Car Rental Reno

You can collect your rental car from any three pick-up points in Reno. Our first is at Reno-Tahoe Airport, just under 10km southeast of Downtown on Interstate 580 N (I-580 N). Another pick-up point is at Vasser Street, about 5km southeast of Downtown. Our third is the centre on North Center Street, close to the Truckee Riverwalk and convenient for many of the casinos.

Driving around the city presents few problems. There’s plenty of metered on-street parking in and around the centre, accepting both coins and credit/debit cards. There are also parking options in garages and lots. The Parking Gallery on W. 1st Street, a block and a half west of Reno City Hall, is a good choice for going to the movies or eating out in the Riverwalk District.

If you’re visiting one of the downtown hotel casinos then parking is not a problem as they all have parking garages and/or surface lots which are accessible to patrons. 

The north shore of Lake Tahoe is only 61km from Downtown Reno. To get there, follow I-580 south to Route 431 and then take Route 28, which runs around the northern perimeter of the lake. The Squaw Valley ski resort is a 50-minute drive from the centre of town via the I-80 E and Route 89 N.

Nevada has put its top speed limits at 80mph (128km/h) on desert highways. Elsewhere, the top limit is no more than 65mph (104km/h).

There’s more to Reno than poker chips and green-felt tables. The city is also home to several excellent museums and is a magnet for outdoorsy types, thanks to its easy access to the popular winter and summer tourist resort of Lake Tahoe.

Take a gamble

Reno is very much Las Vegas’ little brother when it comes to gambling – even if it offers a more rounded vacation experience thanks to its varied natural landscape.

There are countless venues and casinos in which to challenge Lady Luck in Reno. One of the oldest and best is the Eldorado Resort Casino. This vast complex has table games, slots, poker and sports betting as well as 13 restaurants and bars, all at your fingertips. 

Other notable casinos include the Peppermill Reno, the Atlantis Resort Spa and the Grand Sierra.

Relax by the riverside

If you need to take a break from the slot machines and poker tables, head for the Truckee Riverwalk, where you can enjoy the fresh air without leaving the city.

Located between Arlington Avenue and Lake Street, this lovely stretch of riverside is a major draw for art lovers and gastronomes thanks to its collection of galleries and restaurants. If you’re a bit short of time, focus on the southern end, known to locals as CalAve.

Here you’ll find the Nevada Museum of Art, housed in a striking contemporary building that was inspired by the landscape and geology of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The interior is equally fascinating and divided into four themed areas representing a variety of visual arts. There are also two outdoor sculpture gardens to explore and inspire.

Take a ride through history

You don't have to be a car junkie to appreciate the entertaining and highly informative National Automobile Museum. It’s home to more than 200 vehicles, ranging from veteran horseless carriages to modern race cars and more.

Most of the exhibits are from the personal collection of Nevada casino pioneer Bill Harrah, which is why the museum is often called the Harrah Collection. 

Among the most famous of the cars on show is the Thomas Flyer (winner of the 1908 around-the-world race) and the 1949 Mercury Series 9CM, which was driven by James Dean in the film, Rebel Without a Cause.

Have fun in an all-year-round playground

Travel 64km south of Reno, close to the border with California, to discover Lake Tahoe - a sparkling jewel of crystal-clear waters surrounded by soaring mountains.

The lake is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful places in the country, but it’s best known as a major skiing destination. Two of the country’s best ski resorts are found here - the excellent Squaw Valley and the appropriately named Heavenly Ski Resort.

Lake Tahoe is also a hugely popular summer vacation destination, famed for its great beaches, boating and fishing as well as fantastic hiking trails.

Don’t gamble on your vacation’s success – rent a car in Reno to make the most of your trip.