How to Visit Lake Tahoe on Points & Miles

Lake Tahoe is a dream destination for outdoor lovers, with its crystal-clear waters, towering pines, and year-round activities. Whether you’re skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, or just soaking in the breathtaking views, it’s a trip worth making—especially when you can do it for free (or nearly free) using Hyatt points and Southwest Rapid Rewards.

Getting to Lake Tahoe on Southwest Airlines Points

The easiest way to get to Lake Tahoe using Southwest Airlines points is by flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). From there, it’s about a 1-hour drive to the Hyatt in Incline Village. Southwest flies into Reno from multiple cities, making it an accessible option for travelers across the Southwest.

Flight Times to Reno (RNO) on Southwest Airlines

• Phoenix (PHX): ~2 hours
• Las Vegas (LAS): ~1.5 hours
• Los Angeles (LAX/BUR/SNA): ~1.5 hours
• San Diego (SAN): ~2 hours
• Denver (DEN): ~2 hours

Once you land in Reno, you can rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino in Incline Village.

Driving to Lake Tahoe from Nearby Cities

If you’d rather take a road trip, here’s how long the drive takes from major cities in the Southwest:

• San Francisco, CA: ~4 hours
• Sacramento, CA: ~2 hours
• Las Vegas, NV: ~7.5 hours
• Los Angeles, CA: ~8 hours
• Phoenix, AZ: ~11 hours

Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

Located in Incline Village, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino is one of the best points-friendly properties in the area. This lakefront resort offers private beach access, a heated pool, a full-service spa, and easy access to skiing at Diamond Peak in the winter.

• Standard award nights start at 25,000 Hyatt points per night (Category 6)
• Book with a Hyatt Free Night Certificate (Category 1-7) from the World of Hyatt Credit Card
• Use points + cash if you’re short on Hyatt points

Must-Visit Attractions Near Lake Tahoe

1. Emerald Bay State Park – One of the most iconic views in Tahoe, with turquoise waters and the historic Vikingsholm Castle.
2. Truckee, CA – A charming mountain town with great restaurants, breweries, and historic sites.
3. Sand Harbor – One of the best beaches on Lake Tahoe, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
4. Heavenly Village & Gondola – Take a scenic ride up the mountain for stunning lake views.
5. Tahoe Rim Trail – A must-do for hikers looking for panoramic lake views.

The Southwest Companion Pass: The Best Travel Hack

If you travel with a partner or family member, the Southwest Companion Pass is the ultimate way to save on flights. It allows a companion to fly with you for free (just pay taxes & fees) on every flight.

The Easiest Way to Earn a Companion Pass

A quick shortcut to earning the pass is by opening two Southwest credit cards (one personal and one business). If you meet the minimum spending requirements and earn 135,000 points in a calendar year, you’ll get the Companion Pass for the remainder of that year plus the entire next year.

Best Credit Cards to Earn Points for This Trip

To Book Your Hyatt Stay

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which transfer 1:1 to Hyatt and Southwest.
• World of Hyatt Credit Card – Earns bonus points on Hyatt stays and comes with a Category 1-4 free night certificate every year.

To Earn Southwest Points for Flights

• Chase Sapphire Preferred®  – Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which transfer 1:1 to Hyatt and Southwest.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority, Premier, or Plus Card – Earns Southwest points and helps you work toward the Companion Pass.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Business Card – Pairs well with a personal card for the fastest route to the Companion Pass.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Lake Tahoe can be an expensive trip, but by using Southwest Rapid Rewards points, the Companion Pass, and Hyatt points, you can make it happen for little to no cash out of pocket. Whether you’re flying in and renting a car or making it a road trip, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to stay on points.

If you’re planning this trip, now is the time to start earning your points and Companion Pass so you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe without breaking the bank!