Unlocking Major Airports in Reno (An Ultimate Travel Guide)

Reno is a city in the U.S. state of Nevada that has been a key transportation hub in the American West. The City is home to the natural beauty, and recreational opportunities of Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the vast open spaces of the western U.S.

Reno features multiple airports that serve the region with commercial passenger, and cargo flights. The airports in Reno range from the main commercial airport, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, to smaller regional airports, such as the Minden-Tahoe, and the Fallon Municipal Airport.

In this article, we will explore all the airports in Reno covering airport infrastructure, amenities, services, airlines, destinations, and more. If you are a resident or a visitor, you can refer to this informative guide to learn about the aviation industry in the city of Reno.

What are the major airports in Reno?

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the main commercial international airport in Reno. Plus, there are other smaller regional airports, private airfields, and general aviation airports in Reno.

RNO is the busiest airport in the city that facilitates commercial, and cargo operations. Other airports offer private/corporate, and general aviation operations only.

Now, let’s explore the airports in detail.

Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

Reno–Tahoe Int’l Airport (ICAO: KRNO, IATA: RNO, FAA LID: RNO) is the primary international airport in the city of Reno located 3 miles southwest of downtown Reno. The airport is owned, and operated by Reno–Tahoe Airport Authority.

RNO is situated at an elevation of 4,415 ft (1,346 m) AMSL, and serves Reno city with passenger, and cargo flights.

RNO Airport Infrastructure

Regarding the airport infrastructure, RNO Airport covers a total area of 1,450 acres (590 ha), and features three concrete runways with the designations: RWY 17R/35L, RWY 17L/35R, and RWY 08/26.

RNO RUNWAYS	LENGTH	SURFACE
RWY 17R/35L	11,001 ft (3,353 m)	Concrete
RWY 17L/35R	9,000 ft (2,743 m)	Concrete
RWY 08/26	6,102 ft (1,860 m)	Concrete

RNO is equipped with a two-storeyed terminal building that offers various terminal services for passengers, and visitors at the airport.

The First Floor of the RNO Terminal features Customs Building, Baggage Claim, Rental Car Check-in Counters, Ticketing/Check-in Counters, TSA Security Checkpoint, Slot Machines, Restaurants & Retail Shops, Shuttle Offices, Ground Transporation, ATM, and other basic terminal facilities.

Likewise, the Second Floor of the terminal building accommodates Concourses C & D, Gates, Food & Shopping locations, and other terminal facilities.

RNO Terminal First Floor

• Ticketing Check-in Counters – Alaska/Horizon, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and Volaris
• Baggage Claim & Offices – Alaska Airlines, American Airlines/US Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
• Food Options – Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen, and Peet’s Coffee & Tea
• Shopping Options – PGA TOUR Shop, and Silver State Marketplace

RNO Terminal Second Floor

The second floor of the terminal holds High Mountain Marketplace, Concourse B, and Concourse C. The Marketplace is located between Concourses B & C.

Concourse B

• Gates – B1-B11
• Airlines – Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue
• Shopping Options – Benefit Cosmetics, Best Buy Express, and Plane Provisions
• Food Options – La Brea Bakery/Peet’s Coffee, Tahoe Taphouse, Food & Drink Vending Machines, Verdi Market, Vino Volo, and Wild Garlic Pizza & Pub.

High Mountain Marketplace

• Amenities – Escape Lounge, Animal Relief Area, ATMs, Arts, and Displays
• Shopping Options – Brighton Collectibles, CNBC News, In Motion, and No Boundaries
• Food Options – McDonald’s, Peet’s Coffee, and Timber Ridge

Concourse C

• Gates – C1-C12
• Airlines – Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and Volaris.
• Shopping Options – Summit Travel
• Food Options – La Brea Bakery/Peet’s Coffe, Subway, Tap & Pour, Food & Drink Vending Machines, and Wild Garlic Pizza & Pub

Terminal Facilities at RNO Airport

• Baggage Services
• Airport Mailers
• ATM
• Animal Relief Area
• Defibrillator
• Information Center
• Restroom
• Lost & Found
• River Room
• SmartCarte
• Ground Transportation
• TSA PreCheck
• Wheelchair Services
• Food & Shopping options
• Ticketing/Check-in Counters
• Arts & Displays
• Mamava Pod
• Massage Chair
• Productivity Center, and more.

Airlines Operating at RNO Airport

A total of 11 airlines operate regular passenger flights to and from the RNO Airport: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, JSX, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and Volaris.

Cargo operators at the airport include DHL, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines.

AIRLINES AT RNO AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
Alaska Airlines	Portland, and Seattle
Allegiant Air	Las Vegas
American Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare, and Phoenix–Sky Harbor
Delta Air Lines	Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City
JetBlue	Los Angeles, and New York–JFK
JSX	Burbank, Las Vegas, and Orange County
Southwest Airlines	Burbank, Dallas–Love Field, Denver, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, San Diego, and San Jose
Spirit Airlines	Las Vegas
Sun Country Airlines	Minneapolis
United Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
Volaris	Guadalajara

Top 10 Busiest Domestic Routes from RNO Airport – Las Vegas (LAS), Denver (DEN), Phoenix–Sky Harbor (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego (SAN), and Long Beach (LGB).

RNO Airport Travel Tips

Here are some travel tips for passengers, and visitors at Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO).

• Ensure you have carried all necessary documents including passport, tickets, and visa (if required) before making your travel. It is recommended to check the airline’s website for flight updates, baggage policy, restrictions, and other important information that may affect your travel plans.
• Passengers are always advised to arrive early so that they get enough time for check-in, security screening, and getting to boarding gate. The TSA recommends arriving at least 2 hours before the departure time.
• RNO offers various ground transportation facilities including rental cars, paid shuttle services, taxis, limousines, rideshares, peer-to-peer car sharing, and public transportation. Check the airport website for a list of ground transportation options, and plan early.
• The TSA has strict rules regarding what you can bring on board the plane. Check the TSA website for a list of prohibited items and packing tips to help you get through security quickly.
• You can enjoy food, and beverages at various restaurants, and bars at the RNO Terminal. Besides, you can also access retail shops. Enjoy these amenities before your flight.

If you are traveling with your pets, make sure you are following the pet travel policies of the respective airlines. For detailed information on pet travel policies, you can refer to the following articles.

• American Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Delta Air Lines Pet Travel Policy
• Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• JetBlue Pet Travel Policy
• Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• United Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Reno/Stead Airport (RTS)

Reno Stead Airport (ICAO: KRTS, FAA LID: RTS) is a 5000-acre general aviation facility that offers general aviation operations. The airport is owned, and operated by Reno Tahoe Airport Authority.

RTS is situated at an elevation of 5,050 ft (1,539 m) AMSL, and serves Reno City in the U.S. State of Nevada. There are two asphalt runways at the airport: RWY 14/32 (9,000 ft long), and RWY 08/26 (7,608 ft long).

Reno Stead Airport is becoming a major economic hub in Northern Nevada.

Carson City Airport (CSN)

Carson City Airport (ICAO: KCXP, IATA: CSN, FAA LID: CXP) is among the general aviation airports in Reno owned/operated by the Carson City Airport Authority.

The airport sits at an elevation of 4,704 ft (1,432 m) AMSL, and serves Carson City in Nevada. CSN covers a total area of 632 acres (256 ha), and features a single asphalt Runway 09/27 which is 6,100 ft long.

Whether you’re a business traveler, vacationer, or simply seeking adventure, CSN Airport offers unmatched convenience, situated just 30 miles from downtown Reno, 13 miles from Virginia City, and only 20 minutes away from the magnificent Lake Tahoe. 

CSN is the third busiest General Aviation (GA) airport and the fifth overall busiest airport in the state of Nevada. Instrument Approaches and an IFR Departure Procedure are available, along with AWSOS III P/T with Terminal Area Forecasts, which are provided by the National Weather Service to ensure that pilots have the most up-to-date weather information.

Major Airports near Reno

Some major airports near Reno City are listed in the table below.

AIRPORTS NEAR RENO	DISTANCE FROM RENO	ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME
Truckee Tahoe Airport (TKF)	32.3 miles	38 minutes
Minden-Tahoe Airport (MEV)	46.3 miles	46 minutes
Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL)	65.5 miles	1 hour 18 minutes
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)	137 miles	2 hours 23 minutes

Conclusion on Airports in Reno

As we come to the end of this blog, we explored all airports in Reno City in the U.S. state of Nevada.

The Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the only international airport in the city that facilitates daily commercial passenger, and cargo flights to various destinations.

There are other smaller airports like Reno Stead Airport (RTS), and Carson City Airport (CSN), however, these airports are specially built for general aviation purposes.

RNO airport is the best choice for you if you are planning to travel to the city. There are also nearby airports where you can land, and take a drive to reach Reno city.

The airports in Reno-Tahoe offer a range of services and amenities to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So, whether you’re taking off or landing, make sure to follow the travel tips discussed in this article to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey.

FAQs on Airports in Reno