Quick Summary:
- Exit Terminal 3 baggage claim, then follow signs for Rental Car Shuttles.
- Use the pedestrian bridge to the parking garage, then locate shuttle bays.
- Board the dedicated McCarran Rent-A-Car Center shuttle, not hotel shuttles.
- Expect 10 to 20 minutes travel, plus short queue times.
If you have just landed in Las Vegas and you are arriving at Terminal 3, the rental car shuttle is the key link between the terminal and the off-airport Rent-A-Car Center. The shuttle is free, runs frequently, and is clearly signposted, but first-time visitors can still miss a turn if they follow the wrong transport signs. This guide walks you step by step from Terminal 3 arrivals to the correct shuttle stop, what to look for on signs, and what to expect once you are on board, so your car hire pickup starts smoothly.
Before you start, confirm you are at Terminal 3 Arrivals
At Harry Reid International Airport, Terminal 3 handles many international and some domestic arrivals. You will likely pass through baggage claim on the arrivals level. The directions below begin from the public arrivals area, after you have collected luggage. If you are meeting someone or stopping for a quick refresh, do that first, then return to the main exits from baggage claim. From this point, follow airport signage for rental cars and shuttles, not rideshare or taxis.
If you are comparing car hire options around the airport and the city, these pages can help you orient what “airport” versus “Las Vegas” pickup means: Las Vegas airport car rental and Las Vegas car rental.
Step-by-step: Terminal 3 arrivals to the rental car shuttle stop
Step 1, leave baggage claim and look for the right overhead signs. From baggage claim, head toward the main exit doors to the outside curb area. As you approach the exit, start scanning for overhead wayfinding that says “Rental Car Shuttles” or “Rent-A-Car Center”. You may also see icons for buses or shuttles. The goal is to follow the rental car shuttle signage, not “Ground Transportation” generally, because that can split you toward taxis, rideshare, limousines, and public buses.
Step 2, follow signs toward the parking garage pedestrian bridge. In Terminal 3, the rental car shuttle boarding area is not at the same curb as standard passenger pick-up for every transport type. Typically, you will be directed to cross via the pedestrian bridge into the Terminal 3 parking garage area, then continue to the shuttle pick-up location. Stay alert for any signs that mention “Shuttle” and the rental car symbol. If you see signs for “Hotel Shuttles” only, you are close, but make sure rental car shuttles are explicitly included before you commit to a queue.
Step 3, use the pedestrian walkway and keep luggage manageable. The walk involves rolling your bags and navigating automatic doors, lifts, and ramps. If you have a trolley, keep it under control and stay to the right where possible. If you are travelling with children, agree a meeting point in case you get split by lift doors. The route is straightforward, but busy during peak arrival banks.
Step 4, locate the clearly marked rental car shuttle bays. Once you reach the shuttle area, look for signs that specifically mention the Rent-A-Car Center. You want the shuttle that goes to the central rental facility, not a specific hotel and not an employee shuttle. The correct shuttles are normally larger buses with prominent “Rent-A-Car Center” wording on the front or sides. If you see multiple bays, check the overhead bay sign before boarding.
Step 5, queue and board, then confirm with the driver if unsure. In most cases, you simply join the queue and board when the shuttle arrives. If you are uncertain, ask the driver, “Is this the shuttle to the Rent-A-Car Center?” Drivers are used to this question, and it can save you from taking the wrong bus. Keep your documents and phone handy but secured, and be ready to lift luggage onto racks if provided.
Step 6, ride to the Rent-A-Car Center and follow the operator signs. The shuttle will take you to the off-airport Rent-A-Car Center where multiple companies operate. Once inside, look for overhead signs with company names and logos, then follow the queue for your provider. If you booked via a broker or comparison site, use your voucher to identify the operating company name, as it may differ from the brand you expect.
What signs to follow, and which ones to ignore
Airport signage is designed to split passengers by transport type. The easiest way to stay on track is to look for these keywords and symbols.
Follow: “Rental Car Shuttles”, “Rent-A-Car Center”, and any rental car icon. You may also see “Shuttles” with sub-options, choose the one that includes rental cars.
Be cautious with: “Ground Transportation”. This can be a general direction that later branches into taxis, rideshare, private cars, hotel shuttles, and buses. It is fine to follow briefly, but confirm rental cars are still listed at the next sign.
Avoid if you are aiming for car hire pickup: “Rideshare”, “Taxis”, “Public Bus”, “Limousines”, and “Hotel Shuttles” unless the sign explicitly also includes “Rental Car Shuttles”. These will take you to different curb zones and you can waste time backtracking with luggage.
What to expect at the shuttle stop
At Terminal 3, the rental car shuttle area usually operates like a simple bus queue. Expect a marked waiting area, periodic announcements, and other travellers with similar luggage loads. During quieter periods, you may walk straight onto a bus. During busy periods, you may wait for one or two buses to load, especially if several flights arrive close together.
Shuttles typically come frequently, but exact intervals vary by time of day, traffic, and operational demand. If you have accessibility needs, look for priority boarding areas and do not hesitate to ask staff for help. If you are travelling with oversized luggage, keep it close and be prepared to lift it, or ask another traveller to steady the bag while you board.
Typical timings: walk, wait, and ride
For planning, split your time into three parts.
Walk from arrivals to the shuttle bay: often 5 to 12 minutes, depending on how quickly you collect bags and how busy the route is.
Wait time for a shuttle: often 0 to 15 minutes, but can be longer in surges.
Ride to the Rent-A-Car Center: often 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and loading.
If you are trying to hit a timed meeting on the Strip or you have a dinner reservation, it is sensible to allow extra buffer, because the shuttle is only one part of the total car hire process. You will still need to queue at the counter or kiosk, collect keys, and find your car in the garage.
Arriving at the Rent-A-Car Center: what happens next
When you step off the shuttle, you will enter a large facility serving multiple rental providers. Expect overhead boards, lane-style queues, and staff directing people to kiosks or counters. If you already completed online check-in, you may be directed to an express line, but it depends on provider and eligibility.
At this point, be ready with your driving licence, passport or ID, and payment card. If you are from the UK, check whether your provider requires a physical credit card in the main driver’s name. Also consider the amount of driving you plan to do, city driving on the Strip versus day trips, because that will influence the size of vehicle you want for Las Vegas.
If you are weighing up vehicle types, you can browse larger options such as minivan rental in Las Vegas or minivan hire at LAS for family travel and extra luggage space.
Common mistakes that lead to the wrong shuttle
Heading to rideshare pickup instead of rental car shuttles. Rideshare zones can be well signposted and tempting to follow, especially if you are tired. Check that the sign explicitly says rental car shuttles before committing.
Assuming “hotel shuttle” equals “rental car shuttle”. They are often in similar areas, but they serve different destinations. The correct bus should indicate the Rent-A-Car Center.
Boarding without checking the front display. Many shuttles look similar. A quick glance at the destination display or a fast question to the driver prevents a detour.
Underestimating total time. Even if the shuttle is quick, queues at the facility can add time. If you are collecting a car in Las Vegas at a peak hour, build in buffer.
Practical tips for a smoother car hire pickup
Keep essentials in a small bag. Have your documents, phone charger, and any child necessities accessible, so you are not opening large cases in a queue.
Know your operating company name. If you booked through a third party, the voucher may list a different operator than you expect. That matters when you arrive and look for counters.
Check fuel and toll expectations early. Nevada and the Las Vegas area have straightforward driving, but understand your fuel policy before you drive out. If you are planning trips outside Las Vegas, confirm any cross-state travel conditions if relevant.
Choose the right pickup page for your search. Some travellers search “airport car hire” while others search “Las Vegas car hire” more generally. If you are comparing options and inclusions, these pages can help clarify: car hire at Las Vegas airport and car hire in Nevada at LAS.
FAQ
Q: Where exactly do you board the rental car shuttle from Terminal 3 arrivals?
A: From Terminal 3 arrivals, exit baggage claim and follow signs for “Rental Car Shuttles” or “Rent-A-Car Center”, typically via the pedestrian bridge toward the parking garage, then the marked shuttle bays.
Q: Is the rental car facility at the airport terminals?
A: No. At LAS, rental cars are collected at the off-airport Rent-A-Car Center. You take a dedicated shuttle from Terminal 3 to reach the counters and vehicle pickup area.
Q: How do I know I am getting on the right shuttle?
A: Check that the bus signage says “Rent-A-Car Center” and, if you are unsure, confirm with the driver before boarding. Avoid shuttles labelled for hotels or other transport services.
Q: How long does it take from Terminal 3 arrivals to the Rent-A-Car Center?
A: Many travellers take roughly 20 to 45 minutes total, including the walk to the stop, waiting time, and the shuttle ride, depending on crowds and traffic.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally follow rideshare or taxi signs?
A: Do not board. Look for wayfinding back to “Rental Car Shuttles” or ask an airport staff member for the quickest route to the Terminal 3 rental car shuttle area, then rejoin the correct queue.
