Getting to and from LAS Airport
From LAS airport, it’s about 2 miles to Las Vegas Boulevard, about 3.5 miles to the Las Vegas Convention Center, about 5 miles to the northern end of the Strip, and about 9 miles to Las Vegas city centre and the Fremont Street Experience entertainment area. It’s easy to get to and from LAS by car, taxi, shuttle service or rideshare (e.g., Uber), but walk-up limousine service is also a popular option here.
It will take longer but it will be less expensive to take public transportation from LAS to destinations on the Strip and in Las Vegas city centre. Route 109 leaves from Terminal 1 and travels to the South Strip Transit Terminal. From there you can access the other routes, including The Deuce bus that travels along the Strip.
The Centennial Express (CX) also serves both Terminal 1 & 3 and makes a stop at Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd. From here you can walk through the Flamingo Hotel & Casino to the Las Vegas Monorail, which has seven stops along the Strip.
Why isn’t LAS called Las Vegas International Airport?
For years, visitors to Las Vegas flew in and out of McCarran International Airport, which was named after Patrick McCarran, who once represented Nevada in the US Senate. In 2021, the airport’s name was changed to honour a different Nevada senator, Harry Reid. The airport retains its code – LAS – but many people still refer to it as ‘McCarran’ or simply Las Vegas Airport.
Layout of LAS Airport
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) has 110 gates distributed between two distinct terminal buildings: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3 (T3). Terminal 1 is home to the A, B and C Gates and the D satellite concourse, which you reach via an automated tram. Terminal 3 is home to the 14 G gates.
The two terminals are not physically connected, but once you are post-security, you can travel between the two terminals on a tram that departs from the D gates. If you need to travel between the two terminals pre-security, you can take a free shuttle bus from stops on the Level Zero level of each terminal.
Remote Bag Check at LAS
LAS offers a complimentary kerbside concierge service for checking luggage (domestic flights only) at the Airport Rent-A-Car Center and at Terminal 3’s departures kerb. You’ll still need to pay any required airline bag fees and check bags at least 90 minutes before your flight, but this can be a valuable time-saver. It also means you won’t have to lug luggage into the terminal and wait in a long queue to check bags in.
Security checkpoint experience at LAS
LAS has three TSA (Transportation Security Administration, i.e., US security) checkpoints in Terminal 1, including the C/D checkpoint, which is open 24 hours. Terminal 3 has one large security checkpoint.
TSA’s Innovation Checkpoint is also at Terminal 3. This is where TSA tests the latest security technologies, including a new self-screening technology for TSA Pre-check passengers. Likened to self-checkout lanes at the supermarket, self-screening lanes use facial recognition to confirm IDs and high-tech machinery to scan passengers and cabin bags. If there’s a snag, TSA officers can assist via remote video monitors. Otherwise, you’re on your own.
Lounges at LAS Airport
American Express Card members have access to the swanky Centurion Lounge (D Gates) at LAS. There is also a United Club (D Gates) and The Club at LAS (with locations at D and E Gates), which offers day passes to all passengers. You may also get club access based on airline fare status and membership or as a credit card benefit.
Spa and other services at LAS Airport
The Chiroport offers chiropractic and wellness services from kiosks in Terminal 1 at C24 and B10. Xpress Spa offers massage and nail services from three locations at LAS: in Terminal 1 at the A/B gates and near Gate D32 and in Terminal 3, near Gate E3.
Fitness Centre at LAS
LAS is one of the few US airports with a full fitness centre. The Zerolevel Fitness Center is pre-security in Terminal 1, below baggage claim 10 and 12. Used mostly by airport employees and crew members, day passes are available for passengers and include access to the gym, group fitness classes, locker rooms, showers and towel service. Several single-person rest and relaxation rooms are bookable in advance with a 2-hour minimum.
Walking paths at LAS
Counting steps or trying to tire out your kids before a flight? The pre- and post-security hallways of the airport make it easy to fit a half-mile to 1.5-mile walk into your travel day. Before you start walking, consult the Fly Fit maps on the LAS website that mark and measure the paths, noting drinking fountains and toilets along the way.
Smoking at LAS
LAS is also one of the few airports in the country with smoking areas in the terminal. They share space with the enclosed Gaming Lounges at the B, C, D & E Gates. You may also smoke at Barneys Lounge (C Gates) and in the Bud 29 Track Lounge (Terminal 1, pre-security Esplanade area).
Slot machines and gaming lounges
LAS is one of only two US airports with gaming machines in the terminals. (Reno-Tahoe International Airport, also in Nevada, is the other). LAS has more than 1,000 slot machines located both pre-and post-security. The airport gaming machines will take your money as easily and as quickly as any machine on the Strip, but they also pay out. While waiting out a flight delay, I witnessed one woman win $500 (£380).
Aviation museum at LAS
Nevada’s role in aviation history is told in the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum at LAS, which has its main exhibit area above the Terminal 1 bag claim and additional exhibit spaces throughout the terminal.
Art at LAS Airport
In addition to the aviation museum exhibits, you’ll notice an impressive collection of art at LAS airport throughout the terminals and in the bag claim areas. Some of my favourites are the colourful, large-scale reproductions of paper aeroplanes and the larger-than-life concrete animals that include a desert rattlesnake, a horned toad, a desert tortoise and a desert hare at the D Gates.
Only in Las Vegas airport amenities
I love airports that make it clear which city you’re in the moment you hit the ground and the LAS airport is clearly one of those. In addition to all the slot machines, you’ll find shops selling alcohol in the arrivals area of both terminals, often with sampling underway.
Las Vegas is known as the “Wedding Capital of the World” in part because of how easy it is to get hitched. There’s no waiting period required. And in the weeks around Valentine’s Day there’s no need to stop at city hall to get a marriage licence because the county’s clerk’s office sets up a pop-up marriage licence bureau right in the Terminal 1 bag claim area.
Viewing area
The Sunset Viewing Area, on Sunset Road, between Paradise Road and Eastern Avenue, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to view planes landing and taking off.
In addition to the dozens of shops and restaurants at LAS, the airport has some fun vending machines, including four Sprinkles cupcake machines.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
