Transportation & Traffic

Exodus

As important as figuring how you are getting to Burning Man is how you are planning to leave, and when. Exodus gets more interesting every year as the population of Black Rock City grows, and we expect this to be the busiest year yet. It’s important that you know what to expect and plan accordingly. To state it simply, the highway that leads away from BRC is at maximum carrying capacity for most of the time that Exodus is running. Due to many factors, we simply cannot get vehicles off of the playa any *faster* than we already are.

Plan on a 4-8 hour wait, on average, in line from BRC to the paved highway, Hwy 34. Plan for another 3 hours or more from the start of the highway to Reno during these peak times. Either of these times could increase to as high as 6 hours or more if there are accidents or other traffic issues, including too many people trying to leave BRC all at once.

Above all, keep that playa vibe with you! No sense getting road rage, cutting in front of your fellow community members, or trying to dangerously pass cars on the highway to save a few minutes. Be extra courteous of local traffic. Take your time, have fun, and remember, Leave no Trace and the community spirit do not stop once you leave Black Rock City.

When Is Best To Leave BRC?

Any night from 2:00 a.m. to dawn, Monday night after dark, or even, Saturday before the Man burns traditionally have less congestion and are the best times to leave. However this does not mean that there will not be any line. You should plan on the same wait times mentioned above.

Exodus Questions

For a full list of frequently asked questions about Exodus, go here: gate.burningman.com/faq-gate

Help Out With Exodus

We’re recruiting dozens of volunteers to help direct traffic on Sunday and Monday and to bid a friendly goodbye to everyone. Come to Playa Info in Center Camp during the event for information on how to help. Off the playa, you can reach us at exodusburningmancom.

Pulsing: Exodus Peak Times

We will be implementing Pulsing again on Sunday and Monday, generally from 10a.m. until 2:00a.m. (or until there is not a need). Pulsing is a system of moving vehicles at regular intervals toward the highway on Gate Road to avoid the long slow creep forward that challenges the sanity of even the most patient among us. With Pulsing, vehicles stop and turn off their engines. Then, every hour, vehicles are “pulsed” a mile forward all at once.

Pulsing does NOT get you out of the city more quickly, it just lets you take a break from driving, while being more environmentally friendly. During Pulsing operations, expect to be stopped along Gate Road for long periods of time. Listen to BMIR 94.5FM for Exodus and Pulsing info.

Want more info on how Pulsing works? Check it out here: gate.burningman.com/Pulsing_Diagram.jpg