For many considering a trip of gaming, nightlife, and adventure, Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada may seem like the same destination at different sizes, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In the debate of Reno vs. Las Vegas, which is better, bigger, radder place to visit? Reno, Nevada basks in the sun and shadows of the Sierra Nevada mountains around Lake Tahoe, a hub for outdoor adventure. Las Vegas, Nevada sits in the vast Southern Nevada desert, a sprawling metropolis full of endless nightlife, gambling, and dining. That’s not to say there’s not some overlap in attractions and offerings, but the vibes offer different experiences—as exemplified by the photos below (on the left, me just outside Reno, and on the right, me at dinner in Las Vegas)
Reno vs. Las Vegas
Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada is known as the Biggest Little City in the World, a fitting moniker for the city that offers big city amenities near world-class skiing without the traffic and prices of larger destinations. The city has gone through a dramatic transformation in the last 5-10 years with the expansion of industry outside of casinos, allowing for a prosperous (although smaller than Vegas) dining, nightlife and entertainment scene. It’s the perfect getaway for those who want a taste of Vegas with more access to mountain and desert beauty.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World—a hub for international acts like Adele and Lady Gaga as well as a luxury lifestyle including shopping, dining and gambling. In addition to all the modern amenities, Las Vegas holds onto its old school roots in its revitalized downtown area away from the Strip. If you’re looking for a good time filled with flashing lights, feisty cocktails, pool side relaxation and celebrity sightings, Las Vegas is the destination for you.
Common Questions About Reno vs. Las Vegas
Does Reno have a strip like Vegas?
Eh, Reno doesn’t really have a strip like Las Vegas. Reno does have a downtown area where the major casinos and hotels, like The Row RENO, tempt travelers with a great time. Downtown Reno is walkable like the Strip, making it easy to access dining and entertainment in and out of the casinos. Just a short walk from Downtown Reno is the up-and-coming and more trendy neighborhood, MidTown Reno. You’ll find boutique shopping, craft cocktails and only-in-Reno dining experiences. There’s no doubt that Las Vegas Strip offers for more options than Reno, but if you like an experience with a more local and less busy feel, Reno is the place to go.
Las Vegas Strip 
Downtown Reno
Is Reno more fun than Vegas?
Yes, Reno is more fun than Vegas, but I am biased. Living in Reno has been one of the most pleasant surprises of my life! The reality is that the fun factors of Reno and Las Vegas really depend entirely on what you want out of your trip. Both cities not only offer access to the cities, but also the surrounding Nevada attractions like ghost towns, Area 51, and hot springs.
Reno is the ultimate destination if you want the trifecta of the great outdoors, thrilling nightlife and blissful relaxation. Las Vegas is the ultimate destination who want to indulge in life’s luxuries from dining to parties to hotel suites.
How far is Vegas from Reno by plane?
It’s a short flight from Reno to Vegas, about an hour and fifteen minutes. Frontier, JSX and Southwest Airlines all fly non-stop between the Reno Tahoe International Aiport to the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport daily.
How far is Vegas to Reno by car?
It’s a long, lonely road trip from Reno to Las Vegas, but if you’re interested in seeing weird and wild Nevada, it’s a great option. You can do it in day—7 hours total from start to finish. But consider splitting up the drive to see more of the state.
What other questions do you have about Reno vs. Vegas? Slide into my DMs.
Until next time, here goes nothing.
