Burner Express Buses from San Francisco & Reno to Black Rock City

As part of our ongoing effort to reduce vehicle traffic and help the environment, we offer Burner Express buses to and from Black Rock City. The Burner Express Bus offers faster arrival, speedier entrance, optional reserved camping near the bus depot on playa, and quicker departures. Buses depart from San Francisco and Reno. Bus riders coming in before the Gate opens on Sunday, August 30 do not need a Setup Access Pass (SAP). All Bus passengers have the option to add water to their order (up to 20 gallons per person), which they can collect at the Bus Depot upon arrival.

  • Visit the Burner Express website for schedule information.
  • Burner Express Bus ticket sales begin mid-May.
  • Please read the Info and FAQ pages before purchasing tickets, as they are non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • You must have a Black Rock City ticket or credential to ride the Burner Express.

Burner Express Air

Burner Express Air is your one-stop shop for booking a flight to and from BRC. Offering flights from Reno, the Bay Area, Southern California, Burner Express Air lets you avoid long waits at Gate and reduces the traffic on Highway 447. Air passengers on Saturday before the Gate opens do not need a Setup Access Pass (SAP). All passengers have the option to add water to their order (up to 20 gallons per person), which they can collect at the Airport upon arrival.

  • Visit the Burner Express website for pricing and schedule information.
  • Burner Express Air ticket sales begin in early-May and usually sell out quickly.
  • Please read the Info and FAQ pages before purchasing tickets, as they are non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • You must have a Black Rock City ticket or credential to ride Burner Express Air.
  • Do you have a group and want to charter an entire aircraft? Visit the Burner Express website for more information.
  • Note that Burner Express Air is located in a different area of the Reno-Tahoe International Airport than other commercial flights.

Flying Your Own Plane to BRC

The Black Rock City Municipal Airport (88NV) was created by a group of pilots that have been flying in to Black Rock City since the ‘90s. While 88NV has grown into the busiest (and potentially dustiest) temporary airport in the world, the fly-in culture is alive and well, and it is still Home for our community of aviators.

If you are a general aviation pilot and are interested in flying your plane to BRC, visit airport.burningman.org for more information on how to do so. 88NV is a private airport and you must pre-register in order to fly in. All commercial aviation is managed through the Burner Express Air program. Please visit https://burnerexpress.burningman.org/bxa-home/ for more information on commercial flights.

Flying through Reno — Reno-Tahoe International Airport & Air Playa Info

Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the closest major airport to Black Rock City. BRC’s Air Playa Info at the airport (near Baggage Claim) will be staffed by volunteers with tons of information on local resources.

Air Playa Info will operate at the Reno/Tahoe Airport 9am – 9pm daily from Friday, August 28 through Thursday, September 4, with 24-hour self-service maps, displays and brochures. Info includes bike procurement/repair, returning bikes, currency exchanges, forgotten tickets, lost luggage, popular pit stops, ride shares, taxi options, traffic updates, and the transferring of Will Call tickets.

Air Playa Info also has scheduling information on the Burner Express — both Air and Bus. Informally, Air Playa Info provides lodging information (i.e. hotels, motels, hostels, RV parks and campgrounds).

Some important reminders:

  • If you’re a U.S. citizen, as of May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID–compliant form of identification (or another TSA‑approved document such as a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID) to board domestic flights within the U.S.
  • Do not bring your garbage or recycling to the Reno Airport, nor to rental car agencies. See our list of appropriate trash disposal locations. 
  • There may be items you acquired in BRC that are prohibited at the airport and on airplanes. Review this list of prohibited items from the Transportation Security Administration.
  • Not everyone on the plane with you will be a Burner. Fellow passengers will appreciate it if you are showered and fully clothed (it’s amazing we have to say this).
  • You should arrive at least two hours before your flight to accommodate any extra time needed. 
  • If you’re using Burner Express Air, you must get from the west side of the airport to the east side, and it is not walkable. Learn more about using Burner Express Air from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. 

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport has its own webpage with info relevant to Burners flying in/out of this airport. Also, see relevant info on the Burning Man website

Carpools — Get ’em Here!

Need a lift to BRC and want to reduce carbon emissions at the same time? Carpooling is an easy way to share costs and a great option for those with extra space. Burning Man Project has its own carpool board. If you need a lift from Reno to BRC, the Reno Airport Rideshare is a great option.

Reno Airport Rideshare: Many participants fly into Reno and rent a car for the last leg into BRC. Check in at Air Playa Info near the baggage claim area for participants who may have a spare seat for you. (You may also be able to pick up some of your supplies along the way, as almost everyone flying in needs to make a stop or two.)