Welcome to Nevada, a state of dazzling cities and vast open spaces. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe, having a rental car in Nevada gives you the freedom to experience it all. Our Nevada car rental page is your one-stop guide to scoring great deals and driving through the Silver State like a pro. Planning a scenic drive on the Extraterrestrial Highway, a ski trip to Reno-Tahoe, or simply need wheels to cruise the Las Vegas Strip? We’re here to help with affordable rates and insider info on Nevada driving. With our curated deals and local tips (covering everything from desert driving safety to parking at casinos), you can book with confidence and hit the Nevada roads ready for adventure.
Quick Search & Book
Ready to roll the dice on a perfect rental? Use the search form above, enter your Nevada pickup location (Las Vegas Airport, Reno downtown, etc.), dates, and hit search. We’ll instantly compare offers from our network of Nevada rental partners, including all major brands and local agencies in tourist hotspots. Filter by vehicle type if you’re eyeing a specific ride, perhaps a convertible for Vegas, an SUV for mountain roads, or a comfy sedan for long hauls. Booking is fast and secure, with most rentals offering pay-at-pickup and free cancellation. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll reserve the ideal car for your Nevada journey, at a price that lets you save more for the slots (or better yet, for dining and fun!).
Why Rent a Car in Nevada?
Nevada’s attractions are spread far and wide, and often, the journey is half the fun. Here’s why renting a car is the best way to experience Nevada:
Our Nevada Car Rental Benefits
Why book your Nevada wheels with AirportVanRental? We offer a seamless rental experience tailored to Silver State travelers:
Today’s Top Nevada Car Rental Deals
(Here are a few sample deals available in Nevada right now, these change frequently, but showcase the kind of low rates you can snag. Search above for the latest!)
(Remember, “from” rates are base prices recently found, availability depends on dates and supply. Prices exclude taxes/fees which we display in the total. Nevada rentals have about 18% combined taxes/fees in Vegas, and ~13% in Reno. Book early for high-demand times like CES or Burning Man when cars can sell out!)
Driving in Nevada: Tips and Local Insights
Nevada driving can mean navigating busy Vegas streets one day and desolate desert highways the next. Here’s how to handle both like a pro:
Las Vegas City Driving: The Las Vegas area is pretty straightforward to drive, laid out on a grid in many parts. The Strip (Las Vegas Blvd) itself can get very congested, especially evenings and weekends. If you’re cruising the Strip, take it slow and enjoy the neon, but if you need to get somewhere fast, use I-15 (runs parallel a couple blocks west) or Frank Sinatra/Paradise Road as back routes behind the resorts. Be mindful of tourists walking (and sometimes jaywalking) around resort entrances. Many Strip intersections have pedestrian overpasses, but people still dash across at times. Also, watch for the flashing yellow pedestrian crossings downtown. Traffic peak in Vegas is not just rush hour; before and after big events (conventions, sports games, concerts) the roads to that venue will jam. Plan around those if you know, for example, there’s a Raiders game letting out at Allegiant Stadium, avoid I-15 near Russell then. Parking in Vegas: Most casinos on the Strip now charge for parking (some are free for the first hour or if you have a Nevada ID, etc.). Typical is $15–$18 for 24 hours self-park. Downtown casinos often charge around $5–$10 or validate with purchase. Some off-strip casinos (and older ones like Venetian/Palazzo, Wynn/Encore) still have free parking. Always double-check your hotel’s parking policy, and consider signing up for the casino’s players card; sometimes even the basic tier gets free or discounted parking. Valet is convenient but expect $20+ tip. One trick: if visiting multiple casinos in the MGM chain in one day, you pay once and can use that parking slip at other MGM hotels the same day.
Desert & Rural Driving: Once outside the cities, Nevada has long stretches of highway with very few services. If you’re driving on US-95, US-93, I-80, US-50 or similar routes, keep your gas tank topped up. Don’t pass up a gas station when you’re half-full if the next town is 100 miles. Cell phone reception can be hit or miss (Verizon and AT&T cover main highways decently, but expect dead zones). Carry water, not just for you, but in case the car overheats or you get stranded, you’ll want extra coolant water too. Speaking of overheating: in summer, if you’re running the AC full blast climbing a grade, keep an eye on engine temp. Most modern cars can handle it, but if the needle creeps up, ease off the AC a bit. Wildlife: Yes, there are wild burros, horses, cows (open range means cattle can roam onto the highway in some areas), and deer. At dusk or nighttime, use high beams when possible and stay alert, hitting a large animal at high speed is dangerous. If you see signs for “Open Range” or animal crossing, believe them and be cautious. Speed limits in rural Nevada often are 70-75 mph on highways, 80 mph on some I-80 stretches. It’s tempting to speed faster on empty roads, but be careful, remote highways are patrolled by state troopers (and speeding far above limit can lead to hefty fines). Plus, faster speed = less reaction time if a jackrabbit or cow appears. And absolutely do not drink and drive, Nevada’s DUI laws are strict (0.08% BAC, 0.04% for commercial drivers), and enforcement around Vegas and Reno, especially at night, is strong due to the party scene.
Tolls: Good news, Nevada has no toll roads. You won’t encounter any toll booths or electronic tolls in the state. (The only “toll” might be if you park at certain Lake Tahoe scenic areas that require a fee or take the Carson City bypass which is free anyway.) So, no need to worry about toll programs or transponders here!
Mountain Driving (Lake Tahoe & Northern NV): If you venture to Lake Tahoe or Reno’s surrounding mountains, be prepared for altitude and winter conditions (in ski season). Winter driving: Roads to Tahoe (like I-80 over Donner Summit, or US-50 over Echo Summit, or Mt. Rose Highway) can get heavy snow. Nevada’s Dept. of Transportation and California’s Caltrans will impose chain controls during storms: 2WD vehicles must install chains, 4WD/AWD with snow tires can often proceed without. Rental cars generally are not equipped with chains, nor snow tires (some may have all-seasons rated M+S which meet chain control R1 conditions, but not R2 if chains specifically required). If you plan a ski trip, rent an AWD if possible. Listen to weather forecasts; if a big storm is hitting, consider timing your drive before or after it, or be ready to stop and chain up (and know that using chains improperly can damage a rental, clarify the company’s policy). In good weather, mountain roads are fine but have many curves, take your time and enjoy the views. In Tahoe, watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially in summer along the lake roads. Also note that altitude might slightly affect your car’s performance (a bit less power) and your own (stay hydrated). Braking: when descending long grades (like leaving Tahoe), use lower gear to engine brake so you don’t overheat your brakes.
Unique Nevada Laws/Customs: Nevada allows U-turns at intersections as long as there’s no “No U-turn” sign and it’s safe, many wide Las Vegas boulevards have lanes for U-turns. Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless signed otherwise. Left on red from a one-way to a one-way is permitted (not very common scenario for visitors). Move Over Law: like many states, if there’s an emergency vehicle or even a stopped car with hazard lights on the shoulder, move to the far lane if safe or slow down significantly. Headlights: Must use headlights from sunset to sunrise; also if using wipers in continuous rain in northern NV (southern NV doesn’t have a specific wiper law but good practice). Studded Tires: legal in Nevada but only from Oct 1 to Apr 30, if you rent a car in winter it won’t have these anyway, but just trivia. And for our California friends driving a rental in NV: yes, you can turn right on red in Nevada (some Californians hesitate due to differences at home). Lastly, open container law: It’s illegal to have open alcohol in the car’s passenger area in Nevada (just like most states) except in vehicles like limos or party buses with a separate passenger area. So don’t tempt fate by having that yard-long margarita in the cupholder, finish it before you drive or secure it in the trunk.
Road Trip Ideas from Nevada
Nevada’s strategic location and unique attractions make for epic road trips. Here are three itinerary ideas that start in Nevada, each offering a different kind of adventure:
1. Desert Drive to the Grand Canyon (Las Vegas to Grand Canyon via Hoover Dam)
Distance: ~275 miles to Grand Canyon South Rim (442 km), about 4.5 hours driving one-way. With sightseeing, make it a 2–3 day trip.
Route: From Las Vegas, head east on US-93 toward Hoover Dam (about 35 miles). Cross into Arizona, continue on US-93 to Kingman. Then take I-40 East to Williams, AZ, and finally AZ-64 North to reach Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim). Optionally, return via the same route or loop back through Flagstaff and up US-93.
Highlights: Start with a stop at Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel straddling the Nevada-Arizona border. Park and walk along the dam, or view it from the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for a panoramic shot. Continuing on, you’ll drive a stretch of historic Route 66 between Kingman and Seligman if you detour slightly (highly recommended for kitschy Americana, old diners, general stores, and classic gas station photo ops). Once at the Grand Canyon South Rim, prepare to be awestruck by the immense vistas. Key viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View are accessible by car or shuttle. If you stay overnight, catch a sunrise or sunset over the canyon, truly unforgettable. You could even take a helicopter tour from Grand Canyon Airport (Tusayan) for a special treat. On the return, consider swinging north at Williams towards Page, AZ to see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, then loop back to Vegas via UT-59/UT-9 (driving through the edge of Zion National Park, another wow), this makes it a 3-4 day grand loop. Note: Crossing state lines is no issue for rentals. And keep an eye on fuel, there’s a long stretch between Kingman and Williams without big towns (though Seligman has basics). This road trip packs in man-made wonder, Mother Nature’s splendor, and a taste of Route 66 nostalgia, all within a few days from Las Vegas.
2. Lake Tahoe Loop (Reno to Lake Tahoe & Virginia City)
Distance: ~120 miles (193 km) round-trip Reno -> Tahoe -> Virginia City -> Reno, 2 days is comfortable (2–3 hours total driving, plus sightseeing time).
Route: From Reno, drive south on I-580/US-395 to Carson City. Then take US-50 West up to Lake Tahoe (Spooner Lake area) and head south on NV-28 to US-50 West to South Lake Tahoe (entering California). Continue along the scenic western shore (CA-89, weather permitting) past Emerald Bay. Loop back toward Reno via CA-89 North to Truckee, then I-80 East to Reno. Before returning to Reno, detour at Carson City onto NV-341 to visit Virginia City in the loop.
Highlights: Reno, “The Biggest Little City,” is a fun start, maybe hit a casino or the National Automobile Museum before you begin. The drive to Lake Tahoe takes you through Carson City (Nevada’s capital, small but charming; stop by the Nevada State Museum if time). As you ascend to Lake Tahoe, the view at Spooner Summit offers a first glimpse of the lake’s brilliant blue. At Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to stop often: Sand Harbor (on NV side) has Caribbean-blue water and smooth boulders, great photo op or swim in summer. South Lake Tahoe has casinos (on the NV side at Stateline) and lively shops/restaurants. Don’t miss Emerald Bay lookout on the southwest side, arguably Tahoe’s most beautiful panorama with Fannette Island below. If it’s warm, a short hike to Vikingsholm (a historic mansion on the shore) is worthwhile. Continuing around the lake may be subject to winter closures on the west/northwest (the portion of CA-89 around Emerald Bay closes in heavy snow), so check conditions in winter; otherwise the full loop is spectacular. From Tahoe City, head toward Truckee (a cool mountain town for lunch or coffee), then return on I-80. Now, Virginia City: ideally, hit this either on your way back (morning at Tahoe, afternoon in Virginia City) or next day. Virginia City is an Old West mining town frozen in time, wooden boardwalks, saloons from the 1860s, and fun attractions like mine tours or staged gunfights. It’s a bit touristy but very atmospheric, and an easy drive up the mountain from Carson City. This loop gives you alpine scenery, Wild West history, and a taste of city fun in Reno, a perfect Northern Nevada sampler. Tip: In winter, if snow is heavy, stick to the Nevada side of Tahoe (NV-28 to Incline Village and back same way) to avoid road closures, and carry chains/AWD if exploring mountain roads. In summer, watch for cyclists on Tahoe’s roads and take it slow on the curves.
3. The Loneliest Road Adventure (Carson City to Great Basin National Park via US-50)
Distance: ~350 miles one-way (563 km), about 6 hours driving straight, but plan 3–4 days to explore the towns and sights along US-50.
Route: Begin in Carson City (or Lake Tahoe/Reno as a feeder), then take US-50 East across the entirety of Nevada to the Utah border. Key waypoints: Fallon, Austin, Eureka, Ely, ending near Great Basin National Park at Baker, NV. Return options: either back the same US-50 (experiencing it differently westward) or loop down via US-93 to Vegas if you’re continuing elsewhere.
Highlights: US-50 through Nevada earned the nickname “The Loneliest Road in America” for its vast stretches of nothingness, but don’t let that deter you; it’s an unforgettable road trip if you love open spaces and small-town charm. Leaving Carson City, Fallon is the first town of note, check out the Naval Air Station’s aviation museum or just fuel up (last big town for a while). East of Fallon, you’ll pass Sand Mountain, a massive sand dune popular with off-roaders (and worth a quick stop to see this strange dune in the middle of the desert). Austin is a tiny historic mining town clinging to a mountainside, visit Stokes Castle (an old stone tower) and see the quaint international cafés and shops that have popped up (Austin is an unexpected artsy spot). Eureka calls itself “The Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road”, it has a beautifully preserved 19th-century Opera House and museum on the main street. Hitting Ely, you’ve reached a relative metropolis (by comparison), Ely has about 4,000 people, a hospital, and the fantastic Nevada Northern Railway Museum where you can even take a ride on a historic steam train. Ely also has some colorful murals around town depicting local history. Finally, Great Basin National Park: one of the least-visited National Parks, but a true gem, home to 13,000-ft Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pine trees, and Lehman Caves. Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, tour Lehman Caves (reserve ahead), and if you camp or stay overnight, enjoy some of the darkest night skies in America (stargazing here is phenomenal). Keep in mind Great Basin NP is at high elevation, bring a jacket even in summer, and in winter parts of the park road close due to snow. Services: There are long stretches on US-50 with nobody around, make sure to get gas in every town (Austin, Eureka, Ely) because it can be 60-110 miles between services. Carry water and perhaps a cooler with snacks, you’ll be glad to have them. Cell coverage will be very limited for most of US-50, so download maps offline and embrace the radio silence (maybe literally, bring some music, as you won’t have much signal for streaming). This road trip is all about the journey: solitude, stunning basin-and-range vistas, tons of stars at night, and a tangible sense of Americana and Old West history. If you crave a true road adventure away from freeways, the Loneliest Road will be a story to tell. (Some fun: pick up a “Loneliest Road Passport” from a visitors center, get it stamped in the towns for a certificate at the end!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. Standard rental cars in Nevada (even in Reno/Tahoe) are equipped with all-season tires, which are usually sufficient for mild winter conditions. They do not come with dedicated snow tires or tire chains. If you know you’ll encounter heavy snow (say a ski trip to Tahoe in January), request an AWD or 4x4 vehicle when booking, many agencies have plenty of SUVs in Reno/Tahoe. Even those will have all-season tires, but combined with AWD they meet most chain control requirements (except in severe blizzard conditions when everyone must chain up). Rental contracts often forbid use of tire chains because improper use can damage the vehicle; however, in practice, if chains become legally required (Chain Control Level R3 in California, which is rare as it closes roads to nearly all traffic), you shouldn’t be driving anyway. If you feel you need chains, you’d have to purchase them and use at your own risk. Another tip: schedule your travel between Nevada and California mountains flexibly, if a big storm hits, wait it out until roads are plowed. The highway departments do an excellent job clearing I-80, US-50, etc., usually within hours after snow stops. For Las Vegas rentals, snow isn’t an issue (unless you drive to Utah in a storm or up to Mount Charleston in winter, the latter might require chains some days, check local advisories). If you absolutely need guaranteed winter-equipped cars (with snow tires), some specialty rental agencies in Reno might offer them, but mainstream ones do not swap tires seasonally. So plan accordingly, drive cautiously in winter, and enjoy those powder days safely!
Outside of Las Vegas and Reno, parking is generally easy and free in Nevada. In Las Vegas, as discussed earlier, many Strip hotels charge for parking ($15-$20 per day), and some downtown Vegas parking garages charge as well (but often you can get validated by casinos if you’re gambling or dining). However, a number of off-Strip hotels and malls have free parking. If you’re visiting the Strip for a few hours, consider public parking at places like Fashion Show Mall (free, near mid-Strip) or Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood’s mall, free for 4 hours), then walk or rideshare to other spots. Always lock your car and don’t leave valuables visible, Vegas is generally safe, but opportunistic theft can happen in any tourist area. In Reno, most casino garages are free for guests or with validation (some have gates but give a ticket you validate inside). Downtown Reno also has street parking meters, but they’re inexpensive. At Lake Tahoe, lots and street parking around popular beaches/trailheads fill early and may require a fee or permit (especially on the California side). Example: Sand Harbor (NV side) has a parking fee and closes gates when full. Plan ahead for parking at major outdoor spots. In smaller towns, you’ll usually park right in front of the business for free on the street. And of course, at most Nevada attractions like state parks or national parks, there are parking lots (entry fee for parks covers parking). In summary: Budget a bit for parking in Vegas and maybe Reno, but elsewhere you rarely have to pay.
No, Nevada does not have any toll roads or bridges. All the highways and interstates (I-15, I-80, US-95, etc.) are free to use. You won’t need to worry about a toll transponder or fees when driving in Nevada. Even the new I-11 bypass south of Las Vegas and the express lanes in Vegas are not tolled (the Vegas express lanes are HOV for 2+ carpoolers during certain hours, but no toll option for solo drivers). So relax and enjoy the drive without digging for change or worrying about toll bills later, Nevada is toll-free.
It depends on your plans. If you’re staying on the Strip and only plan to visit Strip casinos, restaurants, and maybe one or two off-site tours, you might manage with walking, monorails, trams, and the occasional taxi or rideshare. However, Las Vegas attractions are increasingly spread out, visiting Downtown (Fremont Street), outlet malls, Red Rock Canyon, or off-Strip restaurants is much easier with a car. Also, summer heat can make even short walks exhausting. A rental car provides air-conditioned comfort and door-to-door convenience. Parking at many hotels is paid but readily available. If you’re hopping between many resorts in one day, some people find rideshares practical (to avoid parking each time and possibly enjoying cocktails without driving). But for a typical visitor who wants to see a variety of Vegas sights at their own pace (and especially families with kids or anyone with mobility concerns), renting a car is very helpful. Plus, if you plan day trips (Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West, etc.), a car is almost essential. So, while you can do Vegas without a car, having one definitely expands what you can see and do with less hassle.
Outside of Las Vegas and Reno, parking is generally easy and free in Nevada. In Las Vegas, as discussed earlier, many Strip hotels charge for parking ($15-$20 per day), and some downtown Vegas parking garages charge as well (but often you can get validated by casinos if you’re gambling or dining). However, a number of off-Strip hotels and malls have free parking. If you’re visiting the Strip for a few hours, consider public parking at places like Fashion Show Mall (free, near mid-Strip) or Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood’s mall, free for 4 hours), then walk or rideshare to other spots. Always lock your car and don’t leave valuables visible, Vegas is generally safe, but opportunistic theft can happen in any tourist area. In Reno, most casino garages are free for guests or with validation (some have gates but give a ticket you validate inside). Downtown Reno also has street parking meters, but they’re inexpensive. At Lake Tahoe, lots and street parking around popular beaches/trailheads fill early and may require a fee or permit (especially on the California side). Example: Sand Harbor (NV side) has a parking fee and closes gates when full. Plan ahead for parking at major outdoor spots. In smaller towns, you’ll usually park right in front of the business for free on the street. And of course, at most Nevada attractions like state parks or national parks, there are parking lots (entry fee for parks covers parking). In summary: Budget a bit for parking in Vegas and maybe Reno, but elsewhere you rarely have to pay.