Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know for your trip through Las Vegas.
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The airport that many still call McCarran now has an airport name change and goes by Harry Reid International Airport.
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As the main airport in Las Vegas, it gets a huge passenger volume every year.
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You will see that the airport is only a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip, which is nice if you want to get there fast.
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It has modern terminals. You can check out the new Terminal 3 when you go.
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The airport gives you a lot of ways to park your vehicle. You can also find rental cars and other ways to get a ride out.
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When you land, it is easy to get to the baggage claim area from your gate. There are signs and people movers that help you find your way.
Introduction
Welcome to Las Vegas! When you get here, you will start at Harry Reid International Airport. This is the main airport in Vegas. For a long time, people called it McCarran International Airport. The name changed not too long ago, and now it is named Harry Reid International Airport.
This guide will help you with all you need to know. I will tell you about its terminals, how to get around, and its past. Get set to move through the airport with no trouble. You can begin your time in Las Vegas fast and easy.
McCarran International Airport Overview
Harry Reid International Airport is the main Las Vegas airport in Southern Nevada. Clark County owns and runs it. The airport has kept growing with the city. Over the years, the terminal and runways have been made bigger so they can handle millions of people who come to visit Las Vegas.
The airport also has a long history. It has gone through many changes over time. Keep reading to learn about its official name, its recent new name, and why the location is good for anyone wanting quick access to all the best in Las Vegas.
Official Name and Recent Renaming
You may ask, what is the new official name of McCarran International Airport? The airport is now called Harry Reid International Airport. The Clark County Commission picked this name to honor Harry Reid. He was an important Nevada leader and served as a U.S. Senator.
The old name was McCarran International. That name came from Pat McCarran, who was a former Nevada Senator. The choice to change it shows that the state wants to honor a more recent figure.
The switch from McCarran International to Harry Reid International happened not long ago. You might still see the old name on some signs or older maps. Now, all official messages and new signs use the new name, Harry Reid International Airport. This marks a fresh start for this busy airport in Clark County, Nevada.
Location and Getting Oriented in Las Vegas
Harry Reid International Airport is about five miles south of downtown Las Vegas, right in the center of Clark County. This airport is close to many of the main things people want to see when they visit, which makes it very handy for travelers. You can get to the top resorts, casinos, or shows in just a few minutes. It does not take long to go from the airport to the Las Vegas Strip to see the bright lights, or to a meeting near the University of Nevada campus.
Because the airport is in such a good spot, people find Las Vegas much easier to visit. This main airport has helped Vegas, Clark County, and the state of Nevada grow a lot. Now, people from the US and other countries can come to Nevada, land in reid quickly, check things out, and enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer.
Airport Terminals and Layout
Knowing how the airport is set up helps you get around more easily. The airport has two main terminal buildings. These are called Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Each terminal is for different domestic and international airlines. From both terminals, you can get to different concourses, where you will find the gates.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 let you reach gate areas like C gates and D gates. It is not hard to move from one place to another. There are clear signs to show you the way, and an automatic transit system helps you get to where you need to be. The next part will give you more information about each main terminal, concourses, and how to get between them.
Main Terminals at McCarran International Airport
There are two main terminals at the airport in Las Vegas. The airline you book with will decide if you use Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. Both of these terminal buildings are up-to-date and focus on keeping travelers happy and moving fast. Terminal 1 is used by many flights inside the United States, and it connects you to the A, B, C gates, and D gates.
Terminal 3 is the newest terminal at the airport. This large part of the airport opened in 2012. It was built to help people on international flights. Some flights inside the country also use this new area. Terminal 3 has its own parking area, ticket counters, and baggage claim spots, making it easier for passengers coming in or going out. Airlines in this terminal use shared gates and systems, which helps things go faster and makes it easier for everyone.
From either of these terminals, you can get to the different concourses, such as the c gates and concourse d. Both have places where you can shop, eat, and even play at one of the famous slot machines. This gives people an early taste of the Vegas vibe as soon as they step into the airport.
Navigating Between Terminals
Getting from one terminal or concourse to another is easy because of the airport’s automated people mover. This tram helps you move from Terminal 1 to the C Gates and D Gates. You can also get from Terminal 3 to the D Gates with it. This system helps you get to your next flight fast.
If you need to go between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, you have to use a shuttle bus. There is no walkway for people between those two places. Shuttle buses are easy to spot. They come often, so you do not have to wait long. Inside each terminal, there are over 1,100 digital screens. These screens give directions to help the people find their way to the C Gates and all other places. You can also use an app like Google Maps. This app shows a simple map, and can help you look for where you need to go at the airport.
Here are the top things to know to make your trip smoother:
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The automated people mover links Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 to the D Gates.
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Another tram line takes you from Terminal 1 to the C Gates.
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Shuttle buses help you travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Airlines and Destinations
Harry Reid International Airport is a busy place in Las Vegas. The airport is a hub for many airlines. It connects Vegas to lots of places in North America and all over the world. Big names like American Airlines and United fly from here. They offer many trips within the country.
You can get international flights, too. The airport has many choices for people who want to fly out of the country. So, Harry Reid International Airport is a good spot to start your next trip. The next parts will show you more about which airlines are here and where they go most.
Major Domestic and International Airlines
Harry Reid International Airport hosts a wide variety of airlines to suit every traveler’s needs. Major domestic carriers provide service to nearly every corner of the country. You can expect to find airlines like American Airlines and many others offering frequent flights.
The airport is also a key destination for international travelers. Airlines from the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, and Asia offer direct flights, bringing visitors from around the globe to experience Las Vegas. Terminal 3 is the dedicated facility for all international arrivals and departures.
As one of the busiest airports in the United States, it serves a diverse mix of carriers.
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Carrier Type |
Examples |
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Major U.S. Airlines |
Connect to hubs and cities across the nation. |
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Low-Cost Carriers |
Provide budget-friendly options for domestic travel. |
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International Airlines |
Offer direct flights from Europe, Asia, and North America. |
Popular Nonstop Routes and Destinations
You can fly nonstop from Las Vegas to many places in the United States and even to cities in other countries. The airport in Vegas has a wide range of routes. This makes it easy to get to big business cities, fun vacation places, and busy flight connection spots.
It doesn’t matter if you want to go to the beaches in Southern California or the busy streets on the East Coast. You will find an easy flight from Vegas. Because more than one airline offers flights, there are always a lot of choices when flying between top cities.
Some of the most popular nonstop domestic places to fly from Las Vegas are:
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Los Angeles (LAX)
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New York (JFK)
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San Diego (SAN)
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Salt Lake City (SLC)
Transportation To and From the Airport
When you arrive, you will see many ways to get to your last stop. You can take a taxi, a shuttle, or use public transit. These are all easy to find and will get you to the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown, or any spot around the valley. The airport is just a few miles from most of the busy places in vegas, so your ride will not take long.
Do you want to know how far it is to the Strip or what public buses go there? The next parts will talk about the miles from the airport to famous spots in las vegas. They will also show your options for shuttles, taxis, and buses.
Distance to the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown
One of the best things about flying into Las Vegas is how close the airport is to where all the fun happens. The airport sits just across from the well-known “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign and near the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. You will find it is only about 3 or 4 miles to get right to the heart of the Strip.
Because it’s so near, you could be at your hotel in only 10 or 15 minutes. It depends on how busy the roads are. This saves you both time and money on getting from the airport to where you want to be. You get to start enjoying your Vegas trip right away.
If you want to get to Downtown Las Vegas, it is also not far. Downtown, home to things like the Fremont Street Experience, is about 5 miles north of the airport. Getting there usually takes about 20 minutes. So, it’s quick and simple to reach other parts of Vegas after you arrive.
Public Transportation, Shuttles, and Taxis
Yes, there is public transportation. This is a good way to save money when you travel. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has bus routes that can take you from the airport to the Las Vegas Strip and also to downtown Las Vegas. If you want to spend less, this is a good choice.
If you want to get somewhere fast, you can use group shuttles or taxis. You will find them outside the baggage claim area at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Shuttles are shared rides. They stop at different hotels along the Vegas Strip and in the city. Taxis take you alone or with the people you are with right to your Nevada destination.
Here are your main ground transportation choices:
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Public Transportation: RTC buses go to the Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas.
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Shuttles: Shared rides you can use to get to big hotels for less.
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Taxis: These are ready all day and night to take you right where you need to go in Nevada.
Parking, Rental Cars, and Rideshare Options
If you are driving to the airport or need to use a car while you are here, you have a few choices. The airport has a lot of parking spots for both short trips and longer stays. There are thousands of spaces ready for you. If you want to get a car, you can find rental cars and rideshare services with no trouble.
It does not matter if you want to leave your car for just an hour or for a whole week. There is an option that will work for you. The next parts will show more about the parking choices. You will also see where to get rental cars and rideshare pickups.
Short-Term and Long-Term Parking Choices
Harry Reid International has a few parking garages and lots. These are made to be easy for people to use. If you will go to the airport just to drop off or pick up someone, short-term parking is the best. It is right by the terminals, so you don’t have to walk far.
If you need to leave your car for some days or longer, long-term parking is better. This choice costs less for every day you park. It is a bit farther from any terminal, but there are free shuttle buses that come by often. You can pay your parking fee in dollars. Each long-term lot has a daily max.
Your top parking choices at Harry Reid International are:
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Short-Term Parking: Located in the garages at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. It is good if you want to stay for just a few hours.
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Long-Term Parking: You can find this at both terminals too. It has a lower price for each day if you will be gone for a while.
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Economy Parking: This is the lowest cost. You can get a shuttle to any terminal.
Onsite Rental Cars and Rideshare Services
Renting a car is easy at the airport because there is a special Rent-A-Car Center close by. The center is not at the main terminal buildings, but you can take a quick blue-and-white shuttle bus to get there. These buses stop to pick up people outside the baggage claim area at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
The Rent-A-Car Center puts most big car rental companies in one spot. This makes it simple to find and book your car, and you do not have to go to different places in Clark County to rent. You are able to pick up or drop off your car there at any time, day or night.
Many people in Clark County also use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft when flying in or out. There are signs in the parking garages at each terminal to help you find the pickup spots. The Clark County Department of Aviation is in charge of rideshares so that travel can be easy and smooth for everyone.
Conclusion
To sum it up, getting around McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas can be simple when you know what to do. If you understand the way the terminal is set up, learn about travel choices, and know where the parking is, you can have a good head start for your Vegas trip. Don’t forget to look into the hotels close by if you want somewhere to stay, or use the live flight tracking to keep up with flights as they happen. When you plan your trip, keep these tips in mind to make things easier at McCarran. Have a great trip and enjoy your time in Las Vegas! If you have questions or need some help, you can always ask for more info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hotels near McCarran International Airport?
Yes, there are many hotels close to Harry Reid International Airport. The airport is near the Las Vegas Strip, so you will find many places to stay just a few minutes away. There are both cheap hotels and high-end resorts. Many of them also offer airport shuttles to make your trip to or from Harry Reid easier. This is good for people who want to stay in Vegas without a long drive from the airport.
How do I track live flights at the airport?
You can see live flights by going to the official Harry Reid International Airport website. There, you will get real-time details about arrivals and departures. You can also use well-known flight-tracking apps or websites. These get data straight from the FAA. The airport officials in Harry Reid work with Clark County to keep this info correct.
When did McCarran International Airport change its name?
The Clark County Commission said yes to changing the name of McCarran International to Harry Reid International Airport in February 2021. This airport, once called McCarran International, now is named for Harry Reid to honor him. He worked for many years as a Senate Majority Leader from Nevada. The renaming is meant to thank Reid for all he did for Clark County, Nevada, and the country.