Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Guide: Terminals, Lounges, Parking & Transportation

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the busiest airport in Nevada and a Top 10 most-trafficked airport in the United States, handling nearly 55 million travelers in 2025. From Las Vegas to destinations around the globe, there are more than 500 flights each day to over 150 destinations worldwide. One of the only airports in the world to make the terminal itself a part of the destination (complete with slot machines, neon, and the Las Vegas Strip just five miles away), LAS offers both business and leisure travelers an unmistakably Vegas experience before they even step outside.

What is Harry Reid International Airport?

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS, IATA; KLAS, ICAO) is the main commercial airport serving the Las Vegas Valley in Clark County, Nevada. The airport is located in the unincorporated community of Paradise, about five miles (8 kilometers) south of downtown Las Vegas and a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip.

LAS serves as a major operating base for several US carriers, including Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and JSX. Serving both domestic and international flights via two passenger terminals and five concourses, the airport is one of the most complex operational leisure-travel airports in the world.

Key Identifiers

History of LAS

The story of Harry Reid International Airport begins with early wartime flights. George Crockett, a descendant of the famous Davy Crockett, founded a pilot training facility in the Nevada desert called Alamo Field in January 1943.

In 1948, Clark County purchased the field and renamed McCarran International Airport in honor of U.S. Aviation industry promoter Senator Pat McCarran. The airport continued to expand along with Las Vegas, growing from a small local airport to a major international hub in the decades that followed.

In January 2005, McCarran added the world's largest free Wi-Fi zone at a U.S. Airport with the renovation and expansion of its terminals totaling 1.7 million sq ft. This forward-thinking plan reinforced Las Vegas's tradition of exceptional customer service.

Today, LAS serves nearly 55 million passengers annually and has been cited as the most unique airport in the world, the only major U.S. Commercial airport that permits Nevada gaming law on slot machines within the terminals.

Terminals and Concourses Guide

LAS has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which are not connected post-security. Passengers connecting between terminals must utilize the inter-terminal shuttle bus. This bus runs approximately every 20-30 minutes outside the secure area of both terminals. Note that you must go through security again, so factor at least 20-30 minutes for inter-terminal connections.

Important: Terminal 1 is the main domestic terminal, while Terminal 3 is where all major international arrivals and departures are processed, via Concourse E. Due to the demand, concourse D's "swing gates" (D19-D26) can be used for domestic and international flights.

LAS Airport lounges

Harry Reid International Airport offers a good variety of lounges, distributed throughout its two terminals - a range that includes both premium airline clubs and card member lounges. The tram connecting concourse D and terminals 1 and 3 makes access to the lounges easy for passengers of both terminals.

Terminal 1 - Concourse D

Terminal 3 - Concourse E

To and From LAS

Though Las Vegas relies on automobiles, Harry Reid International Airport offers a decent balance of ground transportation alternatives for reaching the Strip and points beyond.

• RTC Bus (The Deuce & Airport Flyer): The RTC operates bus service to the airport. The Airport Flyer (108\) takes visitors directly from the airport to the South Strip Transfer Terminal and offers an affordable way to reach resort accommodations on the south end of the Strip. From the Transfer Terminal, the Deuce runs along the full length of the Strip. Payment is processed through the rideRTC mobile app or at kiosks.

• Taxis: Taxis can be picked up immediately outside baggage claim on both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. A 10-15 minute ride to the Strip, depending on traffic, is readily available and among the most expedient airport ground transportations in the United States.

• Rideshare (Uber & Lyft): The ride share pickup locations are indicated within the parking structures of both terminals. Follow signs from the baggage claim area to the rideshare pickup level.

• Hotel & Casino Shuttles: Most major Las Vegas resorts offer private or low-cost transportation from the airport. Call the front desk of your hotel before departure to see if your resort provides a shuttle service.

• Rental Cars: All rental car companies at LAS are consolidated in the Airport-Rent-A-Car Center, roughly 3 miles from the terminals. The free shuttles depart constantly from directly outside baggage claim. On Terminal 1, follow signs for Rental Car Shuttle from Level 1, exit doors 10-11; on Terminal 3, take the shuttle from west doors 51-54 or east doors 55-58.

• Limousine Service: Walk-up limousines are readily available for a more indulgent Las Vegas arrival. After all, the city was founded on excess.

Harry Reid International Airport parking

LAS has a range of parking options for both terminals-short-term garages, long-term garages, and economy lots are offered along with valet parking and a free cell phone lot.

• Short-term Garages (T1 & T3): Convenient to the terminals, short-term garages are located immediately adjacent to each terminal. The garages offer short-term parking, are covered, and offer convenient access, but are also more expensive than the long-term parking options.

• Long-term Garages (T1 & T3): Located within walking distance to each terminal, the long-term garages offer convenient, covered parking for guests with longer stays.

• Economy Lots: The economy lots, located south of Terminal 1, are the least expensive options available. Free, 24-hour shuttle buses run between the economy lots and the terminals.

• Valet Parking: Valet parking is available for both terminals. The luxury of valet offers the easiest, hands-off experience for your travel needs.

• Cell Phone Lot: For people picking up friends and family members arriving at LAS, the cell phone lot allows drivers to wait free of charge near the terminals.

Reservations can also be made in advance via a third-party service like SpotHero, which may offer cheaper rates than walking up. Las Vegas airport garages are often full, especially at busy times, so always pay attention to digital signage once you arrive to see which ones are filled.

What Makes LAS so Special?

LAS differentiates itself from nearly every commercial airport across the world by offering a unique mix of travel infrastructure and entertainment hub. In a word, Las Vegas is unlike anywhere else on the planet, and the same is true of its airport.

Unique Airport Experience: LAS is only one of two airports in the United States, along with Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), where Nevada gaming law allows the operation of slot machines within the terminals. As such, the Vegas experience begins for many at their first step into the airport concourse.

Unprecedented Proximity to the Strip: Just 5 miles (8 km) from the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, LAS is one of the few U.S. Airports located in proximity to its destination city's premier tourist destination; nearly all visitors can get to their hotel pool within 20 minutes of arriving at the terminal.

Portal to the American Southwest: The Strip is not the only place LAS serves as the primary launch point to explore-the airport is also the access point for tourists wanting to experience the beauty of such natural wonders as the Grand Canyon (West Rim, ~125 miles; South Rim, ~275 miles), Death Valley, Zion National Park, or Bryce Canyon National Park.

Key Milestones:

• 2025: Welcomed approximately 55 million travelers, solidifying LAS as a Top 10 U.S. Airport.

• 2023: Set a record with over 57.6 million passengers, the busiest year in airport history.

• 2005: Boasted the largest free Wi-Fi network in any U.S. Airport at the time of its unveiling.

• 2021: Officially renamed Harry Reid International Airport, following a decision by the Clark County Commission.

Conclusion

More than simply an access point to Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport is intrinsically tied to the very Las Vegas experience itself. Consisting of two terminals, five concourses, multiple world-class lounges, and strategically located minutes from the Strip, LAS is specifically designed for the countless leisure travelers and business professionals who transit through each year. Familiarity with the airport layout, transportation services, lounge access, and parking options will serve to streamline your trip beginning at your arrival in LAS.

FAQ

What is the airport code for Harry Reid International Airport? 

The IATA airport code for Harry Reid International Airport is LAS, while the ICAO airport code is KLAS.

How far is LAS from the Las Vegas Strip?

Harry Reid International Airport is located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the Las Vegas Strip. Driving between the two takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

What airlines use LAS as a base of operations? 

The airlines that use LAS as a base of operations include Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and JSX.

Are Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 connected? 

The LAS terminals are not connected past the security checkpoint. Travelers wishing to change terminals must utilize the inter-terminal shuttle bus (which runs every 20 to 30 minutes) outside the secure areas and will have to clear security again. However, the airside tram connects the concourses and is accessible from both terminals without clearing security.

Is there a free shuttle bus between terminals at LAS? 

Yes. There is a free inter-terminal shuttle bus that operates every 20 to 30 minutes between the two terminals of Harry Reid International Airport. However, the bus operates outside the secured airside environment, and therefore, you will need to pass through TSA security when arriving at the new terminal.

Can I play slot machines at Harry Reid International Airport? 

Yes. Nevada state law permits slot machines at only two commercial airports in the U.S., and Harry Reid International Airport is one of them, thus it provides an unparalleled airport experience.

What's the best way to get from LAS to the Las Vegas Strip? 

The best ways to get from LAS to the Las Vegas Strip are via a taxicab (pick up right outside of baggage claim), Uber/Lyft (picked up in the parking garages), the RTC Airport Flyer bus, or free shuttle service from your resort hotel.