Austin, Texas: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Austin, Texas is served by the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Austin and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. With over 260 daily flights and nonstop service to numerous domestic and international destinations, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a bustling hub for travellers. The airport offers a range of amenities, including full customs facilities, TSA Pre-Check, and Border Protection's Global Entry program, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience for its passengers.

The airport's history and location

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin, Texas, United States. The airport is one of the fastest-growing in the country and is currently undergoing a major expansion programme to accommodate the rapid growth in travel demand.

The airport is located on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was decommissioned in the early 1990s. The base was named after Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, an officer who was the first person from Austin to be killed in World War II.

In 1942, the city of Austin purchased the land and donated it to the Federal government for a military installation, with the stipulation that the city would get the land back when it was no longer needed. This became the Del Valle Army Air Base, or Del Valle Airfield, which was activated on September 19, 1942. The name was changed to Bergstrom Army Airfield in March 1943 to honour Captain Bergstrom. With the separation of the United States Air Force and Army in 1947, the base's name changed once more to Bergstrom Air Force Base.

In the 1970s, as Austin was outgrowing the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, the city considered building a new airport. The Federal Aviation Administration proposed that Austin and San Antonio build a joint regional airport, but this idea was rejected. In 1976, the city submitted a proposal to the United States Air Force for joint use of Bergstrom Air Force Base, but this was also rejected as too disruptive to the base's operations.

In the 1980s, the city council was pressured to choose a site for a new airport, and in 1987, voters approved a site near Manor. However, these plans were abandoned in 1991 when the Base Realignment and Closure Commission selected Bergstrom for closure, and the city was given the go-ahead to convert the base for use as a civilian airport. Construction on the new airport began in November 1994, and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport opened to the public on May 23, 1999.

Transport options to and from the airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Austin, Texas, is served by the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin. The airport is one of the fastest-growing in the United States and is currently undergoing expansion to accommodate this growth.

Public Transport

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) provides an affordable and reliable bus service to and from the airport. Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside operates every 15 minutes, 7 days a week, and takes approximately 35 minutes to reach downtown Austin. The route passes through the University of Texas campus and several popular downtown spots, including the State Capital and Lady Bird Lake. A single ride costs $1.25, and you can transfer to another High-Frequency bus/rail route with a $2.50 Day Pass.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxi and rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available at the airport. The drop-off location for passengers departing from the airport is at the upper level/departures curbside. For arriving passengers, the pick-up location is under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, just north or behind the Red Garage.

Rental Cars

A consolidated rent-a-car center (ConRAC) is located in a parking garage northeast of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and is connected to the Red Garage. Ten rental car companies have counters on the second floor, offering convenient access to rental vehicles.

Shuttle

A shuttle bus service operates between the main Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal every 20 minutes. The South Terminal is used by ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. The shuttle trip between the terminals takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Limousine

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport provides an up-to-date list of limousine services available in Austin. You can contact these companies directly to schedule ground transportation.

Parking

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers various parking options, including the Economy Lot and two parking garages. Real-time parking availability, rates, and the option to book a parking spot in advance are available online. Additionally, there is a Cell Phone Waiting Lot for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers, located at 2901 Spirit of Texas Drive.

Facilities and amenities available at the airport

Facilities and Amenities Available at Austin, Texas Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a modern airport with numerous facilities and amenities designed to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. The airport is located about 7.5 miles from the Austin Convention Center and offers easy access to the city's downtown area. With a focus on customer service and convenience, AUS provides a range of services that reflect the unique character of Austin.

Dining Options:

The airport offers a variety of dining options, showcasing the local cuisine of Austin. From breakfast tacos at Tacodeli to brisket sandwiches and BBQ at Salt Lick, passengers can enjoy a taste of Austin's culinary scene. Other dining options include Z Cafe, JuiceLand, Second Bar + Kitchen, and a food truck park at the South Terminal.

Shopping and Entertainment:

AUS provides a diverse range of shopping options, including local favourites such as Austin City Limits/Waterloo Records, Tyler's, and BookPeople. Passengers can also find souvenir shops like Austin Article and Taste ATX, offering Austin-themed merchandise.

Live music, a defining feature of Austin, is prominently featured at the airport. With over 1,400 live performances in 2023, passengers can enjoy a variety of musical genres at different venues throughout the airport. Additionally, art exhibits such as the Wings of History Exhibit and the Texas Toy Museum add to the entertainment offerings.

Passenger Services and Amenities:

AUS offers a range of services and amenities to enhance the comfort and convenience of its passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available for up to 4 hours, and the airport provides banking, currency exchange, and massage services. For passengers with disabilities, AUS offers a Mobility Lounge and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program, ensuring a more accessible travel experience.

Ground Transportation:

The airport provides easy access to ground transportation options. Major rental car companies are available, and standard transportation options include the Capital Metro Bus Line and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. The SuperShuttle also offers transportation to various locations around the city.

Terminal Facilities:

The Barbara Jordan Terminal, the main terminal at AUS, features 34 gates, including six capable of handling international flights. The terminal has a spacious design and includes restaurants, bars, and various passenger amenities. The South Terminal, located separately, serves ultra-low-cost carriers and provides a unique experience with a retro look and outdoor waiting areas.

The airport's expansion and development plans

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Expansion and Development Plans

Overview

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA/AUS) is undergoing a multi-year expansion, development, and improvement program called "Journey With AUS". The program aims to meet the current and future needs of the growing region while enhancing the passenger experience with a unique Austin and Central Texas flavour. The airport is one of the fastest-growing in the United States and is a significant economic driver, providing over 74,000 jobs in the region. The expansion plans are designed to accommodate the rapid growth in travel demand and to modernise facilities.

Near-Term Improvements

The near-term improvements include a range of projects to enhance the airport's functionality and passenger experience. These include:

• A new outbound baggage handling system to meet the demand of 30 million annual passengers, increasing to 4,000 bags per hour.
• Atrium Infill to expand passenger processing by adding 12,000 square feet of space for security screening, bag check, and passenger processing.
• West Infill and TSA Checkpoint 3 Expansion, adding over 75,000 square feet of space and expanding the checkpoint from 2 to up to 8 lanes.
• West Gate Terminal Expansion, adding 84,500 square feet of space, including new dining areas, seating areas, restrooms, a meditation room, family and nursing rooms, and a public outdoor balcony.
• International Arrivals Improvements, adding 6,000 square feet of space for passenger queuing, baggage carousels, and customs processing.
• Temporary Hold Room Facility, adding early gate capacity and six narrow-body gate positions.

Long-Term Expansion and Development Projects

The long-term expansion and development projects are more significant undertakings that will further increase the airport's capacity and improve its infrastructure. These include:

• Concourse B and Connector Tunnel, a new 20-gate midfield concourse with a passenger conveyance system and potential expansion to Concourse C.
• Arrivals and Departures Hall, a new hall with expanded ticketing, check-in, security, and baggage areas, as well as additional tenant and concession spaces.
• Airfield, Utility, and Infrastructure Projects, including the construction of two new parallel midfield taxiways, taxiway bridges, airfield lighting, security enhancements, and utility improvements.
• New Central Utility Plant to provide reliable cooling and heating for the expanding airport.
• Utility Infrastructure Campus-Wide (UICW) project to enhance and expand the airport's utility systems, including electrical power, storm drainage, water quality, and information technology.

Funding

The improvements are funded through various sources, including airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, future revenue bond proceeds, and Federal Aviation Administration grants. Local Austin taxpayer dollars are not used to fund these projects.

The airport's busiest routes

The Airports Busiest Routes

Domestic

The busiest domestic routes from Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (September 2023 – August 2024) were:

• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Los Angeles, California
• Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona
• Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois
• New York–JFK, New York
• Nashville, Tennessee

International

The busiest international routes from Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (July 2023 – June 2024) were:

• London–Heathrow, United Kingdom
• San José del Cabo, Mexico
• Toronto–Pearson, Canada
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Panama City–Tocumen, Panama
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Airlines

The largest airlines at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (September 2023 – August 2024) were:

• Southwest Airlines (41.9% of passengers)
• American Airlines (20.3% of passengers)
• Delta Air Lines (14.5% of passengers)
• United Airlines (11.4% of passengers)
• Alaska Airlines (3.6% of passengers)

Frequently asked questions