Overview
Reno, Nevada's "Biggest Little City in the World," sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, just a short drive from the sparkling shores of Lake Tahoe. It's a brilliant year-round choice for UK travellers who want casino glitz, mountain scenery and outdoor adventure without the crowds or prices of Las Vegas. Flights to Reno from the UK all route through a major US gateway, but with the right connection the journey is straightforward and well worth it.
Best time to fly to Reno
Winter (December to March) draws skiers and snowboarders heading for Tahoe's resorts, while summer (June to August) brings warm, dry days perfect for hiking, watersports and events like Hot August Nights. Many seasoned travellers rate the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn as the sweet spot, with mild weather, fewer crowds and often better value fares. Check the When to book chart above to see how prices shift across the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Reno from the UK, so journeys are routed via a US hub. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate non-stop services from London to gateways such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver, connecting onward to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) with carriers including Alaska Airlines, United, Delta, American and Southwest. Total journey time, including the connection, typically runs from around 13 to 16 hours depending on the routing and layover length.
Things to do in Reno
Beyond the casino floors, Reno makes an excellent base for exploring the Sierra Nevada.
- Lake Tahoe: Just a 45-minute drive away, with skiing, hiking and stunning alpine views year-round.
- National Automobile Museum: A fascinating collection of vintage and classic cars in the heart of downtown.
- Riverwalk District: Restaurants, galleries and bars lining the Truckee River, lively day and night.
- Truckee River Whitewater Park: A free downtown spot for watching or trying kayaking and rafting.
- Virginia City: A well-preserved Old West mining town, easily reached on a day trip.
At Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
RNO is a compact, easy-to-navigate airport just four miles south of downtown Reno, making it one of the more convenient US airports for onward travel. Taxis and rideshares reach the city centre in around 10 minutes, RTC public buses run regular routes into town, and hire cars are widely available and popular with travellers heading straight on to Lake Tahoe.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Reno
- Book three to four months ahead of travel for the best chance of a competitive fare on the transatlantic leg.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, tends to be cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible on your connecting hub — comparing routes via Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver can reveal useful savings.
- Use the price charts on this page to compare airlines and spot the months when fares typically dip.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travelling to Reno need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the US Visa Waiver Programme, applied for online before departure, along with a passport valid for the duration of the stay. The local currency is the US dollar, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended given the high cost of healthcare in the US.
