Getting to Nevada and Getting Around Nevada

Getting to Nevada

• By Air:

  • Major Airports: The most significant and busiest airport is McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, which serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in Reno is another primary point of entry.

  • Smaller Airports: Cities like Elko and Henderson have regional airports, accommodating flights mainly from nearby states.

• By Car:

  • Interstate Highways: I-80 runs east-west, connecting Reno with cities to the east and west. I-15 runs north-south, connecting Las Vegas with Los Angeles to the south and Salt Lake City to the north.

  • Scenic Routes: The U.S. Highway 50, known as the "Loneliest Road in America," is a scenic route that stretches across central Nevada from west to east.

• By Train:

  • Amtrak: The California Zephyr route stops in Reno, Sparks, and Elko. This line connects San Francisco to Chicago, providing a picturesque journey through the Sierra Nevada mountains and the heart of Nevada.

• By Bus:

  • National bus carriers like Greyhound and Megabus serve major Nevada cities, offering connections from various U.S. cities.

Getting Around Nevada

• By Car:

  • Rental Cars: Available at major airports and city centers. Driving is one of the most flexible ways to explore Nevada due to its vast landscapes and attractions that are often spread out.

  • Road Conditions: Major highways and roads around urban areas are well-maintained. However, if venturing into remote areas, particularly parks and recreation areas, be prepared for unpaved and gravel roads.

• Public Transportation in Cities:

  • Las Vegas: The city has the RTC Transit, which provides bus services. There's also the Las Vegas Monorail connecting several major casinos and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

  • Reno: The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County offers bus services in Reno and its surroundings.

• By Taxi or Rideshare:

  • Taxis: Readily available in major cities and at airports.

  • Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in larger cities like Las Vegas and Reno.

• Biking:

  • Urban areas like Reno and Las Vegas have made efforts to become more bicycle-friendly. Some nature areas also offer scenic biking trails.

• Walking:

  • Downtown areas of cities like Reno and Las Vegas are pedestrian-friendly. The Las Vegas Strip, in particular, is popular for walking.

• Tours and Shuttles:

  • Many tour operators provide guided tours, especially for popular attractions like the Las Vegas Strip, nearby national parks, or areas of interest like the Extraterrestrial Highway.

Tips

• Plan Ahead: Given the vast distances between attractions in Nevada, it's wise to plan your route in advance.

• Stay Connected: While major towns and highways generally have good cell reception, remote areas might not. Consider downloading offline maps.

• Desert Driving: If you're traveling in the summer, ensure your car's air conditioning works. Carry plenty of water, and if you're going to remote areas, inform someone of your plans.

• Check Road Conditions: Particularly if you plan to visit areas that might have unpaved or gravel roads. After rains, some roads can become impassable.

Nevada offers a mix of bustling urban areas and serene landscapes. Whether you're taking in the neon lights of Las Vegas, the historic charm of Reno, or the natural beauty of places like Lake Tahoe and the Black Rock Desert, the state provides a diverse and enriching travel experience.