Quick Reference
Gate Operations: Monday, August 18 at 9 AM through Saturday, August 30 at 12 PM
Box Office & Will Call: Located at Gate entrance for ticket verification
Airport Services: BRC Airport (88NV) and Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)
Burner Express: Bus (BxB) and Air (BxA) charter transportation services
Exodus Process: Organized departure system with pulsing traffic management
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
What time does Gate open to pre-event arrivals? → Monday before event at 9 AM for those with Setup Access Passes (SAPs)
What time does Gate open to general ticket holders? → Sunday, August 24 at 12 PM, then 24/7 until the following Saturday at 12 PM
Where do I pick up Will Call tickets? → Box Office at Gate entrance, bring photo ID
How much is re-entry? → $30 per person (note: higher fee vs. previous years), need original ticket stub + re-entry wristband
Where's the BRC Airport? → 5:00 past "K" street, airport shuttle Trams available
Do I need to book Burner Express in advance? → Yes, limited day-of tickets for bus only
When are the shortest Exodus lines? → 3am-10am most days (except Saturday/Sunday nights)
REMEMBER: If you need to leave BRC, you will not be able to get back in without a ticket stub and re-entry bracelet
See detailed arrival and departure information below
Also see:
A2: Getting Help Fast (for vehicle problems during arrival/departure)
C2: Communication & Information (for GARS/BMIR radio, traffic updates)
E1: Vehicle Policies (for vehicle passes, DMV requirements)
F3: Waste & Cleanup (for Collexodus donations, departure preparation)
Arrival/departure support flow:
Pre-arrival → B3 (Gate procedures, transportation booking)
Arrival problems → A2 (vehicle issues) + E1 (vehicle registration)
Departure planning → B3 (timing) + C2 (traffic updates) + F3 (cleanup)
Emergency departure → B3 (emergency bus) + A1 (medical transport)
Gate, Box Office & Will Call
Entry Process
Gate Operations
Operations begin Monday before the event at 9 AM for pre-arrivals with designated Setup Access Passes (SAPs)
Open 24 hours daily until noon on Burn Day (Saturday of main event)
Listen to GARS 95.1 FM for current wait time updates
Follow directions from Gate staff for efficient processing
Required Documentation
Valid Burning Man ticket (printed or mobile)
Vehicle pass for each motorized vehicle
Photo ID for Will Call ticket collection
Print Setup Access Pass (SAP) before arriving if applicable
Will Call Services
Located at Box Office adjacent to Gate entrance
Bring government-issued photo ID to collect tickets or vehicle passes
Allow extra time during peak arrival periods
Staff available during all Gate operating hours
Re-Entry Requirements and Process
Purchase $30 re-entry wristband at Gate for each person returning
Must present both original Burning Man ticket stub AND re-entry wristband
Re-entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
Processing time varies based on current Gate traffic
Airport Services
Black Rock City Airport (BRC - 88NV)
Operating Information
Location: Airport Road, 5:00 past "K" street
FAA Identifier: 88NV, Elevation: 3,912 ft (1,192.4 m)
Open: Wednesday, August 20 through Monday, September 1
Daily Schedule
6:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Scenic rides ONLY for Thursday, August 21 through Saturday, August 30
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: New arriving passengers
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Returning passengers and scenic rides
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM during Exodus (departure days)
Closed overnight except medical emergencies and pre-arranged operations
Airport Services
All passengers must have valid Burning Man tickets
“Air Box”: the Airport Box Office/Will Call, open 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
BRC Customs Officers welcome arriving participants
Airport shuttle Trams transport passengers to various city locations; schedule posted at Airport during operating hours
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Important Reminders
Dispose of all trash and recycling between BRC and Reno Airport
Check prohibited items list before flying
Shower and dress appropriately for commercial flights
Some items purchased for playa life may be prohibited on aircraft
Services Available
Burner Express Air staff in orange shirts/vests near rental car counters
Air Playa Info volunteers assist arriving Burners (arrival only, not for Exodus)
Lost luggage recovery assistance
Bike donation programs during select periods
Burner Express Bus (BxB)
Depot Location & Operations
BxB Depot: 6:15 & J Street
Dedicated Gate lane bypasses most traffic for faster entry
Reserved camping available in HOVerlandia (6:15 & I)
Service Information
Advance ticket purchase required (limited day-of-travel availability)
One-way tickets: Reno ($149-199), San Francisco ($189)
Standard luggage: Two items plus carry-on (62 linear inches max each)
Additional luggage allowance: $50 (Reno only), bike transport: $50 (Reno)/$95 (SF)
Select departures include Save Mart shopping stop (1 hour)
Arrival Process
Check in 1 hour before departure (90 minutes if Will Call tickets)
Tag luggage and load onto luggage trucks
Board bus for direct transport to BRC
Process through dedicated Gate lane
Disembark at BxB Depot or use shuttle Trams to city locations
Don’t forget to collect your one recycling bag and one landfill bag, which are the only waste stream bags allowed during Exodus
City Transit Tram Stops
E Street: 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30, 9:00
J Street: 2:30, 3:45, 5:15, 7:15, 8:15, 9:30
Hours posted at Airport and BxB Depot
Water
Must be purchase water in advance ($9 per 5 gallons); no on-site sales
Available only to those riding the BxB TO BRC
Standard departures
Arrive at the depot at least one hour before your scheduled departure
Trams will begin running 2 hours prior to departure times
Same luggage and bicycle rules apply as entry
During Exodus, Burner Express uses a different exit to avoid all traffic until the highway
Bring warm layers and water for the trip home — spending hours on an air-conditioned bus can be a shock after acclimatizing to the desert heat
Mid-Event Bus Service ("Burnout Express")
One bus daily to Reno: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (12:45-1:30 PM)
Cost: $149 cash or credit (Visa/Mastercard only)
First-come, first-served basis starting 12:30 PM day of travel
Availability not guaranteed
Standby Departures
Friday onwards: $149 (Reno), $189 (San Francisco)
Walk-up tickets subject to availability
Departure schedule posted at BxB Depot message boards
Burner Express Air (BxA)
Booking & Check-In
All flights must be booked online at burnerexpress.burningman.org
Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for check-in
Bring valid government-issued photo ID, BxB Air confirmation number, and Burning Man ticket (or proof you will pick up ticket at Air Box Will Call)
One piece of luggage not to exceed 25 pounds and 24 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (soft-sided and/or duffle bags are strongly recommended)
Reno Operations
Operates from Atlantic Aviation (655 South Rock Boulevard)
Located opposite side of airport from commercial terminal
Use taxi/rideshare from main terminal to Atlantic Aviation
Check-in at large tent adjacent to Atlantic Aviation building
Flight time to BRC: approximately 45 minutes
BRC Airport Arrival Process
Exit aircraft and collect luggage at BRC Airport
Stay with flight group, escorted by BxA staff
Proceed to Box Office for landing fee payment
Welcome by BRC Customs Officers
Process through Gate at Airport
Meet Greeters and enter through Event Horizon
Optional Airport shuttle Tram transport or mutant vehicle pickup
BRC Airport Departure Process
BRC Airport shuttle buses will regularly pick up passengers at the same locations as the drop-off points
Arrive at the Burner Express Air terminal at the BRC Airport at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure
Bring no more than one piece of luggage not to exceed 25 pounds and 24 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (soft-sided and/or duffle bags are strongly recommended)
Must bring your government-issued ID that matches name on ticket
Don’t forget to bring warm layers and water for the trip home — spending time on an air-conditioned plane can be a shock after acclimatizing to the desert heat
Safety Considerations for BRC Airport Services
Weather Limitations
All flight operations suspended during dust storms
High winds ground all recreational flying
Visibility requirements for safe operations
Temperature and atmospheric conditions affect aircraft performance
Passenger Safety Requirements
Valid waivers required for all flights
Age restrictions strictly enforced
Sobriety requirements for all aviation activities
Medical conditions may affect eligibility
Ground Safety
Stay in designated passenger areas
Follow all instructions from airport personnel
Keep aircraft operations areas clear
No unauthorized access to aircraft or hangars
Exodus Process
Timing Recommendations
Shortest lines typically 3:00 AM - 10:00 AM (except Saturday/Sunday nights)
Monitor BMIR 94.5 FM for current wait time updates
Allow extra time after Man Burn due to reduced landmarks
Pulsing System
Organized traffic management during peak departure periods
Follow Ranger and volunteer directions
Maintain patience during extended wait times
Have adequate water, food, and fuel for potential delays
Rain Protocols
All exit operations stop during rain events
Keep water and food inside vehicles
Prepare buckets for potential extended delays
Participants may be trapped in vehicles for hours or days
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Common Arrival & Departure Challenges
"How long is the Gate wait?" → Direct to GARS 95.1 FM for real-time updates, explain variables affect wait times
"I lost my ticket" → Will Call at Box Office with photo ID, cannot be replaced without proper documentation
"Can I get to the airport without a bike?" → Airport shuttle Trams available, suggest pre-arranging camp pickup
"My Burner Express bus is late" → Check with depot staff, delays often weather/traffic related
Managing Transportation Expectations
Set realistic timelines: "Allow extra time during peak periods, especially weekends"
Explain Gate process: "Everyone goes through same screening, be patient with staff"
Clarify Burner Express benefits: "Dedicated lane and reserved camping, but not instant entry"
Airport reality check: "45-minute flights, but factor in weather delays and ground transport"
Exodus Guidance Tips
Timing advice: "3am-10am usually shortest, but monitor BMIR for current conditions"
Preparation emphasis: "Bring food, water, fuel for potential 4-6 hour waits"
Weather warnings: "If rain threatens, consider delaying departure - safety first"
Alternative options: "Burner Express available Friday-Tuesday, but book early"
Radio Information Coaching
GARS 95.1 FM: "Arrival info and current Gate wait times"
BMIR 94.5 FM: "Departure updates, weather, and Exodus wait times"
Frequency check: "Updates usually at top of hour, monitor regularly"
Battery backup: "Bring extra batteries or hand-crank radio"
Addressing First-Timer Anxiety
Normalize confusion: "Everyone finds arrival/departure overwhelming initially"
Emphasize help availability: "Staff throughout process, Greeters after Gate, ask questions"
Transportation reassurance: "Multiple options exist, you won't be stranded"
Community support: "Other participants often help with rides and directions"