Passengers Urged to Plan Ahead With Parking, Rideshare and New Changes This Year
RENO, Nev. (Aug. 20, 2025) – Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is gearing up for one of its busiest travel periods of the year as the annual Burning Man event and Labor Day weekend overlap. Passenger counts are expected to soar on Aug. 24, 28, 29 and Sept. 1.
To help travelers enjoy a smoother journey, RNO is encouraging passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time. Parking and roadways will be especially congested this year due to the combination of increased passenger traffic, Burning Man activity and construction along the airport’s Loop Road.
New This Year:
- Burner Express activity is moving curbside, creating heavier foot traffic in close proximity to the Main Terminal.
- Burner Express Pick-Up: Boarding for the Burner Express will now be outside Baggage Claim, a familiar location used in years prior to 2023.
- Burner Express Drop-Off: Returning Burners will be dropped off on the south end of the Loop Road, just before Southwest Airlines check-in.
- Because of these adjustments, it is especially important that when drivers are on the Loop Road, they do not wait curbside, which will be heavily congested.
Travel Tips for All Passengers
- Arrive early: Arrive at least two hours before departure to allow for crowds, security and construction.
- Plan parking in advance: Reserve a parking spot online or consider rideshare options and claim $5 off each ride at renoairport.com/parking.
- Use the Free Waiting Lot: Help the airport alleviate curbside congestion by using the designated lot when picking up passengers.
- Respect restrictions: No oversized vehicles are permitted on airport property; some Loop Road clearances are as low as 13 feet.
- Enjoy art: Check out the Burning Man exhibition Tiny Titans: The Power of the Maquette on display in the depARTures Gallery through Nov. 2.
- Help keep RNO and our community clean: Returning Burners will find receptacles for unwanted items at the south end drop-off location, bike donation opportunities, luggage dust bags at their airline check-in counter and foot coverings, all available to keep the airport welcoming for everyone.
For full details on Burning Man travel through RNO, visit renoairport.com/burningman.
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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates two of the most important economic drivers for our region–the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not state or local taxes. Eleven airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.
