Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Guide
Quick summary
Las Vegas's slot-machine-filled gateway (formerly McCarran), just two miles from the Strip. There is no train link, so plan on a taxi, rideshare or shuttle for the short hop to the casinos.
The bottom line on LAS
The rookie mistake at Harry Reid is heading to the baggage-claim curb for your Uber or Lyft β rideshare pickup is actually up in the parking garage (Terminal 1 Level 2, Terminal 3 Valet Level), and the two terminals are not connected airside. There is also no train of any kind, so every ride into town happens curbside.
Since the Strip sits only about 2 miles away, a taxi runs a manageable $20-30 and many hotels throw in free shuttles. Parking? Skip the short-term garage with its roughly $38 daily max and use the Economy lot at about $14 a day.
AirportScore
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Traps most travelers fall for at LAS
- Uber and Lyft do not pick up at the baggage-claim curb β rideshare pickup is up in the parking garage (Terminal 1 Level 2, Terminal 3 Valet Level), so follow the signage instead of waiting curbside.
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are not connected airside, so never book a tight connection that requires switching terminals.
- The short-term garage tops out around $38 a day β use the Economy lot at about $14 a day for anything longer than a quick visit, and remember there is no in-terminal hotel or sleep zone for an overnight.
Terminals at LAS
Harry Reid operates two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and β famously β greets you with rows of slot machines the moment you step off the plane. Terminal 1 handles most domestic carriers (Southwest, and its own gate concourses A, B and C) and Terminal 3 serves international flights and several other domestic airlines through the D and E gates. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are NOT connected airside, so a switch between them means exiting and taking a shuttle or the terminal connector. The satellite D gates are reached by an automated tram from both terminals' main halls. Because there is no rail service to the airport, all ground transport happens curbside or from the parking garages.
LAS parking rates & options
| Short-term garage β per hour | $4 first hour, $8 by 2 hrs, then $5/hr |
| Short-term garage β daily max | About $38 per day |
| Long-term garage β per day | About $20 per day |
| Economy lot β per day | About $14 per day |
| Terminal 3 Long-Term (reserved, Sat-Wed) | From about $16 per day |
| Valet β daily max | About $30 per day ($10 first hr, then $2/hr) |
| Cell phone lot | Free |
Where the money actually goes at LAS
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is $24 a day β $14 at the economy lot β per day versus $38 at the short-term garage β daily max. Over a week that is $168, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above β not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
π Getting to & from the airport
There is no rail or subway to Harry Reid, so your options are taxi, rideshare, shuttle or bus. The Strip is only about 2 miles away and the Convention Center about 3.5 miles, so a taxi typically runs a short flat-ish fare of roughly $20-30 to Strip hotels. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) uses designated pickup zones: at Terminal 1 head to Level 2 of the parking garage (via the elevator near Door 2 and the pedestrian bridge); at Terminal 3 the pickup is on the Valet Level of the garage (via Doors 52/54/56). Ride-share and taxi pickups are deliberately routed away from the baggage-claim curb, so follow the signage. Shared-ride shuttles and the public RTC bus also serve the Strip and downtown at lower cost.
LAS vs LAX vs PHX: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
ποΈ Lounges
Harry Reid has several lounges split across Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 3 (international/D gates) hosts contract and airline lounges including options that accept Priority Pass, plus The Club and airline clubs. Amex Centurion and various airline clubs appear in the mix, and access depends on your airline, ticket class or membership program. Since the two terminals are not connected airside, use a lounge in the terminal your flight departs from.
πΆ Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with no meaningful time limit. Charging and recharge zones are spread across the gate areas.
π΄ Layovers & overnight
A layover here means slot machines everywhere β gaming areas are scattered through both terminals, so budget your time (and money) carefully. Because Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are separate, don't plan a tight connection that requires switching terminals. For a long or overnight wait, there is no in-terminal hotel, but numerous Strip and airport-area hotels are a 5-10 minute rideshare away, and many offer free shuttles. The airport does not fully close overnight, though gate areas quieten down; seating is limited and bright, so bring an eye mask and expect casino ambiance rather than silence.
Insider tips
- There is no train to the Strip β plan a taxi (about $20-30) or rideshare for the 2-mile hop.
- Rideshare pickup is up in the parking garage (T1 Level 2, T3 Valet Level), not at baggage claim.
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 aren't connected airside β never book a tight terminal-switch connection.
- Skip the slot machines if you're on a budget; they're by every gate for a reason.
- With hotels minutes away, an overnight is easier off-airport than trying to sleep in the terminal.
LAS airport β FAQ
οΌ β How do I get from Las Vegas Airport to the Strip?
There is no train, so take a taxi (about $20-30 for the roughly 2-mile trip), a rideshare, or a shared shuttle. Many Strip hotels also run free shuttles. Rideshare pickup is in the parking garage β Level 2 at Terminal 1 and the Valet Level at Terminal 3.
οΌ β How much is parking at Harry Reid Airport?
Under the rates effective July 1, 2026, short-term garage parking is $4 for the first hour (about $38 daily max), long-term garage is about $20 per day, and the Economy lot is about $14 per day. Valet caps around $30 per day. These were the first increases in more than seven years.
οΌ β Are Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 connected?
No, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are not connected on the secure (airside) side. If you must switch terminals, you'll exit and use the terminal connector or a shuttle, so avoid tight connections that require changing terminals.
οΌ β Is Wi-Fi free at Las Vegas Airport?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with no meaningful time limit, plus charging zones around the gates.
οΌ β Are there really slot machines in the airport?
Yes β Harry Reid is famous for slot machines throughout both terminals, right by the gates and baggage claim. They're a Vegas tradition, but easy to skip if you'd rather keep your cash for the Strip.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Harry Reid International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often β always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.