Planning a Trip

Getting There

By Air -- Most major airlines offer service into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (tel. 775/328-6400; www.renoairport.com). A downtown casino shuttle service runs from the airport every half-hour. Look for the white minibuses outside of baggage claim marked DOWNTOWN HOTELS. Fare is $2.65. Rental cars from the major chains are available at the airport.

By Train -- Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL; www.amtrak.com) trains pull into the station at 280 North Center St. The company's scenic California Zephyr train connects Reno to Chicago (trip time: 45 hr.), Omaha (35 hr.), Denver (26 hr.), and Salt Lake City (10 hr.).

By Car -- From San Francisco, take I-80 East to Sacramento and on to Reno; from Salt Lake City, take I-80 WestFrom Los Angeles, take I-5 through central California to Sacramento and then I-80 to Reno. Be prepared for winter snowstorms that can make I-80 a chain-required highway. For road conditions, contact the Nevada Department of Transportation's 24-hour Road Reporting Service (tel. 877/687-6237; http://safetravelusa.com/nv).

Visitor Information

For information on lodging, attractions, and more, contact the Reno/Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA), 4590 S. Virginia St., P.O. Box 837, Reno, NV 89502 (tel. 800/FOR-RENO or 775/827-7600; www.visitrenotahoe.com).

Getting Around

Pedestrian-friendly downtown Reno is easily navigable on foot. If you head out of the downtown area and don't want to rent a car, try Yellow Cab (tel. 775/355-5555), Reno-Sparks Cab Co. (tel. 775/333-3333), or Whittlesea Checker Taxi (tel. 775/322-2222). A number of the larger hotels and motels have free courtesy buses on call. Check with your hotel or motel for information.

Fast Facts

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, 235 W. 6th St. (tel. 775/770-3000), is downtown just off I-80 near Circus Circus Reno Hotel Casino. There's a 24-hour Walgreens pharmacy at 750 N. Virginia St. (tel. 775/337-8703). Sales tax in Reno is 7.375%; hotel tax is 13.5%.

Getting Married in Reno

Quickie weddings have replaced the quickie divorce business in Reno. That's hardly a shock when you consider that marriage licenses can be obtained daily from 8am to midnight, inexpensive wedding chapels abound, no blood test is required, there's no waiting period, and anyone 18 or older doesn't need parental consent. You can obtain a marriage license at the Washoe County Courthouse, 75 Court St., Room 131 (tel. 775/328-3275), for a fee of $55. Legal ID, such as a driver's license, is required.

When you're ready to tie the knot, the Commissioner of Civil Marriages performs marriages at 350 S. Center St. (tel. 775/337-4575), or you can always make an reservation (or not) at any of the city's wedding chapels. Call tel. 800/FOR-RENO for a complete list or visit www.renolaketahoe.com/weddings on the Web.