How Far Is Harry Reid Airport from the Las Vegas Strip?

One of the nicest surprises for first-time visitors: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) sits just 2 to 5 miles from the Strip, depending on which hotel you’re headed to - a roughly 10 to 20-minute drive. It’s one of the closest major airports to its city center in the entire country; you can practically see the resorts from the runway. This guide covers the exact distance, real travel times, and the best way to get from the airport to your hotel.

A quick naming note: the airport was renamed from McCarran to Harry Reid International in late 2021, but the code is still LAS. If you see “McCarran” on older maps or signs, it’s the same airport in the same place. For the bigger picture on moving around town, see our Getting Around Las Vegas guide.

The Distance, by Strip Section

The airport sits at the south end of the Strip, so your distance depends on where you’re staying along the 4.2-mile boulevard:

• South Strip (Mandalay Bay, Luxor, MGM Grand): closest - about 2–3 miles, often under 10 minutes.
• Center Strip (Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Cosmopolitan): about 3–4 miles, roughly 10–15 minutes.
• North Strip (Wynn, Resorts World, The STRAT): farthest - about 4–6 miles, around 15–20 minutes.
• Downtown (Fremont Street): about 6–8 miles, roughly 15–25 minutes.

The distance is short, but don’t assume it’s always fast - traffic near Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, plus convention and weekend surges, can stretch that quick hop considerably.

How to Get from the Airport to the Strip

There’s no train or Monorail link directly from the airport, but you have plenty of options across every budget:

Taxi. The simplest choice. Cabs wait in designated lines outside Terminal 1 (exits 1–4) and Terminal 3 (level 0). Airport trips to Strip hotels use flat zone fares set by the Nevada Taxicab Authority: $21 to the south end, $25 to the center and $29 to the north end as of September 2026, with a $3 surcharge if you pay by card. Downtown runs on the meter. No app or wait for a match; you just get in and go.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft). Usually the best value, often a few dollars cheaper than a taxi outside of surge pricing. Pickup is in designated zones - at Terminal 1 in the parking garage, at Terminal 3 on the valet level - so follow the airport’s rideshare signs rather than heading to the nearest curb. Prices spike during big events and late-night arrivals.

Shared shuttle. The budget pick, starting around $19 one-way. You’ll share the van and make several hotel stops, so it’s slower - good for solo travelers without a tight timeline.

Private transfer / limo. Priced per vehicle and booked ahead; skips the shared stops and is convenient for groups or a splashier arrival.

Public bus (RTC). The cheapest option and it does serve the Strip, but it’s slow and awkward with luggage - only worth it if you’re traveling very light and pinching pennies.

Rental car. The rental center is off-site via shuttle. Worth it only if you plan day trips (Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon); for a Strip-only stay, parking and resort parking fees usually outweigh the benefit.

Which Should You Choose?

For most visitors, rideshare or a taxi is the sweet spot - fast, direct, and reasonably priced for such a short trip. Choose a shared shuttle if budget matters more than time, a private transfer if you’re in a group, and skip the rental car unless you’re leaving the Strip. Whatever you pick, the ride is short - you’ll be checking in before you know it.

Vegas Guide is an independent travel resource. Distances, fares and details were verified in September 2026 and may change; confirm current prices when you book. Reviewed by the Vegas Guide editorial team.