Austin Bergstrom International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Austin Bergstrom International Airport AUS

United States

The airport is experiencing traffic growth driven by the city's technology boom, with some direct routes also to Europe.

Gateway to Austin, capital of Texas and self-proclaimed 'live music capital of the world'.

Content verified on 06/09/2026

How to get to Austin Bergstrom International Airport

Austin city center is some kilometers from the airport: transfer takes approximately 30-40 minutes by CapMetro Route 20 bus.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown Austin in approximately 20-30 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no direct railway station at the airport: the CapMetro Rail railway service does not reach the airport.

By Bus

CapMetro Route 20 (Manor Road/Riverside) bus connects the airport to downtown Austin (6th Street/Congress Avenue area), with departures every 15 minutes, 7 days a week; fare 1.25 USD per ride (day pass 2.50 USD for 24 hours, with tap-to-pay daily cost caps at 2 rides).
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Tips The bus stop is located at the lower level, just outside baggage claim, marked by a neon guitar-shaped canopy, a symbol of the city of music.

Average travel time to AUS

TrainNot available (CapMetro Rail doesn′t reach airport)
Shuttle bus30-40 minutes (1.25 USD, CapMetro Route 20)
Taxi / Private hire20-30 minutes (25-40 USD, more during festivals)

Parking near Austin Bergstrom International Airport

The Red Garage (closest to the terminal) costs 35 USD/day; the Blue Garage costs 26 USD/day; the Economy Lot with free shuttle is the most economical option at 12 USD/day.

How to get to Austin from AUS

By Train

There is no direct railway station in the airport area.

By Bus

The CapMetro Route 20 bus connects the airport to downtown in 30-40 minutes, every 15 minutes 7 days a week; fare 1.25 USD (day pass 2.50 USD).

By Taxi

Uber/Lyft cost approximately 15-25 USD (up to 50-80+ during events like SXSW or ACL); a metered taxi costs 25-40 USD, to downtown, with a 20-30 minute ride.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Austin Bergstrom International Airport

All major car rental brands have a desk in the terminal.

Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; book well in advance during festivals like SXSW or Austin City Limits, when demand is very high.

 

Hotels near Austin Bergstrom International Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 15 minutes by car from downtown, with a city bus (route 20) running every fifteen minutes and taking 35-40 minutes: convenient if you're not in a hurry, less practical with heavy luggage or a tight schedule. Staying near the airport pays off for dawn flights or short layovers, since the area around it is little more than hotels. Those who want to experience Austin at night head for Rainey Street or downtown; those working with the tech companies to the north, in The Domain area, find more polished hotels but a good twenty minutes from the airport.
Airport area

Airport area

Free shuttle to the terminal 24 hours a day; the Hilton is the only hotel literally inside the airport grounds, three minutes away.

Best for: Dawn flights, short layovers, and anyone who doesn't want to depend on traffic toward downtown.

Pros
  • Free shuttle round the clock, a few minutes from the terminal
  • No risk of traffic for an early-morning flight
Cons
  • Nothing around but hotels and service roads, nothing for the evening
  • Downtown is still a good quarter of an hour away by car
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Downtown and Rainey Street

City bus line 20 from the airport (35-40 minutes), or car/taxi in about a quarter of an hour.

Best for: Those who want to go out at night among bars and live music, within walking distance of the hotel.

Pros
  • Walking distance to the bars of Rainey Street or Sixth Street
  • Many restaurants open late around the hotel
Cons
  • The city bus to the airport takes over half an hour
  • On weekends the downtown streets fill with pedestrians
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

The Domain (north Austin)

No fast direct connection: a car or taxi is needed, 20-25 minutes from the airport.

Best for: Those who work with the tech companies in north Austin or prefer a neighborhood of shops and restaurants quieter than downtown.

Pros
  • A walkable neighborhood with shops and restaurants open late
  • Newer, more polished hotels than in the airport area
Cons
  • The trip from the airport is the longest among the zones in this guide
  • Far from the landmark sights of historic downtown Austin
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Austin, a booming tech hub, with domestic connections and select direct international flights to Europe.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Texan products, local music, and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

Business travelers will find several dedicated lounges here.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The entire terminal is served by free Wi-Fi and has solid coverage from major U.S. telephone operators.

Families & Children

Each terminal offers dedicated children's play areas and family support services.

Terminal guide

The single terminal manages traffic that is growing rapidly, driven by the city's technology expansion.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive with at least 2.5-3 hours lead time, with longer times during major city festivals.

Map of Austin Bergstrom International Airport

Map of Austin Bergstrom International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why does the bus stop at Austin Airport have a neon guitar?

It's a tribute to Austin's fame as the 'Live Music Capital of the World', a distinctive detail of the CapMetro Route 20 stop.

Q. How much does the bus from Austin Airport to downtown cost?

1.25 USD, payable with the CapMetro app, contactless card or exact cash.

Q. Do hotel prices in Austin rise during SXSW?

Yes, considerably; both SXSW and Austin City Limits (ACL) push hotel and transportation prices up noticeably.

Q. Is there a train to Austin Airport?

No, the CapMetro Rail service does not reach the airport: only the Route 20 bus offers a direct public connection.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Austin

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