno

There’s something special about a road trip – creating the ideal playlist, finding the perfect stops along the way and of course, you can’t forget the snacks. The scenic San Francisco to Reno drive takes less than half a day and makes for an ideal weekend getaway. You may choose the most direct route along Interstate 80, or opt for a picturesque detour along Highway 50. Both options provide travelers with plenty of photo ops and opportunities for adventure.

The drive from Los Angeles to Reno takes about eight hours and does not disappoint with a myriad of stops to experience delicious food, national parks and other attractions along the way.

Driving from Las Vegas to Reno offers plenty of quirky and memorable pit stops along the way, including ghost towns and unique artwork.

Take the train to Reno

If you’d rather leave the navigating to someone else, Amtrak’s California Zephyr offers one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. The Zephyr runs through Reno and Sacramento, into Emeryville/San Francisco.

Bus trips to Reno Tahoe

If you are headed to the area but don’t have a car, don’t worry! There are plenty of bus and shuttle options to and around Reno, Tahoe and stops in between. Many Reno hotels offer complimentary shuttles from the airport to their properties. If you are looking for shuttle services to Lake Tahoe and Tahoe ski resorts from downtown Reno, there are options available as well.

Flights to Reno Tahoe

In July 2023 alone, more than 440,000 passengers passed through RNO. Major airlines continue to offer nonstop flights to Reno, Nevada, and even more flights are available with just one stop.

Hop a flight to Reno from Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Austin and more. These routes can change depending on the season and other factors, so be sure to check flights ahead of time before finalizing your plans.

Did you know that RNO is the closest major airport to Lake Tahoe? Plan your trip today to get away to Reno Tahoe, the stuff of dreams for the foodie, outdoor enthusiast and nightlife lover. Once you land, head over to Big Blue by rideshare service or rental car.

Okay, maybe we’re a little biased here, but the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is a great airport to travel through. Its smaller size means you can be out of baggage claim and on to the real adventures even faster! Don’t worry about leaving hungry or thirsty – there are plenty of local and chain restaurants to choose from. Grab a slice of pizza at local favorite Wild Garlic Pizza or quench your thirst with a beer at Tap & Pour.

There’s even entertainment to be had! RNO hosts local performances throughout the year, and they even have their own art gallery. RNO opened the Connector Collections Gallery in 2005 to celebrate artistic development in Northern Nevada. Local art is also featured in their depARTures Gallery, which is located on the C Concourse.

It wouldn’t be a Reno airport if there wasn’t a touch of gaming. If you’re feeling lucky, there are more than 200 machines to test your luck.

For those looking to park and fly, lot availability can fill up fast during peak seasons. That’s why the Reno-Tahoe International Airport offers its new Real-Time Parking Availability feature, where you can view lot availability and plan ahead.

Transportation from Reno to Lake Tahoe

Need to get to Lake Tahoe from Reno but don’t have a car? No problem! There are several ski shuttles to area resorts during the winter months, as well as transportation options to and around Lake Tahoe throughout the year. Check out this list of shuttle services to and from the lake, and learn more about flights to Reno Tahoe.

Reno transportation

Most major casino hotels offer shuttles to and from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. One of the easiest way to explore the area is by rental car, giving you the freedom to explore the entire Reno Tahoe region. Cruise with the top down or put it in 4-wheel drive, go where you want when you want and make memories that will last a lifetime. Not wanting to rent a car, but still looking for the freedom a vehicle offers? You can hire a car or limo service to chauffeur you around or take advantage of our rideshare and taxi services available. If you’re looking for a unique way to get around downtown and Midtown then check out Pineapple Pedicabs, Reno’s fun bicycle transportation service.

Reno Public Transportation

In addition to shuttles and rentals cars, Reno has a variety of public transportation services available. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) offers bus routes throughout the Reno area, including the RTC RAPID Virginia Line which provides convenient access to stops along Virginia Street, from downtown to Meadowood Mall. In addition to providing public transportation for residents and visitors, RTC’s fixed-route bus fleet operates with 100% alternative-fuel buses. One-third of the buses are fully electric, with the remainder being electric-diesel hybrids. For more information on public transportation in Reno, see the complete and up-to-date RTC schedule and route map.

Car Charging Stations in Reno and Sparks

With the Tesla Gigafactory located just east of Reno, it’s no surprise that the number of charging stations for Teslas and other electric cars is quickly growing. Charging stations can be found at many major hotels, as well as other convenient locations throughout Reno and Sparks. Find the location of charging stations near you.

Lake Tahoe transportation

Lake Tahoe is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Reno, making it an easy and beautiful addition to your trip to Reno Tahoe. If you’re traveling to Lake Tahoe during your visit, you can get around the lake using the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART). This free bus system is a great way to avoid the hassle of parking and while also traveling more sustainably in the region. TART operates several bus routes along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe, including Olympic Valley, Northstar and Truckee.

In addition to the bus routes, TART Connect is a simple, free service that makes getting around North Lake Tahoe a breeze. This on-demand, curb-to-curb transportation option means you can park your car and easily navigate throughout the North Lake Tahoe area. TART Connect vans are ADA accessible and come equipped with bike racks. This service operates seasonally, so be sure to check their schedule while planning your trip.

Travel Information

Before heading out on your drive to Reno or Lake Tahoe, it’s always a good idea to check road conditions, especially if you’re making the trip in the winter months. During snowy winters, the highways to Reno may have chain controls or even close for periods of time to keep travelers safe. For current road conditions for driving to Reno, visit Caltrans or NDOT, depending on the direction you’re coming from.

FAQS

#RenoTahoeFollow Us