Las Vegas Airport Guide (LAS): Terminals, Uber & Taxis (2026)

Key Highlights:

Know Your Terminal: Terminal 1 is for most domestic airlines (Southwest, Delta, Spirit); Terminal 3 handles international flights plus Alaska, United, and JetBlue.
The Transportation Split: Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and Taxis have completely different pickup zones. If you follow the wrong sign, you’ll end up in a parking garage half a mile from your ride.
The “Golden Rule”: The two terminals are not connected airside. If you end up at the wrong one, you’ll have to take a shuttle bus and re-clear security.
Pro Tip: Look for the Vegas Loop (Tesla Tunnels) if you are heading directly to the Convention Center area; it’s the fastest way to bypass Strip traffic.

Whether you’re touching down for a high-stakes weekend or heading home after a whirlwind trip, navigating Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the first—and last—challenge of any Vegas adventure. As one of the busiest hubs in the country, it can feel like a sensory overload of slot machine chimes and endless terminal corridors.

We have spent plenty of time roaming these gates, from the quiet corners of Terminal 3 to the bustling baggage claims of Terminal 1. We know that the difference between a smooth exit and a 40-minute wait for an Uber comes down to knowing exactly where to go the moment you step off the plane. Here is our honest, expert-led Las Vegas Airport Guide.

Navigating Terminals 1 and 3

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Harry Reid is unique because its two main terminals are physically separate buildings. If you tell your driver “the airport,” they’ll need to know your specific airline to drop you at the right door.

Terminal 1: The Domestic Workhorse

This is the original, high-energy side of the airport, housing Concourses A, B, C, and D. Most domestic travelers flying Southwest, Delta, or American will spend their time here.

Direct Answer: Terminal 1 is the primary domestic hub at LAS. To find your way, remember that Concourse D is accessible only via an automated tram. If your flight is at the D gates, give yourself an extra 15 minutes to account for the tram ride from the main T1 security checkpoint.

Terminal 3: International & Modern

T3 is newer, sleeker, and generally a bit quieter. It handles all international arrivals and major carriers like United, Alaska, and JetBlue. It contains the E gates and offers a more streamlined security experience, though the walk from the gate to baggage claim can be significant.

Getting to the Strip: Your Best Ride Options

The airport is only about two miles from the south end of the Strip, but traffic can turn a 10-minute drive into a 30-minute crawl. Rideshare prices fluctuate wildly during conventions, so always compare with the flat-rate taxi zones.

Service	Pickup Location (T1)	Pickup Location (T3)	Est. Cost to Strip
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)	Level 2 of Parking Garage	Valet Level (Parking)	$18–$35 (Surge varies)
Taxi	East Side of Baggage Claim	Level Zero (Outside)	$21–$29 (Flat Rate)
RTC Bus (CX or 108)	Level Zero	Level Zero (CX only)	$4 (Single Ride)
Airport Shuttle	Outside Doors 7–13	Outside Door 51	$15–$20 per person

Dining and Amenities: Making the Most of a Layover

If you have time to kill, LAS is surprisingly well-equipped. You can do everything from playing a few rounds of video poker to catching a workout at the airport’s fitness center.

Slot Machines: There are over 1,300 machines throughout the airport. Our advice? The payout percentages here are notoriously lower than on the Strip. Save your bankroll for the casinos!
Foodie Finds: For a quick bite, Dave’s Hot Chicken in the C Gates is a winner. If you want a sit-down meal, Village Pub in Terminal 3 offers a “pub style” atmosphere that feels far removed from the airport chaos.
Lounges: Both terminals host The Club at LAS, accessible via Priority Pass. If you’re in Terminal 1 (D Gates), the American Express Centurion Lounge remains the gold standard for luxury amenities and hot food.

Summary & Final Helpful Tip

The Las Vegas Airport Guide is all about the “Level Zero” and “Parking Garage” hustle. Most travelers get lost looking for Ubers inside the terminal—remember, you almost always have to exit the building and cross into the parking garage structures to find your ride!

Our Best Helpful Tip: If you’re traveling with a group of 3 or more, a Taxi is often cheaper and faster than an Uber. Taxis use a flat-rate zone system on the Strip, which means you won’t get hit with surge pricing during busy events like CES or WrestleMania.

❓ FAQ: Harry Reid International Airport Guide

How do I move between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3?

Since they aren’t connected inside, you must use the Inter-Terminal Shuttle. It’s a free bus that runs every 20–30 minutes. Pickup is at Terminal 1 (Level Zero) and Terminal 3 (Level Zero, outside Door 55).

Is there a free shuttle to the Strip?

Generally, no. Most hotels have discontinued their free airport shuttles. You’ll need to use a taxi, rideshare, or a paid shuttle service. Always double-check with your specific hotel during booking, just in case!

How early should I arrive for my flight?

For domestic flights, two hours is usually enough. For international, aim for three. If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you can usually shave 20 minutes off that, but Vegas security lines are notoriously unpredictable during major conventions.

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