Car rental at Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport (LAS)

Compare car hire at Harry Reid International, where the main brands share the Rent-A-Car Center a short shuttle ride away.

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Renting a car at LAS

Harry Reid International, formerly McCarran, sits at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, minutes from the casinos. You don't need a car to get around the Strip itself, but one transforms a Vegas trip: Red Rock Canyon is around half an hour away, Hoover Dam under an hour and the Valley of Fire about an hour, while Zion, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon work as long day trips or as part of a loop through the American South-West.

Car rental demand in Las Vegas swings with conventions, big fights and holiday weekends as much as with the seasons, so availability can tighten suddenly around major events. When comparing, check mileage terms for long national park drives, whether one-way drops in Los Angeles or Phoenix are allowed, and how the company charges for additional drivers. Remember to budget for parking too, as most big Strip resorts charge for it.

Where to pick up your car

LASHarry Reid International Airport

The main rental brands at Las Vegas operate from the Harry Reid Rent-A-Car Center, about three miles from the terminals, so no cars are collected at the terminal itself. Free shuttle buses run frequently. At Terminal 1, follow the signs from baggage claim to the Rental Car Shuttle stop outside doors 10 and 11; at Terminal 3, the stops are outside the Level Zero baggage claim at either end of the building. The ride usually takes around 10 minutes, and counters and cars are in the same facility. When returning, follow the Rent-A-Car Center signs and allow time for the shuttle back to your terminal.

Driving around Las Vegas: what to know

  • Nevada has no toll roads, so there's normally no need for a rental company toll package on a Las Vegas trip, unless you plan to drive on to a state that has them.
  • Strip traffic is slow, especially in the evening and at weekends. Use I-15 and the parallel roads, such as Frank Sinatra Drive, Paradise Road and Koval Lane, to get between resorts, and watch for pedestrians crossing away from crosswalks.
  • Most large Strip resorts charge for self-parking and valet, often even for hotel guests, while many off-Strip and downtown casinos offer free or cheaper parking. Check the parking policy before booking your hotel if you'll have a car for the whole stay.
  • Desert driving needs preparation: carry plenty of water, fill up before Death Valley or long empty stretches, and don't rely on mobile coverage. Red Rock Canyon's scenic drive needs a timed-entry reservation for much of the year, so book ahead.

Tips to avoid extra charges

  • Check that your rental allows travel to neighbouring states and includes unlimited mileage; a loop through Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon can run to several hundred miles.
  • Expect offers of upgrades, extra cover and prepaid fuel at the counter. Decide in advance what you need, and choose full-to-full fuel with a fill-up on the way back to the Rent-A-Car Center.
  • International visitors should make sure their rate includes a collision damage waiver and supplemental liability insurance, as the liability cover included in basic US rates can be minimal.
  • If you only want a car for one or two day trips, it can work out better to rent from a desk at a Strip resort for those days than to pay for a car and resort parking for your whole stay.

Las Vegas Airport on the map

Open in OpenStreetMap · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Car rental at Las Vegas Airport: questions and answers

Where do I pick up my rental car at Las Vegas Airport?

At the Harry Reid Rent-A-Car Center, about three miles from the terminals, which houses the main rental brands. Free shuttles leave from outside doors 10 and 11 at Terminal 1 and from both ends of the Level Zero baggage claim at Terminal 3. Buses run frequently and the trip takes around 10 minutes.

Do I need a car in Las Vegas?

Not for the Strip itself, where walking, the monorail, rideshares and taxis are easier than driving and parking. A car is worth it for trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire or the national parks, or if you're staying off-Strip. Many visitors rent for just part of their stay.

Do Las Vegas hotels charge for parking?

Most large Strip resorts do, for both self-parking and valet, and the charge often applies to hotel guests too. Some waive it for higher tiers of their loyalty programmes, and many downtown and off-Strip casinos are cheaper or free. Check your hotel's policy when working out the cost of having a car.

Can I drive a Las Vegas rental car to the Grand Canyon or California?

Yes, most companies allow travel into Arizona, Utah and California, and many rates include unlimited mileage, but check the terms for any regional restrictions. The Grand Canyon's South Rim is roughly four and a half hours away. If you visit Hoover Dam itself, expect a security checkpoint on the access road.

Is it safe to drive in the desert around Las Vegas in summer?

Yes, with sensible precautions. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in July and August, so carry plenty of water, start early, keep the fuel tank topped up and stick to paved roads, which rental agreements usually require. Check the tyres and air conditioning before you leave, and avoid long hikes in the midday heat.

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Before you pick up: the airport car rental checklist

Deposits, excess, fuel policy and the photos to take before you drive off.

Read the checklist