Landing at Las Vegas McCarran Airport—officially known as Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)—places you just five miles south of the famous Strip. As one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States, the facility handles over 48 million passengers annually while maintaining a reputation for surprising efficiency. Slot machines greet you at the baggage carousels, proving right away that you've landed in the entertainment capital of the world.
Navigating this two-terminal airport requires knowing how Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 operate, where to find ground transportation, and how to sidestep common arrival bottlenecks. Whether you're heading straight to a resort or connecting to a regional flight, understanding the layout keeps your trip smooth.
Terminal Layout and Inter-Terminal Transit
Harry Reid International Airport features two primary passenger structures: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 was permanently closed and demolished in 2016, simplifying the current layout.
- Terminal 1: This handles the bulk of domestic carriers, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Allegiant Air. It encompasses Concourses A, B, C, and D.
- Terminal 3: This handles international flights alongside select domestic airlines. It features Concourse E and advanced customs and border facilities.
- Concourse D: This is an independent satellite concourse positioned centrally. It is accessible from both terminals via an automated transit system.
The airport operates three distinct automated people mover lines to shuttle passengers across secure areas. The Green Line connects the Main Terminal to Concourse C, the Blue Line runs between Concourse D and the A, B, and C gates, and the Red Line connects Concourse D to Terminal 3. If you need to move between terminals outside of security, free airport shuttle buses run regularly from Level 0.
Ground Transportation and Getting to the Strip
Getting from the airport to your hotel takes minimal time due to the facility's close proximity to the Strip. Choose your transport method based on budget and group size.
- Taxis: Cabs wait outside designated zones at both terminals. At Terminal 1, head to the east side of baggage claim (exits 1 through 4). At Terminal 3, find them on Level 0 outside door 52. Fixed-zone pricing applies to many Strip and downtown locations.
- Rideshares (Uber and Lyft): Pickup zones require navigating to parking structures. For Terminal 1, go to Level 2 of the parking garage. For Terminal 3, head to the valet level of the parking garage.
- Rental Cars: The off-site Rental Car Center sits approximately three miles away. Dedicated shuttle buses depart every five to ten minutes from Level 1 at Terminal 1 and Level 0 at Terminal 3.
- Public Transit: The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) operates local bus routes like the 108, 109, and the Centennial Express (CX) from Level 0 at Terminal 1 and Level 2 at Terminal 3, offering an economical route toward downtown and the Strip.
Amenities, Dining, and Entertainment
LAS stands out for its high density of slot machines embedded right into the gate areas and baggage claims, letting travelers test their luck before leaving the premises. Beyond gaming, the airport features diverse dining and retail choices.
Food courts across both terminals feature local favorites alongside national chains. Terminal 1 houses popular spots like Shake Shack and Wolfgang Puck Express, while Terminal 3 offers diverse options near Concourse E.
For travelers seeking quiet workspaces or complimentary refreshments, several lounges operate on-site. Concourse D hosts an American Express Centurion Lounge, a Capital One Lounge, and multiple locations of The Club. Terminal 3 also features a USO lounge in baggage claim for military members and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official name of Las Vegas McCarran Airport?
The airport was officially renamed Harry Reid International Airport by the Clark County Commission in December 2021 to honor the former U.S. Senator. Many locals and older travel itineraries still refer to it by its historical name, McCarran.
How early should I arrive for a departing flight at LAS?
Because of high passenger volumes and security queues during peak departure banks, the airport recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
Can I walk from the airport to the Las Vegas Strip?
No. While the airport is geographically close to the southern end of the Strip, there are no pedestrian walkways connecting the terminals to Las Vegas Boulevard. You must take a vehicle, rideshare, taxi, or bus.
Are lockers or luggage storage facilities available at the airport?
Traditional luggage storage lockers are not available inside Harry Reid International Airport due to strict federal security regulations. Plan accordingly if you have a long layover before hotel check-in.
