Tens of thousands of Burning Man and Labor Day travelers begin arriving at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) this Sunday, bringing with them a surge of flights, costumes, and congestion during one of the airport’s busiest times of year.

From late August through Labor Day, RNO experiences a significant increase in traffic as attendees head to and from Black Rock City and others travel for the long holiday weekend. This year, peak travel days are expected on August 24, 28, 29, and September 1.

Airport officials are urging all travelers, not just those attending Burning Man, to plan ahead, arrive early, and expect delays. Airport construction may cause delays, and the overall volume of travelers can lead to longer lines and limited seating.

New This Year:

  • Burner Express pickup and drop-off locations have changed.
    • Pickup: Now located outside Baggage Claim, returning to its pre-2023 location.
    • Drop-off: On the south end of Loop Road, just before the Southwest Airlines check-in.
  • Drivers should avoid waiting curbside, as Loop Road will be heavily congested.

Travel Tips:

  • Arrive at least two hours before departure to allow time for traffic, parking, security, and crowds.
  • Reserve parking online or use rideshare to avoid delays. Travelers can get $5 off rides via renoairport.com/parking
  • Use the free waiting lot to help reduce curbside traffic.
  • Oversized vehicles are not allowed on airport property due to low clearance zones as low as 13 feet.

Burning Man-Specific Information:

  • There are no showers or storage facilities at the airport. Travelers should clean up and dress fully before arrival.
  • Do not bring trash to the airport or car rental agencies—local recycling and disposal services are available.
  • Air Playa Info, located near Baggage Claim, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting the Friday before Burning Man through the Thursday after.

“Check in at Air Playa Info inside the airport. Most Burning Man participants will stop by here, and the Air Playa Info volunteers can be of help in figuring out your options,” the website states.

Transportation Options from RNO to the Playa:

  • Burner Express Bus: Runs twice daily from the Saturday before the event through Thursday, with return service Friday through Tuesday. Options include direct trips or stops at Save Mart for supplies.
  • Charter Flights: Approved flights operate between RNO and Black Rock City Municipal Airport before, during, and after the event.
  • Rental Cars: Available at RNO; early reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Rideshare: Available at the airport or at Save Mart’s 24-hour Rideshare Base on Keystone Avenue, about 10 minutes away. Participants often offer rides and share supplies, chipping in for gas is encouraged.

Reminders:

  • Review TSA regulations and dispose of prohibited items like propane tanks, nitrous canisters, knives, tools, fireworks, and certain gels or liquids before arriving.
  • Drugs are not permitted at the airport.
  • Follow "Leave No Trace" principles, both at the airport and the rideshare base.

Bike Donation:

RNO will accept a limited number of bike donations at the Burner Express drop-off area:

Friday & Saturday: 3–7 p.m.

Sunday & Monday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Art on Display:

Burning Man travelers can view the exhibit “Tiny Titans: The Power of the Maquette” at the depARTures Gallery, on display through November 2.

For full details on travel tips, updates, and airport guidelines related to Burning Man, visit renoairport.com/burningman

and the official Burning Man site.

(The Reno-Tahoe International Airport contributed to this story.)