Big Bend National Park Fees
Here’s the latest info on Big Bend National Park ticket prices as of mid‑2025, based on official National Park Service data and recent reporting.
Big Bend National Park ticket prices 2025
Entrance Fees — Valid for 7 Days
- Private passenger vehicle (up to 15 occupants): $30 per vehicle — includes driver and all passengers
- Motorcycle: $25 per motorcycle
- Pedestrian or bicycle (age 16 and older): $15 per person
- Children 15 and under: Free admission
Fees are charged in U.S. dollars and valid for seven consecutive days. Most visitor payment points at the park are cash‑only, accepting credit/debit cards only—no cash accepted onsite
🏷️ Annual & Interagency Passes
- Big Bend Annual Pass: $55 — unlimited entry to Big Bend for one year from the date of purchase
- America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass: $80 — covers entrance fees for Big Bend and all federal recreation sites for the year. Discounted or free versions available (e.g. Senior, Military, Access)
These passes exempt you from purchasing daily tickets at Big Bend and other participating national parks.
🚍 Commercial & Group Fees
- Non‑commercial group (16+ people):
- $30 per vehicle (≤ 15 passenger seats)
- Or $15 per person in vehicles carrying more than 15 passengers
- Fees capped at commercial passenger rates; youth ≤15 still free
- Commercial sedan (1–6 seats): $25 + $15 per passenger; requires commercial-use authorization
- Commercial mini-bus (16–25 seats): $100 per vehicle for 7 days; CUA required
- Commercial coach (26+ seats): Flat $200 per vehicle for 7 days; no CUA required
📌 Summary Table
| Visitor Type | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle (≤ 15 passengers) | $30 per vehicle | 7 days |
| Motorcycle | $25 per motorcycle | 7 days |
| Pedestrian or cyclist (age 16+) | $15 per person | 7 days |
| Children (age 15 and under) | Free | 7 days |
| Big Bend Annual Pass | $55 per year | 1 year |
| America the Beautiful Pass | $80 (or discounted free) | 1 year across federal lands |
| Non‑commercial group (>15 people) | $30/vehicle or $15/person | 7 days |
| Commercial sedan (1–6 seats) | $25 + $15/person (CUA req.) | 7 days |
| Commercial mini‑bus (16–25 seats) | $100 per vehicle (CUA req.) | 7 days |
| Commercial coach (26+ seats) | $200 per vehicle | 7 days |
Cashless Policy
Big Bend National Park is cashless—entrance and amenity fees must be paid with credit or debit card only. No cash is accepted at park gates or visitor centers
🆓 Fee-Free Days
Big Bend participates in national fee-free days (typically tied to federal holidays or public land celebrations). While entrance fees are waived on these days, standard amenity and camping fees still apply
✅ Final Recommendations
- Visiting for just a few days? A $30 vehicle pass is ideal.
- Staying longer or visiting multiple parks? Choose an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
- Expect long lines and staffing shortages—especially on peak days—so arrive early or plan for delays
