Las Vegas Airport Guide

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), formerly McCarran International Airport, serves Las Vegas from immediately south of the Strip. It has two ticketing and baggage-claim buildings, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 serves A, B, C, and D Gates; Terminal 3 serves D and E Gates. D Gates are a shared satellite reached by automated trams from either terminal.

Check the airline and flight before choosing a terminal: a D Gate does not by itself identify which terminal contains the flight's check-in and baggage claim. Cleared passengers can travel airside between terminals through D Gates, while landside travellers use the courtesy shuttle.

One distinctive feature of LAS: slot machines are located throughout the terminals, giving travelers an immediate taste of Las Vegas even before leaving the airport.

Airside connection

• From Terminal 1, clear the C/D checkpoint and take the Blue Line tram to D Gates.
• At D Gates, follow signs to the Red Line tram for Terminal 3.
• From Terminal 3, clear security on Level 2 and take the Red Line to D Gates; transfer there to the Blue Line for Terminal 1.

This route is for passengers already inside security. Check the onward gate and make sure checked baggage is through-tagged before using it.

Landside connection

The terminals are not walkable. Courtesy buses operate from Level Zero at each terminal approximately every 20–30 minutes. Use this route when changing check-in or baggage-claim buildings, when bags must be collected, or when directed landside; security must then be cleared at the departure terminal.

International arrivals

International processing is in Terminal 3. Arriving passengers complete U.S. entry formalities, collect checked baggage, clear customs, and follow the airline's instructions for re-checking. After re-entering security, use the Red/Blue tram route if the onward gate is reached through Terminal 1. The airport does not support the former generic minimum-connection and walking-time tables; use the airline's required connection time.

LAS has no passenger-rail or Las Vegas Monorail station. Taxis, rideshare, shared shuttles, rental-car buses, and RTC public buses use designated terminal pickup areas. Road travel to the Strip or downtown can vary sharply during conventions and major events, so use live routing when timing matters.

Uber and Lyft are widely available at LAS. Pickup is inside the parking garages rather than at the arrivals curb.

How to get picked up:

1. Follow the airport's "Ride Share" signs from baggage claim
2. Request the ride after reaching the designated garage area
3. Match the app's pickup zone with the posted sign

Terminal 1: Level 2 of the parking garage. Terminal 3: Valet level of the parking garage, reached via the Level 2 bridge and garage elevator.

Typical rideshare fares:

• Mid-Strip (Bellagio, Caesars area): $15-25
• South Strip (Mandalay Bay, Luxor): $12-20
• North Strip (Wynn, Venetian): $18-28
• Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street): $18-28
• Convention Center: $18-25

Taxis: Available outside each terminal's baggage claim area. Taxis are metered with a $3.50 flag drop and approximately $2.76 per mile.

• Las Vegas Strip: $15-30 depending on destination
• Downtown Las Vegas: $22-30

Tip: Rideshare is typically cheaper than taxis for Strip destinations. However, taxi lines are often shorter than rideshare pickup wait times during peak hours.

RTC buses

RTC routes 108, 109, and Centennial Express (CX) serve Terminal 1 at Level Zero. CX also serves Terminal 3 from the stop across from door 44 on Level 2.

• Route 108 follows the Paradise corridor.
• Route 109 follows Maryland Parkway and links the airport with the South Strip Transit Terminal, where passengers can change to the Deuce for Las Vegas Boulevard.
• CX provides an express link toward downtown and other listed stops.

Use RTC's trip planner or rideRTC app for the current stop, timetable, and fare. Terminal 1 has a ticket vending machine; RTC also accepts supported app tickets and onboard payment methods. If arriving at Terminal 3 for routes 108 or 109, take the airport's landside terminal shuttle to Terminal 1.

Shared shuttles

Paid group shuttle providers serve hotels, resorts, and other regional destinations. Terminal 1 pickups are outside doors 7–13; Terminal 3 pickups are on Level Zero, with domestic services on the west side and international services on the east side. Confirm the provider and reservation rather than assuming a hotel supplies a free shuttle.

LAS offers multiple parking options (as of 2025):

Terminal Parking

Location	Daily Rate	Notes
Terminal 1 Long-Term Garage	$18/day	Covered parking, short walk to terminal
Terminal 3 Long-Term Garage	$18/day	Covered parking, short walk to terminal

Short-Term Parking

Location	Rate	Notes
Terminal 1 Short-Term Garage	$3/30 min, $36/day max	Closest to terminal, covered
Terminal 3 Short-Term Garage	$3/30 min, $36/day max	Closest to terminal, covered

Economy Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Transport to Terminal
Economy Lot (Terminal 1)	$12/day	Covered walkway to terminal
Economy Lot (Terminal 3)	$12/day	Covered walkway to terminal

Tips:

• Economy lots fill quickly during busy periods (holidays, conventions, major events)
• Pre-book online at harryreidairport.com for potential discounts
• Remote off-site lots along Paradise Road and near Sunset Road offer rates from $5-10/day with shuttle service
• Covered parking is valuable in the intense Las Vegas summer heat

LAS has improved its dining options significantly, with a mix of national chains and local Las Vegas establishments.

Terminal 1:

• Concourse A: Einstein Bros. Bagels, PF Chang's To Go, Starbucks
• Concourse B: McDonald's, Panda Express, Popeyes, Johnny Rockets
• Concourse C: Las Vegas Chophouse & Brewery, Carl's Jr., Dunkin'

Terminal 3:

• Concourse D: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Burger King, Pizza Hut Express, Sbarro
• Concourse D (pre-security): Village Pub, Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill
• Concourse E: California Pizza Kitchen, Shake Shack, Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery, Starbucks

Best food options: Terminal 3's Concourse E has the most upscale dining, including Bouchon Bakery (Thomas Keller's acclaimed French bakery) and Shake Shack.

Late-night dining: Options become limited after 10 PM. News stands and some quick-service restaurants remain open for late flights.

Vegas specialty: Don't be surprised to see slot machines at some restaurant bars.

Free WiFi is available throughout all LAS terminals.

Network name: _Free LAS Wi-Fi

To connect:

1. Select _Free LAS Wi-Fi from your device
2. Open browser and accept terms
3. Watch a brief advertisement or sign up for email (optional fast pass)
4. No payment required

Quality: Generally adequate for browsing, email, and social media. Streaming may be inconsistent during peak travel times. For faster connections, use airline lounges.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Terminals 1 and 3)
• Best Buy Express kiosks (near baggage claim)
• Hudson News stores

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid plans starting around $30-50 for basic data packages.

Tip: For better prices, order an eSIM before arrival or visit a carrier store on the Strip or elsewhere in Las Vegas after landing.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals, typically near food courts, newsstands, and restrooms.

Banks represented:

• Bank of America
• Wells Fargo
• Various third-party ATM providers

Out-of-network withdrawal fees typically run $3-5 per transaction. Many third-party ATMs in the airport (and casinos) charge higher fees of $5-8.

Currency exchange: Travelex operates locations in both terminals (post-security). As with most airports, exchange rates include significant markups. Using your bank's ATM or a service like Wise typically offers better value.

Casino tip: Nearly every casino on the Strip has ATMs, though fees can be high ($5-10). Most casinos also offer currency exchange at the cashier's cage.

LAS offers a variety of shopping options, including Las Vegas-themed souvenirs and duty-free for international travelers.

Duty-Free: DFS Duty Free operates locations in Terminal 3 for international departures.

Notable stores:

• Las Vegas-themed shops: Multiple locations selling Vegas souvenirs, shot glasses, playing cards, and casino memorabilia
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, snacks, travel essentials (all concourses)
• InMotion: Electronics, headphones, chargers, travel tech
• M&M's World Store (Terminal 1): Branded candy and merchandise
• Swarovski (Terminal 3): Crystal jewelry and gifts
• The LINQ Shop (Terminal 1): Vegas souvenirs and gifts

Local tip: Save your shopping for the Strip, where you'll find better selection and often better prices than at the airport.

Priority Pass Lounges

The Club LAS (Terminal 1, near gate D)

• Location: Between Terminal 1 gates, near Concourse D
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, or approximately $50 day pass
• Amenities: Light snacks, drinks (including alcoholic), WiFi, seating
• Note: Can be crowded, especially during peak Southwest departure times

The Club LAS (Terminal 3, Concourse D)

• Location: Near gate D1
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, or approximately $50 day pass
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi, workstations

Airline Lounges

Centurion Lounge (Terminal 3, Concourse D)

• Location: Near gate D1
• Access: American Express Platinum, Centurion cardholders
• Amenities: Premium food, cocktails, spa services, showers
• Note: One of the larger Centurion Lounges, featuring Vegas-inspired decor

United Club (Terminal 3, Concourse D)

• Location: Near gate D23
• Access: United Club membership, United status (1K, Global Services), Star Alliance Gold, or day pass ($59)
• Amenities: Snacks, drinks, WiFi

American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 3, Concourse D)

• Location: Near gate D31
• Access: Admirals Club membership, AAdvantage Executive Platinum, oneworld Emerald/Sapphire, or day pass ($79)
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi, workstations

Delta Sky Club (Terminal 1, Concourse A)

• Location: Near gate A36
• Access: Delta Sky Club membership, Delta status (Diamond, Platinum), SkyTeam Elite Plus, or day pass
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi, showers

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum, Amex Centurion: Centurion Lounge (Terminal 3) plus Priority Pass lounges
• Capital One Venture X: Priority Pass lounges
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Priority Pass lounges

At the Airport:

LAS does not have an on-site hotel connected to the terminals.

Near the Airport (with shuttles):

• Hampton Inn Tropicana (1 mile): Budget-friendly with free shuttle
• Embassy Suites Convention Center (2 miles): All-suite with free shuttle
• Renaissance Las Vegas (1.5 miles): Upscale option near the Strip

On the Strip (closest to airport):

Given LAS's proximity to the Strip, staying at a Strip hotel is convenient:

• Mandalay Bay (2 miles): South Strip, closest major resort to airport
• Luxor (2 miles): South Strip, pyramid-shaped hotel
• Excalibur (2.5 miles): South Strip, budget-friendly

Airport hotels are rarely necessary in Las Vegas due to the short distance to major hotels. A rideshare to the Strip takes 10-20 minutes and costs $15-25.

Las Vegas offers an enormous range of entertainment, dining, and attractions:

From the Airport

• Las Vegas Strip: 10-20 min by car ($15-25 rideshare)
• Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street): 15-25 min by car ($18-28 rideshare)
• Las Vegas Convention Center: 15-20 min by car
• Red Rock Canyon: 30-40 min by car
• Hoover Dam: 45 min by car
• Grand Canyon (South Rim): 4.5-5 hours by car

Las Vegas Highlights

• The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard): World-famous collection of themed mega-resorts, casinos, restaurants, and shows
• Fremont Street Experience: Downtown's covered pedestrian mall with LED canopy, vintage casinos, and live entertainment
• High Roller: World's tallest observation wheel (550 feet) at The LINQ
• Bellagio Fountains: Free iconic water show every 15-30 minutes
• The Sphere: Massive spherical entertainment venue with immersive experiences (opened 2023)
• Shows: Cirque du Soleil productions, residencies, concerts, magic shows

Day Trips

• Red Rock Canyon (30 min): Stunning red rock formations, hiking, scenic drive
• Valley of Fire State Park (1 hour): Ancient red sandstone formations, petroglyphs
• Hoover Dam (45 min): Engineering marvel and Lake Mead
• Grand Canyon West (Skywalk) (2.5 hours): Glass-bottomed walkway over the canyon
• Grand Canyon South Rim (5 hours): The classic Grand Canyon experience
• Death Valley (2 hours): Lowest point in North America, dramatic desert landscapes

Getting Around Las Vegas

• Walking the Strip: The Strip is 4.2 miles long. Walking between adjacent resorts takes 15-30 minutes due to the massive scale
• Las Vegas Monorail: Runs along the east side of the Strip from MGM Grand to Sahara. $5 single ride, $15 day pass
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous and affordable within the Las Vegas valley
• Rental cars: Rental Car Center accessible via free airport shuttle. Useful for day trips but parking on the Strip is expensive ($15-25/day self-park, $30-45 valet)
• Deuce Bus: Route running the length of the Strip and to downtown. $8 for a 24-hour pass

Vegas Tips

• Tipping: Cocktail servers (even for free casino drinks), dealers, valets, bellhops, and housekeeping all expect tips
• Free attractions: Bellagio fountains, Volcano at The Mirage, Fall of Atlantis at Caesars, downtown Fremont Street Experience
• Resort fees: Most Strip hotels charge mandatory resort fees ($30-50/night) on top of room rates
• Weather: Summers are extremely hot (100-115°F). Spring and fall offer ideal weather. Winters are mild but can be chilly at night
• Casinos: 24 hours, no cover charges, free drinks while gambling (tip your server)