Austin Airport Transportation
Source: https://global.utexas.edu/isss/life-at-ut/austin/austin-airport-transportation Parent: https://global.utexas.edu/isss/life-at-ut/austin
When you arrive in a new city, getting around can be daunting. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has got you covered. There are two main transportation methods available for you to use.
Don't miss the safety tips at the bottom of this page!
Rideshares (Lyft/Uber)
If you have a lot of luggage or arrive at a late hour, a rideshare like Lyft or Uber can take you directly to your destination. Rideshare services are smartphone apps where you can request a car ride (similar to a taxi but through an app).
A rideshare is a convenient door-to-door option. Go to the rideshare pickup, use the app to get a ride, and expect to pay by card ~$30 for a 20-30 minute trip. If anything is confusing, you can ask airport staff where the “Uber/Lyft pickup” is – they get this question often, and the location is well-known (Austin Bergstrom Airport Bus & Train Transport Guide - iFLY).
Uber and Lyft pickups at Austin’s airport happen in a designated area – not at the regular passenger curb. After you order your ride in the app, you’ll be directed to the Rideshare Pickup Area, which is located under the Rental Car Center, behind the Red parking garage at the airport (Ground Transportation at the Barbara Jordan Terminal | AustinTexas.gov) Follow the signs in the terminal for “Rideshare” or “Ground Transportation/Ride App.”
How to get there: Once you exit baggage claim, you may need to walk a few minutes to the rideshare pickup:
- This Video greatly helps navigating to uber pickup zone at the Austin airport once you are outside the terminal after baggage claim
- Follow the signs: Look for signs that say “Ride App Pickup” or the logos for Uber/Lyft. These will lead you across to the rental car facility area, which is just north of the main terminal. There is a big Red Garage; the pickup zone is underneath it on ground level
- Walking distance: It’s a short walk (~5 minutes) from the terminal. If you have a lot of bags, there are sometimes airport courtesy trams (small shuttles) that can take you from the terminal to the Red Garage area .The tram pickup is typically near the baggage claim exit – look for a sign about Rental Car or Rideshare Tram.
- Wait in the designated zone: Once you are under the Rental Car Center, you’ll see marked areas for Uber/Lyft pickups. It’s usually a well-lit, covered area with signs. Do not wait at the regular curb outside arrivals for Uber/Lyft; they are not allowed to pick up there.
When your driver is close, the app will usually tell you the car make, color, license plate, and driver’s name. Make sure you identify the correct car before you get in (many cars might be picking up passengers there). - Cost and Travel Time for a Rideshare
Payment in the app: When you set up Uber or Lyft, you must add a payment method. This can be a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), some apps allow PayPal or Apple Pay/Google Pay, and in the US you can even add certain gift cards. As an international student, if you have a Visa/Mastercard from home, it should work. The app will charge the fare to your card automatically at the end of the ride, so you don’t need cash for the ride itself.
The cost of a rideshare from AUS to UT Austin will vary depending on time of day, demand, and traffic. Here’s what to expect:
- Typical Price: Around $30 USD for a standard ride (UberX/Lyft) during normal hours. In some cases it could be a bit less or more. According to an airport guide, rides from AUS to downtown Austin average $30 to $54 (Guide to Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)). UT Austin is just north of downtown, so it’s roughly in the same range. Most often, you’ll likely see something around $25–$35 on the app for a direct trip, but be prepared if it’s higher.
- Surge Pricing: If you arrive during a very busy time (for example, late at night when many flights land, or during a special event), Uber/Lyft might have surge pricing (also called “Prime Time” on Lyft) which increases the fare. The app will show you the price before you confirm. If it looks very high, that might be why. Unfortunately, if it’s very late and buses are not running, you may have to pay the higher price or wait until it drops.
- Splitting Fare: If you are traveling with other new students, you can share one Uber and split the cost in the app. Uber and Lyft allow fare-splitting among riders (each person needs the app and a payment method).
- Travel Time: The drive from Austin Airport to UT Austin campus usually takes about 20–30 minutes by car. If traffic is light (late evening or midday), it can be as quick as 20 minutes. During peak traffic (rush hour around 5 PM or morning 8 AM) it could take closer to 30 or even 40 minutes. The app will give an estimated time of arrival. Austin traffic can be moderate, but it’s not usually too bad on the route from the airport except during major events.
- Tolls: There are no tolls on the typical route from AUS to UT (the driver will likely take Highway 71 to I-35 north, then exit toward downtown/UT). So you shouldn’t see extra toll charges.
Importantly, you do not need to pay the driver in cash – the fare is automatically charged to your app’s payment method. - Tipping Your Driver
In the US, after your Uber or Lyft ride, the app will prompt you to tip (typically 15% or $3-6 on a $30 ride). While optional, tipping is customary - you can select preset amounts or a custom tip, which charges to your payment method. A small tip ($2-3) is appreciated even on a budget. - Setting up Payment (for International Cards)
When adding a payment method in Uber or Lyft, use a credit card or debit card that you have. Visa, MasterCard, American Express are commonly accepted. International cards are generally accepted as long as they are enabled for international transactions. If you have a travel credit card or a card from home, you can enter its details. The app may perform a small temporary charge (like $1) to verify the card.
- Ensure your bank from home isn’t blocking international or online transactions – if in doubt, you might want to have informed them that you’re traveling to the U.S.
Bus/Public Transit
CapMetro Route 20 is a high frequency public bus that runs directly from the airport to downtown Austin and the UT Austin campus area (Airport Service – Capital Metro – Austin Public Transit). It’s an affordable option ($1.25 USD fare) and runs frequently.
The bus stop at Austin’s airport is easy to find – look for the neon guitar-shaped bus shelter on the lower level outside baggage claim. After you collect your luggage, follow signs for “Ground Transportation” or “Buses.” You will see a large blue guitar-shaped covered bus stop (pictured above) which is the CapMetro pick-up point. This is located right outside the arrivals/baggage claim area, so you won’t have to go far. If you’re unsure, ask an airport staff member for the “CapMetro bus stop.” - Schedule, Frequency and Travel Time
Route 20 (Manor Road/Riverside) runs 7 days a week, departing every 15 minutes for most of the day. Buses start in early morning (around 5:00 AM) and operate until late evening (approximately midnight). The ride from AUS to the UT campus area takes about 35–45 minutes under normal traffic ( Rider FAQ – Capital Metro – Austin Public Transit). During rush hour it could be a bit longer, but generally it’s a comfortable trip. There’s no need to reserve – just wait at the bus stop and board the next Route 20 bus.
Tip: The buses are orange/white CapMetro buses marked with route number “20.” When the bus arrives, check the destination sign (it should mention “Downtown” or “Manor Rd” which is the Route 20 line). - Getting Off Near Campus
Route 20 will go through downtown Austin and then pass by the UT Austin campus on its route. To make sure you get off at the right place, here’s what to do:
- Ask the Driver or Listen: When you board, you can tell the driver “I need to get off at UT Austin.” The driver can advise you on the best stop. The bus has automated announcements and display screens for major stops, but don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Watch for Landmarks: The UT campus is recognizable by the University of Texas Tower (a tall tower with a clock) and signs for the university. The bus will likely go along Guadalupe Street or Dean Keeton Street by campus. When you see university buildings and students, you are near UT.
- Suggested Stops: A common stop for UT is near Dean Keeton & Guadalupe Street (the northwest edge of campus) or on Guadalupe St. near 21st-22nd Streets, by the “West Mall” entrance of campus. Route 20 has a stop serving “University of Texas” – you can use that one. If you’re unsure, again, politely ask the driver or a fellow passenger to let you know when the bus is at UT Austin.
- Signal to Stop: When the bus is nearing your stop, pull the yellow cord or press the “Stop” button to request the stop. The driver will then let you off at the next bus stop.
- Using the CapMetro App to Plan and Buy Tickets
It’s a good idea to use CapMetro’s mobile apps to plan your trip and buy tickets. CapMetro currently uses two apps for convenience: one for trip planning and one for ticketing.
- Transit App (for Planning): CapMetro recommends a free app called “Transit” to get real-time bus information You can download “Transit” from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This app isn’t required, but it can show you the bus location, arrival time, and help with directions if needed. (If you don’t have this, don’t worry – Route 20 comes every 15 minutes, so you won’t wait long.)
- CapMetro’s Umo App (for Tickets): To buy bus tickets on your phone, download the CapMetro App (now powered by Umo). Search for “CapMetro Umo” in your app store. After installing, create an account with an email and password. Then you can add a payment method (a credit/debit card or mobile payment) to purchase fares. The app will show options like “Local Single Ride – $1.25” or “Local Day Pass – $2.50.” Choose what you need (a Day Pass is just $2.50 and covers unlimited rides for 24 hours).
- Once you buy a ticket in the app, it will be stored in the app wallet. Do not activate it until you see the bus approaching, to make sure it doesn’t expire too soon. When you board, you’ll activate the ticket and scan the QR code on your phone’s screen under a scanner by the driver. The driver or machine will beep/flash to confirm your ticket.
- No Internet? AUS airport offers free Wi-Fi, which you can use to download these apps or buy your ticket if you don’t have mobile data in the US. (Network name is usually “AUS-Free-Wifi” or similar – follow on-screen prompts to connect.)
If you prefer not to use a phone app, you can pay cash on the bus. See the next section for details. - Fare Price and How to Pay on the Bus
CapMetro bus fare: The cost for Route 20 is $1.25 USD for a single ride (one-way) .This is a local fare. If you need to connect to another bus in Austin within 24 hours, you can buy a $2.50 Day Pass which covers all local buses for the day
You have a few ways to pay the fare:
- Mobile Ticket (Recommended): As described above, using the CapMetro app (Umo) is convenient. Purchase your ticket in the app and scan the QR code on the bus. This way you don’t need exact change.
- Cash on the Bus: You can also pay with cash directly on the bus. Exact change is required because the farebox does not give change - $1.25 is the exact amount for one ride. The driver cannot break large bills, so try to have a $1 bill and a quarter (or other combinations of U.S. coins) ready. Insert the money into the farebox next to the driver when you board. Wait for the driver to nod or the machine to accept the fare before you take your seat. If you only have a $5, $10, etc., you will overpay since no change is given but that’s still an great option if your budget is tight.
- Credit/Debit on Bus: Note that credit or debit cards are not accepted on the bus farebox. There is no card reader on the bus. So if you don’t use the mobile app, you must use cash.
For most international students, using the app with a card is easiest. If you didn’t manage to get the app or have no internet, paying cash is fine too – just make sure to get some small U.S. currency.
Stay Safe!
Traveling in a new country can be overwhelming, but Austin is generally friendly, and the UT Austin community is used to international students. However, with any large city, you need to be aware of how to keep yourself safe! UT Austin also has plenty of safety resources available to the community.
Here are some general safety tips for your journey from the airport to campus.
Use Official Services: At the airport, stick to official transportation options – CapMetro buses, licensed taxis, or rideshare (Uber/Lyft). In the arrivals area, you might occasionally encounter unsolicited offers like people asking if you need a ride. It’s safest to decline those. Use the taxi queue or rideshare app so you know you’re getting an authorized driver. The airport has specific authorized taxi companies and a set pickup area (Guide to Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)), which means any legitimate taxi will come from the taxi stand. If someone approaches you inside saying “I can give you a ride” for a flat fee, it’s best to say no and use the official channels.
Identifying Staff: Airport staff (like those at information desks or in uniforms) can direct you. Don’t hesitate to ask, “Excuse me, where is the bus stop for downtown?” or “Is this the way to the rideshare pickup?” They are there to help.
Personal Belongings: Keep your important documents (passport, I-20, admission letter) and valuables secured in your carry-on bag. When on the bus, keep your bags in sight – maybe on your lap or by your feet. Route 20 is usually not crowded leaving the airport, but just stay aware. On Uber/Lyft, make sure you don’t leave anything in the car when you exit. Double-check for your phone and wallet. - Recognizing When You’ve Arrived at UT Austin
UT Austin’s main campus is a distinct area in central Austin. As you approach, here’s how to know you’re there:
- Look for the UT Tower: The UT Tower is a famous landmark – a tall beige tower with a clock face on each side, often lit up at night. If you see it, you are on campus or very close.
- Street Signs and Banners: Campus lampposts often have burnt-orange banners saying “The University of Texas at Austin.” Street signs for roads like “Dean Keeton St,” “Guadalupe St,” “Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd,” outline the campus boundaries.
- Campus Buildings: UT Austin has many large University buildings made of limestone and brick. You’ll notice a concentration of academic-looking buildings, sports facilities, and student activity.
- Ask or Use Maps: If on the bus and unsure, you can ask “Is this the stop for UT Austin?” Chances are several people on the bus might also be going to campus (especially if it’s around semester start). You can also track your location using Google Maps on your phone during the ride – drop a pin on “UT Austin” and watch as you near it.
- Once you get off the bus or out of your Uber/Lyft on campus, you can use a map app to walk to your specific dorm or building. UT Austin is a big campus, but if you have an address, the map can guide you turn by turn. Also, students around are generally helpful – you can say “Hi, I’m new. Can you tell me how to get to [building name]?” Most will be happy to assist.
- If You Arrive Late at Night (After 10 p.m. or Early Morning)
Many international flights might arrive in the evening. Here’s advice for off-hours:
- CapMetro Hours: Route 20 runs fairly late, but by around midnight the service winds down. For example, the last bus might leave the airport around 11:30 PM (check the schedule to be sure). If your flight arrives very late (say midnight or later), the bus may not be an option until the morning. In that case, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare.
- Rideshare Availability: Rideshare is available 24/7, but late at night there might be slightly fewer drivers, so wait times could be a bit longer. Still, Austin’s airport gets late flights, so drivers often hang around. Just be prepared for possibly a small “late night” surcharge.
- Taxis: There are always some taxis waiting at the airport taxi stand, even late. The authorized taxi pickup is at the same place as rideshare (under the Red Garage) (Guide to Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)). Taxis charge by the meter; a trip to campus will likely be in the $30–$40 range (Guide to Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)). This can actually be on par with a high-demand Uber. Taxis are a safe option if you can’t use the app or prefer a direct approach. You can pay taxis with cash or card (ask the driver if card is OK before the trip; most have card readers). Tipping taxi drivers ~15% is also customary.
Safety at Night: Austin is generally safe, but like any big city, if it’s the middle of the night, stick to well-lit areas. The airport is well-lit and generally secure. If taking a bus late (say you caught one of the last buses), know that once you reach downtown/campus, it will be dark and quieter. If you’re going to a dorm and it’s late be sure to head directly there. If you feel uneasy walking alone at night on campus, you can call UT Austin's SURE Walk service (students who escort other students at night) or even campus police for an escort. - Asking for Help if You Get Lost or Confused
Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Texans are known to be friendly! Here are some resources:
- Airport Information Desks: In the terminal, usually near baggage claim or the main concourse, there may be an information booth. They can answer questions about transportation and local info.
- CapMetro Staff: Sometimes (especially during daytime), CapMetro might have staff or volunteers at the airport stop to help new riders – this can happen at the start of semesters when lots of students arrive. If someone is in a CapMetro uniform, feel free to ask them for guidance.
- On the Bus: Bus drivers in Austin are generally helpful. You can board and say (with a smile), “First time here – does this bus go near UT Austin?” They will tell you yes and often they will announce or signal to you when it’s near your stop if you ask them to. Just sit near the front for easier communication.
- At UT Campus: Once on campus, if you’re lost, you can ask anyone who looks like a student or staff
Remember that it’s normal to be a bit anxious arriving in a new place, but Austin’s airport and UT campus are accustomed to new international arrivals. You will likely find the process straightforward. By following the steps above, you’ll go from the airport to your new home at UT Austin safely and efficiently.
Want more Information?
CapMetro Official Website – Austin-Bergstrom Airport Bus Service (Route 20)
- Airport Service – Capital Metro – Austin Public Transit
- Airport Service – Capital Metro – Austin Public Transit
CapMetro Rider FAQ – Which bus goes to the airport? (Frequency, route and fare info)
CapMetro Rider’s Guide – Using the CapMetro (Umo) App and paying fares (exact change)
CapMetro Airport Route Info – Neon guitar bus stop location at airport (lower level, baggage claim)
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Ground Transportation – Location of Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Pick-Up
GlobalAirportParking Austin Guide – Typical Rideshare and Taxi Costs, Authorized Services