Burning Man is an experience like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-timer (affectionately called a “Burgin”), the event requires significant preparation…including budgeting for ticket costs and additional expenses. While the event offers a unique communal and artistic experience, the initial cost of Burning Man tickets is just part of the financial commitment and is definitely something to keep in mind.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it can cost to attend Burning Man, beyond just the base ticket price.
TL;DR: Between $628 raw dogging (open-camping) up to $1,000 and beyond if staying with a larger established camp with food and showers. And that is before you get your butt to the playa.
Burning Man Ticket Costs Broken Down
At first glance, tickets to Burning Man start at $550. But there’s more to the story.
- Base Ticket Price (limited quantity): $550
- 9% Nevada Live Entertainment Tax: $49
- Service Fee: $4
- Processing Fee (4.068%): $24.55
- UPS 2nd Day Delivery Fee: $30
Total Cost for Burning Man Ticket: $628
ARE YOU FRELLING KIDDING ME?
That’s the standard fee for the $550 bucket. But, there are a very limited number of tickets for low-income and other financial hardship circumstances, such as hurricane and fire victims, known as the resilience program.
If you’re driving into Black Rock City, you’ll also need a vehicle pass. This will set you back an additional $150 (before taxes and fees).
YOU CAN ONLY GET YOUR TICKETS FROM TICKETS.BURNINGMAN.COM.
Anyone selling them off-site, including StubHub, Vivid or TicketMaster, etc are Scams. Period.
ALL LEGITIMATE RESALES GO THRU BURNINGMAN.ORG.
If you’re planning to snag one of these $550 tickets, act fast. With the new ticket fee structure, availability may be limited (At the time of writing this we are still not sure how the tiered pricing availability works). Read more about the Burning Man ticket structure.
Other Ticket options
Burning Man does offer some low-income tickets closer to the date of the event and are on a limited basis, A new program also helps those with natural disaster circumstances, such as hurricane and fire victims, known as the resilience program.
There are also higher-priced tickets intended for individuals who can financially support the event. However, for the purposes of this breakdown, we’re focusing on the $550 tier.
Theme Camp Expenses: Cost to Join the Twisted Swan Camp
For many Burners, joining a theme camp is core to the experience. While many enjoy and/or are equipped to handle open camping, theme camps provide an infrastructure for attendees to contribute, connect, and immerse themselves in a community vibe. But being part of a theme camp like The Twisted Swan/Temple of Bacchus comes with additional expenses.
If you opt to camp with Twisted Swan, you’ll need to budget $350 per person for dues, which covers bringing our gift to the playa:
- Infrastructure Transportation and Storage: Moving and maintaining everything needed for the camp.
- Kegs of Beer, Cider and Mead: In addition, we ask campers to bring 1 handle of good whisky, and 5 gallons of water
- Repairs and New Equipment: Replacing aging structures, hammocks, stands and seating, kegerators, and misting fans.
- Grey Water Removal: Handling water waste responsibly.
- Fuel Costs: Essential for keeping the camp’s comforts running, such as operating misting fans and chilling the kegerators.
While this fee handles the logistics for a seamless camp experience, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t include your personal camping gear, food, or drinks outside of provided camp services. We do participate in a meal sharing plan, where you cook once for 25 people, and then eat for the week, as part of our larger village.
So, yes. It is expensive.
Burning Man is a unique event that requires a financial commitment. While the base ticket price is $550, additional fees such as taxes, service charges, and fees costs bring the total to $628. Vehicle passes, necessary for driving into Black Rock City, cost an additional $150 before fees. Additionally, many attendees join theme camps like Twisted Swan, which enhance the experience but come with extra costs. Overall, attending comes with a financial commitment.
Note: The Costs of Burning Man tickets are based on information provided by the Org as of Feb 6, 2025. All fees are subject to change, because, reasons?
