Airports in Reno, Nevada: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Reno: Gateway to the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin

Reno sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, bordered by the Truckee River to the north and the high desert to the east. With a 2023 population of roughly 255,000 and a metropolitan area of 470,000, the city is a hub for tourism, gaming, and technology. Visitors flock to the annual Reno River Festival, the National Steampunk Museum, and the world‑renowned ski resorts of Lake Tahoe, making reliable air service essential. All commercial air traffic for Reno and the surrounding Truckee‑Tahoe region is handled by Reno‑Tahoe International Airport (IATA RNO, ICAO KRNO), the only major airport within a 70‑mile radius.

Reno‑Tahoe International Airport recorded 4.2 million passengers in 2023, a 6 % increase over the previous year, and processed more than 85,000 metric tons of cargo, supporting the region’s agricultural exports and the tech‑manufacturing corridor that runs along I‑80. The airport’s strategic location—just 2 miles north of downtown Reno and 3 miles east of the historic Riverwalk District—makes it the closest airport to most residents of Reno, Sparks, and the university community.

Reno Airport Locations

The primary passenger facility is located at 700 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502. The address sits at the intersection of Virginia Street and Airport Drive, directly adjacent to the I‑580/US‑395 freeway interchange. This positioning provides quick access from the Midtown Reno neighborhood (2.5 mi), the University of Nevada, Reno campus (3 mi), and the Sparks Midtown district (5 mi). The airport occupies 2,300 acres of land and includes three major zones:

• Passenger Terminal: A single terminal split into East and West concourses, serving 31 airlines including United, Southwest, Alaska, Delta, and Allegiant. The terminal houses eight gates equipped with jet bridges, a TSA‑approved security checkpoint, and a 1,200‑square‑foot rental‑car center.
• General Aviation Center: Located on the south side of the field, this center hosts the Reno‑Tahoe Executive Hangar Complex and over 120 based aircraft ranging from single‑engine Cessnas to corporate jets.
• Cargo Facility: The Reno‑Tahoe International Airport Cargo Facility sits 0.7 mi east of the passenger terminal and processes freight for UPS, FedEx, and regional agricultural shippers.

Terminal Amenities and Key Services

Inside the terminal, travelers can enjoy free high‑speed Wi‑Fi, a dedicated pet‑relief area near Gate B12, and two airline‑specific lounges: the United Club (Level 3, near Gate C5) and the Delta Sky Club (Level 2, near Gate D9). The airport’s information desk, known as the RNO Airport Administration Office, is located in the main lobby and is staffed from 7 am to 5 pm daily. The office’s phone number is (775) 858‑6500, and it handles everything from lost‑baggage inquiries to airline‑ticket changes.

For travelers needing ground transportation, the airport features a 1,200‑space parking garage (East Garage) and a surface lot (West Lot) that together provide over 2,000 parking spaces. Short‑term parking is available within 200 feet of the terminal, while long‑term options are located a short shuttle ride away. The RNO Rental‑Car Center, operated by Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and National, offers a consolidated pick‑up zone just outside the East Garage.

How to Reach Airport in Reno

Driving to the airport is straightforward via I‑580/US‑395. From downtown Reno, take Virginia Street north for 2 miles; the airport entrance is clearly signed. From the Sparks Midtown district, follow I‑580 north for 5 miles and exit at Virginia Street. The journey from the University of Nevada, Reno campus takes approximately 8 minutes (3 miles) via Virginia Street, while residents of the Spanish Springs neighborhood travel about 8 miles south on US‑395 before turning east onto Airport Drive.

Public transit is provided by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC). Route 20 runs from the Reno‑Tahoe International Airport to the Downtown Reno Transit Center, stopping at the Riverwalk District, Midtown Reno, and the University of Nevada campus. Route 30 connects the airport with Sparks and the Victorian Square transit hub. Both routes run every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends.

Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and traditional taxis are readily available at the designated curbside zone located just outside the East Garage. For those preferring a shuttle, the Airport Express Shuttle offers door‑to‑door service to major hotels in the Midtown and Riverwalk areas, as well as to the Reno‑Tahoe Convention Center, which is only 1.2 miles from the terminal.

Airport Services in Reno

Reno‑Tahoe International Airport provides a full suite of passenger services designed for both leisure and business travelers. The airport’s Free Wi‑Fi covers the entire terminal, with a bandwidth of up to 50 Mbps per user. The Business Services Center on Level 2 offers printing, fax, and conference rooms for travelers needing to stay productive.

Family‑friendly amenities include a children’s play area near Gate C2, nursing stations, and a complimentary “Taste of Reno” food court featuring local favorites such as the Basque‑style chorizo sandwich from the historic Basque Cultural Center. For pet owners, the Pet Relief Area is located adjacent to Gate B12 and is open 24 hours.

Security screening is handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with an average wait time of 12 minutes during peak hours, according to the 2024 TSA checkpoint performance report. The airport also offers a pre‑check lane for TSA PreCheck members, reducing the average processing time to under 5 minutes.

Beyond passenger services, the airport supports robust cargo operations. The cargo facility, located 0.7 mi east of the main terminal, includes a 150,000‑square‑foot warehouse, temperature‑controlled storage, and direct rail access to the Union Pacific line, enabling efficient movement of perishable goods from the nearby agricultural valleys.

Frequently Asked Questions — Reno Airport Services

What is the Reno airport office address and its hours of operation?

The Reno‑Tahoe International Airport Administration Office is located at 700 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502, inside the main terminal lobby. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm, and closed on federal holidays.

How far is Reno‑Tahoe International Airport from the Sparks Midtown district?

Reno‑Tahoe International Airport is approximately 5 miles north of the Sparks Midtown district. The drive via I‑580/US‑395 takes about 10‑12 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Where can I find the Reno airport phone number for lost baggage inquiries?

For lost‑baggage or any passenger assistance, call the Reno‑Tahoe International Airport information desk at (775) 858‑6500. The line is staffed from 7 am to 10 pm daily.

What parking options are available at the airport near the Riverwalk District?

The airport offers two primary parking structures near the Riverwalk District: the East Garage (a 1,200‑space covered garage located 0.3 mi east of the Riverwalk) for short‑term parking, and the West Lot (a 800‑space surface lot situated 0.5 mi west of the Riverwalk) for long‑term parking. Both facilities provide a free shuttle that runs every 10 minutes to the terminal.

Is there a cargo facility at the airport near the University of Nevada Reno campus?

Yes. The Reno‑Tahoe International Airport Cargo Facility is located 0.7 mi east of the passenger terminal, roughly 3 miles north of the University of Nevada Reno campus. It includes a 150,000‑square‑foot warehouse, temperature‑controlled rooms, and direct rail access for freight shipments.