Getting Around Austin
In Austin, getting to and from the airport - and all around town - is easy.
Austin Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is just 7.5 miles – about a 15-minute drive – from Downtown and the Austin Convention Center. Widely recognized for efficiency and traveler experience, AUS serves 75+ nonstop destinations across the U.S. and major international cities like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Toronto, and Panama City. Known for showcasing Austin’s culture, the airport features live music stages, art exhibits, and favorite local food spots. AUS is also the first medium-sized North American airport to achieve carbon neutrality, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.
Location: 7.5 miles / 15-minute drive from Downtown Austin
Routes: 300 daily flights to 75+ nonstop domestic & international destinations
Recognition: Voted Best Domestic Airport Worldwide; carbon-neutral certified
Amenities: Live music at 5 stages, Texas-style dining, rotating art exhibits
Ground Transport: Taxi (~$30 to downtown), rideshare, MetroAirport bus (Route 20), and rental cars on-site
Location: 7.5 miles / 15-minute drive from Downtown Austin
Routes: 300 daily flights to 75+ nonstop domestic & international destinations
Recognition: Voted Best Domestic Airport Worldwide; carbon-neutral certified
Amenities: Live music at 5 stages, Texas-style dining, rotating art exhibits
Ground Transport: Taxi (~$30 to downtown), rideshare, MetroAirport bus (Route 20), and rental cars on-site
Austin Train: Austin Amtrak
Austin’s Amtrak station, located in a historic 1947 Missouri Pacific Railroad depot at the western edge of Downtown, provides convenient intercity rail access. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle line runs daily, connecting Austin to Dallas, San Antonio, and as far north as Chicago. Travelers can step off the train and be within minutes of Austin’s attractions, business centers, and convention activity.
Route: Texas Eagle – runs from Chicago through Dallas, Austin, San Antonio
Station Location: 250 N. Lamar Blvd, near Downtown and Lady Bird Lake
Connections: Easy access to convention venues, downtown hotels, and entertainment districts
Frequency: Daily service northbound to Chicago, southbound to San Antonio
Facilities: Historic station with waiting lounge, accessibility options, parking nearby
Route: Texas Eagle – runs from Chicago through Dallas, Austin, San Antonio
Station Location: 250 N. Lamar Blvd, near Downtown and Lady Bird Lake
Connections: Easy access to convention venues, downtown hotels, and entertainment districts
Frequency: Daily service northbound to Chicago, southbound to San Antonio
Facilities: Historic station with waiting lounge, accessibility options, parking nearby
Austin Public Transportation: Capital Metro
Austin’s Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) connects residents and visitors with an extensive network of buses and commuter rail across Central Texas. From downtown hotel districts to the suburbs, riders can count on affordable transit options with frequent schedules. The MetroRail Red Line provides a direct link between Downtown (Convention Center stop) and suburban communities like Leander.
Coverage: 535-square-mile service area, 1,600+ stops, 82 bus routes
Bus Types: Local, MetroRapid (limited-stop), MetroFlyer, MetroExpress, and UT Shuttle routes
MetroRail: 32 miles, 9 stations from Leander to Downtown (Convention Center stop)
Fares: Local trip $1.25; Day Pass $2.50; MetroRail Local to Downtown ~$3.50
Plan Trips: Schedules, fares, and mobile ticketing available on CapMetro app
Coverage: 535-square-mile service area, 1,600+ stops, 82 bus routes
Bus Types: Local, MetroRapid (limited-stop), MetroFlyer, MetroExpress, and UT Shuttle routes
MetroRail: 32 miles, 9 stations from Leander to Downtown (Convention Center stop)
Fares: Local trip $1.25; Day Pass $2.50; MetroRail Local to Downtown ~$3.50
Plan Trips: Schedules, fares, and mobile ticketing available on CapMetro app
Austin Ground Transportation - Taxis, Rentals, and Ride Shares
In addition to public transit, Austin offers a variety of convenient ground transportation choices for visitors. From traditional taxis to eco-friendly pedicabs, getting around is flexible, affordable, and often fun – reflecting Austin’s distinct character.
Rental Cars: All major agencies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, etc.) at AUS
Taxis: ~$30 between AUS and Downtown; airport pickups at baggage claim area
Ridehailing: Uber, Lyft, and local services available 24/7 citywide
Pedicabs: Pedal-powered cabs ideal for short trips in Downtown; tip-based fares
Bikes & Scooters: MetroBike Austin (40+ stations) plus private dockless bike and scooter operators for on-the-go city travel
Rental Cars: All major agencies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, etc.) at AUS
Taxis: ~$30 between AUS and Downtown; airport pickups at baggage claim area
Ridehailing: Uber, Lyft, and local services available 24/7 citywide
Pedicabs: Pedal-powered cabs ideal for short trips in Downtown; tip-based fares
Bikes & Scooters: MetroBike Austin (40+ stations) plus private dockless bike and scooter operators for on-the-go city travel
