Burning Man Travel Surge: Reno-Tahoe Airport braces for busiest days, new modifications in place | Freeway

Tens of 1000’s of Burning Man and Labor Day vacationers start arriving at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) this Sunday, bringing with them a surge of flights, costumes, and congestion throughout one of many airport’s busiest occasions of 12 months.

From late August by way of Labor Day, RNO experiences a major improve in visitors as attendees head to and from Black Rock City and others journey for the lengthy vacation weekend. This 12 months, peak journey days are anticipated on August 24, 28, 29, and September 1.

Airport officers are urging all vacationers, not simply these attending Burning Man, to plan forward, arrive early, and anticipate delays. Airport development might trigger delays, and the general quantity of vacationers can result in longer traces and restricted seating.

New This Year:

• Burner Express pickup and drop-off places have modified.
  • Pickup: Now positioned exterior Baggage Claim, returning to its pre-2023 location.
  • Drop-off: On the south finish of Loop Road, simply earlier than the Southwest Airlines check-in.
• Drivers ought to keep away from ready curbside, as Loop Road will likely be closely congested.

Travel Tips:

• Arrive no less than two hours earlier than departure to permit time for visitors, parking, safety, and crowds.
• Reserve parking on-line or use rideshare to keep away from delays. Travelers can get $5 off rides by way of renoairport.com/parking
• Use the free ready lot to assist scale back curbside visitors.
• Oversized autos will not be allowed on airport property attributable to low clearance zones as little as 13 ft.

Burning Man-Specific Information:

• There are no showers or storage services on the airport. Travelers ought to clear up and costume totally earlier than arrival.
• Do not carry trash to the airport or automobile rental businesses—native recycling and disposal companies can be found.
• Air Playa Info, positioned close to Baggage Claim, is open day by day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. beginning the Friday earlier than Burning Man by way of 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 web site states.

Transportation Options from RNO to the Playa:

• Burner Express Bus: Runs twice day by day from the Saturday earlier than the occasion by way of Thursday, with return service Friday by way of Tuesday. Options embody direct journeys or stops at Save Mart for provides.
• Charter Flights: Approved flights function between RNO and Black Rock City Municipal Airport earlier than, throughout, and after the occasion.
• Rental Cars: Available at RNO; early reservations are strongly really helpful.
• Rideshare: Available on the airport or at Save Mart’s 24-hour Rideshare Base on Keystone Avenue, about 10 minutes away. Participants typically provide rides and share provides, chipping in for gasoline is inspired.

Reminders:

• Review TSA laws and eliminate prohibited gadgets like propane tanks, nitrous canisters, knives, instruments, fireworks, and sure gels or liquids earlier than arriving.
• Drugs will not be permitted on the airport.
• Follow “Leave No Trace” ideas, each at the airport and the rideshare base.

Bike Donation:

RNO will settle for a restricted variety of bike donations on the Burner Express drop-off space:

Friday & Saturday: 3–7 p.m.

Sunday & Monday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Art on Display:

Burning Man vacationers can view the exhibit “Tiny Titans: The Power of the Maquette” on the depARTures Gallery, on show by way of November 2.

For full particulars on journey ideas, updates, and airport tips associated to Burning Man, go to renoairport.com/burningman

and the official Burning Man site.

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