The Lake Tahoe Airport (IATA: TVL) Article
The Best Little Airport in the Sierra Nevada: Lake Tahoe
Introduction
Lake Tahoe (IATA: TVL, ICAO: KTVL, FAA LID: TVL) is a public airport three miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. The airport covers over 348 acres, has one runway, and is also known as the Tahoe Valley Airport. Nearly four decades of airline service have passed since, but the airport has hosted only general aviation operations after 2000.
Airlines and Destinations
The only commercial airline service is provided by Lake Tahoe Airport. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the nearest major airfield, situated 60 miles to the north of Lake Tahoe. Unlike other Lake Tahoe region airports, RNO provides air carrier service for the general public and offers scheduled passenger jet services to domestic and international destinations.
Total Number of Passengers and Flights
Since Lake Tahoe Airport has become a general aviation-only airport, there is no commercial passenger or flight data available for the most recent years. This ranged from charter activity to private aircraft and air taxi flights.
How to Get Here
The most convenient airport serving Lake Tahoe is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO): a 47-mile drive to North Lake Tahoe and about an hour, longer if there are significant snowfalls or summer holidays on your travel days, so plan accordingly. Another option is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 90 miles from Lake Tahoe.
Parking
Those traveling on general aviation flights can park at the airport via surface parking offered by Lake Tahoe Airport. The airport is considering the need for a parking garage to meet future growth and demand.
Transportation Prices
Shuttle services, ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft, or rental cars are available for travelers to be taken from Reno-Tahoe International Airport the final distance to their destination in Lake Tahoe. The prices of these transport services may differ from provider to provider and the specifications you use.
Terminal Layout
The only terminal is a small building serving general aviation operations at the Lake Tahoe Airport. The terminal consists of a pilot lounge, flight planning room, and some basic passenger amenities.
Navigate the Airport
Lake Tahoe Airport is relatively basic for general aviation users to navigate, with just a single runway and terminal. The signs and directions are marked very well inside the airport.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Lake Tahoe Airport is a one-terminal airport, there are no terminals to move between.
Services and Amenities
The airport provides for its general aviation customers with a pilots' lounge, flight planning amenities, and modest passenger facilities. Nevertheless, aside from some essentials you might like to have on hand beforehand, the airport is short of alternatives in dining and shopping.
Restaurants and Shops
There are no restaurants or shopping facilities inside the terminal of Lake Tahoe Airport. However, travelers must travel off-site to the surrounding South Lake Tahoe area for dining and shopping options.
Security and Customs
This is a general aviation airport, so the rules are not as strict (e.g., no TSA watching you through the bathroom) and there is no Customs process. Passengers will still have to go through normal security measures when arriving at or leaving the airport.
Accessibility
Lake Tahoe Airport is equipped with facilities for persons with disabilities, including pathways to parking and the passenger terminal. Passengers with special needs should contact their airline or the airport directly to prepare.
Travel Tips
Lake Tahoe: The clear, blue lakes and rivers in the area can be dangerous if people do not follow water safety suggestions. You should also be ready for unpredictable elements of the surrounding area and weather-dependent activities.