Las Vegas Airport: What You Actually Need to Know

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – still called McCarran by basically everyone who lives here – sits just a few miles from the Strip. That proximity is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because you can be gambling within 20 minutes of landing. Curse because everyone else has the same idea, and the airport stays crowded.

I have flown through Vegas dozens of times and have opinions about navigating it efficiently.

Quick History

Opened in 1948, named after Senator Pat McCarran until 2021 when it became Harry Reid International. Nobody I know actually calls it that yet. Old habits.

The airport grew with Vegas itself – from desert airstrip to one of the busiest in the country. Over 50 million passengers annually makes it top 10 in the US.

The Terminal Situation

Two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. They demolished Terminal 2 back in 2012, which confuses people who expect sequential numbering. Just go with it.

Terminal 1

Four concourses: A, B, C, and D. Most domestic flights operate from here. Southwest dominates several concourses. Plenty of food and shopping, including casino games if you need one last slot machine fix before departure.

Terminal 3

Newer, opened in 2012. Handles international flights plus some domestic carriers. Modern design, cleaner than Terminal 1. If you are flying international, this is where customs and immigration happen.

Inter-terminal shuttle connects them. Free, runs constantly. Takes about 10 minutes.

What is Inside

Slot machines. Seriously, they are everywhere. If you want to spend your last dollars before leaving Vegas, the airport has you covered.

Food

Fast food dominates, which is fine when you just want to eat quickly. Some actual restaurants exist if you have time. Coffee shops and bars throughout. Prices are airport-level expensive, so do not expect Strip steakhouse quality or pricing.

Shopping

Standard airport retail. Some duty-free in Terminal 3 for international travelers. Souvenir shops if you forgot to buy a Vegas t-shirt. Nothing you could not find elsewhere.

Getting To and From

Rental cars are in a separate facility, short shuttle ride from the terminals. Major companies all operate there. Book in advance during busy periods or rates spike.

Uber and Lyft work great here. Designated pickup areas at each terminal. Wait times are usually reasonable except right after big convention crowds arrive.

Taxis exist but often cost more than rideshare now. Some hotels run free shuttles – check before paying for other transportation.

Public bus service exists if you are budget-conscious and patient. The Deuce runs down the Strip and connects to the airport.

Security Notes

TSA PreCheck lanes at all main checkpoints. Lines can get long during peak hours, especially Sunday afternoons when everyone leaves at once.

Arrive earlier than you think you need to. Vegas airport can surprise you with crowds that appeared from nowhere.

Tips From Experience

• Sunday afternoon is the worst time to fly out. Everyone leaves simultaneously.
• Terminal 1 concourse D has some of the longest walks to gates. Budget time.
• Free WiFi works throughout, decent speed
• The aviation museum airside is actually worth checking out if you have time
• Currency exchange rates at the airport are terrible. Use ATMs instead.

The Bottom Line

Vegas airport is busy, has slots, and sits close to the Strip. Get through security early, do not gamble your cab fare, and you will be fine.