Airport Travel and Parking
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) projects peak travel volume on Friday, May 23, and Monday, May 26, 2026. Each day is expected to see approximately 16,000 passengers.
Travelers should arrive at least two hours before departure. Airport parking frequently reaches capacity during holiday weekends; reserving a space in advance at RenoAirport.com/parking is recommended to avoid overflow lots. Rideshare users can access a $5 discount (or $10 roundtrip) by using specific promotion codes found on the airport’s parking website. A valid REAL ID, U.S. passport, or other federally approved identification is required for TSA security checkpoints.
Regional Traffic and Road Conditions
Travelers heading north toward Redding should prepare for significant delays on Interstate 5. Caltrans has scheduled bridge joint seal work at the Cottonwood Creek Bridge, located approximately 15 miles south of Redding near the Shasta/Tehama County line.
Construction is slated for weekends starting May 29, 2026. The work involves long-term lane closures from Friday at 10 p.m. through Sunday at 6 a.m. Specifically, the northbound #2 lane will be closed May 29–31. There are no highway alternatives in that area, and daytime operations on Saturdays may cause extended delays.
For those traveling within the region, monitor local road status before departure:
Major mountain passes connecting Reno to the Sierra.
Check current conditions on primary mountain routes via our I-80 road conditions page or the US-50 road conditions page. For those driving to the Tahoe Basin, consult SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions or SR-28 road conditions for real-time updates.
Holiday Activities
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer operations for several regional attractions. The V&T Steam Train in Virginia City begins its season, offering a 35-minute ride between Virginia City and Gold Hill.
In South Lake Tahoe, outdoor activities include hiking in the Desolation Wilderness and visiting public beaches such as Zephyr Cove, Pope, and Baldwin Beach. Water-based recreation, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours, is available on the lake.
Reno and Sparks offer dining options with patio seating and waterfront views, including locations at the Sparks Marina. The region’s arts and culture scene remains active, with public art displays in downtown Reno and Midtown.
For those seeking historical sites, Carson City and Virginia City are open to visitors, and locations such as Grimes Point and Hickison Summit contain ancient rock art. Always verify operating hours for specific venues before traveling, as holiday schedules may vary.