Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, or AUS or ABIA, located 5 miles from downtown Austin, is the third busiest in Texas. With an annual passenger traffic of over 20 million, it also ranks as one of the busiest airports in the country. AUS serves about 97 domestic and international destinations.
Austin Airport consists of 4,242 acres of land, with two terminals, two runways, and three helipads. The main terminal, Barbara Jordan Terminal, has 34 gates and operates international carriers. South Terminal, the smallest of the terminals, has three gates, and low-cost domestic carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines operate from the terminal.
Reflecting Austin City’s reputation as “The Live Music Capital of the World,” the terminal also offers live music performances to represent the city’s vibrant musical heritage.
Austin Airport History
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport was established in 1942 as a military base, Del Valle Army Air Base. Later, it was renamed Bergstrom Air Force Base in honor of a fallen Austinite, Captain John August Earl Bergstrom. It served as a key military installation for over five decades. In the 1990s, Bergstrom was on the edge of closure, and Austin decided to take over and convert it into a civilian airport. Construction began in 1994, and the airport officially opened in 1999, replacing Robert Mueller Municipal Airport.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) opened to the public in May 1999 and rapidly expanded to accommodate Austin’s growing population. ABIA focused on attracting new airlines and routes, including the addition of international flights and major terminal expansions. The airport’s strategic location and increasing popularity have transformed it into a major transportation hub for Texas, and it remains one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States.
Austin Airport is undergoing a major expansion to accommodate its rapid growth. The airport plans to increase its capacity to handle over 31 million passengers annually. The construction is said to be completed by 2040. This expansion includes optimizing the existing terminal, constructing a new midfield concourse, and adding new taxiways, among other things.
Where is Austin Bergstrom International Airport?
Austin Airport, or AUS, or ABIA, is at 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX, about 5 miles from downtown Austin.
Austin Airport Map
This Austin Bergstrom International Airport map shows terminal details, including parking and transportation facilities.
Austin Airport Parking & Transportation
ABIA Airport parking is available at onsite and offsite lots. Red Garage, Blue Garage, Economy Parking, and Short-Term Parking are the onsite lots. Meanwhile, if you are looking for parking lots at cheaper rates, you must reserve at the offsite lots close to the airport. Booking a parking spot via GlobalAirportParking.com will get you the cheapest parking rates near Austin Airport
Transportation: There are many ways to get to between Austin Airport and the City Center, including public transportation, car, taxi, or rideshare services, which are available for transportation between AUS Airport and the city center.
Public Transportation
Transit/Bus Service
CapMetro offers public transportation, including MetroRail and buses. Those who are traveling to the airport must take Capital Metro’s high-frequency Route 20. All details are available online at CapMetro.org, or you can contact them at 512-474-1200.
Capital Metro Route 20 Airport Flyer runs every 15 minutes from Barbara Jordan Terminal to downtown Austin, with stops at Riverside and Town Creek Drive and the University of Texas.
Shuttles
Share and Private shuttle services are available at Austin Airport, and can book these by contacting Carter Transportation at 512-258-3826. Shuttle rides are available to the Greater Austin Metroplex. Shared rides will cost about $13, and private rides cost $47.
Car Service and Shared Rides
Other transportation services available at Austin Airport include app-based rides, taxis, and rental car services. To reach the pick-up location of the rental car, rideshare, and taxi, you can take any of the airport’s two tram services.
A tram service is available from Red Garage, which stops at both entrances Garges (near the elevators). The Mobility Tram is available from the third floor of the Red Garage, across the pedestrian walkway (Departure Level).
Rideshare
App-based ride services at AUS Airport include Lyft, Uber, Wingz, and Ride Austin. The fees for rideshare vary depending on the type of the ride, time, traffic, etc., but on average, a ride from AUS Airport to downtown Austin will typically cost $30 to $54
- Pick-up Location: Located behind the Red Garage, at the Rental Car Facility, Ground Level.
- Drop-off Location: Located in the departures (Upper Level) curbside.
Taxis
A taxi drive from the airport to Austin downtown will typically cost between $30 and $40. These are the authorized taxi companies at Aus Airport.
- ATX Co-Op Taxi
- Central City Taxi
- Z-Trip.
Pick-up Location: Located behind the Red Garage, under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility.
Drop-off Location: Upper level/departures curbside.
Rental Cars in Austin Airport
These are the authorized rental car companies that services available at Austin Airport:
- Advantage Rent A Car
- Alamo
- Avis Car Rental
- Budget Rent-a-Car
- Dollar Car Rental
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- E-Z Rent A Car
- FOX Rent A Car
- Hertz Car Rental
- National
- Payless Car Rental of Austin
- Thrifty Car Rental.
How to get between the terminals at Austin Airport
Austin Airport’s two terminals, The Barbara Jordan Terminal (the Main Terminal) and the South Terminal, are about 8 miles apart. To get between the terminals, the passengers can use the complimentary shuttle bus, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes for the transfers.
The pick-up and drop-off location at Barbara Jordan Terminal is on the top level and just outside the South Terminal.
How to get to Austin Airport
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about seven miles from downtown Austin, and it can be reached via State Highways 71, 183, 45, and 130.
From Austin Downtown
From I-35, move into the second lane from the right for Exit 230 for TX-71. Continue driving until you reach a fork, stay left at the fork, follow the signs TX-71 E and Bastrop, and exit Spirit of Texas Drive for the airport.
From San Antonio
From I-35 N, move into two lanes to the right for Exit 231, which leads to TX-71, towards Johnson City and the airport. For Austin Airport, Exit onto Spirit of Texas Drive.
If you want to go to the South Terminal, Take Highway 183 South to Burleson Road, stay left for Emma Browning Avenue and drive on to the South Terminal.
How to get from AUS Airport to downtown?
Buses, shuttles, cars, taxis, or rideshare services are available for transportation between the airport and the city center.
Driving directions
Head southwest on Spirit of Texas Dr, turn left to merge with State Hwy 71 W. Continue on State Hwy 71 W. Keep left on State Hwy 71 W for I-35 N/US-290 E towards N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd and take Exit 234C. Take E 8th St for Downtown Austin.
Amenities
- ATMs
- Charging Points
- Free Wi-Fi
- Guest Service Desk
- Information services
- Lost and Found
- Lounges
- Nursing Suite & Baby Facilities
- Pet Relief Area
- Transportation services and parking.
Hotels near Austin Airport
Here are some of the best Austin Airport hotels:
Hilton Austin Airport
- Address: 9515 Hotel Drive, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-385-6767
- Address: 9532 Spirit of Austin Lane, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-272-5001
Hyatt Regency Austin
- Address: 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Phone: +1- 512-477-1234
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin-Airport
- Address: 7712 E. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-389-1616
La Quinta by Wyndham Austin Airport
- Address: 7625 East Ben White Boulevard, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-386-6800
Courtyard Austin Airport
- Address: 7809 East Ben White Boulevard, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-386-7464
Staybridge Suites Austin Airport
- Address: 1611 Airport Commerce Drive, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-389-9767
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport
- Address: 7705 Metro Center Drive, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-12-634-8372
Holiday Inn Austin Airport
- Address: 6711 East Ben White Boulevard, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-385-8400
Tru By Hilton Austin Airport
- Address: 7900 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-385-0200
Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin Airport
- Address: 1705 Airport Commerce Drive, Austin, TX
- Phone: +1-512-215-0410.
Austin Bergstrom International Airport Lounges
There are four lounges at ABIA Airport, Barbara Jordan Terminal.
- American Airlines Admirals Club: Mezzanine Level, Departure area, opposite Gate 22
- Chase Sapphire Terrace: Mezzanine Level near Gate 1
- Delta Sky Club: Mezzanine Level, near Gate 4
- United Club: Mezzanine Level, near Gates 22 and 23.
AUS Airport Food and Dining
Aus has several food and dining options across the Barabara Jordan Terminal. Some of the restaurants at AUS are:
- Salt Lick Bar-B-Que: Barbecue restaurant near Gate 16
- Annies Cafe & Bar: American chain restaurant near Gate 27D
- Second Bar + Kitchen: American restaurant near Gate 15
- Tacodeli: Local and Mexican food near Gate 23
- The Peached Tortilla: Local and Asian cuisine near Gate 17
- Thurman’s: American cuisine near Gate 21
- Salvation Pizza: Pizzeria near Gate 11
- Parkside: American cuisine near Gate 3
- The Beerdrop: Bar- Inside Austin City Market
- 24 Diner: Local Cuisine at Near Gate 11
- Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros. Bagels: Bagels, sandwiches & coffee
- Departure Lounge: Brews & wines at Gate 17
- East Side Pies: Pizzeria at Gate 22
- Flyrite: Sandwiches & tacos at Gate 22
- Haymaker: Sandwiches & craft beer at Gate 23
- Hippies and Hops: Beer & wine at Gate 17
- Komé © Sushi A-Go-Go: Japanese/sushi at Gate 12
- Mad Greens: Healthy food at Gate 16
- Ruta Maya (Inside Barton Springs): Coffee & snacks at Gate 14
- Starbucks: Coffee Shop near Checkpoint 1
- TasteATX: Tex-Mex at Gate 15
- The Saxon Pub: Full Bar at Gate 19
- Vino Volo: Wine shop at Gate 8 & 22
- Zocalo Cafe: Tex Mex at Gate 12.
South Terminal Restaurants
- De Nada Tacos, the food truck near Gate S1
- Vending Machines.
AUS Airport Shops and Stores
- Austin Chronicle: Books & Travel Accessories near Gate 8
- Austin Mercantile: Handbags, Sunglasses, Watches & Jewelry near Gate 28
- Austin Vibes: Local Apparel & Accessories near Gate 8
- Barton Springs: Gifts, Apparel & Accessories near Gate 28
- Book People: Book store near Gate 20
- Brighton: Jewelry, Accessories, and Gifts near Gate 14
- EJE Travel Retail: Duty-free Shop near Gate 11
- InMotion: Electronic Stores near Gate 15
- Jetset: Local Gifts & Accessories near Gate 23
- Ruta Maya Cafe & Books: Books & Gifts near Gate 28
- The Scoreboard: Clothing & Accessories near Gate 15
- Toy Joy and Yummi Joy: Toys, Games & Collectibles near Gate 11
- Tyler’s Pop-up Shop: Clothing, Gifts & Accessories.
Accessible Services
Aus Airport’s Barbara Jordan Terminal has several features to assist passengers with mobility challenges or other disabilities. Some of these features could include:
- Accessible elevators, water fountains and restrooms
- The terminal has a designated Lounge near the ticketing counters on the Departure Level for passengers with wheelchairs and other mobility assistive devices
- Braille and raised letter signage across the terminal
- Designated convenient parking spots for passengers with disabilities in every parking lot
- The Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible
- All airlines offer wheelchair services
- TSA Cares is a program that helps and accompanies travelers with disabilities and other special circumstances during the security screening process.
AUS Airport Lost and Found
- Items lost at the airport terminal: For the items lost at the Barbara Jordan terminal, you must contact the Lost and Found office near Baggage Claim, carousel 1. The office hours are between 7 am and 10 pm. You can call the office any time at 512-530-5678.
- For items left on the airplane: If you have left or lost an item on your flight, you must get in touch with the airline office.
- For items left at the security checkpoint: You can contact TSA Lost and Found at 512-386-2015 between 8 am and 5 pm (weekdays).
Check-in time at the airport
ABIA has three security checkpoints at Barbara Jordan Terminal and 1 in the South Terminal. The passengers departing from Barbara Jordan Terminal can use any of these three security checkpoints. TSA security checkpoints open at 3:30 am until the last flight departs. Average Austin Airport wait times are between 15 to 45 minutes.
TSA PreCheck
AUS Airport has TSA PreCheck lanes at the security checkpoints 1 and 2 of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and one at Austin Airport South Terminal. TSA opening hours vary, but ideally, it opens at 3.30 am. Please check the TSA website for the exact time. The TSA PreCheck enrollment center is located on the baggage Claim Level, between carousels 3 and 4. The enrolment center is open from 8 am to 12 pm & 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm on weekdays.
CLEAR
CLEAR is available at Checkpoint 1 & Checkpoint 2 for standard security & TSA PreCheck-eligible travelers. Lanes are open from 4 am to 6:30 pm. The Enrollment Center for CLEA is near the TSA PreCheck lane and is available between 4 am and 6:30 pm. TSA Precheck Enrollment through CLEAR is located near Checkpoint 1 of the TSA PreCheck lane between 6 am and 5:30 pm.
Tourist Destinations near Austin
If you are visiting Austin or have a long layover, here are a few popular attractions near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport that might interest you:
- ATXcursions: at 2000 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX
- Austin Biplane: at 4321 Emma Browning Ave, Austin, TX
- Urban Axes Austin: at 812 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX
- Bike and Brew ATX: 1710 E 2nd St, Austin, TX
- Live Love Paddle: at 1610 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX
- Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail: at 2 Robert T Martinez Jr St, Austin, TX
- Still Austin Whiskey Co: at 440 E St Elmo Rd Suite F, Austin, TX
- Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park: at 1000 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX.
Austin Airport FAQs
How many airports are in Austin, Texas?
There are two main airports in Austin, Texas: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport or ABIA or AUS is the primary airport with both domestic and international connections. Austin Executive Airport (EDC) is a smaller airport primarily used for general aviation and private flights.
How early must you leave to get to Austin Airport?
TSA recommends that Austin travelers reach the airport at least 2.5 hours before their domestic flight and 3 hours minimum for international flights.
What time does Austin Airport open?
ABIA is open 24/7. However, the ticket counters are operational only between 2:30 am and 10 pm.
How big is Austin Airport?
ABIA consists of 4,242 acres of land, with two terminals, two runways, and three helipads. The main terminal, Barbara Jordan Terminal, consists of 34 gates. South Terminal, the smallest of the terminals, has three gates.
Where is Austin Airport?
AUS Airport, or ABIA, is at 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX, about 5 miles from downtown Austin.
How busy is Austin Airport?
With an annual passenger traffic of over 20 million, AUS Airport also one of the busiest airports in the country. The airport serves about 97 domestic and international destinations.
