In Las Vegas, a car rental will get you a lot more than just a visit to the Strip. You could explore Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the desert highways past the city limits. And if you’re coming into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), then having a guide to car rental procedures beforehand can really help. In this article, you’ll find out where to pick up the car, how the shuttles work, which car rental providers offer their services at the airport, and how to drop off the car upon returning.
How Car Rental Works at Harry Reid International Airport
The Harry Reid International Airport is a commercial airport that operates from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Contrary to many other airports where the rental car counters are located inside the terminal building, the Harry Reid International Airport utilizes an external facility known as the Rent-A-Car Center.
All of the major car rental companies are found in this building only. You do not go from the terminal to the car rental office to pick up your car. Rather, you use a shuttle bus service to go to the Rent-A-Car Center where you pick up the car and leave from there. The airport describes its car rental services as an effort to get people on the road quickly.
Where Is the Rent-A-Car Center?
The airport’s website claims the Rent-A-Car Center is found at 7135 Gillespie Street, Las Vegas, NV 89119. It is situated about three miles to the south of the airport and is easily accessible by freeway.
Since the Rent-A-Car Center is located off the premises of the airport, it cannot be reached by walking from the airport. You will need to take two shuttle trips: once when picking up the car and another when dropping off the car. The airport also provides video guides for the way to the Rent-A-Car Center.
Getting to the Shuttle from each Terminal
There are minor differences in getting to the shuttle from each terminal. The information given below is based on the official guidelines of the airport.
| Terminal | What to Do | Shuttle Pick-Up Location |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Walk out of Baggage Claim to Ground Transportation on Level 1 | Rental Car Shuttle stop in front of doors 10 and 11 |
| Terminal 3 | Walk out of Baggage Claim to Ground Transportation on Level Zero | Rental Car Shuttle stops at both ends of the terminal |
Regardless of which terminal you use, you need to collect your checked baggage first. After that, walk to the ground transportation area. After reaching the Rent-A-Car Center, you can proceed to your rental company’s counter to finalize your booking.
Rental Companies at LAS
There are ten rental companies that are said to be working out of the Rent-A-Car Center of the airport. It is easier for you to compare their services because they are all located in one place; however, booking in advance will be the wiser decision.
The companies below are listed as the official partners of the Las Vegas airport. Go to each company’s website for more information about their car types and rental prices.
| Company | Website |
|---|---|
| Alamo | alamo.com |
| Avis | avis.com |
| Budget | budget.com |
| Dollar | dollar.com |
| Enterprise | enterprise.com |
| Hertz | hertz.com |
| National Car | nationalcar.com |
| Payless Car | paylesscar.com |
| SIXT | sixt.com |
| Thrifty | thrifty.com |
What to Do If Your Rental Company Is Not Listed?
Some rental companies have offices outside the Rent-A-Car Center. If you made your reservation through such a company, contact the company directly for more information.
The offsite agencies have a pick-up point at the mid-south lane after you leave the main entrance of the Rent-A-Car Center. Signs will direct you where to go, and you should study the information about your booking to understand what kind of office you need to find.
Return of Your Rental Car
It is easy to return your car. You should follow the signs to go back to the Rent-A-Car Center at 7135 Gilespie Street and after the return of the car you can get back to your departure terminal with the help of courtesy shuttles.
Going back to the terminal is something that many travelers underestimate. You need to add some time for this to your schedule, especially in case you need to leave for an early or international departure. The after-hours policy is different for each company, so it is better to be sure about it before you rely on this opportunity.
Before leaving the office, you need to check your car. Items left behind in the rental car or garage are the responsibility of the rental agencies and not of the airport, so it is better to check it thoroughly.
Important Travel Warning: Tunnel Construction Work
Currently, there is a construction warning posted on the airport’s website. The airport connector tunnels have lane restrictions in both the northbound and southbound directions until December 2026 due to repaving. The shuttle service between the Rent-A-Car Center and the airport is now operating with one lane restriction only; thus, expect delays.
It is especially important for those who will be dropping off their rented vehicles at the Rent-A-Car Center to budget for extra time for their journey to the terminal building. Always visit the airport’s website prior to travelling as the situation may change.
Facilities and Accessibility
Several useful facilities at the Rent-A-Car Center should be known to you. The following information is provided by the airport’s website.
- Accessible shuttles: The whole fleet of shuttles is ADA-equipped with special loading zones at Terminal 1, Terminal 3, and the Rent-A-Car Center for those who require assistance.
- Short-term parking: Parking in front of the main building is $3 per hour, with one to three hours as the minimum and maximum time period, respectively. Payments are to be made using self-service machines.
- Long-term parking: There is a remote lot available across the street. For additional information, contact 702-261-5122.
Lost & Found
Should you lose something during your stay, the person to contact will depend on where you have lost it. Contact the relevant party first to avoid confusion.
- Public areas, lobby & curb: 702-261-6001
- Shuttle bus: 702-261-6630
- In a rental car or the garage: contact the rental car company directly
Practical Tips for Easier Rental
There are some simple things that will allow you to rent faster and cheaper. They are based on the organization of the LAS system.
- Make reservations in advance: It allows you to look through prices and different models of cars in advance rather than choosing them at the counter.
- Check the confirmation: Find out whether your rental company is situated in the Rent-A-Car Center or not.
- Have your documents ready: Be sure to have your driver’s license, payment method, and booking confirmation prepared in order to shorten the process at the counter.
- Inspect the car: Make a round of the car and mark existing damage with the agent.
- Leave additional time for the return: Do not forget that it takes additional time to leave the airport due to tunnel roadworks.
Conclusion
It’s easy enough to rent a vehicle at Harry Reid International Airport as long as you know how to navigate it. All major car rental companies operate out of the Rent-A-Car Center located on Gilespie Street, only a few minutes away by shuttle from either terminal, and all information about shuttles, accessibility, and parking at the airport can be found on their website.
One thing that should be planned is time. Since construction of the connector tunnels to the airport is currently in effect until December 2026, make sure to allow yourself additional time during both pick-up and return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rental cars are picked up at the Rent-A-Car Center, located at 7135 Gilespie Street, approximately three miles away from the airport. You can get there using the free rental car shuttle from either Terminal 1 or Terminal 3.
From Terminal 1, take the Ground Transportation signs on Level 1 and proceed to the shuttle pick-up point, which is located at doors 10 and 11. From Terminal 3, take the Ground Transportation signs on Level Zero to the Rental Car Shuttle stops at each end of the terminal.
Some of the rental agencies that are available at LAS include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National Car, Payless Car, SIXT, and Thrifty. Any other company that is not listed above is an off-site agency and needs to be contacted for further details.
Yes, the airport says that all shuttles are ADA-accessible and that loading zones are provided both in the terminals and in the Rent-A-Car Center.
Yes, the airport says that all shuttles are ADA-accessible and that loading zones are provided both in the terminals and in the Rent-A-Car Center.