Death Valley National Park Entrance Fee and Pass Options (2026)
Death Valley National Park charges $30 per vehicle for 7 days; here are the 2026 fees, passes and break-even points.
As of September 30, 2026
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $30 | Valid 7 days, covers all occupants |
| Motorcycle | $25 | Valid 7 days |
| Per person (foot or bike, 16+) | $15 | Under 16 enter free |
| Park annual pass | $55 | U.S. citizens and residents only |
| Nonresident surcharge | None listed for this park | Waived with an annual or interagency pass |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | $80 resident / $250 nonresident | Nonresident card covers a vehicle or passholder plus 3 adults |
| Visits | Single passes | Park pass | Interagency pass | Cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30 | $55 | $80 | Single pass |
| 2 | $60 | $55 | $80 | Park pass |
| 3 | $90 | $55 | $80 | Park pass |
| 4 | $120 | $55 | $80 | Park pass |
Sources
Where these numbers come from
Death Valley charges $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per person on foot or bicycle, each valid for seven days. The park is large, and getting between the main sights takes real driving time, so a seven-day pass is usually more than enough for a single trip. There is no nonresident surcharge here.
The park's $55 annual pass is for U.S. citizens and residents. Nonresidents who want year-round access need the $250 interagency pass, which only makes sense if they will visit several fee sites in 12 months. There is no reservation step for entry, and you can buy a pass online first. The park does not take cash, so a card is required.
Reservations and payment: No reservation is required to enter; passes can be bought online in advance, and the park takes cards or digital payment only.
Break-even arithmetic for U.S. residents: at $30 per vehicle, the interagency annual pass at $80 beats single passes once you make 3 entries across federal fee sites, since 3 x $30 = $90. The $55 park pass beats single passes from visit 2: 2 x $30 = $60. Use the pass break-even calculator to plug in your own mix of parks, or the entrance fee finder to compare other parks.
Nonresidents pay the listed gate price with no added surcharge at this park, so a visiting family in one car pays $30. The $250 interagency pass is only worth it if the trip includes many fee sites, because it takes 9 vehicle entries at $30 to equal its price. Keep in mind that other parks on the same trip, such as those on the 11-park surcharge list, can cost much more per person.
Fee-free days in 2026 are Feb 16, May 25, Jun 14, Jul 3-5, Aug 25, Sep 17, Oct 27 and Nov 11, but from 2026 they apply only to U.S. citizens and residents. As of 2026-09-30, the remaining dates this year are Oct 27 and Nov 11. Timed entry and reservation fees can still apply on those days. For nearby options on the same road trip, compare this neighboring park page and this second park page.
Sources
Figures checked on September 30, 2026.
This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does Death Valley charge the $100 nonresident fee?
No. It is not one of the eleven parks with the surcharge. Nonresidents pay the standard $30 per vehicle.
Can I pay cash at Death Valley?
No. The park accepts debit and credit cards or digital payment only.
Is the Death Valley annual pass open to nonresidents?
The $55 park pass is for U.S. citizens and residents. Nonresidents can use the $250 interagency annual pass.
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