Austin, TX Airport Information
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is a state-of-the-art airport with 25 gates, full customs facilities ready for the international traveler, and two parallel runways including a 12,250-foot runway. Easy to get to (only seven and a half miles from the Austin Convention Center and downtown Austin) and easy to get through, passengers enjoy exceptional customer service Austin-style, with more than 20 live music performances each week, art exhibits, and award-winning food. In operation since 1999, the airport has roughly 350 daily flights with nonstop service to more than 65 destinations, including international flights to London, Frankfurt, Cancun, Mexico City, San Jose Del Cabo, Dominican Republic and Toronto. A record 12.4 million passengers traveled through Austin-Bergstrom in 2016. Austin is one of only seven airports with year-round service to all United hubs.
Live music has been a distinguishing feature of the airport since its Music in the Air program launched in June 1999, just one month after the airport opened. What started as two performances per week has grown to more than 20 shows per week in six different venues throughout the airport: Ray Benson's Roadhouse, The Saxon Pub, Annie's Cafe & Bar, Austin City Limits/Waterloo Records & Video, and Ruta Maya.
The airport features a variety of amenities, including local restaurants, banks and currency exchange, gift shops, newsstands, and chair massages. Passengers can use the airport's terminal-wide Wi-Fi for free up to 90 minutes. Nine rental car companies are located onsite, with convenient pick-up and drop-off just a short walk from the terminal. SuperShuttle, Capital Metro's Airport Flyer, and cabs are other ways for passengers to get from the airport to downtown locations.
In April 2017, the new 30,000-square foot South Terminal opened, equipped to handle 500,000 passengers per year. Highlights of the stylish new terminal with a cool, retro ‘70s vibe include food trucks and kiosks, an indoor/outdoor waiting area with a live music stage and bar, two TSA security check lines, and shuttle service to the main Barbara Jordan Terminal.
Construction is currently underway for a nine-gate expansion at the Barbara Jordan Terminal. When completed in 2019, the terminal will have 33 gates, an outdoor patio, new restaurants and shops, art and music, plus family- and pet-friendly spaces. A new six-level garage that will offer 6,000 covered parking spaces within walking distance of the Barbara Jordan Terminal is currently under construction and expected to open in 2018.
Austin's airport participates in the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Pre-Check and Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry program. All major American airlines serve AUS, including:
- Aeromexico
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Condor
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Norwegian
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country
- United Airlines
- Vacation Express
- ViaAir
- Virgin America
- Volaris
Austin, TX Train Information
Austin Amtrak Station
The Austin Amtrak station is located on North Lamar Boulevard. Servicing the Texas Eagle route, trains run daily between Chicago and San Antonio and three times per week between Chicago and Los Angeles. The station is open Monday through Friday from 7:15 AM to 9:30 PM.
Austin, TX Public Transportation
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Capital Metro Bus Line
Austin's public bus system is part of a 500-square-mile Central Texas system of more than 3,000 bus stops and 53 routes. Austin is serviced by 19 local bus routes, 13 limited stop/flyer routes, eight express routes, 20 University of Texas shuttle routes, and five downtown "Dillo" circulator routes. The fleet of approximately 400 buses services 130,000 riders each day.
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is serviced by the Route 100 Airport Flyer route, which connects the downtown area to the airport lower level. The Austin Convention Center is serviced by the 17 Cesar Chavez Route, which stops just a few blocks away from the center. All express buses offer free wireless Internet service, while the entire bus fleet is widely known for being clean and efficient.
Youth fares for children ages 6-12 are $0.25 for local service and $0.50 for express service. Adult fares are $0.75 for local service and $1.50 express service. Children under 5 ride for free. An all-service day pass is $3 per passenger.
Capital MetroRail
Slated to begin service in late 2008, Austin's new Capital MetroRail service will run 32 miles of existing freight tracks between Leander and downtown Austin. The Red Line will service nine stations, including a stop right in front of the Austin Convention Center. Each of the six vehicles in the fleet will hold 200 passengers and offer free wireless Internet service.
During the initial service period, MetroRail will run weekdays every 30 minutes during morning and evening rush hours; service times will be expanded after the initial testing period. MetroRail fares will be $1 for one zone and $1.50 for two zones.
Rental Cars
Several rental car agencies, including but not limited to ACE Car Rental of Austin, Advantage, Alamo, National, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and Thrifty, are represented at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Agency counters are located outside of the baggage claim on the terminal ground floor.
Taxis
In the city, taxis can be hailed on the street throughout the downtown region or found at hotel taxi stands. Taxis are also readily available outside the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's baggage claim area on the ground floor. Visitors should expect to pay about $25 in taxi fare from the airport to downtown Austin.
Car2Go
Car2go is another transportation rental option. Users pay a one-time membership fee and have access to 350 vehicles around town for $0.41 per minute. Reserve a car ahead of time using the mobile app, or pick one up spontaneously at dozens of convenient locations all over Austin, then just drop it off at the nearest Car2Go parking spot when you're finished.
Pedicabs
Austin is home to several pedicab companies. These bike chauffeurs can be seen cycling all over downtown, transporting visitors and locals alike to their next destinations. Most drivers work for tips only.
Bike Rentals
With dozens of bike shops, rental companies and tour facilities to choose from, both Austinites and visitors can get from point A to B and while staying fit at the same time. The Austin B-Cycle Program set a North American bikeshare record during SXSW 2014, with 2,158 total checkouts and 7.8 checkouts per bike.
Uber & Lyft
Uber and Lyft are back as of May 29th, 2017 and fully operating in Austin. Payment is automatic through the app and fares are evaluated based on local demand.
Fare
This Phoenix-based transportation network company recently made their debut in Austin. The consumer can request rides up to seven days in advance, request preferred drivers and no surge pricing. Riders must have a referral code from another customer to join the app.
Fasten
Originating in Boston, Fasten announces their Austin arrival this June, 2016. Fasten provides a ride-share experience that's at a low cost to the rider, and drivers can earn more. Riders can “boost” the arrival of a ride for faster service and can rely on no surge pricing. Riders will also be able to know their fare before ever stepping in the vehicle.