Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Reno. Reno Tahoe International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at RNO:
First, verify that you can enter United States — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the RTC Public Bus takes about 50 minutes into Reno, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — USD is the currency here. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Exploring Reno on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Reno:
Start with National Automobile Museum. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare. Then, if time allows, make your way to Reno Riverwalk District. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at RNO, check out The Club at RNO or Nevada Passage (Airport Shopping) to keep yourself occupied.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Peg’s Glorified Ham N Eggs and Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen (Midtown) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Reno.
- At the airport: Silver Peak Grill & Taproom and Timber Ridge will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Getting to Reno from the Airport
From RNO, the RTC Public Bus gets you to Reno in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the RTC Public Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Reno Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Reno:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Reno, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at RNO can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Reno for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at RNO, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Reno itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at RNO.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Reno is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Reno.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.