Entrance Fee
All visitors who enter Carlsbad Cavern are required to purchase an entrance ticket, which is good for three days. If you are entering with a pass, please visit the ticket counter for your free admission ticket.
Adults (16 and older): $12 per person
Children (15 and under): Free
America The Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes
The America The Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States.
Passes cover:
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entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges
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standard amenity fees (day-use fees) at national forests and grasslands and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers
In general, one pass covers the fees listed above for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or up to four adults at sites that charge per person. Children age 15 or under are admitted free. Some passes provide additional benefits, such as a 50% discount on camping at some sites for holders of Senior or Access Passes. Always check with individual sites for details.
Available passes include:
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Annual Pass
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Annual Pass for U.S. Military
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4th Grade Pass
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Senior Pass: The price of the lifetime Senior Pass increased to $80. A $20 annual Senior Pass is also available. See more information about changes to the Senior Pass.
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Access Pass
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Volunteer Pass
More information about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series, including available passes, costs, benefits, and how and where they may be obtained, is available. Learn More About National Parks and Federal Lands Passes
Fee Free Days 2018
Entrance fees for all self-guided tours of Carlsbad Caverns are free on the following dates (ranger-guided tours require an additional fee):
- January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 21: First Day of National Park Week
- September 22: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Ranger-Guided Tours
Reservations are highly recommended for all ranger-guided tours, to make reservations you may call 877-444-6777. or go to Recreation.gov.
Children under the age of 4 are not permitted on any ranger-guided tours. Other age limits apply depending on the tour.
King's Palace: $8 for adults, $4 for children, under 4 not permitted. Must also purchase entrance ticket. $4 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Left Hand Tunnel: $7 for adults, $3.50 for children, under 6 not permitted. Must also purchase entrance ticket. $3.50 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Slaughter Canyon Cave: $15 for adults, $7.50 for children, under 8 not permitted. $7.50 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Lower Cave: $20 for adults, $10 for children, under 12 not permitted. Must also purchase entrance ticket. $10 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Hall of the White Giant: $20 for adults, $10 for children, under 12 not permitted. Must also purchase entrance ticket. $10 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Spider Cave: $20 for adults, $10 for children, under 12 not permitted. $10 for Senior and Access Pass holders.