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How Many Terminals Does McCarran Airport Have?

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Last updated on 5 min read

How Many Terminals Does McCarran Airport Have?

McCarran International Airport (LAS) has two active terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which opened in 1963 and 2012 respectively. Terminal 2 was permanently closed in 2012 after Terminal 3’s opening.

Does McCarran Airport have a terminal 2?

No, McCarran Airport does not have a Terminal 2. The airport originally had three terminals, but Terminal 2 closed permanently in 2012 when Terminal 3 opened.

They shut it down because Terminal 2’s infrastructure was ancient and couldn’t handle modern passenger loads. The move let them streamline everything into Terminal 1 and the brand-new Terminal 3, which has 14 gates in Concourse E. For the full history, check out the McCarran International Airport official website.

What airlines are in Terminal 1 at Las?

Terminal 1 at McCarran Airport serves Allegiant, Spirit, Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines. These carriers operate from four concourses: A, B, C, and D.

Allegiant and Spirit use Gates A; Southwest and Spirit use Gates B; Southwest also covers Gates C; and Delta and American operate from Gates D. Always double-check your gate on your boarding pass or airline app—they sometimes shift around. For live updates, hit the McCarran Airport website.

What gates are in Terminal 3 at McCarran airport?

Terminal 3 at McCarran Airport includes four concourses: A (16 gates), B (17 gates), C (18 gates), and D (45 gates). The D Gates satellite concourse is accessible via an automated transit system from Terminal 1.

Terminal 3 mostly handles international and domestic flights, with its D Concourse linked to Terminal 1 by the McCarran International Airport Transit System (ATS). Need to find your gate? Use the airport’s interactive map on their Passenger Info page.

How long does it take to get from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 at McCarran airport?

It takes 12 to 15 minutes to travel between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1, via the complimentary airport shuttle. The shuttle runs frequently and is clearly marked with McCarran signage.

The shuttle leaves every 12–15 minutes from Level Zero in both terminals. Expect longer waits early in the morning or in the evening when things get busy. For schedules, check the McCarran ground transport page.

Why is there no Terminal 2 at McCarran airport?

Terminal 2 was permanently closed after Terminal 3 opened in 2012 because it had become outdated, structurally unsound, and insufficient for modern passenger processing.

Built in 1986, Terminal 2 started as an international/charter hub but was basically falling apart by the 2010s. Closing it let the airport focus on upgrading Terminals 1 and 3 instead. For the backstory, see the McCarran history page.

Can you walk between terminals at McCarran airport?

Yes, you can walk between gates within Terminal 1, including from B gates to C gates via a connecting corridor near the A/B security checkpoint.

Terminals 1 and 3 aren’t connected on foot, but Terminal 1 itself is easy to navigate once you’re inside. After security, use the hallway next to Gates A/B to reach Gates C—it’s only a 5–10 minute walk. Need a map? Grab one on the McCarran maps page.

What airlines are in Terminal 3?

Terminal 3 at McCarran Airport serves American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Finnair, Hainan Airlines, and Iberia Express.

This terminal mostly handles long-haul flights, both domestic and international. Gates can be spread out, so check your airline’s assigned gate when you land. Real-time airline info is on the McCarran airlines page.

How early should I get to McCarran airport?

Arrive at McCarran Airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This is especially important during peak travel times such as holidays and weekends.

Security wait times change constantly, so peek at the TSA website before you leave. Also pad extra time for rideshare pickups, parking, and shuffling between terminals. TSA PreCheck can cut those lines down fast.

Is Terminal 1 domestic or international?

Terminal 1 at McCarran Airport is primarily a domestic terminal, serving domestic flights with low-cost and major carriers.

Mostly domestic, yes, but it does see some international flights—like pre-cleared arrivals from Canada. International arrivals usually land in Terminal 3, though, so check your ticket. For the latest, see the airlines and terminals page.

Is Terminal 3 open at McCarran airport?

Yes, Terminal 3 at McCarran Airport is fully open and handles both domestic and international flights.

All concourses in Terminal 3, including Gates E1–E15, have been running since 2022. The terminal opened in stages starting in 2012, with the E gates fully reopened by 2022. For the latest, visit the McCarran Terminal 3 page.

Are Las Vegas terminals connected?

No, the terminals at McCarran Airport are not physically connected. Terminals 1 and 3 are separate buildings with no indoor walkways between them.

You’ll need the airport shuttle, rideshare, or a walk outside to switch between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Each terminal has its own baggage claim, check-in, and parking areas. The shuttle ride between terminals takes about 12–15 minutes. Shuttle schedules are on the ground transport page.

What is the new terminal at McCarran airport?

Terminal 3 is the newest terminal at McCarran Airport, completed in 2012 with a major expansion in 2022 that added Concourse E.

Terminal 3 now has 14 gates in Concourse E, seven of which serve international airlines. It replaced the aging Terminal 2 and now handles most international and many domestic flights. For maps and details, visit McCarran maps.

What terminal at McCarran airport is Delta Airlines?

Delta Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at McCarran Airport. Most Delta flights depart from Gates D in Terminal 1.

Some Delta codeshare flights might pop up in other gates or terminals, so always confirm your departure gate on your boarding pass or airline app. Delta’s LAS page has more: Delta LAS page.

Does McCarran airport have TSA PreCheck?

Yes, McCarran Airport has TSA PreCheck available at all security checkpoints. There is also a TSA PreCheck enrollment center in Terminal 1, Level 2 near Gates C.

TSA PreCheck lanes speed up security for eligible flyers. You can apply online at TSA PreCheck or sign up at the airport. Bring your ID and the enrollment fee. For McCarran specifics, visit the McCarran TSA PreCheck page.

Can you smoke in Las Vegas airport after security?

No, smoking is not allowed inside McCarran Airport terminals after security. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available near ticketing and baggage claim.

Smoking is only allowed in specific outdoor spots clearly marked on airport maps. Vaping and tobacco use are banned inside secure areas too. For updates, see the McCarran terminal info page.

Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
Marcus Weber

Marcus Weber is a European geography specialist and data journalist based in Berlin. He has an unhealthy obsession with census data, border disputes, and the exact elevation of every European capital. His articles include more tables than most people are comfortable with.