Master’s guide to traveling to bonnaroo
BELOW I’M PROVIDING ALL THE TIPS, TRICKS, AND TOOLS THAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY (AND STRESS FREE) PLAN YOUR TRAVEL TO BONNAROO!
DRIVING
This is one of the the most popular options for Bonnaroovians. Most people will drive in, either in their cars, RVs, uHauls, etc. There are tons of perks to camping on The Farm, primarily that there’s good vibes 24/4 and music that whole time to boot. However, there are certain things to know when it comes to camping at Bonnaroo.
CAR TRAVEL DO’S
- Designate a place about 30 minutes-1 hour away to stop, re-arrange your car and goods to ensure a quick and easy car check (coolers accessible, glass thrown out, etc.). This is also a good time to meet up with your group. See below
- Ensure that everyone that wants to camp together get in line TOGETHER and stays TOGETHER. If you come to an intersection or break in traffic, make sure that WHATEVER car is leading the group, tells the officer/person controlling flow that you have “X” number of cars to they don’t cut you off!
- Be prepared to wait it out. Unless you’re going to camp out at the entrances, you’ll likely have at least some wait. For 2020 our Bonnaroo-Gods have added a second entrance so ‘hopefully’ this year it won’t be so long!
- The campgrounds fill from front to back, so the earlier you arrive the closer to the entrance you will be. No more guessing and praying that you don’t get stuck in one of the far pods. (RIP though because it will happen eventually!)
- Once you make it to the turn styles (aka: the gates to the festival) be prepared for security checks. Worry not, we’ve planned for this! Be PLUR, you’re being checked by one of your fellow festival-goers!
- Make sure you pack snacks and accessible toilet paper for the wait in the car. Depending on how long you’re in the car… you’ll thank me.
CAR TRAVEL DOn’tS
- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, DO NOT CUT PEOPLE OFF IN LINE! When you see the line, please drive to the back. We’re all waiting in line- don’t cut others off, pretty please.
- Avoid taking back roads unless being directed there by Bonnaroo security. There are a lot of random roads that lead to… well… no where.
- Do not expect to be able to ‘save’ camping spaces once you’re inside the grounds- the Bonna-crews are on their shit when it comes to filling the grounds. This ain’t their first rodeo and they’ll close any gaps that arise.
- Don’t freak out about security at the gates. Every year bomb dogs, and drug dogs, are on-site walking through the lines. They do randomly pull people for full car checks, however, these are very few and far between! More about all of this here.
GETTING YOUR GROOP TOGETHER
Outside of just organizing yourself, most people tend to run in groups. This means that you have several cars that are trying to coordinate together. The good news? It’s easier than you think! With some key tools/applicatons, as well as a little fore-thought planning to organize your group will be easier than EVER!
ORGANIZING YOUR GROUP
- When it comes to getting everyone ‘together’ I recommend utilizing GroupMe. Outside of several other great reasons, this application allows you to add as many people as needed and create moderators/admins. You can add, like, 150+ people to one Group. You can even get a share-able link!
- If you’re camping in GA, you’ll need to meet up with your group before getting in line! No saving spots- yanno!
- For those of your taking multiple cars, designate one person that will be responsible for communicating updates on TOA to the group/any set-backs/delays, etc. All these people should be in an independent group chat to prevent miscommunciations/etc.
- For those of you Groop Camping you’re able to show up whenever which is great. but make sure you plan out HOW you want to organize the campsite (cars around the outside tents in the middle, cars on one end tents on the other, etc.) so you have a plan as people arrived staggered
- Groop camping, unlike GA, has assigned spots for each Groop so make sure you know which number you are so you can tell the Roo Ground Teams for assistance.
SHUTTLES
This is a GREAT option when it comes to traveling between Nashville and the Farm. These are perfect for either getting a ride to and from the Airport (BNA), or commuting from Nashville every day of the festival. When it comes to travel to Bonnaroo, the creators of the festival have pulled out every stop they can to make it easy and dependable to get to and from the festival. You’ll see when you get there that they have this system down to a science. Continue learning about Bonnaroo below!
(click for more information)
These will pick you up and drop you off from the Nashville Airport (BNA)
Essentially these will bring you to the farm and back from Nashville every day of the festival (GA & VIP options available). More in-depth about this option here.
Every year Bonnaroo offers buses from different cities throughout the Southeast and Midwest! Not only do they have buses, but they also set up a carpooling service! So dope, I know. We’re still waiting to hear about how it’s going to be for 2019 so subscribe so you’ll know when they give us those deets!
(airport shuttle schedule from previous years)
Flying
Bonnaroo hails festival-goers from all over the county and sometimes even the world! Although the most popular way to get to the farm is driving, flying is a close second. To get to The Farm from the airport (BNA) attendees will either need to rent a car (I personally opt for Enterprise because they’re usually running a deal), or opt for the airport shuttle! The Roo shuttles are reliable and easy to find. They’ll pick you AND drop you off at the airport before an after the event is over.
(click for more information)
These will pick you up and drop you off from the Nashville Airport (BNA). However, please note, THEY DO NOT RUN ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY. Additionally, you shouldn’t book your return flight for before 9:00am if planning on utilizing the shuttle- they don’t leave until 6:00am.
DO’s:
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane with you versus packing them (including shoes)
- Opt for two suit-cases: 1 for your clothes/accessories, 1 for camping gear (tent, canopy, etc.)
- If you’re able, mail heavy items ahead of time to a local friend
- Try and fly with an airline that gives you at least 1 free checked bag (like Southwest)
DON’ts:
- Over pack- really. Plan smart and utilize every inch you can
- Avoid purchasing suitcases at check-in, they’re always more expensive
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!!
Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Cheers!
So happy you think so! More, updated content coming soon for the 2021 season! xxx
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