Reno Air Races

texdog · #1 08-07-2014, 03:20 PM

I'm planning on the RV6 to Carson City and I have a hotel there. What is the public transportation possibilities from Carson City to Reno and to the races or direct. I can get a car but it is a pain. Anyone tried this before. I plan on a Friday arrival and Monday departure. Thanks for any advice.

Mike S · #2 08-07-2014, 03:25 PM

IMHO, you should get a room in Reno, not Carson City.

Lots of the hotels in Reno have, or are serviced by a shuttle service during race week.

A shuttle is so very much better than fighting the traffic in a personal vehicle such as a rental car. And cheaper too.

If you stay in Carson, I dont know if there is public transport to/from the races.

Whatever you do, you are going to have a blast

rv7boy · #3 08-07-2014, 04:01 PM

I agree with the Senior Curmudgeon. (In fact, I first met him at the 2008 Reno Air Races.)

We stayed at a hotel in Reno. Cheap food, and fantastic room. Because my son had been stationed in Reno, we rented a car so he could visit friends, but the shuttles were available then and I'd be surprised if they are not available now. We arrived via Soutwest Airlines so I can't advise you on flying in by personal plane.

Bevan · #4 08-07-2014, 04:14 PM

The Best Western in Reno is right across the street from the main terminal. In years past they had a free shuttle to one of the bigger hotels where you could board the bus to the races. It was very convenient, cheaper than renting a car, and dropped us off right near the main gate.

There may be fees to fly into the Reno International airport( probably parking) but I wonder if they would be waived if you bought fuel?

Bevan

WillyEyeBall · #5 08-07-2014, 05:15 PM

The air races have been on my bucket list for awhile, and I think I'll try and make it this year. Looks like tomorrow is the last day to buy tickets in advance.
Bill McLean
RV-4 slider
lower Alabama

Louise Hose · #6 08-07-2014, 05:28 PM

We stayed in Carson and rented a car there several years and it worked great. We had our reasons to use Carson, instead, but obvious ones are cheaper rental cars and rooms. (Also closer to Tahoe!) However, there's no public transportation. We would arrive on a weekday and hitch a ride with someone to the Enterprise downtown (FBO rates are very high this week). If you decide to tie down at A34, we might be able to help out.

n82rb · #7 08-07-2014, 05:30 PM

there is no public transportation between carson and reno. a rental car is a must if you stay in carson.

bob burns
rv-4 N82RB

Greg Arehart · #8 08-07-2014, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n82rb

there is no public transportation between carson and reno. a rental car is a must if you stay in carson.

bob burns
rv-4 N82RB

Not true. There is a city bus that goes between the two cities:

http://www.rtcwashoe.com/PublicTrans...INT7_17_14.pdf

Not particularly convenient (would have to change buses in the downtown area, but you could also find a shuttle there during race week), but would get you by in a pinch.

Greg

p.s. Don't forget R-cubed as usual on Saturday night.

az_gila · #9 08-07-2014, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Arehart

Not true. There is a city bus that goes between the two cities:

http://www.rtcwashoe.com/PublicTrans...INT7_17_14.pdf

......

It's also 2 miles from the FBO in Carson City to bus stop (D).

flyboy1963 · #10 08-08-2014, 09:02 AM

I was a first-timer last year, and got lots of good advice here on the forum....
Here's my addition to that.

We used the shuttle a couple times from our hotel. Ok if you don't mind waiting at times in the sun at the races for the return.
Used the city bus a few times, but the nearest stop at Stead is bizarre....nearly a mile from the gate! Cheap though, and you always meet interesting people! the races draw an international flavor, but of course, I end up sitting next to a guy from BC!

We rented a car for part of our week there, and it was nice to have.
If we left reasonably early for the races, it was no problem to park on the street ( free) and leave the cooler in the trunk for the occasional snack. The vendors on site were ok, just not cheap, and after a few days, you may want something different.
Cars are in demand, so book early, and ensure you get all the dope on insurance etc. if you are from out of country and don't have AAA or something.
I bought pit passes, which were great, but you may not need them every day, if you are happy to go in after last race, it seemed to be wide open. ( save some beer $$$)
The reserved bleacher seats were ok; not needed unless you are particular about where you sit, or want a clear shot for pictures etc.
I would buy early for Sat & Sun, and get the very top, as there are banners on the chain link that provide nice shade, and the breeze is welcome!

Lots of other things, perhaps 'to be continued'.