Las Vegas Airport 101: The ultimate guide to LAS
Quick summary
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Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the eighth-busiest airport in the United States, serving more than 39 million passengers in 2021, according to Airports Council International-North America.
It serves as a focus city for Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. International carriers that serve the airport include Aeromexico, Air Canada, British Airways, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Volaris.
LAS is divided into two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 solely hosts domestic flights and serves Concourses A, B, C and satellite councourse D, while Terminal 3 hosts both domestic and international flights and serves Concourses D and E. Although the terminals are separate buildings, you can easily connect between the terminals and the satellite D Concourse using an automated people mover.
Whether you're arriving, departing or transferring you can always find something to do at Harry Reid Airport. The most iconic novelty of the airport is the slot machines throughout the terminals — but there's a lot more to see and do. Below, we cover everything from getting to the airport to what to eat once you're there.
Related: How US airports continue to recover from the pandemic
Getting there
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport is located mere minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and is approximately 10 miles south of downtown, making it pretty easy to get to the most popular spots in the city.
Public transportation
The most cost-effective way to get to the Strip and downtown is by public bus. Both the terminals are served by the Westcliff Airport Express (WAX). It's a 10-minute ride to the intersection of S. Las Vegas Blvd. and E. Tropicana Ave., near the MGM Grand Hotel on the Strip.
Cost: $.
Transit time: Medium (depending on traffic).
If you have more money to spend, three shuttle operators serve the airport — AWG Ambassador, BellTrans and Kaptyn.
Cost: $.
Transit time: Long.
Related: Maximize your commute: The 6 best credit cards to use
Ride-hailing
Drivers drop off customers for either Terminal 1 or 3 right at the curb for departures. Pickup for Terminal 1 passengers is located on Level 2 of the parking garage, and pickup for Terminal 3 is in the parking garage at the valet level.
Transit time: Short.
Cost: $$.
Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft passenger? These credit cards are for you
Taxi
The airport is served by eight taxi companies. Taxis at Terminal 1 can be found on the east side of the baggage claim area by exits 1-4. In Terminal 3, taxis are on Level 0. There are 15 taxi loading positions on the west side of the terminal for domestic passengers and seven on the east side for international travelers. Taxis offer flat rates from the airport to various parts of the city. They range from a low of $19 for a taxi to Mandalay Bay to $27 for the Wynn Las Vegas.
Transit time: Medium.
Cost: $$.
Car service
Black car service is available with Uber Black and Lyft Premium, along with AWG Ambassador, Bell Limousine and Kaptyn, which also offer limousines. Terminal 1 limo pickups are available on the airport's west side of baggage claim, outside door exits 7-13. For Terminal 3, limousines are located outside on Level 0 on the west end of the building to serve domestic travelers and on the east side of the building for international travelers.
Transit time: Short.
Cost: $$$$.
Other options
If you're renting a car, you'll need to take a six-minute shuttle trip to the airport's rental car center. From Terminal 1 baggage claim, follow signs to ground transportation on Level 1 and go to the Rental Car Shuttle stop located outside doors 10 and 11. From Terminal 3, follow signs to ground transportation from baggage claim on Level 0. The Rental Car Shuttle stops are located outside doors 51-54 on the west end of the building and doors 55-58 on the east end.
Related: Best credit cards for rental car coverage
Amenities
It's no surprise that Harry Reid International Airport has more than 1,400 gambling machines, including electronic keno, slot machines and video poker (though some might not be operating due to pandemic-related measures). If you're over 21, you can enjoy time at slot machines located throughout the airport.
The airport has the usual retail outlets, along with a few unique ones. Poker Face sells souvenirs and really cool custom poker chips in Terminal 1 near Gate 16. Nearby is the Neon Museum, an homage to old Las Vegas and home to gifts and souvenirs that are distinctly Las Vegas. Ethel M. small-batch gourmet chocolates are hand packed and locally made. There are four locations in Terminals 1 and 3. You can also pick up a bottle or two of your favorite adult beverages at the Liquor Library, located on Level 1 near baggage claim.
Get a quick airport workout at Zero Level Fitness & Wellness in Terminal 1 near baggage claim 10. The gym is 13,000 square feet and has all the equipment you'd expect. Through May 30, it's open 24 hours a day on Mondays and Wednesdays; from 12 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays; from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The facility also has sleeping rooms available for $35 for two hours.
Aviation geeks will really enjoy the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, whose exhibits are spread throughout the airport. The main exhibit, located on Level 2 above baggage claim in Terminal 1, is approximately 3,000 square feet and covers southern Nevada's aviation history.
Three Mamava nursing suites are available for breastfeeding or pumping. They are equipped with Bluetooth-enabled SmartLocks, with access gained through the Mamava locater app. The suites have bench seating, a side table for placing pumps and interior outlets with USB ports for plugging in pumps and charging devices. Suites are located in Terminal 1 near Gate C25, near food and shops after security near D gates, and in Terminal 3 near Gate E9 after security.
The airport has indoor post-security and outdoor designated enclosed areas where travelers flying with pets and service animals can take their animals to relieve themselves. In Terminal 1, this is located near Door 30 outside of security on Level 1 near check-in and baggage claim. Another one is located near Door 13 outside security. In Terminal 3, it is located near the curbside outside of security on Level 0.
Related: The best airport amenities
Lounges
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have the same number of lounges, but those found in Terminal 1 are superior. Although it might get crowded at times, the Amex Centurion Lounge provides the most elegant pre-flight experience and is easily accessible. Terminal 1's The Club is also bigger and offers a greater food selection than the one in Terminal 3.
Fortunately, since the entire airport is connected airside you can easily visit a lounge in a different concourse than you're flying out of without clearing security a second time. Aside from the USO Clubs, all lounges at LAS are easily accessible with the right credit cards, so if you're a Vegas-based flyer it might be time to reconsider what's in your wallet.
Terminal 1
The Centurion Lounge
Location: Concourse D level 2, across from Gate D1.
Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Access: The Centurion Lounge is complimentary for American Express cardholders with a Centurion Card from American Express or Centurion Business Card from American Express, or Platinum-branded card such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, among other products, and the facility was just expanded. To access The Centurion Lounge, the cardmember must present the lounge agent with the following upon each visit: a valid Amex card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and a government-issued ID.
The information for the Centurion and Centurion Business cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Your complete guide to Amex Centurion Lounges
Amenities: Complimentary hot and cold foods, full bar, business center, conference space, family room, speedy Wi-Fi, shower suites and semi-private workspaces.
Check out TPG's full review of the lounge.
The Club at LAS (Terminal 1)
Location: Concourse D level 2, next to gate D33.
Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Access: A three-hour pass can be purchased for $45 per traveler. Priority Pass, Lounge Pass and Diners Club memberships will also get you in.
Amenities: Complimentary snacks, full bar, showers, Wi-Fi and lots of power outlets.
Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access
USO Lounge
Location: Level 2, in the esplanade before security, next to the lost and found.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Access: Current active-duty, Guard or Reserve ID card. Military retiree ID cards are also accepted if space is available. VA-issued ID cards or driver's licenses with "Veteran" shown on the card do not fall into the above categories.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, business center, gaming consoles, children's play area, screening room and quiet room.
Related: The best travel perks and discounts for members of the military
Terminal 3
USO Lounge
Location: Concourse E, landside, in the baggage claim area between carousels 20 and 21.
Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Access: Current active-duty, Guard, Reserve ID card. Military retiree ID cards are also accepted if space is available. VA-issued ID cards or driver's licenses with "Veteran" shown on the card do not fall into the above categories.
Amenities: Complimentary snacks and drinks, gaming console, business center and Wi-Fi.
Related: The best credit cards for active duty military
United Club
Location: Concourse D Level 2, between gates 33 and 35.
Hours: 4:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Access: United Premier Gold elites and up traveling internationally, Star Alliance Gold members, premium-cabin passengers who are connecting to or from qualifying international or premium transcontinental United- or Star Alliance-operated flights, United Club members and day pass holders. You can get a complimentary United Club membership through the United Club Infinite Card from Chase. You can also get two annual, one-time United Club passes through the United Explorer Card or the United Business Card.
Amenities: Complimentary snacks and drinks, business center and Wi-Fi.
Related: The ultimate guide to United Club access
The Club at LAS (Terminal 3)
Location: Concourse E level 2, across from gate E2.
Hours: 1:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Access: A three-hour pass can be purchased for $45 per traveler. Priority Pass, Lounge Pass and Diners Club memberships will also get you in. You also get access to this lounge with an eligible business or first-class ticket on these airlines: British Airways, El Al, Virgin Atlantic, Condor, Korean Air, Aeromexico and KLM.
Amenities: Complimentary snacks, full bar, showers, Wi-Fi and power outlets near many seats.
Dining
Like most airports, LAS has more than its fair share of national brands, including Jersey Mike's Subs, Auntie Anne's, Starbucks and Wendy's. Although other airports have more local brands, LAS has a few places where you may want to dine.
Related: TPG readers share their favorite airport restaurants
Terminal 1, A gates
Bagelmania
Location: Near gate A10.
Hours: 5:45 a.m.-12 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Bagels.
Price: $$.
Pro tip: Grab the bagel of your choice (mine is the everything) and order the smoked whitefish; it's great in the terminal or on your flight.
Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill
Location: Near gate C24.
Hours: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Beach food and tropical drinks.
Price: $$.
Terminal 1, B Gates
360° Gourmet Burritos
Location: Near gate B15.
Hours: 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Burritos, quesadillas, rice bowls and salads.
Price: $$.
Pro tip: The tofu, broccoli and mushroom rice bowl is really delicious (and I'm not even a vegetarian).
PGA Tour Grill
Location: Near gate B17.
Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Flavorful healthy choices.
Price: $$.
Terminal 1, C Gates
Pei Wei
Location: Near gate C19.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday 6 a.m.-10 p.m. The bar is open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Pan Asian.
Price: $$.
Pro tip: The Asian Chopped Chicken Salad makes a great airplane meal.
Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill
Location: Near gate C24.
Hours: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Beach food and tropical drinks.
Price: $$.
Terminal 1, D Gates
Fresh Attractions
Location: Near gate D56 and near the D gates in the Great Hall.
Hours: 5 a.m.- 2 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and snacks.
Price: $.
Rachel's Kitchen
Location: Near gate D6.
Hours: 5:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Fresh squeezed juices, smoothies and healthy snacks.
Price: $
Terminal 3
The Local
Location: Near gate E11.
Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Cuisine: Bar and grab-and-go food.
Price: $$.
Las Vegas Chophouse & Brewery
Location: Near gate E8.
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cuisine: Classic steak house.
Price: $$$.
Pro tip: Get the New York Strip steak with the Wild Turkey whiskey sauce.
Related: 10 airport restaurants so good you won't want to leave the terminal
Airport hotels
Because Harry Reid International Airport is only about three miles away from the Strip and the Las Vegas Convention Center, there's really no need to book an airport hotel unless you don't need all the bells and whistles offered by the city's larger properties. Below are three hotels that could be options if you just need a place to lay your head overnight in Las Vegas. Rates are based on a Sept. 13-14, 2022, stay.
Hyatt Place Las Vegas
This hotel is a mere 1.4 miles, or a three-minute ride, to the airport. It comes with a free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center and pool, and it's pet friendly. A room with a king bed starts at $133 or 9,000 World of Hyatt points a night.
TownePlace Suites Las Vegas Airport South
This all-suite hotel is across the street from the Harry Reid rental car center. Rooms come with fully equipped kitchens with stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers, free Wi-Fi, a hot breakfast and a 24-hour fitness center A king room starts at $215 or 21,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night.
Tru by Hilton Las Vegas Airport
If you need a very basic room at a reasonable rate, this is your place. It has non-smoking rooms, an airport shuttle, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, a fitness center and pool, and it's pet friendly. A king room starts at $120 or 30,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
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