Guide 114 min readReviewed 2026-10-02
Getting there and home
Plan the way home before the way in. Shuttles, rideshare, parking, flights and hotels, plus what NHTSA says about driving drowsy after a long night.
General information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your health, talk to a clinician. In an emergency, call 911.
On this page
The short version
The way home is the hard part, and the way you plan it matters more than the way in. When the last set ends, the whole crowd leaves at once. Rideshare prices can spike, lots clog and nobody is at their best.
Decide how you leave before you decide how you arrive. Then book the thing that makes that easy, which is often a hotel within walking distance or a shuttle.
Your options
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Official shuttle | No parking hassle. Predictable. | Sells out, runs on a schedule, and the last bus may leave before the last set ends. |
| Rideshare | Flexible and door to door. | Surge pricing at the end of the night, and a pickup zone that may be a long walk away. |
| Drive and park | Cheapest for a group. Your own gear. | Lots can be far, fill early, and the exit queue can take a long time. |
| Walk from a hotel | No wait at all. A bed close by. | Hotels near the venue book early and cost more. |
| Transit | Cheap and predictable where it exists. | Service may end before you do. Check the last train. |
Shuttles. 19 festivals with a recorded note
- Get FreakyOfficial One N Only shuttles from Axis Parking Garage downtown (176 Pierpont Ave) and Microtel Inn & Suites airport (61 N Tommy Thompson Rd); departures 6:15-9:15 PM downtown and 6:30-9:30 PM airport; returns 1:30 and 2:30 AM Fri-Sat, 12:30 and 1:30 AM Sunday. Single-day $35-$49, 3-day $99-$129 plus taxes and fees.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- 4
- Escape HalloweenOfficial hotel shuttles from near Ontario airport and city shuttles from Downtown LA/USC, Orange County, San Fernando Valley and Riverside; passes sold through Front Gate.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 10
- EDC OrlandoOfficial 1-day and 3-day shuttle passes from Universal and International Drive area hotels; 3-day Tier 1 was $123.59 and 1-day Tier 1 $52.88 at check.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 7
- Seismic Dance EventComplimentary shuttle between the off-site overflow lot at 812 Outdoor Market and the festival; 2025 hours ran Fri 3:30 PM-6 AM, Sat 2:30 PM-6 AM, Sun 1:30 PM-4 AM. 2026 hours TBA.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 8
- Dreamstate SoCalFree shuttles to and from the grounds pick up at the Long Beach Convention Center and run continuously 3 PM-7 AM. No parking at the festival grounds.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 7
- Decadence ArizonaA round-trip shuttle from Tempe (Sunbar) has been sold as an extra. The price was not readable on 2026-10-03.The Tixr page that previously supplied a $90 figure returned a DataDome block on re-check, so the price is not stored.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 6
- Countdown NYEThe travel and parking pages name an official shuttle program and Metrolink as alternatives to driving; no 2026 routes or prices were published at check time.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- 10
- Proper NYENo official festival shuttle; the FAQ recommends rideshare and nearby paid lots.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- Beyond Wonderland SoCalOffsite wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available with advance request; official shuttles do not serve the afterparty.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 5
- 6
- CoachellaThe official Coachella Shuttle and an LAX shuttle run through Valley Music Travel; shuttle passes are sold separately from festival passes.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- 4
- EDC Las VegasOfficial 3-day shuttle passes from World Market Center, The Rio, The Strat, and Mid-Strip; continuous departures 6:30-11 PM and returns from 2 AM, with no service between 11 PM and 2 AM.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 15
- Lightning in a BottleThe Lightning Bus sells one-way and round-trip tickets from major cities; 2026 booking info was at bus.com.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- Apocalypse: ZombielandFree shuttles between Rainbow Lagoon Park (next to the Convention Center parking lot on Shoreline Dr) and the venue; premier shuttles are also mentioned.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 8
- Bass CanyonOfficial shuttles from Seattle via Bus.com, with a Portland route added for 2025; ride-sharing with other attendees is encouraged.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- 19
- Elements Music & Arts FestivalA box office shuttle runs between the offsite box office and the festival. Bus options run from New York and Newark Airport, with a Philadelphia waitlist.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- Electric ForestFree Walmart shuttle (Thu-Sun, hourly 10 AM-4 PM), WESCO shuttle at 2 PM and 3 PM, overnight hotel shuttles, 24-hour Lucky Lake shuttle, and Higher Love and Waterpark shuttles.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 12
- HARD SummerFree Metro shuttle between the LAX/Metro Transit Center station (C and K lines) and the festival; return buses ran about 90 minutes after close in 2026.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- 27
- Lost LandsDino Express passes: unlimited 3, 4 or 5-day round trips from downtown Columbus (100 E Rich St). Fri-Sun departures every 60 min from 12pm to 5pm, last bus 8pm; returns every 30 min from 11pm to 4:30am. Estimated 40-60 min each way.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- Nocturnal WonderlandOfficial shuttles from Downtown LA/USC (McAlister Field), OC (Fullerton Park & Ride), Riverside Convention Center and Ontario (Best Western); 2026 passes were $55 plus fees single-day and $99 plus fees for two days, with the Ontario stop cheapest. Passes can sell out.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 14
Shuttle not confirmed for:
- Boo! Seattle
- Freaky Deaky
- Breakaway Music Festival
- Give Thanks Festival
- Time Warp Los Angeles
- Decadence Colorado
- HiJinx
- Lights All Night
- Ultra Music Festival
- Forbidden Kingdom
- Movement Music Festival
- Beyond Wonderland Chicago
- Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge
- Wasteland Southern California
- Skyline LA
- Day Trip Festival
- CRSSD Festival
- Wakaan Music Festival
- Niteharts
- III Points
- Day Trip Festival NorCal
- Dancefestopia
Rideshare. 23 festivals with a recorded note
- Get FreakyDedicated rideshare drop-off on site.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- Escape HalloweenPickup and drop-off behind Target and Big Lots, entered from S. E Street; official guidance warns of long waits and surge pricing.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- Freaky DeakyDedicated rideshare drop-off and pick-up; the official location page is the reference for directions.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- Seismic Dance EventStrongly encouraged, with a dedicated pickup and dropoff zone on Daniel Alexander Way in front of The Concourse Project.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 5
- Dreamstate SoCalRideshare drop-off and pick-up along E Shoreline Drive between S Chestnut and Pine Ave, then a free or premier shuttle to the event; no drop-offs or pick-ups outside the Queen Mary.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 7
- Decadence ArizonaRideshare lot at Entry E; parking areas open at 4 PM.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- Decadence ColoradoRideshare drop-off in front of the venue on 14th Street.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- Countdown NYERideshare drop-off and pickup at 499 W Orange Show Rd; expect long waits and surge pricing after the show.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- Proper NYERecommended over driving; dedicated pickup is not detailed, and nearby paid lots can be booked in advance.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- Ultra Music FestivalRideshare and taxis are plentiful, but walk away from the park before ordering to avoid post-show traffic.
Reported
ReportedReported by another publication or reference. It is not an organiser confirmation.
- 17
- CoachellaRideshare pick-up and drop-off is in Lot 1D at Avenue 49 and Monroe Street, open 11 AM-3 AM; the longest waits are between 12 AM and 2:30 AM.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- Forbidden KingdomDesignated pick-up and drop-off just outside the venue entrance off BMX Way.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 8
- EDC Las VegasDedicated rideshare and taxi drop-off; the festival warns of longer wait times and dynamic pricing given the Speedway's distance from the Strip.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 16
- Movement Music FestivalDrop-off and pick-up at Washington Blvd and Larned St, near Huntington Place.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- Apocalypse: ZombielandDrop off on E Shoreline Drive between S Chestnut and Pine Ave, then take the free shuttle; no drop-offs or pick-ups at the Queen Mary.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 8
- Wasteland Southern CaliforniaRideshare pickup and drop-off is at Big Lots; there is no onsite pickup or drop-off.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 6
- Elements Music & Arts FestivalGate 7 includes a rideshare and shuttle lane, with a pedestrian entrance for walk-in and bike-in guests.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- NitehartsFollow venue signs for parking or rideshare drop-off at 2101 Stadium Way.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 2
- III PointsLyft is the official rideshare partner; drop-off and pick-up zones sit at the venue edge.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 6
- DancefestopiaRideshare at the rural venue is unreliable after the late sets; attendees advise pre-arranging a ride or renting a car.
Community
CommunityA community account. Experiences can differ, and the organiser has not confirmed this claim.
- 13
- HARD SummerDesignated rideshare area south of the venue across the main street; post-show surge is steep, with riders reporting $100 trips to Hollywood in 2025.
Community
CommunityA community account. Experiences can differ, and the organiser has not confirmed this claim.
- 29
- Lost LandsDedicated rideshare lot for drop-offs by Uber, Lyft or taxi; after the security check you carry your gear to your campsite on foot.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- Nocturnal WonderlandAll drop-offs and pick-ups use the Purple Lot outside Gate 2 at Glen Helen Road and Glen Helen Parkway, open during event hours and up to an hour after; do not walk along Glen Helen Parkway outside the lot.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 13
Rideshare not confirmed for:
- Boo! Seattle
- EDC Orlando
- Breakaway Music Festival
- Give Thanks Festival
- Time Warp Los Angeles
- HiJinx
- Lights All Night
- Beyond Wonderland SoCal
- Lightning in a Bottle
- Beyond Wonderland Chicago
- Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge
- Bass Canyon
- Skyline LA
- Day Trip Festival
- CRSSD Festival
- Wakaan Music Festival
- Day Trip Festival NorCal
- Electric Forest
Parking. 33 festivals with a recorded note
- Get FreakyLimited on-site parking, $20 per car, cash only; carpooling encouraged; pre-paid parking available.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 2
- 5
- Boo! SeattlePrepay parking through the official travel page; the venue sits in Pioneer Square next to Lumen Field.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 5
- Escape HalloweenFree general parking in lots around the venue; Premier Parking at the Pink Lot; lots open 1:30-2:30 PM; street parking is a tow-away zone.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- Freaky DeakyOn-site parking $25 per day per vehicle, bought on arrival; cash, credit, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted, with a $3 credit-card convenience fee. Lots and box office open at 2:00 PM.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- EDC OrlandoGeneral parking is extremely limited; Premier Parking (Lot 1, opens 10 AM) was sold out; cars left past 2 AM are towed.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 8
- Seismic Dance EventOn-site parking is very limited and pre-purchase only; an overflow lot with shuttle runs at 812 Outdoor Market south along Highway 183.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 5
- 8
- Dreamstate SoCalNo parking on site. Third-party lots in Downtown Long Beach, first-come and not pre-sold; rates and local laws apply.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 7
- Decadence ArizonaFree parking at Entry G; premium parking at Entry F ($75 extra); no overnight parking and violators are towed.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- 9
- Decadence ColoradoOfficial pages do not list festival parking; downtown garages are nearby, and a local guide reports $30-$50+ rates on NYE with slow exits.
Reported
ReportedReported by another publication or reference. It is not an organiser confirmation.
- 17
- HiJinxThere are numerous parking garages and lots throughout Center City; the FAQ points to philapark.org for maps and rates.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- Lights All NightParking lots open 5:00 PM. No tailgating, no overnight parking, and no camping or sleeping in vehicles.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 2
- 4
- Countdown NYEFree general parking in lots around the venue; premier parking in the Pink Lot listed as coming soon; no overnight parking and cars left after close are towed.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- Proper NYENo festival parking lot; the FAQ says several paid lots nearby can be booked ahead.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- Beyond Wonderland SoCalParking is onsite at the fairground; accessible spots are limited and first-come and do not require a parking pass.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 6
- Ultra Music FestivalSurface lots around downtown; city guides suggest parking at a Metrorail station Park and Ride and riding in.
Reported
ReportedReported by another publication or reference. It is not an organiser confirmation.
- 17
- CoachellaDay parking is first-come and not guaranteed, 11 AM-2 AM; cars left after 2 AM are towed; no tailgating, camping, or sleeping in cars; no RV, trailer, or golf cart parking.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- Forbidden KingdomPaid parking, advised in advance; the official page says fairgrounds parking will sell out and show-day parking is not guaranteed. Carpooling is strongly recommended.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 8
- EDC Las VegasGeneral parking is free; Premier Parking passes use the Yellow Lot via I-15 Exit 58. Lots open 3 PM Friday and 5 PM Saturday and Sunday, and vehicles must leave each day.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 16
- Lightning in a BottleEvery car needs a vehicle pass: a Parking Pass for the lot or a Car Camping Pass for the campground. One Car Camping Pass per vehicle.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 2
- Movement Music FestivalHuntington Place parking is within walking distance; ParkDetroit and SpotHero apps list downtown options.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 9
- Beyond Wonderland ChicagoPremier parking from $99 for three days; single-day premier parking to be announced.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 7
- Apocalypse: ZombielandNo parking at the Queen Mary; use downtown lots (The Pike, Civic Center, City Place A and B, Marina Green) and shuttle or walk the Queensway Bridge.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 8
- Bass CanyonDay parking is free but must be cleared right after the Amphitheatre closes each night or the vehicle is towed; every overnight vehicle needs a camping pass.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 2
- Wasteland Southern CaliforniaPremier Parking from $45 per day and Premier Parking Plus $75 per day, prepaid; ADA parking by the Pink Lots is first come, first served.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 6
- 8
- Elements Music & Arts FestivalCar camping, RV and commuter passes are sold as vehicle decals. Single-day guests buy a single-day parking pass. The commuter lot opens Thursday at 1 PM.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 4
- Wakaan Music FestivalVehicles and their contents are searched at entry. Bikes, scooters, ATVs and golf carts are not allowed on the grounds.Parking layout was not stated.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- NitehartsParking is sold separately through Front Gate Tickets.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 1
- 8
- III PointsNo parking at the venue; lots around Mana Wynwood, used at your own discretion.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 6
- DancefestopiaEvery vehicle pays $60 cash on arrival, except a vehicle with a car-camping or RV-camping pass.FAQ on 2026-10-03. The tickets page still says admission does not include parking.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- 4
- Electric ForestOne car or RV camping pass per vehicle; cars without a parking or camping pass are not admitted, and the site is sold out for 2026.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 3
- HARD SummerOfficial lots adjacent to the venue; HARD announced free general parking and free lot shuttles at select lots for 2026, while the accessibility guide says all lots are paid.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 6
- 9
- Lost LandsSouth Lot Weekend Parking for vehicles without a camping pass. Tent-only campers need a campground-specific parking pass; no overnight parking without a camping pass.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 8
- Nocturnal WonderlandGeneral parking is free and opens at 12 PM; Premier Parking in the Pink Lot was $89 plus fees for two days or $49 plus fees per day. Lots must be cleared by 1 AM and no overnight parking is allowed.
Official
OfficialRecorded from the organiser or another primary authority. Check the linked page for changes.
- 13
Parking not confirmed for:
Taken from each festival file with its source. Routes, prices, zones and times change every year, so check the official travel page.
Do not drive home wrecked
Sources 1
NHTSA says drowsy-driving crashes occur most often between midnight and 6 a.m., and in the late afternoon, when the body clock dips. It says they often involve one driver running off the road at high speed with no braking, and often happen on rural roads and highways.
NHTSA also says alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment, to check medication labels for drowsiness, and to use public transportation if you take medicine that can make you drowsy. It says getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night is the only true protection. Start a long drive rested.
Our take. If your festival ends after midnight and you have a drive of an hour or more, book a hotel and drive in the morning. The room costs less than a bad night.
Parking and cars
Read the parking page before you go. Lots can be a long walk away, can require a pass, and can have no overnight parking. Take a photo of where you parked and the nearest sign.
The National Weather Service says it is never safe to leave a child, a disabled person or a pet locked in a car, even in winter. Do not leave anyone in a parked car at a festival lot. The CDC says to take breaks and stay in the shade, so treat the car like part of the plan. Do not leave medicine in a hot car either, since the CDC says some medicines need to be kept out of hot places.
- Park facing out if you can. It saves time at the end.
- Keep valuables out of sight, and lock the car.
- Fill the tank the day before.
- Keep a water bottle and a snack in the car for the wait at the exit.
- Agree who drives home before you start the night.
Flights and red-eyes
Do not book a flight home on the morning after the last night. Shows run late, you will be wrecked, and airports are not the place to deal with it. Book the afternoon of the next day, or the day after.
Each festival page lists nearby airports and the drive time we recorded. Drive times are estimates and event traffic makes them longer. Pick the airport that gives you a simple trip, not only the cheapest fare.
- Fly in the day before. A delay on the day of the festival costs you a set, a ticket day or the whole trip.
- Book a bed for the night after. Do not rely on sleeping in the terminal.
- Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. Check your bags against the festival's bag rules, since some require clear bags.
- Check the refund and change terms on the flight.
Hotels
Many festival files recommend booking early, since hotels near the venue fill. The closer, the pricier. A hotel with a shuttle stop or a walk to the gate can be worth it. If you cannot get one close, a hotel with a good way in is better than a cheap one with none.
Book the night before and the night after if you are traveling far. Read the cancellation terms. Add the cost to your budget.
The night before
- Decide how you leave
Name the ride, the shuttle time or the walk. Put it in the group chat.
- Save the details offline
The parking map, shuttle times, and your hotel address.
- Charge everything
Phone and battery pack.
- Pick a driver
And a backup. The driver stays sober and rested.
- Plan the morning
A late checkout, food, water. Nothing urgent.
Sources
Every page below was fetched and read on the date shown. Pages change, so check the date before you rely on a detail. If a page contradicts this guide, trust the page.
- NHTSADrowsy Driving ↗Checked 2026-10-02Peak risk midnight to 6 a.m. Coffee alone is not enough.
- National Weather ServiceHeat Safety Tips and Resources ↗Checked 2026-10-02Groups most vulnerable to heat. Never leave a child or pet in a car.
- CDCAbout Heat and Your Health ↗Checked 2026-10-02Page dated 2026-07-20. Stay cool, stay hydrated, symptoms, who is at higher risk.