Airport Overview
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is the primary gateway to Las Vegas, Nevada, and one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving approximately 57 million passengers annually. Located just 1.5 miles south of the famous Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, LAS is one of the most unusually situated airports of any major city — guests can see casino marquees from the terminal windows. The airport serves as a major focus city for Southwest Airlines and has significant operations by virtually every major U.S. carrier.
The airport is known for its Las Vegas-themed atmosphere, including slot machines in the terminal (a fixture for decades, though their numbers have been reduced in recent years), spectacular public art installations, and an energetic atmosphere unlike any other airport in North America. The airport was renamed in honor of Nevada's long-serving U.S. Senator Harry Reid in 2021.
Terminals
LAS operates two main terminal buildings: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which are not connected airside and require separate arrivals and departures.
- Terminal 1: Southwest Airlines (Concourses A, B, and C); the oldest terminal at LAS handling the majority of Southwest's extensive Las Vegas operations; Gates A1–A22, B1–B30, C1–C25
- Terminal 3: All other major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, and all international carriers; Gates D and E; the newer, more modern terminal
WiFi Availability
LAS provides free WiFi throughout both terminals under the network name "LAS Free WiFi." Connect by selecting the network and accepting the terms of service — no password or time limits required. The airport has significantly improved its WiFi infrastructure in recent years. Speeds are generally adequate for streaming and video calls. Premium Boingo Wireless is also available for faster dedicated speeds.
Transport to City Center
Las Vegas Monorail and City Bus
The Las Vegas Monorail does not currently connect directly to the airport, though plans for an extension have been proposed. The RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) Route 108 bus provides service from the airport to the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas for $2.00 per ride. The Deuce bus runs along Las Vegas Boulevard (the Strip) every 15 minutes and accepts transfers from the 108 route.
Rideshare and Taxi
Given Las Vegas's car-centric infrastructure and the very short distance to the Strip, rideshare and taxis are the preferred transport for most visitors. Taxis operate from the designated taxi staging areas outside each terminal. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) pick up from the designated rideshare zones. A taxi or rideshare to the center of the Las Vegas Strip typically costs $15–$25 and takes only 10–20 minutes, making it one of the quickest and cheapest airport-to-resort connections of any major U.S. city.
Hotel Shuttles
Many Las Vegas resort hotels offer complimentary or low-cost shuttle service from the airport. Check with your hotel before arrival — major Strip properties including MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment hotels operate scheduled shuttles.
Airport Lounges
LAS has airline lounges concentrated in Terminal 3, where the major network carriers operate.
- United Club – Terminal 3, Concourse D: For MileagePlus Premier members and United Club cardholders
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Terminal 3, Concourse D: Full-service lounge for AAdvantage status members
- Delta Sky Club – Terminal 3, Concourse E: Delta's lounge for Medallion members and Sky Club cardholders
- The Centurion Lounge – Terminal 3: American Express's Las Vegas lounge featuring a culinary program and craft cocktail bar
- Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (Terminal 3): Available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and Priority Pass members
Hotels Near the Airport
Given the Strip's proximity, most travelers in Las Vegas stay at casino resorts rather than airport hotels — but several options cater to travelers with early departures or late arrivals.
- Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas: Occupies the top floors of Mandalay Bay, less than 2 miles from the airport — no casino floor, private entrance
- Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino: The southernmost major Strip resort, approximately 1.5 miles from the airport
- Tuscany Suites & Casino: Modest all-suite hotel 1 mile from the airport with free shuttle service
- Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Airport: Standard business hotel with complimentary shuttle, 1 mile from terminal
- Hampton Inn Las Vegas Convention Center: 2 miles from airport with free shuttle, good option for convention travelers
Food and Restaurants
LAS blends national favorites with Las Vegas-flavored dining concepts, particularly in the more modern Terminal 3.
- Bobby's Burger Palace by Bobby Flay (Terminal 3): Celebrity chef Bobby Flay's casual burger concept with crunchified burgers and hand-cut fries
- Beerhaus (Terminal 3): Las Vegas craft beer hall with dozens of taps and a lively pub-food menu
- Jean Philippe Patisserie (Terminal 3): World-renowned pastry chef's airport outpost offering exquisite French pastries, chocolates, and gelato
- Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill (Terminal 1): Sammy Hagar's casual beach-themed restaurant with cocktails and American comfort food
- Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Terminal 3): Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck's airport concept with California-inspired dishes and cocktails
- Starbucks (Multiple locations): Available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
Travel Tips
- Las Vegas is an extremely high-traffic airport on Sunday evenings as weekend visitors depart — security lines can be 45–90 minutes long on Sunday afternoons. Arrive very early.
- TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available in Terminal 3; PreCheck is also available in Terminal 1.
- The airport's slot machines (limited in number following recent reductions) are a novelty but do not offer better odds than Strip casinos.
- Rideshare is the most practical transport option given the very short distance to the Strip — don't waste money on expensive hotel taxis when Uber/Lyft are $15–$25.
- Terminal 3 has significantly better dining, lounge, and shopping options than Terminal 1 — if given a choice, Terminal 3 departures are preferable.
- Long-term parking at LAS fills rapidly during major conventions and events — reserve online or use off-airport facilities during CONEXPO, CES, or other large events.
- Summer temperatures in Las Vegas regularly exceed 110°F — stay hydrated and use sunscreen if waiting outdoors for ground transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Las Vegas Airport to the Strip?
The easiest and fastest option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi, costing $15–$25 and taking only 10–20 minutes. The Strip is just 1.5–3 miles from the airport. The RTC bus route 108 runs for $2.00 but takes longer and requires a connection to the Deuce bus for Strip properties. Many major casino hotels also offer complimentary or low-cost shuttles.
Is WiFi free at Harry Reid International Airport?
Yes, LAS provides free WiFi throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 via the "LAS Free WiFi" network. No password or registration is required, and there are no time limits. Premium Boingo Wireless plans are available for faster speeds.
Which terminal at LAS is for Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines operates exclusively from Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport, using Concourses A, B, and C. All other major airlines (American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, and international carriers) operate from Terminal 3. The two terminals are not connected airside.
Does LAS Airport have a Priority Pass lounge?
Yes — the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club in Terminal 3 accepts Priority Pass memberships. The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 is available to American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Standard airline clubs (United, American, Delta) are available with airline status or membership cards.