Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Guide, Facilities & Services

Introduction

When you are traveling to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

A Brief Overview of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA)

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is situated off Highway 71, just a 15-minute drive from downtown. It services over 20 airlines, with Delta, Southwest, American, United, and Frontier being among the biggest. It also provides non-stop service to over 50 destinations, which includes New York City, Las Vegas, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., domestically, and Frankfurt, Cancun, and London internationally. The busiest domestic routes from ABIA encompass Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Los Angeles.

For Barbara Jordan Terminal, you will need to follow the signs for the terminal from Highway 71. For the South Terminal, however, you will need to take Highway 183 South to Burleson Road, then turn onto Emma Browning Avenue, which leads directly to the terminal.

IATA: AUS

Address: 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719, USA

Contact: (512) 530-2242

Website: http://www.austintexas.gov/airport

Operation Hours: The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is open 24 hours on all days. However, some facilities and services provided at the airport, such as food concessions, stores, transportation, etc. may only be available to passengers for a limited time. Hence, it is advised that you check with the airport during your visit.

Austin–Bergstrom International Airport Terminal

The Austen-Bergstrom International Airport has two terminals called the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal. Each terminal not only has varied facilities but also has separate entrances on opposite sides of the airport. The Barbara Jordan Terminal is reachable from State Highway 71 and is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s main terminal. It has a total of 34 gates and services all the big airlines.

The South Terminal is reachable only from the south boundary of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport campus. It has only three gates and services Allegiant and Frontier airlines. There is no shuttle or public transport between the two terminals, so passengers have to arrive at the entrance that corresponds with their airline. You will need to take 183 South or 130 to Burleson Road, then turn onto Emma Browning Avenue and follow the route to reach the South Terminal.

The estimated driving time between the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal is 20 minutes (one-way).

Austin–Bergstrom International Airport Parking

The South Terminal has plenty of parking space and the costs are $16 per day for the short term and $10 per day for the long term. Off-airport parking shuttles will not drive to the South Terminal, so, you will need to take an ABIA (Austin-Bergstrom International Airport) shuttle from the Barbara Jordan terminal.

The other parking options available at the airport include:

Valet: Although the most convenient, valet is additionally the most expensive, ranging from $19 for a family-friendly option and $29 for an executive option. Vehicle valet parking is available on the third level of Garage 1, across from the Barbara Jordan Terminal.

Garage Parking: You may additionally park in the self-park garage available next to the terminal for $3 per hour or $25 for a full day.

Economy Parking: If you plan on staying for longer than a few hours, perhaps you must choose the Economy Lot which charges $8 for the day and also provides complimentary shuttle service to the terminal.

Blue Garage: There is availability for long-term parking in the six-level Blue Garage. It is located within a short distance to the terminal and is charged $15 per day maximum.

If you are heading to the South Terminal, your alternatives are extra limited:

Premium Lot: Closest to the terminal, directly across is the Premium Lot which is available for $20 per day.

Economy Lot: The Economy Lot is located a few distances away and also provides a shuttle service for half the price of the Premium Lot.

Airlines Served at Austin-Bergstrom Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is served by the following airlines: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Jetblue Airways, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Vacation Express, and WestJet.

Facilities and Services Available at Austin-Bergstrom Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport provides amenities to passengers to make their experience worthwhile.

Security Check-points

There are security checks at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through these security checks.

Help Desk

The airport’s Visitor Information Centers provide maps, directions, records on ground transportation, and more. You can also seek help from a pleasant Ambassador Volunteer with queries about airport amenities and services. Visitor Information Centers are located in the Barbara Jordan Terminal, Baggage Claim area, near Carousels 3 and 5.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Stations

Wi-Fi is available at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Access to Wi-Fi is provided in unlimited four-hour increments. While the South Terminal has countertops with USB stores placed in the post-security Departures Lounge, the Barbara Jordan Terminal has ample restaurants and cafes to plug in whilst you wait to board your flight.

Baggage Handling

Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage facilities available at the airport.

Lounges and Meeting Rooms

American, Delta, and United Airlines have lounges at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The American Airlines Admirals Club is located across from Gate 22 and provides facilities like TV, workstations, and printing amenities for business travelers. The Delta Sky Club is located near Gates 2 and 4 and the United Club lounge is located across from Gate 13, both offering similar amenities. There are no showers accessible at the airport and the South Terminal does not have lounges. All three lounges accept payment at the door or using a membership card.

ATM

ATMs operated via Bank of America are available. However, additional fees may apply, so be certain to check your bank’s charge schedule and your daily withdrawal restrictions, if you are traveling internationally. You can also notify your bank of your tour plans. You can find ATMs at the landside and airside in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. There are, however, no ATMs in the South Terminal.

Shops and Duty-Free Stores

Last-minute shoppers will not be disappointed as there are many stores at the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Barton Springs located close to Gate 28 is a western clothes shop that sells various items – from local jewelry to barbecue sauce and books. Austin City Limits/Waterloo Records and Video close to Gate 27 is the place where you can get music CDs/DVDs.

At the airport’s ticket lobby, you will find the 24-Hour Flower kiosk (next to Fara Cafe) that has fresh flowers.

Barton Springs Express: The shop sells magazines, travel accessories, and beverages. It is located by the 24-Hour Flower kiosk in front of Fara Cafe.

The Austin Chronicle: The shop sells books, magazines, souvenirs, and snacks. It is located at Gate 9 in Barbara Jordan Terminal.

Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants

There are many restaurants you can dine at at the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal. While some restaurants are located before the security checkpoints, you will find more restaurants, bars, and cafes right after passing through the security checkpoints.

Fara Cafe & Sky Bar: You can enjoy their house-made salads, tacos, sandwiches, pastries, pizza, hotdogs, and beverages. The bar is above the restaurant. It is located before the security checkpoint at the center of the terminal by east entry.

Z Cafe: The cafe serves hot and cold coffee, tea, pastries, hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, salads, chips, healthy energy bars, and Asian foods. It is located at the center of the terminal across the second security checkpoint.

Starbucks: You can get snacks and coffee from this takeaway service. It is located at the lower level Baggage Claim area by Carousel 1.

Other food places are Parkside (located between Gate 3 and 5), Vino Volo Wine Lounge Restaurant (located at Gate B), Cafe Medici (located at Gate 9), Jugo (located at Gate 10), Salvation Pizza (located at Gate 11), 24 Diner (located at Gate 12), Briggo Coffee (located at Gate 12 and open 24 hours), Hut’s Hamburgers (located at Gate 14), Ruta Maya Coffee (located at Gate 15) and more.

Hotels at and near Austin-Bergstrom Airport

Hyatt Place Austin Airport hotel is located about 2 minutes from the airport, on airport grounds. There is also a free airport shuttle available.

Hilton Austin Airport hotel is located about 2 minutes from the airport terminal, on airport grounds. It provides a free 24-hour airport shuttle and Airport Flyer service that charges $1 to downtown Austin.

Super 8 Austin/Airport South hotel is located about 10 minutes from the airport, It also provides a free airport shuttle.

Airport/Hotel Shuttle Services

Carter Transportation/SuperShuttle provides shuttle services to passengers at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. SuperShuttle provides shared rides and group transportation from the holiday spot of your liking. Taxis and ride-share pick-up and drop-off points are available at both terminals. Alternatively, there is a shuttle service that transports passengers from the South Terminal to Barbara Jordan’s Rental Car Facility, where Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, and other companies have their counters/stands.

Bus Services

Austin’s Capital Metro offers bus services to and from ABIA, which you can avail of at the neon-lit, guitar-shaped bus stop. Take Route 20, departing every 15 minutes, to downtown, which is about 35 minutes, or past the University of Texas, Northeast Austin, or Manor. Some hotels also provide airport shuttle services of their own to visitors.

Taxi Services

The minimum fare for a taxi ride is $13.30, which also includes a $2.00 airport surcharge. All taxis have a four-passenger maximum, excluding children that are 12 years and under. All taxis accept major credit cards. ATX Co-Op, Lone Star Cab, and Yellow Cab are the main providers of taxi services from and to the airport.

In addition to taxi services, you can also book a limousine. There are plenty of companies that provide limousine services to passengers at the airport. A few such companies include 1^st Class Limos of Austin, 4Leaf Limo, Carey Limousine, Fresch Limousine Service, Lux Limo & Black Car, Texas Pride Limousine, Uptown Valet, Transportation, and more.

Car Hire/Rental Services

Hiring or renting car services from and to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are also available. The various car rental companies include Advantage Rent A Car, Avis Car Rental, Budget Rent A Car, Dollar Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, E-Z Rent A Car, Fox Rent A Car, Hertz Car Rental, National, Payless Car Rental of Austin, and Thrifty Car Rental.

Conclusion

Austin is also popularly known as the live music capital of the world. So, it is only natural that its airport would act as a pseudo-concert venue for its abundance of local artists. There is a live music event at the Barbara Jordan Terminal that will keep you entertained during your long stayover at ABIA. You can enjoy live music events at Asleep, Wheel Stage, Saxon Pub, Tacodeli, Haymaker, Hut’s Hamburgers, and Vino Volo for performances any day of the week (not on weekends).

There are so many music concert events taking place constantly that the airport website even consists of a distinctive timetable for its ‘Music in the Air program.