Home to North America’s largest alpine lake, as well as the country’s largest concentration of skiing and snowboarding, it’s no surprise that visitors from near and far have been traveling to Lake Tahoe for generations. Thanks to a well-connected network of regional airports and a variety of direct flight options from several major U.S. cities, flying to this stunning region is easily accessible. No matter what kind of getaway you are planning, here’s how to get to Lake Tahoe with ease.
The closest airport serving Lake Tahoe is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), which is a 45-minute drive away. RNO offers 20+ non-stop flights to and from Lake Tahoe — including major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, New York and Dallas — serviced by 11 airlines, with even more connections available beyond that.
Beyond RNO, Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which is a two-hour drive away, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is around three and a half hours away, are both popular choices for Lake Tahoe travelers. For private pilots, Truckee Tahoe Airport (TRK) is a convenient option as well. Find more information about getting to Lake Tahoe.
Once you’ve landed, no matter which airport you’re at, there are a variety of ways to make the trip from the airport to Lake Tahoe a smooth one. RNO offers the North Lake Tahoe Express Bus, a year-round shuttle with affordable rates that can drop you right at the heart of the action. If you’re traveling from further away, Amtrak is also a great option — the California Zephyr line stops right in Truckee.
Getting around the North Lake Tahoe region itself is easier than ever, thanks to transportation options such as TART Connect, a free, curb-to-curb shuttle service that takes the stress of driving out of your hands. There are also a number of taxis, private cars and rideshare services available.
No matter if you’re flying, riding or driving, use the Know Before You Go page to make sure you’re prepared ahead of your trip. This handy guide allows you to stay up to date on current weather conditions, road advisories, state and county alerts and more.
Once you’re here, you’ll need somewhere cozy to rest in between all your adventuring. Luckily, Lake Tahoe has a wide variety of comfortable lodging options that can suit any budget or trip. Plan your stay today, and we’ll see you soon!