A guide to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Quick insights

• The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) offers several transportation options, including onsite car rental facilities and CapMetro bus service.
• The airport features parking garages and lots to accommodate a range of price points.
• AUS airport officials recommend arriving 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.

Located on the historic grounds of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport serves as a gateway to the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. This major international airport is approximately a 20-minute drive from downtown Austin. While AUS is the official airport code, you may also hear it referred to as ABIA.

Learn more about navigating to and from AUS, airport parking and how early to arrive before a flight.

Navigating to and from AUS

There are several options for traveling to and from AUS:

• Taxi and rideshare: From baggage claim at the Barbara Jordan Terminal, head to the ground level of the Consolidated Rental Car Facility behind the Red Garage. Travelers can take the Rideshare Tram from any Red Garage first floor entrance to reach the pick-up spot.
• Bus: CapMetro’s Route 20 provides service between AUS’s main terminal and downtown Austin every 15 minutes, stopping on the lower level, just outside baggage claim (look for the neon guitar). 
• Hotel shuttle: Several nearby hotels in the area offer their guests complimentary shuttle service to the airport.
• Car rental: To access car rental services from the Barbara Jordan Terminal, proceed to the third level of the terminal and cross the bridge walkway to the Consolidated Rental Car Facility.

Note that at the South Terminal, rideshare and taxi services pick riders up curbside directly in front of the Arrivals area.

AUS parking options

AUS offers both short and long-term parking options to accommodate travelers:

• Parking garages: The Red Garage and Blue Garage are located within a short walking distance from the Barbara Jordan Terminal.
• Economy Lot: Situated north of the terminal, behind the parking garages, the Economy Lot can be a budget-friendly option. Shuttle service to and from the Barbara Jordan Terminal is available.
• Overflow parking: If the Economy Lot is full, travelers may park in the Overflow lot (with shuttle service to and from the Barbara Jordan Terminal).

South Terminal parking options include the Premium Lot, Economy Lot or Close-in Lot at this location.

Visit the AUS website for current parking rates.

Security at AUS

When departing from AUS, you’ll need to pass through a security checkpoint for screening before your flight. AUS has four security checkpoints in the main terminal, each providing access to all gates:

• Checkpoint 1
• Checkpoint 2 East
• Checkpoint 2 West (TSA PreCheck^® available) 
• Checkpoint 3

To clear security in time for your flight, AUS officials recommend arriving at least 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. You may want to consider any tasks you need to complete before boarding when planning your airport arrival time.

If you’re arriving at AUS from an international flight, you’ll need to go through Customs, which is located on the lower level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal near baggage carousel 7. 

How to get through airport security faster

Customs and TSA wait times can vary, but there are Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) designed to help expedite the security and passport screening processes, including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

With TSA PreCheck, members can use designated lanes at airport security checkpoints and typically don’t need to remove light jackets, shoes, belts or jewelry.

Global Entry allows members to bypass the standard customs line and use a designated kiosk to scan their passport, provide fingerprints and complete a customs declaration. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits.

Some credit cards offer reimbursement for TTP application fees when the card is used to pay the fee.

AUS airport map

The AUS website features an interactive Austin Airport map to help you locate parking, airline curbside check-in, shops, restaurants and more.

AUS terminals

AUS features two terminals: the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal. AUS primarily operates out of the Barbara Jordan Terminal, with a handful of budget carriers flying in and out of the South Terminal. Although AUS has plans to close the South Terminal, no closure date has been announced as of June 2025.

The South Terminal is not connected to the Barbara Jordan Terminal, but people can travel between the terminals via shuttle. Shuttles run every 20 minutes, with a travel time of approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Here are the addresses of both terminals:

• Barbara Jordan Terminal: 3600 Presidential BLVD, Austin, TX 78719
• South Terminal: 10000 Logistics LN, Austin, TX 78719

Visit AUS’s website for a complete list of airlines and their terminals.

In summary

Travelers have several transportation options for getting to and from AUS, including taking the bus or renting a car. There are several short- and long-term lots and garages from which travelers can walk or take the shuttle to AUS. Airport officials advise passengers to arrive 2.5 before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.