Reno-Tahoe International Airport (airport code: RNO) is located in Reno.

It is conveniently close to downtown, and the airport has been undergoing steady expansion recently.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is situated about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of downtown Reno. It serves as a gateway airport for northern Nevada, handling approximately 4 to 4.5 million passengers annually. The airport consists of one terminal with three boarding gate areas: A, B, and C.

Major airlines operating here include Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines.

Direct flights connect to major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego (SAN), Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), Seattle (SEA), Las Vegas (LAS), Dallas (DFW), Chicago (ORD/MDW), Charlotte (CLT), and Atlanta (ATL). There are particularly good direct connections to western cities, making travel to California, Oregon, and Washington convenient.

Information about airport facilities and convenience is also useful. RNO is small but has low congestion, resulting in shorter wait times for check-in and security screening (TSA). Generally, arriving 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure is sufficient, but during peak seasons (summer, ski season), it is advisable to arrive a bit earlier.

The TSA PreCheck lane is operational, and Global Entry kiosks are available. While food and shopping options are limited compared to larger airports, major fast food and coffee shops are available. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are also provided. The rental car center is accessible via a shuttle connected to the airport terminal, with major rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise on-site.

There are several ways to get from the airport to downtown. First, renting a car is the most practical option since Reno is a car-centric city. Second, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) cost around $10 to $20 from the airport to downtown Reno, with a travel time of 15 to 25 minutes.

The airport pickup area has designated spots, so you can follow the app's guidance. Third, the RTC Washoe bus Route 19 connects the airport to the downtown 4th Street Station, with a fare of just $2, making it very affordable. However, the bus runs every 30 to 60 minutes, so planning is necessary, and it may be inconvenient if you have large luggage.

Fourth, airport shuttle services (like Super Shuttle) are also available, but they may have longer wait times compared to rideshares. Taxis are available but are often more expensive than rideshares.

The Amtrak station in Reno is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown. The only Amtrak route passing through Reno is the California Zephyr. The California Zephyr is known as one of the most scenic train routes in the U.S., running from Chicago through Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno to San Francisco (with a bus transfer after disembarking at Emeryville station).

Traveling by train from Reno to San Francisco takes about 6 to 8 hours, while it takes about 11 to 13 hours to Salt Lake City. One-way fares vary depending on the booking time and seat class, but for basic coach class, it typically ranges from $30 to $80 to San Francisco. However, there is only one train per direction each day, so flexibility in timing is limited.

It's also good to know about the facilities and tips for using the Reno station. The Reno Amtrak station (135 E. Commercial Row) is located in a historic building and features a waiting area, luggage storage, and ticket counters. The station is close to the heart of downtown Reno, with casinos, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. Due to the nature of train travel, delays can occur, so it's advisable to allow extra time in your schedule.

Particularly, delays can often happen in the Sierra Nevada mountain region during winter due to heavy snowfall. You can check real-time service status through the Amtrak app or official website. Reno also has a Greyhound bus terminal, providing long-distance bus services to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.