McCarran International Airport [LAS] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: May 1, 2020

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McCarran International Airport (LAS) is the eighth busiest airport in the U.S., transporting nearly 50 million passengers in 2018. LAS is the gateway to the famous Las Vegas Strip, Grand Canyon, and Death Valley, along with a whole host of other national parks.

If you’re flying to Las Vegas or have a layover in LAS, here’s everything you need to know about McCarran International Airport.

Quick Information

Airport: McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Terminals: 2; Terminals 1 and 3
Airport Address: 5757 Wayne Newton Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119
Distance from downtown Las Vegas: Approximately 5 miles (8 km)
Website: mccarran.com
Phone Number: 702-261-5211
Passengers Served: 49.7 million annually
Daily Flights: 500
Destinations Served: 150 cities worldwide
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here

Airlines Operating From LAS

Terminal 1

Terminal 3

LAS Airport Terminals

LAS has 2 main terminal buildings and both terminals have multiple gate areas. Terminal 1 is the domestic terminal with flights operating from A, B, C, and D gates. Terminal 3 is the international terminal, with flights operating from D and E gates.

Terminals 1 and 3 are not connected, so passengers are advised to check ahead for the correct terminal to avoid having to ride the shuttle bus between terminals.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 Departures and Arrivals

Departures and arrivals are on the lower level of Terminal 1 with ground transportation services in between the 2 areas.

Terminal 1 Esplanade

The Terminal 1 Esplanade is on the upper level with a food court, shops, security checkpoints, and the airport tram station.

A Gate Departure Area

The A gate departure area has 16 gates numbered A3, A5, A7, A8, A10-A12, A14, A15. and A17-A23 with flights operated by Allegiant Air. There is a small selection of shops and restaurants in the departure area with the majority pre-security in the terminal Esplanade.

After passing through the A/B security checkpoint from Terminal 1, the A gates are to the right with moving walkways available to assist passengers with the walk to the gates.

The B and C gates are easily accessible from the A gates via pedestrian walkways, or to connect to the D or E gates; passengers can take the airport tram.

B Gate Departure Area

The B gate departure area has 17 gates numbered B1, B2, B6, B9-B12, B14, B15, B17, and B19-B25. Southwest and Spirit Airlines operate from the B gates, and the area has a good selection of shops, bars, and restaurants.

To reach the B gates, pass through the A/B security checkpoint from Terminal 1 and turn left down the long corridor with moving walkways.

To connect to the A gates, take the walkway back towards the A/B checkpoint and turn left. To connect to the C gates, take the walkway to the right of Starbucks walking past the pharmacy and pet relief area.

To connect to the D or E gates, take the corridor as if walking to the C gates and take a left to the airport tram station where you can ride the blue line to the D gates with onward services to the E gates.

C Gate Departure Area

The C gate departure area has 19 gates numbered C1-C5, C7-C9, C11, C12, C14, C16, C19, and C21-C25.

The concourse is quite long, and passengers that are flying from gates C1-C21 can pass through the C/D security checkpoint and take the green line on the airport tram to the bottom end of the concourse.

Passengers flying from gates C23-C25 may find it quicker to pass through the C annex checkpoint and walk along to their departure gate. Due to the size of the concourse, there are plenty of shops and restaurants.

To connect to gate areas A or B, take the corridor at the north end of the concourse (to the left of Jamba Juice), or to reach the D or E gates, take the blue line on the airport tram.

D Gate Departure Area

The D gate area is the largest concourse at LAS with 42 gates numbered D1, D3-D12, D14, D16-D22, D24-D26, D32-D43, and D50-D58.

Domestic and international flights operate from the D gates, and the concourse has a good selection of shops and restaurants, a United Club Lounge, LAS Centurion Lounge, and The Club at LAS.

The center of the concourse is where the airport tram station is situated, and passengers can ride the blue line from the D gates to the A, B, or C gates, or the red line to the E gates.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 Arrivals

Terminal 3 arrivals is on the lower level with the baggage claim carousels, airport tram station, and ground transportation services.

Terminal 3 Departures and Gate Area E

Departures is on the upper level with the ticketing desks and security checkpoint through to the E gate departure area.

The E gate departure area has 14 gates numbered E1-E12, E14, and E15. Most of the international airlines operate from the E gates, and the concourse has a range of shops and restaurants and The Club at LAS lounge.

To connect from the E to the D gates, passengers can ride the red line tram, or onward on the blue line to reach the other gate areas.

Inter-Terminal Transport

McCarran Airport Tram — Inside the Secure Area

The frequent airport tram transports passengers between terminals and gates within the secure area. There are 3 colored lines to help passengers identify which route they require.

Line	Route
	Terminal 1 to C gates / C gates to Terminal 1
	D gates to Terminal 1 / Terminal 1 to D gates
	Terminal 3 to D gates / D gates to Terminal 3

Airport Shuttle Bus — Outside the Secure Area

The airport shuttle bus runs every 15-30 minutes and transports passengers between terminals. Buses operate outside of the secure area, so passengers need to re-clear security on arrival at the connecting terminal.

Buses depart from Terminal 1 on Level 0 across the pedestrian crosswalk, and Terminal 3 on Level 0 in the center curb area.

Walking — Inside the Secure Area

Terminal 1’s A, B, and C gates are connected to via pedestrian walkways.

The A and B gates are closely located just a short walk from each other, and the C gates are a bit further away. To reach the C gates, passengers need to walk through the C annex from the B gates or walk through the corridor next to the A/B security checkpoint.

LAS encourages passengers to keep fit and walk around the airport terminals before their flight. The colored lines in the above map are suggested routes and distances.

Security and Customs at LAS

LAS has 3 security checkpoints in Terminal 1 and 1 checkpoint in Terminal 3. Each has varying opening hours:

Hot Tip: TSA Security doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s our guide on how to easily get through TSA stress-free.

TSA PreCheck

LAS has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at each terminal, but these do not have the same opening hours as the standard checkpoint lanes.

Outside of the above hours, passengers will receive expedited screening in the standard checkpoint lanes, but this will differ from the PreCheck screening process.

LAS has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center in Terminal 1 on level 2 outside of the secure area, so passengers can arrange their interview after being conditionally approved. The Enrollment Center is open Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 9 a.m., 9:20 a.m. – 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., and 1:20 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Hot Tip: TSA PreCheck can be especially helpful for travelers who regularly fly out of LAS, as it consistently falls within the 5 U.S. airports with the longest average security wait times. 

Global Entry Program

LAS has Global Entry kiosks for passengers who have been approved. Applicants that have been conditionally approved need to arrange an interview at an Enrollment Center to complete their application. LAS has an Enrollment Center in Terminal 3 and also participates in Enrollment on Arrival daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

CLEAR

LAS has CLEAR lanes at all security checkpoints apart from the C annex checkpoint, and these are open daily from 4 a.m. – 10 p.m.

LAS Airport Lounges

LAS has 6 lounges with 3 offering day-pass access (for a fee) to all passengers, regardless of travel class or frequent flyer status.

Note that the 2 USO lounges reserved exclusively for active military personnel and their dependents.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Avoid paying lounge entry fees simply by having a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access. 

Priority Pass Access

The Club at LAS lounges accepts Priority Pass entry, subject to capacity allowances. Explore more about the Priority Pass in our Priority Pass Guide, along with which credit cards pay for your Priority Pass membership.

Dining and Drinks at LAS Airport

LAS has 87 restaurants, bars, cafes, and grab-and-go kiosks with most located at the departure concourses. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite outside of the secure area, then the Terminal 1 Esplanade is the place to go.

View what restaurants are available in each terminal/concourse on the LAS airport website.

LAS Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas at LAS.

Charging Stations: These are located throughout Terminals 1 and 3 with recharge zones at the gate areas. Dedicated workstations are also available for laptop charging, and if you’re looking to charge your device quickly, then ChargeCarte rapid chargers are also available for a fee.

Hot Tip: Not all airports offer free Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to worry about being disconnected, you may want to pick up a mobile hotspot to keep you connected. 

LAS Airport Lost and Found

If a personal possession is lost in the public areas of LAS, at the security checkpoints, or departure gates, you can contact the lost and found department at 702-261-5134 or submit a claim.

If your item was lost on an airplane, you will need to contact the applicable airline.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Information booths can be found in both terminals in the baggage areas, or for assistance out of hours, passengers can dial 0 from the airport’s white courtesy phones.

Travelers Aid

There is not a Travelers Aid center at LAS, however, the closest center is located at 1640 E. Flamingo Rd., #100, Las Vegas, NV 89119.

Children’s Play Areas

A children’s play area can be found in the D gates building on the upper level of the open lobby. Unfortunately, LAS doesn’t rank as one of the top 10 kid-friendly U.S. airports.

Baby Facilities

LAS has nursing pods in all terminal/departure areas:

• A/B/C gates: located on the connector bridge between the B and C gates
• D gates: on the upper level of the open lobby area
• E gates: near gate E9

Pet Relief Areas

While LAS doesn’t rank among the top 10 pet-friendly U.S. airports, the airport still offers designated enclosed pet relief areas located at:

• C gates: on the connector bridge between the B and C gates
• D gates: on the upper level of the open lobby area
• E gates: opposite gate E11
• T1 ticketing and baggage: outside door 7 and 13 in the ground transportation area

Duty Free

Duty-free shopping can be found in the E gates of Terminal 3 near gates E6 and E7

Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas are located:

• Barney’s Lounge (C gates)
• Bud Track Lounge (Esplanade)
• Gaming lounges (B, C, D, and E gates)
• Outdoors of ticketing and baggage claim

Money

ATMs are located:

• C gates: near gate C16
• D gates: as you enter the concourse for gates 5-59, near the food court in the main hall, and near gate D6
• E gates: opposite gates E5 and E10
• Terminal 1 baggage: near carousel 7

Luggage

There are no baggage storage facilities on airport property. LAS recommends third party company “Bags To Go” located at 4057 Dean Martin Dr., Las Vegas, NV, 89103.

Medical Office

Code 3 Urgent Care is a medical center in Terminal 1 on level 2 near the A/B security checkpoint.

LAS Important Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 702-261-5211

Car Parking: 702-261-5122

Paging: 702-261-5211

Car Rental Center: 702-261-6001

Lost and Found: 702-261-5134

Travel to and From LAS Airport

Transport Options

Traveling to/from LAS, passengers can choose to ride a public bus, organize a private or shared-ride shuttle, or grab a taxi from outside of the terminal.

Bus

RTC Public Bus: The Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) route 108 to Paradise and route 109 to Maryland Parkway are all bus services stopping at Terminal 1. Buses operate from level 0, down 1 level from baggage claim and across the pedestrian walkway. The Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) and Centennial Express (CX) routes serve Terminal 3 with buses operating from curbside departures on level 2.

Shuttles

• Inter-city shuttles: Private ride and shared-ride shuttles are available to communities outside of Las Vegas. The airport recommends these third-party providers.
• Inner-city shuttles: Shared-ride shuttles are available to book on arrival from outside doors 7-13 at Terminal 1 baggage claim or from level 0 at Terminal 3. Services stop at multiple locations for passengers going in the same direction and is an affordable alternative to a taxi.

Taxi

Taxis are available outside exits 1-4 of baggage claim at Terminal 1 and on Level 0 at Terminal 3. Prices to the Las Vegas Strip range from $18-$30, depending on which hotel you’re going to.

Ride Apps

Uber and Lyft are permitted to pick-up and drop-off passengers from LAS. Drivers can pick-up passengers from the level 2M of the Terminal 1 parking garage and the valet level of Terminal 3 parking.

Directions by Car

Arriving From North Las Vegas

Take I-15 South and follow until West Tropicana Avenue in Paradise. Take exit 37 continuing west on Tropicana Avenue and use the right 3 lanes to turn right onto McCarran Airport Connector/Paradise Road.

Arriving From the Grand Canyon

Follow Pierce Ferry Road to US-93 in Dolan Springs. Head north on US-93 and continue onto I-11 until exit 23 where you merge onto I-215 West. Take exit 10 towards Sunset Road/McCarran Airport and merge onto the McCarran Airport Connector.

LAS Car Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

LAS has an abundance of parking for passengers and visitors. There are 6 on-airport parking garages for short and long-term parking.

Short-Term Parking

Terminal 1 short-term parking is adjacent to the terminal entrance on level 2M of the parking garage. It’s suitable for friends/family picking up passengers and staying no more than 3 hours. There is a maximum height clearance of 7 feet.

Terminal 3 short-term parking is located just outside of Terminal 3 on level 3 of the covered parking garage. It is also intended for stays less than 3 hours and has a height clearance of 9 feet 4 inches.

The fees for both short-term parking garages are:

• First 15 minutes: Free
• 15 minutes – 1 hour: $3
• 1-2 hours: $6
• 2-3 hours: $9
• Each additional hour: $4
• Daily maximum: $36

Long-Term Parking

Terminal 1 long-term parking is located adjacent to the terminal building on levels 1M, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Each level is named after a famous Las Vegas hotel to help remember where you’ve parked, and the parking garage height clearance is 8 feet.

Terminal 3 long-term parking is in the garage adjacent to the terminal building on levels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Passengers traveling on international flights should park on the east side of the garage (signposted with a club symbol from playing cards) and domestic passengers on the west (signposted with a diamond). Height clearance is 8 feet 2 inches.

Fees for both long-term parking garages are:

• First 15 minutes: Free
• 15 minutes – 3 hours: $10
• Each additional hour: $2
• Daily maximum: $18

Terminal 1 economy parking is located at 576 Kitty Hawk Way off Paradise Road with a 24-hour shuttle service transporting passengers to/from the terminal every 15-20 minutes. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet in length and 8.5 feet in width, or more than 13.5 feet in height, must use the oversized/remote parking lot (detailed below).

Terminal 3 economy parking is located adjacent to the terminal building within walking distance and accepts all vehicles (including oversized vehicles).

Fees for both economy parking garages are:

• First 15 minutes: Free
• 15 minutes – 2 hours: $4
• Each additional hour: $2
• Daily maximum: $12

The Terminal 1 oversized/remote parking lot is located at Gilespie Street, across from the McCarran Rent-A-Car Center. A courtesy shuttle service is available from this lot by calling 702-261-5122.

Fees for the oversized parking lot are:

• 0-30 minutes: $3
• 30 minutes-1 hour: $6
• Each additional hour: $3
• Daily maximum of $15

Valet Parking

Valet parking is available at both terminals located in the parking garages adjacent to the terminal building. At Terminal 1 the service is available on level 2, and at Terminal 3 it’s available from Level V. Daily valet parking is $30.

Pick-Up or Drop-Off

LAS has different areas for picking up and dropping off passengers. At Terminal 1, pick-up is across the pedestrian bridge on level 1 of the parking garage, and at Terminal 2 it’s from level 1 of the parking garage. These areas are for immediate loading only.

Vehicles may drop-off passengers at the departure curb on Level 1 at Terminal 1, and Level 2 at Terminal 3.

LAS has a cell phone parking lot located near the Terminal 1 economy parking lot just a few minutes’ drive from both terminals. Friends/family can use this parking lot to wait in their cars until the passenger calls for pick-up from outside the terminals.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

There are a few additional options for off-site parking lots that offer slightly better rates from $7 per day.

These facilities include shuttle services to/from the airport, and some hotels offer combined accommodation and parking packages. Airportparkingreservations.com is a useful website to compare prices, check distances from the airport, and customer reviews.

Car Rentals at LAS

The rental car center is located around 3 miles from the terminals at 7135 Gilespie St., and courtesy shuttle buses frequently operate to transport passengers.

At terminal 1, shuttles depart from level 1 outside doors 10 and 11, and at Terminal 3 they depart from level 0 outside doors 51-54 for the west side and doors 55-58 for the east side.

Advantage: 800-777-9377
Alamo: 800-GOALAMO
Avis: 800-331-1212
Budget: 800-922-2899
Dollar: 800-800-4000
E Z Rent-A-Car: 800-277-5171
Enterprise: 800-RENTACAR
Hertz: 800-654-3131
National Car Rental: 800-CAR-RENT
Payless: 800-729-5377
Thrifty: 800-367-2277

Hot Tip: Avoid paying excessive insurance with rental companies by checking out which credit cards include car rental insurance as a benefit.

LAS Airport Hotels

There is a wide selection of hotels near LAS that are also close to the Las Vegas strip. There are hotels to suit every budget from 2-5 stars with many offering a courtesy shuttle service to/from the airport.

Airport Hotels — Sorted by Distance

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

If you’re looking to save some money on your next trip, check out some of the best award booking options near LAS. Do keep in mind that Las Vegas hotels can at times offer some deeply discounted rates on their hotel rooms, especially those with casinos, so using your points may not always be the most optimal choice.

Mandalay Bay is an expansive 120-acre resort that offers 2,700 tons of sand, more than 100 luxurious cabanas, bungalows and daybeds, and soothing waves. In the evening you can enjoy world-class restaurants and nightlife experiences like the music of Michael Jackson at Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil. The Mandalay Bay hotel is affiliated with the World of Hyatt program and award nights start at 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Set on the famed Four Corners of the Vegas Strip, at the Tropicana Las Vegas, guests can experience South Beach-inspired rooms, an award-winning pool, and world-class entertainment, plus a casino and spa. Hilton loyalists with Gold status or above receive benefits like complimentary breakfast and space-available room upgrades. Award night redemptions start at 45,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

New York New York provides a little slice of NYC in the midst of the Las Vegas strip. The resort-style hotel is centrally located and features a pool, full-service spa and salon, and a 144-foot drop roller coaster. While the hotel is technically affiliated with MGM, Hyatt loyalty members will receive their elite status benefits on their stay through their partnership. Award night redemptions start at 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more World of Hyatt points or Hilton Honors points. 

Final Thoughts

As LAS is one of the largest U.S. airports, some prior planning may be in order to ensure arrival at the correct terminal as they are not interconnected outside of the secure area.

The airport tram is only accessible once passengers have cleared security and is a convenient mode of transport for passengers connecting to other flights where it’s not necessary to re-claim checked luggage.

The airport is just a few miles from the start of the Las Vegas Strip, so visitors can stay in the famous resorts and hotels without worrying about a long journey back to the airport.