Austin Airport Guide

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the main commercial airport for Austin and Central Texas. It now has one passenger terminal, the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The former South Terminal closed on March 31, 2026; Allegiant and Frontier moved to the Barbara Jordan Terminal on April 1.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal is a long east-west building with ticketing on the upper level and baggage claim below. After security, the concourse is continuous: the airport's four checkpoints lead to all gates, so you do not need to choose a checkpoint based on your gate. Check the live airport map because construction can change walking routes within the terminal.

AUS features live music and local concessions throughout the terminal, but its simplest practical feature is the single-terminal layout: every current commercial airline checks in and departs under the same roof.

Key fact: All commercial flights now use the Barbara Jordan Terminal, and all gates are connected on the secure side. A domestic-to-domestic connection normally stays airside; there is no longer a South Terminal transfer.

Terminal Layout

The secure concourse runs east-west, with a central atrium and gate areas extending in both directions. Use the interactive map and the gate on your boarding pass rather than relying on fixed airline or international-gate assignments, which can change.

For a same-ticket domestic connection, follow signs to the next gate without leaving the secure area. Your airline's published minimum connection time governs protected bookings; on separate tickets, leave additional time for baggage claim, a new check-in, and TSA screening.

International Arrivals

International arrivals that have not been pre-cleared abroad pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection and exit into the public baggage-claim level. If you have an onward flight, confirm the baggage handoff with your airline and plan to clear TSA screening again before returning to the gates. Do not rely on a fixed immigration queue estimate; processing time varies by flight volume and traveler eligibility.

AUS is southeast of central Austin. There is no passenger rail station at the airport: the main options are CapMetro bus service, taxi or rideshare, rental car, and pre-arranged shuttle service.

Best budget option: CapMetro Route 20 runs directly between the terminal, downtown, and the University of Texas area. Best door-to-door option: taxi or rideshare, with pickup under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility behind the Red Garage. Road journey times vary with construction, events, and traffic, so check a live route before leaving.

Uber and Lyft are readily available at AUS. Standard rideshare and taxi pickup is under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, north of and behind the Red Garage.

How to get picked up:

1. Exit baggage claim and follow signs into the first floor of the Red Garage.
2. Continue toward rideshare/taxi pickup; an airport tram also runs from the Red Garage first floor.
3. Request your ride and meet the driver in the zone shown in the app.

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.

CapMetro Route 20

CapMetro's airport service lists Route 20 Riverside as the direct daytime bus between AUS, downtown Austin, and the University of Texas area. CapMetro publishes a $1.25 local single fare, service every 15-30 minutes seven days a week, and an approximately 35-minute ride to downtown. Check the trip planner before travel because individual departure times can change.

1. Follow airport signs to the CapMetro stop outside the terminal.
2. Board Route 20 toward downtown.
3. Pay with exact cash, the Umo/CapMetro fare system, or contactless payment.
4. Transfer downtown for other Austin destinations if needed.

For overnight travel, CapMetro lists Route 483 Night Owl Riverside between the airport area and downtown after midnight. Verify the current stop and departure in the CapMetro trip planner before relying on it for a flight.

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.