Austin Bergstrom International Airport
Austin, US · 5 mi (8 km) southeast of downtown Austin
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Metro Route 20 City bus · Roughly every 15–20 minutes daytime; reduced to around every 30 minutes late evenings according to rider descriptions and CapMetro timetable.[https://www.capmetro.org/schedulemap?s=20] | Airport to downtown typically 45–60 minutes according to multiple rider reports.[https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/13g0r9q/capital_metro_bus_20_airport_to_downtown/] | $1.25 one-way local fare as reported by users matching CapMetro local bus pricing.[https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/165z7sk/cheapest_way_downtown_from_aus/] |
| Capital Metro Route 350 City bus · Daytime service approximately every 20–30 minutes, with longer gaps later in the evening as shown on CapMetro’s schedule.[https://www.capmetro.org/schedulemap?s=350] | Airport to North Lamar area commonly described as around 60 minutes depending on traffic and where you get off.[https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/13g0r9q/capital_metro_bus_20_airport_to_downtown/] | $1.25 one-way local fare consistent with CapMetro local route pricing noted by riders.[https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/15y2k2p/how_to_get_from_austin_airport_to_downtown/] |
| Car2Go/ShareNow Carshare pickup · .50 | .50 | .50 |
| FlixBus Intercity coach · Service is a few trips per day on major corridors; local users describe it as infrequent compared with Greyhound or Megabus historically.[https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/ov82tq/flixbus_in_austin/] | .50 | .50 |
Insider notes
For a more peaceful dining experience, avoid the busy central food court. Parkside near Gate 3 and Salvation Pizza by Gate 11 often have shorter lines.
Get your breakfast tacos early at Tacodeli between Gates 23 and 24 to avoid missing out on the best combos—before they sell out by late morning.
Lines at Hut’s Hamburgers and 24 Diner can spike—order to-go and find a quieter gate to enjoy your meal if pressed for time.
Welcome
Austin Bergstrom International Airport, known for its unique charm, captures the heart of its city by offering an eclectic mix of local flavors and cultural touchpoints. Just five miles southeast of downtown Austin, AUS blends the ease of a mid-sized airport with the bustling energy of an Austin food hall, featuring nearly every concession as a local brand. Live music stages, authentic breakfast tacos, and indie record-store energy make this airport more than just a gateway—it's a taste of Austin for every traveler passing through.
At a glance
Handling 18.1 million passengers annually with two runways, AUS is a single-terminal airport known as the Barbara Jordan Terminal. It's not a hub, but with airlines like Aeromexico, Air Canada, and Alaska Airlines frequenting its gates, AUS connects the world to Austin's vibrant scene.
Terminals & layout
The Barbara Jordan Terminal is the sole terminal housing all dining, shopping, and lounge options. With a sprawling array of local eateries and shops, expect to find places like Tacodeli nestled between Gates 23 and 24, renowned for their breakfast tacos, and Jo's Coffee near Gate 19, perfect for a caffeine hit with a touch of that South Congress vibe.
Getting to and from the city
Transportation options abound with Capital Metro buses like Route 20 offering a budget-friendly $1.25 ride to downtown in about 45–60 minutes, or the more direct MetroAirport service taking approximately 30 minutes off-peak. If time is of the essence, rideshares like Uber and Lyft clock in around 15–25 minutes to downtown, with typical fares ranging from $25–$35 outside surge hours.
Traveller essentials
Parking at AUS offers various choices: the Red Garage at $32/day is pricy but caters to convenience, whereas the Economy Parking lot sets you back $12/day for longer stays. For those in a rush or with heavy luggage, Valet Parking might be a smarter option despite the higher cost.
Dining & shopping highlights
AUS is a gastronomic haven with 20 restaurants vying for your taste buds. From ThunderCloud Subs to Second Bar + Kitchen, each spot offers a slice of Austin life. For dessert, the 24/7 Sprinkles Cupcakes (between Gates 15-16) provides last-minute indulgence. Shopping hasn't been neglected either—pick up some local vibes at Barton Springs or the Austin Chronicle store in the Barbara Jordan Terminal.
Lounges
Eight lounges are scattered throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal, including the American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Sky Club, offering typical amenities for those holding access memberships. The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club provides a more exclusive escape for cardholders seeking a break from the terminal's hustle.
Insider tips
- Insider: For a more peaceful dining experience, avoid the busy central food court. Parkside near Gate 3 and Salvation Pizza by Gate 11 often have shorter lines.
- Time: Get your breakfast tacos early at Tacodeli between Gates 23 and 24 to avoid missing out on the best combos—before they sell out by late morning.
- Avoid: Lines at Hut’s Hamburgers and 24 Diner can spike—order to-go and find a quieter gate to enjoy your meal if pressed for time.
- Quiet: Jo’s Coffee near Gate 19 tends to be calmer than crowded spots, great for coffee lovers who need a reliable wireless outlet and some peace.
- Local: Experience authentic wine culture and live music at Vino Volo Hill Country, located by Gate 8—they offer better wine flights than your typical airport bar.
- Money: Earl’s BBQ in the food court offers a solid value with robust portions that might be easier on the wallet compared to other sit-down options.