Travel to Reno

Travel to Reno

Reno is located in the west of Nevada near the border with California, close to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As remote as it is, it is a very popular gaming getaway and easy to reach. Best known for its gambling prowess, being second in Nevada only to Las Vegas, Reno is also a popular destination among the skiing and hiking crowd due to nearby Lake Tahoe and it enjoys a favourable climate, with hot summers and cold winters.

Transportation to Reno

Getting to Reno is made easy by the international airport and the good interstate access. Reno/Tahoe International Airport is located southeast of downtown Reno and is served by major airlines from all over the US and from some overseas cities.

The airport is modern and has good facilities including cash machines and restaurants, while transport to the city is provided by buses, shuttles and taxis. In addition to flying, the California Zephyr train runs to Reno from Chicago and San Francisco, while Greyhound buses also provide access.

Drivers can get to Reno directly from New York, Chicago and Salt Lake City in the east and from San Francisco and Sacramento in the west via I-80. Additionally, I-5 runs from Seattle in the north and Los Angeles in the south via Sacramento. Getting about by car is also an option as most hotel/casinos have ample parking.

What to see

Renos main attraction is the world of the casino, and there are plenty to choose from. Virginia Street is the equivalent of the Strip in Las Vegas and is lit up like a Christmas tree. Most casinos also offer alternative entertainment such as live shows and family attractions, while a choice of cultural distractions are also on offer in the city, with plenty of museums and galleries available; the Nevada Historical Society and the National Automobile Museum are both worth a look.

In addition, shopping is enjoyed with zeal and numerous parks and gardens in the north of the city offer perfect respite at any time of the year. For those visiting in the summer, the Wild Island Family Adventure Park is perfect for families, with its many water-based rides and miniature golf courses.

Daytrips

For a great daytrip away from Reno, Lake Tahoe is a must. A main attraction in itself for many visitors to Reno, Tahoe boasts some of the best skiing and hiking in the United States and is just a short drive from Reno via I-80 or highways 395 and 50.

Quality ski resorts surround Lake Tahoe and many remain open year-round so that hikers can make use of the ski lifts. Lake Tahoe also offers great entertainment and nightlife options, particularly at South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. Yosemite National Park is also a great day out and is just 90 minutes drive to the south of Reno.

Activities and leisure

The biggest activities available to visitors in the Reno region are the ski fields of Lake Tahoe. Major resorts here include: Heavenly, Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley, which saw the 1960 Winter Olympics. Superb ski and snowboard facilities are available at most resorts around Lake Tahoe and options are also on the table for non-skiers.

There is great fishing to be had at Pyramid Lake, which lies to the north of Reno, while the mountain biking around the city is superb. The terrain around Reno and this region of America in general is great for mountain biking; Peavine Mountain being particularly good.

Safety issues

The main safety issues to be aware of while visiting Reno are to take special care while driving through the mountainous Tahoe region and refrain from wandering around unpopulated downtown Reno streets alone at night.

Pickpockets do operate in the city and casinos, and you should try to remain vigilant at all times. In addition, making sure your travel insurance policy is comprehensive and covers you for medical care is vital, particularly for those who will be visiting Lake Tahoe, skiing or hiking.