AUS Austin Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know

AUS Airport Overview

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport sits on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin. It's a single-terminal airport that's been expanding rapidly to keep up with Austin's explosive growth. The airport is famously Austin-flavored, with live music stages, local food vendors, and that unmistakable Keep Austin Weird energy. If you're connecting through, it's one of the better airports to have a layover at.

Terminal Layout

AUS has been operating with the Barbara Jordan Terminal as its main terminal, plus a small South Terminal that served ultra-low-cost carriers. The South Terminal closed in early January for demolition as part of the airport's expansion plan.

Barbara Jordan Terminal

This is where virtually all flights now operate. The terminal has a straightforward layout with gates numbered sequentially. Check-in and ticketing are on the upper level, baggage claim is on the lower level, and the gate areas are all connected airside after security.

Terminal E (New Expansion)

The brand-new Terminal E expansion adds three new gates, expanded seating, new dining options, and a mezzanine level with an outdoor balcony offering views of the airfield. This is part of the airport's larger plan to handle Austin's growing passenger numbers.

Airlines

AUS serves most major domestic carriers including Southwest (which has a large presence here), American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska, Frontier, and Spirit. International flights operate to Mexico, the Caribbean, London, and Frankfurt.

Getting To and From Austin

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

The most popular option. Pickup is on the lower level of the terminal. Rides to downtown Austin typically run $15-$25 and take 15-20 minutes outside of rush hour. During South by Southwest (SXSW) or Austin City Limits (ACL) festival periods, expect surge pricing and longer waits.

Capital Metro Bus (Route 20)

The Route 20 bus connects the airport to downtown Austin with several stops along the way. The fare is $1.25 for a single ride. It's the cheapest option but takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and stops.

Rental Cars

The Rental Car Center is on the airport campus, accessible via a short shuttle ride from the lower level. All major rental companies are consolidated there. During major events and festivals, book well in advance - cars sell out fast in Austin.

Taxi

Taxis are available curbside on the lower level. Expect $25-$35 to downtown Austin. Flat rates may apply for certain zones.

Lounges

AUS has three airline lounges, all located airside on the mezzanine level above the gate areas.

• American Airlines Admirals Club (across from Gate 22) - Complimentary snacks, drinks, workspaces, and shower facilities. Access via Admirals Club membership, eligible credit cards, or same-day first class tickets on American.
• United Club (mezzanine level, across from Gate 22) - Standard United Club setup with food, drinks, and WiFi. Access via membership, day pass, or eligible credit cards.
• Delta Sky Club (mezzanine level, near Gate 4) - Delta's newest addition to AUS with food, premium drinks, and comfortable seating. Access via Delta status, membership, or eligible credit cards.

There's no Priority Pass lounge at AUS, which is a gap for independent travelers. If you don't have airline-specific lounge access, your best bet is to enjoy the terminal's solid food and drink options instead.

Food and Dining

AUS has over 55 food and drink options, and many of them are legitimately good Austin restaurants, not generic airport chains.

Must-Try Spots

• Salt Lick BBQ - The airport outpost of the famous Driftwood BBQ joint. Brisket, ribs, and sausage that actually deliver. This is the quintessential AUS food experience.
• Amy's Ice Creams - Austin's beloved ice cream shop. Mexican Vanilla and Sweet Cream are the go-to flavors.
• Tacodeli - Breakfast tacos are a religion in Austin, and Tacodeli is one of the temples. The Dona sauce is addictive.
• Earl Campbell's Sports Bar - Named after the Houston Oilers legend and UT Austin icon. Good burgers and cold beer with sports on every screen.
• Jo's Coffee - A South Congress staple now available at the airport. Solid espresso drinks.

Live Music

This is Austin, so yes, there's live music at the airport. Stages are set up in the gate areas with rotating local musicians performing throughout the day. It's not a gimmick - the musicians are genuinely talented and it makes the waiting experience far better than staring at your phone.

WiFi

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport via the "AUS Free WiFi" network powered by Boingo. Sessions last four hours, after which you can reconnect for another four hours. Speeds are decent for browsing and email. Charging outlets are available at most gates, and the newer sections of the terminal have USB-C ports built into the seating.

Sleeping at AUS

The Situation

AUS is not a great overnight airport. TSA security checkpoints close at approximately 8:30 PM, and everyone airside must relocate to the landside. Checkpoints reopen at 3:30 AM. This means overnight sleepers are stuck in the pre-security area with limited comfort options.

Best Spots If You're Stuck

• Near Gate 8 (Terminal D area) - Described as a quiet zone after midnight with window seats and decent WiFi.
• Lower level near Delta's end - Features longer benches with tables, though it gets noisy again around 4:30 AM.

All shops and restaurants close overnight, so stock up on snacks and water before everything shuts down.

Nearby Hotels

• Hilton Austin Airport - Right next to the terminal with a free shuttle.
• La Quinta by Wyndham Austin Airport - Budget option with free shuttle service.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin Airport - Extended stay option near the airport.

Given the security checkpoint closure, a nearby hotel is strongly recommended for overnight layovers.

Layover Tips

• Short layover (under 2 hours): AUS is a single terminal, so connections are easy. Grab a Salt Lick brisket sandwich and enjoy the live music at your gate. Simple.
• Medium layover (2-5 hours): Try multiple food spots - tacos from Tacodeli, BBQ from Salt Lick, ice cream from Amy's. Hit a lounge if you have access. Watch the live music performances. Browse the local Austin shops for souvenirs.
• Long layover (5+ hours): Head downtown via rideshare (15-20 minutes). Walk South Congress Avenue for vintage shopping, food trucks, and people-watching. Grab a drink on Rainey Street or Sixth Street. Leave 90 minutes for the return trip and security.
• Festival warning: During SXSW (March), ACL (October), and Formula 1 weekend, the airport gets extremely busy. Arrive 3 hours early, expect crowded terminals, and book rideshares well in advance.
• Security tip: The airport recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available and highly recommended during peak travel times.