Austin's Airport Options: A Tale Of Two Travel Hubs

Austin, Texas, has one airport, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin. The airport has two terminals, the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal, which are not connected and have to be entered from separate roads on different sides of the airport. The Barbara Jordan Terminal is the larger of the two and can handle domestic and international flights. The South Terminal is primarily used by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines for domestic flights within the US.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Overview

History

The airport is built on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, named after Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, an officer who was the first person from Austin to be killed in World War II. The base was decommissioned in the early 1990s, and the land was reverted to the city, which opened the airport as Austin's main aviation hub in 1999.

Terminals

Facilities and Amenities

The airport has 34 gates, full customs facilities, TSA Pre-Check, and Border Protection's Global Entry program. It offers exceptional customer service, free Wi-Fi for up to 4 hours, art exhibits, local food options, and live music performances. There are various dining and shopping options available, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and gift shops. The airport also provides essential services such as banks, currency exchanges, and chair massages.

Accessibility

Expansion

The airport is undergoing a significant expansion called "Journey with AUS," which includes the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall and Concourse B, with plans for up to 40 gates. This expansion aims to modernise the airport and drive economic prosperity in the region.

Barbara Jordan Terminal

The Barbara Jordan Terminal is the main terminal of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA/AUS) in Austin, Texas. The airport is located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin and is the third busiest airport in Texas. The Barbara Jordan Terminal is the largest of the two terminals at the airport, with 34 gates, six of which can handle international flights. The terminal is semi-oval-shaped, with ticketing and baggage claim areas located on two levels. The upper level is for ticketing and departures, while the lower level is for baggage claim and customs and immigration facilities for international arrivals. The terminal has a split-level roadway for curbside drop-off and pick-up on both levels.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal has a wide range of dining and shopping options, with several restaurants, cafes, and shops located inside the secure area. There are also lounges, including the Admirals Club and the United Club, accessible to eligible passengers. The terminal features live music performances, art exhibits, and other amenities such as banks, currency exchanges, and gift shops.

The terminal has a red parking garage located in front of it, offering short-term and long-term parking options. There is also a blue parking garage located within walking distance, and an economy parking lot with complimentary shuttle service. The terminal is accessible by road from TX-71 and is served by public transportation options, including buses and ride-sharing services.

South Terminal

The South Terminal is a separate terminal of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Austin, Texas. It is located at 10000 Logistics Ln., Austin, and can be accessed by taking US 183 South to Burleson Road. The South Terminal is about 8 miles away from the main Barbara Jordan Terminal and is used by Frontier and Allegiant Airlines for domestic flights. The two terminals are not connected and must be accessed separately.

The South Terminal has a quirky decor and features an outdoor patio with a taco food truck and other grab-and-go food options. It also has a bar and free Wi-Fi. The terminal is accessible to passengers with disabilities, with wheelchair assistance available upon request.

For transportation to and from the South Terminal, passengers can use taxis, ride-shares, or shuttle buses. The shuttle bus picks up passengers from the departure level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and travels to the South Terminal in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The airport recommends that passengers park on-site or get dropped off directly at the South Terminal.

The South Terminal has its own parking lot with three options: Premium Lot, Economy Lot, and Close-in Lot (temporarily closed). Payment for parking is made by card only; cash is not accepted. Disabled veteran complimentary parking is available in the Economy Lot.

Airport transport options

By Car

If you're driving to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the address is 3600 Presidential Blvd., Austin, TX 78719, USA. The airport is 7.5 miles from downtown and 7 miles from the Austin Convention Center.

By Bus

Capital Metro runs a frequent bus service to the airport. Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside starts at the airport, operating every 15 minutes, 7 days a week. It then heads down Riverside Drive before zipping into downtown and serving the University of Texas campus. It costs $1.25 for a single ride with no surge pricing and a $2.50 Day Pass will cover you for the next 24 hours.

By Taxi

You can hail a taxi at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The minimum fare is $13.80 (including a $2.50 airport surcharge). You can find taxi ranks outside the ground level of both Barbara Jordan and South terminals. Here is a list of cab companies along with their contact information:

• Yellow Cab: (512) 452-9999
• ATX Co Op: 512-333-5555
• Central Texas Taxi: 512-400-4044

By Rideshare

Ride-hailing services such as Uber, Lyft and Ride Austin are available at the airport.

By Shuttle

SuperShuttle is the leading and trusted shared shuttle service for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Super Shuttle price from the airport to downtown Austin costs approximately $18 - $20. They also have non-stop airport shuttles, private sedans, and SUVs.

By Rental Car

Most major rental car companies are available at the airport. The rental car facility is located opposite Barbara Jordan Terminal, so passengers arriving at the South Terminal must ride the terminal shuttle bus to reach the facility.

Airport facilities

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a modern airport with 34 gates and full customs facilities. It has been in operation since 1999 and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. The airport is currently undergoing a series of improvements, expansion projects and new facilities to accommodate its growth.

The airport has two terminals: the Barbara Jordan Terminal, which is the largest and main terminal, and the South Terminal, used by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. The terminals are not connected and are located around 8 miles apart, with a courtesy shuttle bus service for connecting passengers. The Barbara Jordan Terminal has 2 levels, with ticketing and departures on the upper level and baggage claim and customs on the lower level. There are 3 security checkpoints at this terminal and 1 in the South Terminal. Both terminals offer TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs.

The airport provides free Wi-Fi for up to 4 hours and has charging stations throughout the departure areas. There are a variety of dining options, including local favourites, fast food, cafes and bars, as well as a food truck park at the South Terminal. For shopping, there are duty-free and tax-free shops, local souvenir shops, electronics, books and clothing stores. Art exhibitions and live music performances are also regularly featured at the airport.

Other facilities include banks, currency exchanges, nurseries, lounges, spas, vending machines and lactation suites. There is no luggage storage available. The airport is accessible for passengers with disabilities, with wheelchair assistance, a Mobility Lounge and a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program.

Frequently asked questions