Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) serves the fourth most populous city and capital of Texas, Austin. The airport is located 5 miles southeast of Downtown Austin. It is named after the first person from Austin to be killed in World War II - Captain John August Earl Bergstrom.
AUS is the third busiest airport in Texas after Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston–Intercontinental, and one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States.
In 2024, AUS served nearly 22 million passengers, slightly less than the record-breaking previous year. Austin is among the top 30 busiest airports in the USA.
Major Airlines - Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines
Over 42% of all passengers at Austin Airport are carried by Southwest Airlines. It flies most of the busiest routes from Austin, including Atlanta, Denver, and Los Angeles.
Close second in market share is American Airlines, which is also the only airline to connect Austin to its hub in Dallas/Fort Worth.
Delta Air Lines has designated Austin as a focus city and provides numerous flights to its bigger hubs in Boston Logan (BOS), New York (JFK), and Detroit (DTW), to name a few.
Other US airlines with a significant presence in AUS include United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
The ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines operate from the South Terminal.
Several international airlines also serve Austin, including British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Aeroméxico, and Air Canada.
These carriers (and a few other smaller ones) provide over 7000 nonstop flights monthly to numerous destinations across the United States, as well as international routes to Europe, Mexico, and Central America.
See all airlines serving Austin–Bergstrom International Airport.
Terminal Layout and Gates
AUS comprises two terminals
Barbara Jordan Terminal: This is the main terminal, handling the majority of the airlines and equipped with 34 gates, six of which can handle international flights. Uniquely for an airport, it has a live music stage where local artists often perform concerts, reflecting Austin's reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World."
South Terminal: A separate facility, about 8 miles away by road, is used exclusively by the ultra-low-cost airlines Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. This terminal is stripped of most facilities, and the 3 gates are accessible via a covered walkway (not jet bridges).
A shuttle bus connects the two terminals, with a travel time of 15 to 20 minutes and a frequency of every 20 minutes.
Construction works on the expansion and improvement of the existing infrastructure are currently ongoing.
Click here to see all destinations you can reach by direct flight from Austin-Bergstrom.
Connecting Flights and Transit
Most flights at Austin-Bergstrom Airport are point-to-point flights where your connection won’t be guaranteed by the airline. Regardless, you can self-connect, though it’s a good idea to allow sufficient time between flights.
While the mandated minimum connecting time is just 30 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights, if you’re self-connecting, aim for at least double these lengths of time, perhaps even triple.
If you need to transfer between the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal, you must exit the secure area and use the shuttle service, which takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach the other terminal. Allow extra time for this kind of transfer.
Note that US airports require all incoming international passengers (except pre-cleared flights) to go through Immigration and Customs procedures at their first point of entry into the country. You need to re-check your bag (unless you travel with a carry-on only) even if your airline is the same on both flights.
Longer layovers may allow you to partake in some of the best things to do in Austin.
Wi-Fi at Austin Airport
AUS offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. To connect, select the "AUS Free WiFi" network and agree to the terms and conditions on the welcome page that should load automatically.
Once connected, you can browse the internet for up to 4 hours, after which you will need to reconnect.
Dining Options at AUS
While the main (Barbara Jordan) terminal has a wide variety of options when it comes to food and drinks, the South Terminal only offers De Nada Tacos - a food truck with tacos made to order, and a small convenience store for last-minute snacks and drinks.
In the Barbaba Jordan Terminal, you can choose from:
Salt Lick BBQ: Renowned for their authentic Texas barbecue, including briskets and spiced sausages. Wash them all down with Texan wines from the wine bar. Located near Gate 22.
Tacodeli: Serving a variety of tacos with fresh ingredients. Digital kiosks make ordering a breeze. Find it near Gate 23.
Amy’s Ice Creams: Offers dozens of ice cream flavors, smoothies, and other sweet things, including vegan options. It’s near Gate 21.
Jo's Coffee (near Gate 19) and Caffé Medici (near Gate 9): Local coffee shops providing espresso drinks and pastries.
The Beerdrop (opposite Gate 13) and Hippies and Hops (near Gate 17): Two options to go to for craft beers and unique vibes.
East Side Pies: Craving for pizza? Grab a thin-crust pizza from this Austin-based restaurant near Gate 22.
Lounges at AUS
AUS houses 3 permanent lounges for eligible passengers of the three biggest airlines in the USA, and one public lounge soon to open.
The permanent lounges are all located within the Barbara Jordan terminal:
American Airlines Admirals Club: Located near Gate 22.
United Club: Located near Gate 13.
Delta Sky Club: Located near Gate 2.
These lounges offer similar amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks, premium Wi-Fi, workstations or comfortable armchairs, or both, TVs, and reading materials.
The former Chase Sapphire Lounge closed in March 2025. It will reopen as a public lounge, but when and how remains to be seen.
Currently, none of the lounges at AUS are affiliated with Priority Pass.
Transport to and from Austin-Bergstrom Airport
To reach downtown Austin by public transport, take the Capital Metro Bus Route 20. It runs between the airport and downtown Austin every 15 minutes, including the University of Texas area. The entire journey takes approximately 35 minutes. Single tickets cost only $1.25, with a Day Pass allowing unlimited rides for just $2.50.
In the future, the Capital Metro Blue Line light rail will connect AUS to downtown Austin and the University of Texas, with completion anticipated by 2029.
Until then, taxis and tideshares remain a very convenient option. Both are available at designated pickup areas outside the terminal, and a trip to downtown typically costs around 25-30 USD.
You can also check these options for a private transfer from AUS.
Last but not least, you can rent a car from one of the 10 companies operating from the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC). It is located northeast of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and accessible by a complimentary tram (golf-cart-like buggy, to be more specific) from both entrances of the Red Garage on the first floor.
Parking at Austin Airport
There are three parking garages/lots at AUS, plus an overflow lot for when they fill up:
Red Garage: The closest garage to the terminal, literally across the road from the entrance. The parking fare is $7.00 per hour with a daily cap of $35.00.
Blue Garage: Rates are $5.00 per hour, with a daily maximum of $26.00. Features a smart parking guidance system and "Find Your Car" kiosks. Located behind the Red Garage.
Economy Lots: Located behind the Blue Garage and the cheapest parking option overall at $5.00 per hour and just $12.00 per day.
There exist other off-site options provided by private entities.
For those waiting to pick up passengers, the best place is the Cell Phone Lot, where you can park for free until your friends/family’s plane lands.
For drop-offs, just drive up to the passenger drop-off points near the entrance to the terminal. Note that you can’t actually park there.
Hotels near Austin Airport
Two hotels are conveniently located outside the main terminal of AUS:
Hilton Austin Airport: A 4-star, full-service hotel, offering 24-hour shuttle service and a gorgeous pool.
Hyatt Place Austin Airport: A 3-star hotel that provides modern rooms with a complimentary breakfast and the almost mandatory shuttle service expected from an airport hotel.
Outside the airport, you will have access to some cheaper hotels. For example, the Holiday Inn Austin Airport features spacious and very quiet rooms, top-notch service, and business facilities, all without breaking the bank.
Click here to see even more hotels near Austin-Bergstrom Airport.
Austin, TX, USA
