Getting Around Austin
Austin offers several options for moving around the city, from walking and biking to public transit and ride-hailing services. The best choice depends on which neighborhoods you're visiting, the weather, and your comfort level with different modes of transport.
Walking
Downtown Austin is walkable for visitors willing to explore on foot. Most downtown hotels have attractions within a one- to two-mile walk. The University of Texas area, just north of downtown, is also very pedestrian-friendly. Be prepared for potentially intense heat during summer months, which can make walking less practical during the day. The University of Texas campus itself can be difficult to navigate by car due to limited parking, making it another area where walking makes sense.
Biking
Austin has a high concentration of cyclists and is reasonably bike-friendly, especially downtown. Most major streets have bike lanes. The terrain is generally hilly to the west but slopes more gently toward the river in the center of town. Biking is most comfortable from mid-October to mid-April; from May to mid-October, temperatures can exceed the high 90s to low 100s Fahrenheit with humidity that may be problematic.
Several bike rental and community bike options exist:
- Austin B-Cycle (also called MetroBike) operates automated bike-rental stations in downtown, the University area, and near South Austin
- Bicycle Sports Shop in downtown offers the largest selection of bike rentals in the city
- Rocket Electrics, located about a mile southeast of downtown in the Southshore District, specializes in electric bikes and offers day rentals and guided tours
- The Yellow Bike Project operates community bike shops where you can repair your own bike free of charge with coordinator assistance. The project also maintains yellow community bikes that can be ridden and left for others
Public Bus System
Capital Metro operates Austin's public bus network with neighborhood, express, and downtown routes. Local bus fares cost $1.25 per trip, or you can purchase a 24-hour pass for $2.50 on board any bus. Express buses and the MetroRail commuter train cost $3.50 per trip, with a day pass available for $7.00. The system also includes "E-Bus" and "Night Owl" services for the city's entertainment districts after hours.
The Capital Metro website includes a trip planner to help you find public transport options between two points in Austin. Be aware that bus trips from any point north of Highway 183 to downtown typically take at least half an hour.
MetroRail Commuter Train
Capital Metro operates a commuter rail service called MetroRail that connects downtown Austin with northwest Austin. Service runs on weekdays and early evenings on Fridays and Saturdays. Fares are $3.50 per trip or $7.00 for a day pass.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Austin. Ride-hailing services including Uber and Lyft operate in the city as well. These options provide flexibility for getting around without needing to navigate public transit schedules or plan a route in advance.
Getting from the Airport to Downtown
Austin Bergstrom International Airport is located about 6 miles southeast of the city center. Several transportation options connect the airport to downtown:
- Taxi: Fares to downtown Austin are approximately $30
- Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft operate at the airport
- Shared ride shuttles: Various shuttle services are available
- Public bus: Capital Metro bus 20 runs from the airport to downtown Austin. The fare is $1.25 for a one-way trip or $2.50 for a 24-hour local pass
- Car rental: Major rental agencies operate at the airport
- Private car service: Chauffeured sedans and limousines are available but typically require advance reservations
Overall Transit Notes
Austin's public transit system is considered generally mediocre even by U.S. standards. Most visitors benefit from combining multiple transportation modes—for instance, using public transit or ride-hailing for longer distances and walking or biking to explore specific neighborhoods. Downtown and the University of Texas area are the most accessible parts of the city for visitors relying on transit and walking.