Reno-Tahoe Airport Closes Deal To Build $299 Million Rental Car Facility

reno tahoe international airport
Credit: Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in Nevada has closed on a financial agreement to build a new $299 million ground transportation center to house rental car companies operating at the airport.

RNO said in a statement that it has entered into a “strategic partnership” with Renton, Washington-based design and construction firm Conrac Solutions to enable building to begin later this year, with a planned completion by 2028. RNO CEO Daren Griffin described the deal as a public-private partnership.

“This collaboration is a significant $299 million private sector investment, marking a historic moment for our region,” he said. “Conrac Solutions’ proven track record in developing innovative … facilities aligns with our vision for revolutionizing ground transportation at RNO."

The new facility “aims to alleviate congestion by relocating rental car facilities from the parking garage to the new center,” RNO said. “This strategic move will free up hundreds of parking spaces currently occupied by rental car companies, providing passengers with easier access to parking and reducing overall traffic flow on the airport’s roadway.” 

The ground transportation center, which will have four floors and span around 440,220 ft.2, is expected to be occupied by nine rental car brands. RNO said the facility will house six car washes, three automobile maintenance bays, 24 fuel stations and “ample” space to store cars.

It will also include a covered walkway a “short distance” from the passenger terminal. 

“Rental cars are essential to northern Nevada and critical for our travelers to explore our region,” Griffin added. “By modernizing our current ground transportation and rental car operations and facilities, we are not only enhancing efficiency and convenience, but also contributing to … economic growth.”

He called the planned new facility “essential infrastructure that supports both current ground transportation needs and future advancements, such as accommodating electric vehicles."

RNO in April opened an expanded ticketing hall, adding 10,000 ft.2. The airport handled 4.6 million passengers in 2023, up 6.1% over 2022 and up 2.8% versus 2019. 

Aaron Karp

Aaron Karp is a Contributing Editor to the Aviation Week Network.