The Guide to Las Vegas Airport is the one resource every traveler needs before landing in — or departing from — one of America’s busiest travel hubs. Whether you’re a first-timer chasing the neon glow of the Strip or a road-warrior who visits Vegas twice a year for conferences, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. And when it comes to arriving in style, premium airport transfer services like Windy City Limousine Chicago set the tone for the kind of trip Vegas was made for — smooth, effortless, and memorable from the first mile.
So let’s break it all down. From terminals and Las Vegas Airport parking to the best lounges, restaurants, and transport options, this guide covers everything.
A Quick History of Harry Reid International Airport
Las Vegas Airport has quite a story behind it. It was founded in 1943 by aviator George Crockett and originally went by the name Alamo Field. By 1948, Clark County had purchased the land and renamed it McCarran International Airport, after Senator Pat McCarran — a man who played a significant role in shaping commercial aviation across the United States.
Over the decades that followed, the airport expanded repeatedly to keep up with Las Vegas’s explosive growth as a tourism and entertainment capital. The most recent major upgrade came in 2012. Then, in 2021, the airport was renamed once more — this time to Harry Reid International Airport, honoring Nevada’s longtime US Senator who served from 1987 to 2017.
Today, LAS handles over 57.6 million passengers annually, making it one of the most trafficked airports in the country. It serves as an operating base for Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, and Spirit Airlines, alongside dozens of international carriers connecting Vegas to Asia, Europe, and the rest of North America.
Where Is Las Vegas Airport Located?
Harry Reid International Airport sits just five miles south of downtown Las Vegas, which is one of the most convenient airport locations in the country relative to a city’s main entertainment district.
Address: 5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 Phone: 702-261-5211
That short distance means you can be on the Strip in under 20 minutes with the right airport transportation — and in true Vegas fashion, there’s no shortage of ways to get there.
How to Get to and from Las Vegas Airport
This is where your Guide to Las Vegas Airport experience really begins — the moment you step outside baggage claim. Here are your main options:
RTC Transit Bus — The most budget-friendly choice. Routes 108 and 109 depart from ground level at Terminal 1 and run directly along Las Vegas Boulevard. Stops are named after iconic resorts like the Flamingo, Tropicana, and Sahara, so navigation is simple. Fares start at just $4 for a single ride or $8 for a 24-hour unlimited pass. You can pay at ticket machines, on board with cash, or through the rideRTC app.
CX (Centennial Express) Bus — At just $2 per ride, the CX bus is the cheapest way downtown, though it only runs once per hour and takes around 35 minutes. It stops at Flamingo on the Strip, so it’s best suited for travelers heading to that specific area. Board from Ground Level Zero at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3.
Taxis — Cabs are always available outside baggage claim at Terminal 1 and Level Zero at Terminal 3. Expect to pay around $30 for a direct ride to the Strip. It’s convenient, but not always the most comfortable option for longer trips or after a long-haul flight.
Luxury Chauffeur Service — For travelers who want to arrive the right way, a professional private airport transfer is the obvious choice. Windy City Limousine Chicago offers premium chauffeur services with a fleet that includes executive sedans, Cadillac Escalades, Lincoln Navigators, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, their professional chauffeurs track your flight in real time and meet you on arrival — no waiting, no stress, no guesswork. Book your Las Vegas airport transfer here.
Las Vegas Airport Terminal Overview
LAS operates with two active terminals. Terminal 2 was demolished in 2016.
Terminal 1 is the primary domestic terminal, handling airlines like Southwest, American, Delta, Allegiant, Spirit, and Avelo, among others.
Terminal 3 handles international flights as well as additional domestic routes. Airlines operating from here include British Airways, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, United, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and many more.
A free airport shuttle bus runs between the two terminals every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, taking between 5 and 10 minutes each way. You can also walk the 0.75-mile distance between terminals in 15 to 20 minutes, though travelers with heavy luggage are better off taking the shuttle.
For getting to your specific concourse, LAS operates three tram lines: the green line goes to C gates in Terminal 1, the blue line runs to D gates from Terminal 1, and the red line connects Terminal 3 to the D gates.
Las Vegas Airport Parking Guide
LAS keeps airport parking Las Vegas simple with several clearly defined options across both terminals.
Short-Term Parking is for stays of three hours or less. Located on Level 2M at Terminal 1 and Level 1 at Terminal 3, it costs $1 for the first hour and $4 for each additional hour, up to a daily maximum of $36.
Long-Term Parking is designed for stays longer than three hours. Found adjacent to both terminals across multiple levels, the first three hours cost $10, then $2 per hour after that, capped at $18 per day. Terminal 3 long-term is usually less congested than Terminal 1.
Valet Parking is available near both terminals — Level 2 for Terminal 1 and Level V for Terminal 3. Rates start at $10 for the first hour and increase incrementally, with a daily cap of $30.
Economy Parking costs $4 for two hours and $2 for each additional hour, maxing out at $12 per day. It’s a solid choice for longer trips on a tighter budget.
Remote Lot — Located across the road on Gilespie Street near the Rent-A-Car center, this is the most affordable long-stay option. Free shuttles run to and from both terminals. Same pricing as economy at $4 for two hours.
Cell Phone Lot — Free, paved, and security-monitored. Perfect for drivers picking someone up. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Airport Lounges at LAS — Where to Unwind Before Your Flight
Vegas is synonymous with VIP treatment, and the LAS airport lounges don’t disappoint. Here’s what’s available:
The Club LAS has two locations — one in Terminal 1 at Concourse D and another in Terminal 3 at Concourse E. Think hotel lobby vibes with complimentary drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), snacks, Wi-Fi, flight screens, and shower facilities. A day pass is $50, or free with Priority Pass and a same-day boarding pass.
The Centurion Lounge at Concourse D is the American Express premium lounge for Platinum cardholders and certain Delta SkyMiles Amex holders. It offers a self-serve hot and cold buffet, full bar, business center, family room, conference room, and showers.
United Club at Concourse D is open to United Club members and passengers traveling in United Business or Polaris Business class, plus Star Alliance business/first class travelers. Day passes are available for $59.
USO Lounge is available in both terminals for active and former military personnel and their dependents. It has a relaxed atmosphere with board games, TV areas, a music room with instruments, and a quiet resting zone.
Two more lounges — the Capital One Lounge and Chase Sapphire Lounge — are coming soon to Concourse D, promising locally inspired menus, artisan cocktails, and relaxation rooms for cardholders.
Best Restaurants at Las Vegas Airport
Eating well before a flight is non-negotiable, and this Guide to Las Vegas Airport makes sure you don’t waste time wandering. Here are the top picks at LAS:
Burke In The Box (Concourse D) — Upscale American fare from celebrity chef David Burke, best known from Iron Chef America. Expect craft burgers, artisan sandwiches, and truffle fries.
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill — A go-to for gourmet pizza with wood-fired flavor, fresh ingredients, and a menu that also covers pasta and salads.
Rachel’s Kitchen — California-inspired healthy options including acai bowls, wraps, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and fresh juices. Great for travelers who want something nourishing before a long flight.
Pei Wei Asian Diner — Available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Covers a range of Asian-inspired dishes including fried rice, noodles, Mongolian beef, and orange chicken.
The Great American Bagel — New York bagel energy, right in the heart of the desert. A solid, familiar choice if you want something quick and satisfying.
Shopping at Harry Reid International Airport
If you’ve got time to kill, the LAS airport shops offer a solid retail experience.
Hudson Booksellers covers all your reading material, plus snacks, beverages, and travel accessories. InMotion Entertainment is where to go for headphones, chargers, and travel tech. Duty Free Americas stocks the usual tax-free staples — liquor, tobacco, cosmetics, and fragrances. Brookstone rounds out the tech side with noise-canceling headphones and premium travel gear.
For souvenirs, the Welcome to Las Vegas Gift Shop is a must — it’s stocked with keychains, magnets, T-shirts, and novelty items that capture the city’s spirit perfectly. Sweet tooth? Lick Candy Store has a colorful selection of treats worth picking up as a gift.
Hotels Near Las Vegas Airport
Staying close to the airport doesn’t mean sacrificing the Vegas experience. These hotels offer excellent proximity to LAS alongside world-class amenities.
Skylofts at MGM Grand (1.7 miles from LAS) is the pinnacle of Las Vegas luxury — two-story lofts with 24-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, private butler service, and floor plans up to 6,000 square feet. The full MGM Grand resort, casino, and entertainment complex is right at your feet.
Excalibur Hotel and Casino (1.8 miles from LAS) is a Vegas icon sitting directly on the Strip. It features four heated pools, a full casino, live medieval jousting shows, and comfortable suites with mountain and city views. It regularly makes top five lists for best hotels in Las Vegas.
Desert Rose Resort (1.5 miles from LAS) is the ideal choice for travelers who want proximity to the Strip without the casino noise. Condo-style rooms with private balconies, a beautiful outdoor pool, picnic and BBQ areas, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s genuinely refreshing.
Airport Amenities and Practical Information
A few more things worth knowing before you go:
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all areas of LAS. ATMs are scattered across both terminals and concourses. Charging stations and laptop workstations are available at various points in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Nursing pods are in all departure areas. Medical assistance is available at the University Medical Center in Terminal 1, near the A/B security checkpoint. Water bottle filling stations are spread across both terminals, with T3 stations offering both hot and cold water. Pet relief areas are outside security in both terminals and at gates C, D, and E.
The Smartest Way to Travel to and from Las Vegas Airport
Once you’ve taken in everything this Guide to Las Vegas Airport has to offer, the one decision that makes everything easier is how you actually get there. Taxis are fine, buses are cheap, but if you’re visiting Vegas for a special occasion, a corporate trip, or simply want to start your experience the right way, a luxury airport car service changes the entire tone of your journey.
Windy City Limousine Chicago provides premium chauffeur-driven airport transfers with a fleet of executive sedans, Cadillac Escalades, Lincoln Navigators, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for groups. Their professional chauffeurs are trained for discretion, punctuality, and comfort — and they track your flight in real time so there’s never a wait.
Whether you’re heading to the Strip, a corporate conference, or a private event in Las Vegas, you can make your reservation here and travel with the confidence that your ground transportation is handled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Las Vegas Airport
1. What is the official name of Las Vegas Airport? The airport was renamed Harry Reid International Airport in 2021, honoring Nevada’s longtime US Senator. It was previously known as McCarran International Airport. Most travelers still refer to it by its IATA code, LAS.
2. How far is Las Vegas Airport from the Strip? Harry Reid International Airport is approximately five miles south of the Las Vegas Strip. With efficient airport transportation, you can reach major Strip hotels in 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
3. What terminals does Las Vegas Airport have? LAS has two active terminals — Terminal 1 for most domestic carriers and Terminal 3 for international flights and additional domestic routes. Terminal 2 was demolished in 2016.
4. How do I get from Las Vegas Airport to the Strip cheaply? The RTC bus (Routes 108 and 109) runs directly along Las Vegas Boulevard from Terminal 1 for $4 per ride. The CX Centennial Express is even cheaper at $2 but runs only once per hour.
5. Is there a free shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at LAS? Yes, a free airport shuttle connects both terminals every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day. It takes 5 to 10 minutes each way.
6. Can I book a luxury car or limo service from Las Vegas Airport? Absolutely. Services like Windy City Limousine Chicago offer premium Las Vegas airport transfer options with professional chauffeurs and a full luxury fleet. Real-time flight tracking is included so your driver is always ready when you land.
7. What lounges are available at Las Vegas Airport? LAS has The Club LAS (two locations), the Centurion Lounge (for Amex Platinum cardholders), United Club, USO Lounge (for military), and two upcoming lounges — Capital One and Chase Sapphire — coming to Concourse D.
8. What is the best parking option at Las Vegas Airport for a week-long trip? For a trip lasting several days, the economy lot or remote lot are the most cost-effective, capping at $12 per day. Long-term parking in Terminal 3 is also a good option at $18 per day max and tends to be less congested than Terminal 1.
9. Are there restaurants and shops at Las Vegas Airport? Yes, LAS has a strong food and retail offering. Highlights include Burke In The Box, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, Rachel’s Kitchen, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Hudson Booksellers, InMotion Entertainment, and Duty Free Americas.
10. Is there a hotel connected to or near Las Vegas Airport? There’s no on-site airport hotel, but several excellent options are within two miles of LAS, including the Skylofts at MGM Grand, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, and the Desert Rose Resort — all with easy access to the Strip.
