One of the biggest draws of drive-in theaters is the price. You get two movies for one ticket, you bring your own snacks (at most places), and kids are often free. Here’s what to expect when it comes to drive-in movie prices in 2026.
Typical Adult Admission
Most drive-in theaters charge $8 to $12 per person for adults. The most common price point is $10. This gets you a double feature — two full-length movies shown back to back, with a short intermission in between.
For comparison, a single movie at an indoor theater typically runs $12 to $18 depending on location and format (standard, IMAX, etc.). At a drive-in, you’re paying less and getting twice the content.
Kids’ Pricing
Drive-ins are one of the most affordable family entertainment options around. Most theaters offer one of these deals for children:
- Free for kids under 5 or under 6 — the most common policy
- Free for kids under 12 — some theaters are even more generous
- Discounted tickets ($1 to $6) for older kids
For example, the Starlight 6 Drive-In in Atlanta charges just $1 for kids ages 5-9. The 88 Drive-In near Denver lets kids under 12 in free. Many theaters across the country follow similar policies.
Carload Pricing
Some drive-ins skip per-person pricing entirely and charge a flat rate per vehicle, typically $20 to $30 per car regardless of how many people are inside. This is an incredible deal for families and groups.
A few examples:
- Pride’s Corner Drive-In (Westbrook, ME) — $20 per carload
- South Drive-In (Dodge City, KS) — $20 per carload
- Belmont Drive-In (Belmont, NC) — $25 per carload
- Sand Mountain Twin (Boaz, AL) — $15 per carload
Even at the higher end, packing four or five people into a car at $25 total works out to $5-$6 per person for two movies. That’s hard to beat.
Cash vs. Cards
One thing to watch for: many drive-ins are still cash-only at the box office. Even theaters that accept cards at the concession stand may require cash for admission. A growing number now offer online ticket purchases, but bring cash just in case, especially if it’s your first visit.
Concession Prices
Drive-in concession prices are generally on par with indoor theaters — expect $5-$8 for popcorn, $3-$5 for drinks, and $4-$8 for burgers or hot dogs. Some drive-ins have surprisingly good food, including full kitchens with burgers, fries, pizza, and even beer.
Why you should buy from the concession stand: Drive-ins pay up to 90% of ticket revenue to the film studios. The concession stand is where they actually make their money. Supporting it helps keep the drive-in open.
Outside Food Policies
Policies vary by theater:
- Some allow outside food freely — bring your own cooler, no questions asked
- Some charge a food permit fee ($5-$10) to bring in outside food
- Some prohibit outside food entirely
Check the theater’s website before you go. Even if outside food is allowed, consider buying at least a snack or drink from the concession stand.
How Drive-In Prices Compare to Indoor Theaters
| Drive-In | Indoor Theater | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult ticket | $8-$12 | $12-$18 |
| Movies included | 2 (double feature) | 1 |
| Cost per movie | $4-$6 | $12-$18 |
| Kids | Often free | $8-$12 |
| Family of 4 | $16-$40 | $40-$72 |
| Carload option | $20-$30 total | N/A |
For a family of four with two kids under 12, a drive-in night might cost $20-$24 total for two movies. The same family seeing one movie at an indoor theater would pay $40-$60 or more.
Find a Drive-In Near You
Ready to go? Browse our complete directory of drive-in theaters or search by state. Most drive-ins are open from April through September, with movies starting at dusk.
