Lake Tahoe’s stunning scenery and endless outdoor activities have made it a top choice for vacationers year-round. Perhaps you want to see some of the stunning local fall foliage, or maybe you’re heading out on a winter or spring skiing trip. No matter when you visit, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time; Lake Tahoe is beautiful any time of year!
If you’ve booked a stay with Tahoe Getaways or you’re considering it, one of your first questions might be: “How do I get to Lake Tahoe?” Of course, this is a crucial query when planning travel. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve created a helpful guide that details your best options for reaching Lake Tahoe, including airport information, driving routes, ground transportation, and our top tips for a smooth arrival. Ready to hit the road? Let’s explore all the ways to get to Lake Tahoe.
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In this post:
- Where Do You Fly to Get to Lake Tahoe?
- How Do I Get from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Lake Tahoe?
- How Do I Get from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Lake Tahoe?
- How Do I Get from the Bay Area Airports (SFO, OAK, SJC) to Lake Tahoe?
- Driving to Lake Tahoe: Main Routes and Directions
- Tips for a Smooth Arrival at Your Tahoe Getaways Rental
- Book Your Lake Tahoe Travel Directly with Tahoe Getaways!
- Frequently Asked Questions: How to Get to Lake Tahoe
Where Do You Fly to Get to Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe doesn't have a major commercial airport right on its shores, but several regional airports make getting here easy. Here are your best options:
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) | 45-60 Minutes from North Lake Tahoe
- The closest major airport, with direct flights from many U.S. cities.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) | About 2 Hours from Lake Tahoe
- A great alternative for more flight options and rental cars.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | 3.5-4 Hours from Lake Tahoe
- Ideal for international travelers or those coming from major U.S. cities.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) & San Jose International Airport (SJC) | ~4 Hours from Lake Tahoe
- Good options for Bay Area travelers or those planning to explore Northern California.
There is also a private airport in Truckee! You may be thinking that private travel isn't in your budget, but there are plenty of affordable options with charter services out of the Truckee Airport. Want to learn more?
More Information on Private Flights Direct to Lake Tahoe
How Do I Get from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Lake Tahoe?
Distance: About 45-60 minutes by car to North Lake Tahoe.
Shuttles:
- North Lake Tahoe Express (connects RNO to Truckee, Tahoe City, and other north shore destinations)
Ridesharing:
Uber and Lyft are available at RNO, but service can be limited in some parts of Tahoe-especially during peak travel times. Pre-booking a shuttle or car is recommended.
Taxis & Limousines:
- There are plenty of options available! Check out the ground transportation page for a full list.
Rental Cars:
- All major rental car companies are available at RNO (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.). Book early for SUVs or all-wheel drive vehicles, especially in winter.
How Do I Get from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Lake Tahoe?
Distance: About 2 hours by car.
Shuttles:
- Amtrak Thruway Bus (connects SMF to Truckee and other Tahoe communities via Sacramento)
- Private shuttle services like Tahoe Elite Private Car Service. Advance booking recommended, and you can find several other options online, too!
Ridesharing:
- Uber and Lyft operate at SMF, but, as we said, availability in Tahoe may be limited. Consider arranging transportation in advance.
Rental Cars:
- SMF offers a wide selection of rental car companies, perfect for flexibility!
How Do I Get from the Bay Area Airports (SFO, OAK, SJC) to Lake Tahoe?
Distance: 3.5-4 hours by car.
Shuttles:
- Several options available, like Linking Tahoe.
Ridesharing:
- Uber and Lyft are available at all Bay Area airports, but rides to Tahoe can be expensive and return trips may be difficult to arrange.
Rental Cars:
- All major rental companies are available. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for your Tahoe adventure.
Note: While we strive to provide up-to-date transportation options, always check airport ground transportation pages for the latest details and book ahead during peak travel seasons for the smoothest arrival.
Driving to Lake Tahoe: Main Routes and Directions
If you’re driving to Lake Tahoe, your route will vary too! You may have to drive in from one of the above airports, or maybe you’re close enough to make the whole journey in your car. Here are the most common ways to reach the area:
From Reno
Take I-580 South to U.S. 395, then merge onto NV-431 (Mount Rose Highway) for North Lake Tahoe, or continue on U.S. 395 to NV-28 for the lakeshore.
From Sacramento
Hop on I-80 East toward Truckee for North Lake Tahoe. If your Tahoe Getaways rental is in South Lake Tahoe, follow U.S. 50 East through Placerville, winding up in South Lake Tahoe.
From the Bay Area
I-80 East is your primary highway through Sacramento and into the mountains. For South Lake Tahoe, U.S. 50 East provides a direct route after Sacramento.
Always check current road conditions, especially during winter. Snow can affect travel times and may require chains or all-wheel drive. Caltrans and Nevada Department of Transportation offer real-time updates on closures and requirements.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival at Your Tahoe Getaways Rental
- Confirm Your Rental Location: Tahoe Getaways offers properties throughout North and West Lake Tahoe, as well as Truckee. Make sure you know the exact address and community so you can plan your route accordingly.
- Arrival Time: Consider traffic patterns. Weekend and holiday travel can mean added congestion on mountain roads. Arriving early in the day can help you avoid delays.
- Weather Prep: If you’re visiting in winter, pack appropriately and be ready for snow conditions!
- Car Rentals: Book your rental vehicle in advance, especially if you need an SUV or all-wheel drive for winter travel. Reno and Sacramento airports have multiple agencies to choose from.
- Navigation: Download offline maps before your trip since cell service can be spotty in some parts of the Tahoe basin.
Three Levels of Chain Requirements in California
Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. When under chain control you begin with R1, R2, R3. Don't know what's the difference? Then here's a refresher before heading out this holiday season.
- Requirement 1 (R-1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at lease two drive wheels. NOTE: Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at lease one axle.
- Requirement 2 (R-2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. NOTE: Four wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.
- Requirement 3 (R-3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
Book Your Lake Tahoe Travel Directly with Tahoe Getaways!
Now that you know how to get here, it’s time to book your trip! Once you’ve arrived in Lake Tahoe, set your bags down at the top accommodations in the area when you stay with us.
You’ll find that our extensive array of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals has something for everybody! Whether you want to stay in a lakefront rental with the best views around, a pet-friendly property so you can bring your pup along with you, or a ski-in/ski-out home with access to the slopes, we’ve got you covered. You can’t go wrong no matter where you stay!
Ready to see what Tahoe Getaways has to offer? Browse our available Lake Tahoe vacation rentals now and book your trip directly with us!
See All of our Lake Tahoe Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Get to Lake Tahoe
How far is Reno-Tahoe International Airport from Lake Tahoe?
About 45-60 minutes by car, depending on your final destination.
Do I need a car to get around Lake Tahoe?
While shuttles and ride-shares are available, having a car provides flexibility, especially for exploring different beaches, ski resorts, and towns.
Is public transit available?
Yes, but service is limited compared to metropolitan areas. Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) serves local communities, and regional bus routes connect to Amtrak stations.
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