How to get from
Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly
Adults
Age 13+Children
Age 0-12Route details
Distance:
92 km / 57 miles
Driving Time:
1hr 15mins
*Subject to weather and traffic conditions.
Shared Shuttles may take longer
Return Route:
People often ask
The drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Ski Resort typically takes 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in good conditions. The route follows US-395 and then climbs into the Lake Tahoe basin, offering scenic views as you approach South Lake Tahoe.
In winter, travel times can increase due to snowstorms, chain controls, or holiday traffic. During peak ski weekends, allowing extra buffer time is recommended, especially if you’re arriving late in the day.
No, a car isn’t essential for visiting Heavenly. Once you arrive in South Lake Tahoe, the area is well served by local shuttles, resort buses, and walkable village areas, especially around Heavenly Village and the gondola base. The Heavenly Shuttle and Lake Link are free and there are also regular Tahoe Transportation District.
Many visitors choose to skip car rentals altogether to avoid winter driving, parking fees, which can be scarce, and chain requirements. Booking airport transportation in advance allows you to arrive and enjoy the resort without worrying about road conditions.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest and most convenient airport for Heavenly Ski Resort. It’s located roughly 60 miles away and offers year-round flights from major US cities.
RNO is preferred over San Francisco or Sacramento for most visitors because of the shorter transfer time, fewer mountain passes, and more predictable winter travel conditions but San Fracisco Airport (SFO) and Sacramento Airport (SMF) remain options for visitors.
Yes, Ridebooker offers both shared shuttles and private transfers from Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Ski Resort.
The shared shuttle has multiple departures each day from 10:30am to 6:10pm which drops you off at major hotels in the resort.
For those travelling outside of those hours, a private transfer will provide door-to-door service to your schedule. Private transfers are ideal for groups and families and can be just as cost-effective when split between multiple people.
The easiest way to travel from Reno Airport to Heavenly without a car is to book a shuttle or private transfer in advance. This eliminates the need for winter driving, chain requirements, or navigating unfamiliar mountain roads.
Shared shuttles are a cost-effective option for solo travelers or couples, while private vehicles offer faster, direct service for families and groups.
A pre-booked transfer is best as they are more reliable than ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, which cannot guarantee availability and are subject to price surges.
Uber and Lyft are available at Reno-Tahoe Airport, but they are not always reliable for trips to Heavenly, especially in winter. Long distances, snowstorms, surge pricing, and limited driver availability can make rideshares expensive or unavailable.
For ski season travel, most visitors prefer pre-booked transportation to avoid cancellations, delays, or being stranded during peak arrival times.
Yes, winter tires or chains may be required when driving from Reno to Heavenly during snow conditions. California frequently enforces chain controls on highways leading into Lake Tahoe, even for AWD or 4WD vehicles.
If you’re unfamiliar with mountain winter driving, arranging a shuttle or private transfer is often safer and more convenient than renting a vehicle.
The drive is generally straightforward, but it can become challenging during snowstorms or heavy snowfall. Steep sections, icy roads, and sudden weather changes are common in the Sierra Nevada.
Professional shuttle drivers are accustomed to these conditions and monitor road closures and chain requirements, making pre-arranged transportation a stress-free option.
Yes, private transfers from Reno-Tahoe Airport to Heavenly are widely available. Ridebooker offers private SUVs, vans, and luxury vehicles that provide direct, non-stop service to your accommodation.
Private transfers are ideal for families, ski groups, or travelers arriving late at night who want a faster and more comfortable journey and can be just as cost effective as shared shuttles when the cost is split between multiple people.
Yes, booking transportation in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak ski season, holidays, and weekends. Availability can be limited, and last-minute options often come with higher prices or longer wait times.
Pre-booking ensures a guaranteed pickup, fixed pricing, and peace of mind when arriving in winter conditions.
About travelling from Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Heavenly, CA
Perched on the border of California and Nevada, Heavenly Mountain Resort lives up to its name with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada peaks. The mountain itself is big, with 4,800 skiable acres spread across playful tree runs, long groomers, and steeper terrain in the Mott and Killebrew Canyons for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Intermediates are especially well catered for here thanks to endless blue runs that let you cover serious ground. From the summit, you can see Lake Tahoe stretching into the horizon — one of the most photographed vistas in skiing. On a sunny day after fresh snow, it’s one of the most scenic places to ski in North America.
The base areas are split: Heavenly Village on the California side is the main access point, with the gondola rising right from town. This is where you’ll find most of the dining, après, rentals, and shops. Basecamp Pizza is the classic go-to for a post-ski meal, The Loft offers cocktails and a more luxury dinner setting, and Gunbarrel Tavern stays buzzing throughout après. If you’re staying on the Nevada side, you’ll be right by the casinos, bars, and late-night spots — the après scene shifts up a gear pretty quickly here. On-mountain lodges like Tamarack Lodge and East Peak Lodge keep it relaxed and convenient for lunch between laps.
In the summer, Heavenly switches into a hiking and sightseeing destination with gondola-accessed viewpoints, lake activities, and nearby beaches. You can take the Scenic Gondola to reach a network of hiking trails and lookout platforms, whilst the Tahoe Rim Trail is a bucket list item for avid hikers looking for a longer adventure. The lake itself is the main draw in summer for paddleboarding, boating, beaches, and alpine sunshine. The Tahoe Brewfest, Live at Lakeview Concert Series, and the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament nearby keep South Lake Tahoe buzzing with energy and local flavor.
The most convenient airport to fly into to get to Heavenly is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). From here Ridebooker can handle your transfer, so you don’t need to worry about winter driving or rental cars. Choose from shuttles, SUVs, vans, or taxis — all operated by professional drivers who know the mountain roads well. The drive follows the scenic U.S. Highway 50, climbing past alpine lakes and pine forests before revealing that unmistakable shimmer of Lake Tahoe and the peaks of Heavenly above it.