Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS): Complete Guide

Last updated: June 2026 • 7 min read

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (airport code AUS, often abbreviated ABIA) is your gateway to Texas's capital. Built on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, it sits just 8 miles southeast of downtown, one of the shortest airport-to-city hops of any major US city. This guide covers everything you need for a smooth arrival or departure: terminals, airlines, ground transportation, amenities, and insider tips.

Airport Overview (ABIA)

AUS is the fastest-growing large airport in the United States, serving well over 20 million passengers a year. Despite the volume it remains relatively easy to navigate, with a single main passenger terminal and a strong focus on local Austin food, art, and live music, yes, there's often live music right inside the terminal. The airport is operated by the City of Austin and is located at 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719.

Terminal Layout and Gates

AUS has two terminals:

• Barbara Jordan Terminal, the main terminal, handling nearly all commercial flights across roughly 34 gates spread over two concourses (East and West). Check-in, TSA security, baggage claim, and the vast majority of airlines are here.
• South Terminal, historically used by a couple of ultra low-cost carriers, located separately on the south side of the airfield. Operations here have been in flux, so always confirm which terminal your airline uses before you travel.

Within the Barbara Jordan Terminal, all gates are accessible after a single security checkpoint, so connecting between gates is straightforward. The airport has been expanding gate capacity to keep up with Austin's growth.

Airlines Operating at AUS

Austin is served by every major US airline plus low-cost carriers and a growing list of international operators:

• Major carriers: American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue
• Low-cost: Southwest (the largest carrier at AUS), Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant
• International: British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, KLM, Aer Lingus and others fly seasonal or year-round routes to Europe and beyond

For a full breakdown of who flies nonstop and from where, see our direct flights to Austin guide.

Ground Transportation

Rideshare & taxi

Uber, Lyft, and taxis pick up at designated zones on the lower level. Expect roughly $20–$35 to downtown depending on demand, fares surge hard during SXSW, ACL, and F1 weekends.

Public bus (cheapest option)

CapMetro Route 20 connects the airport to downtown and the UT campus for just a couple of dollars. It's by far the cheapest way into the city, though slower than a car.

Rental cars

The consolidated rental car facility is a short walk or shuttle from baggage claim and hosts all major brands (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, and more).

Hotel shuttles & private cars

Many area hotels offer shuttles, and private car services are available for groups or event travel.

Airport Amenities

• Food & drink: AUS is famous for bringing local Austin favorites airside, think Salt Lick BBQ, Tacodeli, Amy's Ice Creams, and local coffee roasters, alongside national chains.
• Live music: True to the "Live Music Capital of the World," AUS hosts live performances on stages inside the terminal.
• Lounges: The Delta Sky Club and The Club at AUS offer paid and membership access.
• Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary throughout the terminal.
• Charging & workspaces, nursing rooms, and a pet relief area are all available.

Tips for Arriving and Departing

• Arrive early on event weekends. Security lines during SXSW, ACL, and F1 can be long, so give yourself 2+ hours.
• Confirm your terminal. Most flights use the Barbara Jordan Terminal, but always double-check.
• Use mobile ordering for terminal restaurants to skip lines before your flight.
• Book parking ahead during peak periods; the garage fills during big events.

Distance to Downtown

Downtown Austin is just 8 miles from AUS, about a 15-minute drive in light traffic (allow more during rush hour or events). That short hop is one of the airport's biggest perks: you can land and be on Sixth Street or South Congress in well under half an hour.

Parking at AUS

Austin-Bergstrom offers several parking options to fit different budgets and trip lengths:

• Garage parking, closest to the terminal, best for short trips and quick access.
• Lot A (covered), a step down in price, still a short walk in.
• Economy lots, the cheapest on-airport option, with a free shuttle to the terminal; ideal for longer trips.
• Off-airport lots, private operators near the airport often beat on-site rates with valet and shuttle service.

During SXSW, ACL, and F1 weekends the garage and Lot A fill early, so reserve a space online ahead of time or budget extra minutes to find economy parking.

Security & TSA Tips

• TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available and well worth it during peak periods.
• Allow 2+ hours on event weekends, lines back up fast.
• Off-peak, 90 minutes for domestic departures is usually comfortable.
• Arrive 3 hours early for international flights.

International Travel Through AUS

Austin's international network has grown steadily, with nonstop service to Europe (London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam), Canada, and Mexico among others. International arrivals clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Barbara Jordan Terminal. If you're connecting onward domestically, factor in time to re-clear security after immigration.

Accessibility & Family Services

AUS is designed to be accessible and family-friendly. Wheelchair assistance is available on request through your airline, and the terminal offers accessible restrooms, elevators, and designated parking. Families will find a nursing room for travelers with infants and stroller-friendly routes throughout. Service-animal relief areas are provided both before and after security. If you or someone in your party needs mobility assistance, arrange it with your airline in advance and allow extra time, especially on busy event weekends.

A Taste of Austin Before You Even Leave

One of the things travelers love about AUS is how distinctly "Austin" it feels. Rather than the generic chains of most airports, the terminal leans into local culture: regional barbecue, Tex-Mex, Austin coffee roasters, and homegrown ice cream sit alongside live music stages that host local acts throughout the day. It's a fitting introduction to the city, or a last taste before you fly home. Give yourself a few extra minutes after security to grab something local rather than settling for the nearest grab-and-go.

Austin Airport (AUS) FAQ

What is the airport code for Austin?

AUS (also referred to as ABIA, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport).

How far is the airport from downtown Austin?

About 8 miles, or roughly a 15-minute drive in normal traffic.

What's the cheapest way from AUS to downtown?

CapMetro Route 20, a city bus that costs just a couple of dollars.

Which airline has the most flights at AUS?

Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier at Austin-Bergstrom.