How to Get to Austin. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport Access & Services

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the main airport, situated conveniently near downtown.

Airport Information

Major Airports Serving Austin: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the main airport. It lies approximately 5 miles (8 km) to the southeast of downtown Austin, offering easy access to downtown.
Airlines and Typical Routes: Major U.S. Carriers like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines serve AUS. Budget airlines and international carriers also operate here. Direct flights connect Austin to major U.S. Cities.
Direct Flight Options from Global Hubs: Direct flights are available from London (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Cancún (CUN), Mexico City (MEX), Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR).

Booking & Airport Features

Travel Planning & Amenities

Seasonal Flight Availability and Price Fluctuations: Flight prices are higher during major festival seasons, like SXSW in March and ACL in October, and during peak summer travel. You will generally find lower prices in late summer (August) and winter (January-February), excluding vacation times.
Airport Facilities and Services: AUS provides a range of services: car rental agencies, ride-share pick-up zones, taxi stands, dining options, retail stores, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. The airport also showcases local art exhibits and hosts live music stages.
Transfer Options from Austin Airport to City: Public bus service (Capital Metro Route 20), ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft), taxis, shuttles, and hire cars are available.

Capital Metro Bus

Capital Metro Route 20 (Manor Road/Riverside) provides an affordable transfer. This public bus service connects AUS directly to the city center Austin. A single ride costs $1.25, a good value for money.

Ride-sharing & Taxis

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft appear available. Look for designated pick-up zones. Taxis wait at the taxi stand outside baggage claim. Confirm rates.

Car Rentals

Car rental companies operate from the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CRCF), reachable via a short shuttle ride from the terminal. Book in advance for best selection plus fares.

Air Travel Considerations

Pre-Flight Preparations

Booking: Advance booking yields optimal rates, notably during high-demand periods.
Seasonal Pricing: Prices fluctuate with festivals and holidays. Utilize Dollar Flight Club for deals or compare flights on Skyscanner.
Arrival Time: Allow 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights, 2.5-3 hours for international departures.
Security: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lines are available for eligible travelers, frequently accelerating the security process.

Airport Amenities & Rules

Facilities: AUS has a range of services: dining options, retail stores, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
Entertainment: Live music presentations are available before your flight.
Baggage: Consult your airline's specific baggage allowances and limitations before packing.
Exit Fees: Specific exit fees or taxes are absent when setting off from AUS for general passengers.

Arrival Transfer Insights

Capital Metro Bus Route 20

An affordable option connecting AUS directly to the city center Austin for $1.25 per ride.

Ride-sharing Uber/Lyft & Taxis

Designated pick-up zones await. Taxis are available at baggage claim, typically costing $30-$40 to downtown.

Shuttles & Car Rentals

Pre-bookable shared or private shuttles. Car rental facilities are reachable via a short airport shuttle.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

For intercity travel, Austin offers rail and bus options, connecting to various U.S. Cities.

Intercity Travel Modes

Train Connections and Services: Amtrak serves Austin via its Texas Eagle route, connecting Chicago to San Antonio. Service is not daily; check schedules carefully. The Austin Amtrak station sits conveniently downtown.
Long-Distance Bus Options: Greyhound offers intercity bus service to and from Austin, with nationwide connections. The Austin terminal sits east of downtown. Megabus has intercity bus services for select routes, often offering competitive pricing. This has a budget-friendly option for travel to nearby major cities.
Cost-Effectiveness: Both train and bus travel often cost less than flights for shorter distances, providing scenic routes.

Self-Driving & Road Network

Driving Information

Self-Driving Requirements: A valid driver's license (U.S. or international with an IDP), a major credit card in the renter's name, and a minimum age of 21 are required for car rentals from providers like DiscoverCars.com. Fees often apply for renters under 25.
Road Conditions: Highways and roads generally feature good maintenance. Traffic becomes heavy during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) and on weekends, specifically on I-35.
Safety Concerns: Remain aware of aggressive drivers, active construction zones, and the potential for sudden floods during heavy rain.

Sea/River Arrivals

Austin is an inland city, so sea or river journeys does not serve as a main mode at the time of arrival for tourists.

Water Travel Realities

Ferry Services and A boat trip Ports: Not applicable for Austin. The city lacks ferry services or cruise ports.
River Transportation Options: Lady Bird Lake, a section of the Colorado River, is mainly used for recreational activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours. It doesn't operate as an arrival or departure route into the city.
Immigration Procedures at Seaports: Not applicable, as Austin lacks seaports.

Departure Information

Prepare for a smooth departure from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Exit Procedures

Exit Fees or Taxes: Specific exit fees or taxes are absent when departing from AUS for general passengers. Airline tickets typically include all applicable taxes.
Departure Procedures and Timing: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before your scheduled departure for domestic flights. Arrive 2.5-3 hours before for international flights. This provides time for check-in and security.
Airport and Station Facilities for Departing Travelers: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) offers dining, retail, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. You can enjoy live music performances before your flight.

Important Driving Information

Interstate 35 (I-35) functions as a major north-south corridor through Austin. It frequently experiences congestion and is often under construction. Plan for delays if you need to use this route.
Driving Laws: Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal.
Safety: Remain aware of aggressive drivers, active construction zones, and the potential for sudden floods during heavy rain.

Toll Roads: Several toll roads exist in the Austin area, including SH 130, SH 45, and Loop 1. Electronic tolling is prevalent; rental cars generally come equipped with toll transponders, incurring associated fees.
Parking: Paid street parking exists; use the Park ATX app for ease. Parking garages and lots are abundant downtown. Rates vary, with cheaper options found further from the city core. Many hotels offer parking, often for a charge.
Always prioritize road safety and stay informed about current traffic conditions.

Airport & Station Facilities

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport AUS

AUS provides a comprehensive array of services for departing travelers.

AUS Amenities

Dining options and retail stores for last-minute needs or meals.
Lounges provide comfort and quiet spaces before flights.
Free Wi-Fi and ample charging stations.

Amtrak & Greyhound Stations

For those departing by rail or bus, essential facilities are available.

Station Facilities

Amtrak Station: Provides a comfortable waiting room for passengers.
Greyhound Station: Features a waiting room and minimal amenities for travelers.
Assistance: Staff are available to assist with boarding and baggage.

Dining Options

Enjoy local and international cuisine before your departure, with options ranging from speedy bites to sit-down meals.

Retail Stores

Browse shops for souvenirs, travel necessities, or last-minute gifts.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi and ample charging stations allow you to stay connected and powered up.

Airport Security & Baggage

Security Checkpoints

Expedite your security process with these options.

Faster Security Access

TSA PreCheck: For eligible travelers, this program often allows for expedited screening, with no need to remove shoes, liquids, or laptops.
CLEAR: A biometric identity program that uses fingerprints or iris scans to verify identity at security checkpoints, further speeding up the process.
Standard Lanes: Plan for longer wait times during peak travel hours if you do not have PreCheck or CLEAR.

Baggage Allowances

Understand airline rules for checked and carry-on luggage.

Airline Baggage Rules

Carry-on Bags: Most airlines permit one carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., backpack, purse). Check dimensions carefully.
Checked Baggage: Weight and size restrictions apply, varying by airline and ticket class. Overweight or oversized bags incur additional fees.
Liquids Rule: The TSA 3-1-1 rule applies to carry-on liquids: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in a 1-quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.

Pre-Flight Enjoyment

Live Music Stages

Experience Austin's "Live Music Capital of the World" reputation right at the airport.

Local Art Exhibits

Discover various art installations throughout the terminal, demonstrating local talent.

Dining and Shopping

Last-minute souvenir shopping or enjoying a meal at diverse eateries.

Departure Tip

Advance booking yields optimal rates, particularly during high-demand periods. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club and for comparisons, use Skyscanner.

How to Get to Austin