Plane
Non-stop air service into Reno-Tahoe International Airport makes getting to Tahoe convenient with 10 airlines providing more than 75 daily departures serving 24 non-stop destinations. This ease of access opens the door to an abundance of adventures in the Lake Tahoe area.
The small, private and elite airline JSX offers hop-on-hop-off service out of Burbank, providing travelers with a luxurious option to save time with a streamlined boarding process – you can arrive just 20 minutes before your flight!
Additionally, the North Tahoe Express is a year-round scheduled shuttle service that departs from the airport, making multiple stops around the region to ensure easy connectivity for visitors.
From the airport’s baggage claim, South Tahoe Airporter offers round-trip motorcoach service to major hotels in both North and South Shore areas, enhancing accessibility for visitors eager to explore.
Hotel Shuttles
Several hospitality properties also provide complimentary shuttles for guests to navigate Lake Tahoe effortlessly. One example is Edgewood Tahoe, which offers shuttle services equipped for exploring South Lake Tahoe, giving guests access to various attractions seamlessly.
Bus
Both North Tahoe and South Tahoe boast easily accessible public transportation. Notably, a public transit hub is conveniently located in the downtown corridor next to the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel and Heavenly Village. The public buses operate various routes, ensuring connectivity to most desired locations. Each bus is equipped with a bike rack, providing travelers the option to explore farther or enjoy cycling through the scenic area.
In winter, the Mountaineer on-demand shuttle service in North Tahoe’s Squaw Valley is a free app-based service that shuttles riders to the mountain from their accommodations.
Furthermore, Northstar provides Dial-A-Ride transportation service, which ensures smooth travel to and from hotels or short-term rentals.
TART Connect, another app-based, curb-to-curb free shuttle service operates during the summer in North Tahoe, further enhancing transportation options.
Rideshare
Taxi services and popular rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in Tahoe, providing convenient and flexible travel options for those looking to explore the region.
On Foot
When exploring Tahoe, whether in Incline Village, Squaw Valley, or Heavenly, most shops and accommodations are within walking distance or a brief bike or transit ride. This accessibility makes it easy to enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and visiting local attractions.
Notable trails to explore on foot include the Tahoe East Shore Trail, which connects Incline Village to the picturesque Sand Harbor State Beach, and Tahoe’s famous Tahoe Rim Trail.
Car
For those preferring to explore in their own vehicles, Lake Tahoe offers numerous lesser-known spots that are less crowded. Visit Blackwood Canyon on the lake’s west shore or enjoy breathtaking views of the North shore from the Emerald Bay lookout. Midweek visits can enhance the experience with fewer crowds, providing more space at popular viewpoints. You can take a scenic drive known as the Lake Tahoe Loop to embrace the stunning Sierra Nevada landscape.
Boat
Lake Tahoe offers several boat tour operators and transportation options, including the Water Taxi, linking several South Shore beaches for convenience. Rent an electric boat or an eFoil at Homewood Marina, where you can charge your watercraft while you explore.
Companies like Boatsetter provide visitors the opportunity to rent boats for a day of fishing, sailing, or luxury yachting with a captain available at the click of a button. Explore the water in style!
Another platform to consider is GetMyBoat – known as the “Airbnb of Boats,” it offers over 100 boats to rent or charter on Lake Tahoe. Even without boating experience, you can enjoy a boat tour with professional, licensed charter captains available for hire.
Snowmobile
Winter transforms Tahoe into a snowmobile enthusiast’s paradise. With altitudes reaching 9,000 feet above sea level in areas like Zephyr Cove, the region stands out as a premier winter destination. Adventurers can embark on ridgeline tours with stunning views of Lake Tahoe through Lake Tahoe Adventures, which offers a variety of experiences including scenic lakeview tours and customized backcountry excursions.
To learn more about renting snowmobiles, visit South Tahoe’s informational website, where you’ll find comprehensive options for winter exploration.
Aerial Tram
If you’re in North Tahoe, consider riding Squaw Valley’s Swiss Alps-style tram for a trip to High Camp – a historic site from the 1960 Olympics. Explore breathtaking high-altitude mountain trails while taking in stunning views of Lake Tahoe below.
For those seeking an active adventure, the Tahoe Via Ferrata presents another unique experience, inviting climbers to ascend along a beautifully secured rock face that provides extraordinary views along the way.
In South Tahoe, Heavenly Ski Resort features gondola rides to remarkable mountain vistas, allowing guests to pause at the Observation Deck for photos, food at Cafe Blue, or shopping at The Gondola Sports shop.
