Austin Bergstrom International Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the primary airport serving Austin, Texas, and the Central Texas region. Built on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, AUS has grown rapidly alongside Austin's tech boom and now serves over 20 million passengers annually. The airport reflects Austin's famous "Keep Austin Weird" culture, featuring live music performances throughout the terminals.

The airport has two terminals:

• Barbara Jordan Terminal: The main terminal handling the vast majority of flights. Named after the pioneering Texas congresswoman, this terminal houses all major carriers including Southwest Airlines (which has a significant presence), American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and international flights.
• South Terminal: A separate, smaller facility about 1 mile from the main terminal. Used by budget carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. Requires a separate shuttle connection.

Southwest Airlines operates a major focus city at AUS, offering extensive domestic service. International flights depart from gates 21-28 in the Barbara Jordan Terminal's east wing.

AUS is located approximately 8 miles southeast of downtown Austin. Travel times depend heavily on traffic:

• Downtown Austin: 15-30 minutes by car, 35-40 minutes by bus
• University of Texas area: 15-25 minutes by car
• The Domain (North Austin): 25-40 minutes by car
• Round Rock: 30-45 minutes by car
• San Antonio: 75-90 minutes by car

Austin's traffic can be significant during rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm). Highway 71 and Highway 183 provide airport access but can be congested.

Note: There is currently no rail connection to AUS. The proposed Project Connect Blue Line light rail is planned to eventually connect downtown Austin to the airport, but construction is still years away.

Uber and Lyft are readily available at AUS. Pickup is on the ground transportation level outside baggage claim.

How to get picked up:

1. Exit baggage claim to the ground transportation area
2. Follow signs to "Rideshare Pickup"
3. Request your ride in the app
4. Meet your driver at the designated rideshare zone

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown Austin: $20-35
• University of Texas: $18-30
• The Domain: $30-45
• Round Rock: $40-55
• San Antonio: $100-150

Fares are dynamic and increase during peak times, major events (SXSW, ACL Festival), and surge pricing.

Taxis: Available outside baggage claim. Metered fares are generally comparable to rideshare prices.

Tip: During major Austin events (SXSW in March, ACL Fest in October, UT football games), rideshare prices can surge significantly. Book in advance if possible or consider public transit.

Capital Metro Bus Route 20

The most affordable option to downtown Austin is Capital Metro Route 20 (Manor Road/Riverside).

Bus stop location: Ground transportation level, outside the main terminal

Fare: $1.25 single ride, $2.50 day pass. Pay with exact change, CapMetro app, or contactless payment.

Schedule:

• First bus from AUS: ~5:30 AM
• Last bus from AUS: ~11:30 PM
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes (weekdays), less frequent on weekends

To Downtown Austin:

1. Exit baggage claim to ground transportation
2. Find the Capital Metro bus stop (follow signs)
3. Board Route 20 toward downtown
4. Travel time: 35-45 minutes to downtown
5. Total cost: $1.25-2.50

Route 20 connects to other Capital Metro routes at the Downtown Station for access to other parts of Austin.

MetroRapid 985 (Future)

Capital Metro has announced plans for express bus service connecting AUS to downtown, but check the current schedule for availability.

AUS offers several parking options:

Parking Type	Daily Rate	Location	Transport to Terminal
Short-Term Garage	$28/day ($3/hour)	Adjacent to terminal	Walk directly
Long-Term Garage	$18/day	Across from terminal	Covered walkway (5 min)
Economy Lot (Blue)	$8/day	Remote lot	Shuttle every 8-10 min
Economy Lot (Red)	$8/day	Remote lot	Shuttle every 8-10 min
Valet	$35/day	Terminal curbside	Walk directly

Tips:

• Pre-book online at austintexas.gov/airport for discounts
• Economy lots fill during major events - book ahead
• The Long-Term Garage offers good value for trips of 3-7 days
• EV charging stations available in garages
• For trips over a week, consider off-site lots on Highway 71 for better rates

AUS embraces Austin's food culture with local favorites alongside standard airport fare. The airport's commitment to local vendors is notable.

Barbara Jordan Terminal:

Pre-Security:

• Amy's Ice Creams: Austin institution, Mexican vanilla is a must
• Tacodeli: Local taco chain, excellent breakfast tacos
• Limited options; clear security for better choices

Post-Security (Gates 1-14 area):

• Salt Lick BBQ: Legendary Texas barbecue, brisket and ribs
• HOPDODDY Burger Bar: Austin-born craft burgers
• Second Bar + Kitchen: Upscale American, craft cocktails
• Torchy's Tacos: Austin taco phenomenon, "trailer park" style
• Tyler's Tap Room: Craft beer bar

Post-Security (Gates 15-28 area):

• Tacodeli: Second location
• High Brew Coffee: Austin-based cold brew
• The Peached Tortilla: Asian-Southern fusion
• Parkside: Fine dining, seafood
• Deep Eddy Vodka Bar: Local spirits, cocktails

Live Music: Look for live music stages throughout the terminal. Performances typically run afternoons and evenings, featuring local Austin musicians. It's part of the "Live Music Capital of the World" experience.

Late-night dining: Options are limited after 9pm. Grab food early for late departures.

Free WiFi is available throughout AUS.

Network name: AUS Free WiFi

To connect:

1. Select AUS Free WiFi from your device
2. Accept terms (brief ad may play)
3. Browse freely

Quality: Adequate for email, browsing, and light streaming. Speeds of 10-25 Mbps are typical. For video calls or heavy use, lounges offer better connections.

Purchase SIM cards and mobile services at:

• InMotion Entertainment - Post-security, near central gates
• Hudson News - Multiple locations
• Vending machines - Various locations

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid plans starting around $30-50 for basic packages.

Tip: For better prices, order an eSIM before arrival or purchase a SIM at carrier stores on Congress Avenue or The Domain after landing.

ATMs are located throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal, both pre- and post-security.

Banks represented include:

• Frost Bank (Texas regional)
• Chase
• Bank of America

Out-of-network withdrawal fees typically run $3-5 per transaction. Frost Bank ATMs are fee-free for Frost customers.

Currency exchange: Travelex operates a location in the international arrivals area. As with most airports, exchange rates include significant markups. Using your bank's debit card or services like Wise typically offers better value.

Duty-free shopping is available for international departures in the east wing (gates 21-28).

Notable stores:

• BookPeople: Austin's famous independent bookstore (post-security)
• Austin City Limits merchandise: ACL and live music souvenirs
• Tyler's: Austin lifestyle apparel, cowboy boots
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials (multiple locations)
• InMotion: Electronics, headphones, chargers
• Local vendor shops: "Keep Austin Weird" merchandise, local artisan goods

Texas souvenirs: Look for shops selling local hot sauces, Texas-shaped items, cowboy hats, and Austin-themed gifts.

Priority Pass Lounges

The Club AUS

• Location: Barbara Jordan Terminal, near gate 19
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, or ~$50 day pass
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi, workstations, runway views

This is the only Priority Pass lounge at AUS. It can get busy during peak Southwest departure times.

Airline Lounges

American Airlines Admirals Club

• Location: Near gate 23
• Hours: Based on AA flight schedule (typically 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
• Access: Admirals Club membership, Citi AAdvantage Executive card, AAdvantage Executive Platinum/Platinum Pro, oneworld Emerald/Sapphire, or day pass ($79)
• Amenities: Snacks, drinks, WiFi, workstations

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, and Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders get Priority Pass access for The Club AUS
• No Centurion Lounge at AUS

At the Airport:

AUS does not have an on-site hotel within the terminal. The nearest hotels require a short drive or shuttle.

Near the Airport:

Hotels along Highway 71 and near the airport:

• Hilton Austin Airport (1 mile): Full-service hotel, free 24-hour shuttle
• DoubleTree by Hilton Austin-University Area (4 miles): Mid-range option
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin Southeast (2 miles): Budget-friendly with shuttle
• La Quinta by Wyndham Austin Airport (2 miles): Budget option with free shuttle
• Holiday Inn Express Austin Airport (2 miles): Reliable mid-range

Most airport-area hotels offer free shuttle service. Call ahead to confirm shuttle schedules, especially for early morning departures.

Downtown Austin hotels (15-25 min): For longer stays or layovers, downtown offers significantly better dining and entertainment options. Hotels along Congress Avenue and in the Rainey Street district put you in the heart of Austin's scene.

Austin is known for live music, great food, and an outdoor lifestyle. Here's what to explore:

From the Airport

• Downtown Austin: 15-30 min by car, 35-45 min by bus ($1.25)
• South Congress (SoCo): 12-20 min by car
• University of Texas: 15-25 min by car
• The Domain (North Austin): 25-40 min by car

Austin Highlights

• South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Eclectic shops, food trucks, vintage stores, and iconic Austin vibe. Walk the strip and grab a "I Love You So Much" mural photo.
• 6th Street: Live music venues, bars, and nightlife. Historic 6th (east of Congress) is more local; West 6th is upscale.
• Rainey Street: Bungalow bars, food trucks, and cocktail spots
• Barton Springs Pool: Natural spring-fed swimming hole in Zilker Park (68°F year-round)
• Lady Bird Lake: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and hike-and-bike trail
• Texas State Capitol: Free tours, historic building
• The Domain: High-end shopping and dining in North Austin

Live Music

Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World." On any given night, you'll find:

• Continental Club (SoCo): Classic Austin venue
• Antone's: Blues and rock institution
• Stubb's BBQ: Outdoor amphitheater and indoor stage
• ACL Live at The Moody Theater: Austin City Limits tapings
• Broken Spoke: Legendary honky-tonk, two-stepping

Food Scene

Austin's food culture is essential:

• Breakfast tacos: Tacodeli, Veracruz All Natural, Torchy's Tacos
• BBQ: Franklin Barbecue (expect a long line), la Barbecue, Terry Black's
• Tex-Mex: Matt's El Rancho, Guero's Taco Bar
• Food trucks: Explore East Austin's trailer parks

Day Trips

• Texas Hill Country wineries: 45-60 min west
• Fredericksburg: German heritage town, 75 min west
• San Antonio (River Walk, Alamo): 75-90 min south
• Hamilton Pool: Natural grotto swimming hole, 45 min west (reservations required)

Getting Around Austin

Austin is car-centric but improving:

• Rideshare: Uber/Lyft work well throughout the city
• Scooters: Lime and Bird scooters available downtown
• Capital Metro: Buses cover the metro area; $2.50 day pass
• Rent a car: Best for exploring Hill Country or day trips

Weather note: Austin summers are hot (June-September, 95-105°F). Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) are ideal visiting seasons.

Event warning: SXSW (March), ACL Festival (October), and UT football weekends dramatically impact hotel prices and availability. Book early during these periods.