Travel to Reno couldn't be easier

Fly, drive or take a train ... it's all right here

August 21, 2008

Nestled in a bowl of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno and the entire Truckee Meadows area may seem hard to reach, but nothing could be further from the truth. The mountains do surround the city, but rather than keep people away, they are one of the area’s biggest draws with their ski resorts, mountain lakes and ample recreational opportunities.

The weather in Reno is often misunderstood; most visitors believe us to be like our southern sister and chock-full of hot, dry desert climes. While that can be true in the summer months, the Truckee Meadows area sees its share of temperate weather, and of course, plenty of snow in the winter months. Some climate facts:
• Daily temperatures are mild, but the difference between the high and low can exceed 45 degrees.
• Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with an annual average of 300 sunny days a year.
• Summer rain comes as brief thunderstorms in the middle and late afternoon.
• More than half of the annual precipitation in Reno falls from December to March.
• Average snow fall is 25 inches a year; a single storm usually drops no more than 2 or 3 inches.
• Total annual precipitation averages 7.5 inches.
For more info on Reno climate and geography, see our story, here.

From the sky
Getting to town is simple; by air, Reno/Tahoe International Airport serves as a destination for more than 10 major carriers.
(Get the complete list here) The airport is conveniently located within the city, making local transportation plentiful and affordable. Information about taxis, limousines, buses and more can be found here, and for a list of car rental agencies that serve the airport, click here.

By land
If ground transportation is more your speed, consider a train ride or bus trip to town. Amtrak service runs right into downtown Reno from points east and west; a trip over the Sierra Nevadas from California is particularly beautiful. Many of the area casinos offer shuttle service to and from the train station, making getting to your hotel quick and easy. For more information about Amtrak service, click here. Greyhound Lines bus service is also offered into downtown Reno, along with stops at some of the casinos. Check Greyhound’s site for more information.

Once you’re in town, catch a ride on the Sierra Spirit bus line for free. Sierra Spirit’s bright yellow buses stop at 32 locations in the downtown Reno area, from the University of Nevada, Reno in the north to the Nevada Museum of Art in the south. Just stop at any of the clearly marked Sierra Spirit signs, and in less than 10 minutes, you’ll have a ride. For schedules and maps, click here. Reno's bus system encompasses 58 square miles, so pretty much anywhere you need to go you can use the city's affordable public transportation. To see fares and schedules, click here.

However you make it to town -- whether by plane, train or horseback -- enjoy your stay in the Reno area!