The Austin Airport to downtown distance is just 16 miles (26 kilometers) but your travel time varies widely depending on how you choose to travel. You have three options: taxi, Austin Airport transfer, or bus. 

Taking an Austin Airport taxi or transfer is the quickest transfer option as it takes just 15-20 minutes to reach the heart of downtown. They’re also available from the airport 24/7.

As for public transport, there’s no train from Austin Airport to downtown, but the Line 20 bus provides a reliable daily service. It’s a great budget option but takes 25-35 minutes to reach downtown Austin.

3 options to go from Austin Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€98 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€30 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Line 20 Bus
€2 35min 05:00–23:59
Convenience
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How to get from Austin Airport to Downtown Austin by taxi

Taking an Austin Airport taxi is one of the quickest and most comfortable ways to get from Austin Airport to downtown. Taxis are readily available 24/7 at Austin Airport and take just 15-20 minutes to reach the hotels downtown.

Taxi fare from Austin Airport to Downtown

The local taxi drivers at Austin Airport (AUS) don’t offer a set-rate fare for the journey to downtown, it will be calculated using a taximeter. The average cost for taxi from Austin Airport to downtown will be $33 (€30) during the day, but at night, this price can increase by up to 50%.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxis can easily be found behind the Red Garage, under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility. You will see the long line of yellow taxis at this pickup point.

Convenience

Although taking an Austin Airport taxi is a little more expensive than the public transport option, it’s much more convenient. You will make your way directly to the door of your hotel without having to wait outside for your transport at the airport. This also means that you won’t have to drag your luggage through the bus station in Austin, saving you time and effort.

Useful Tips

There's no extra charge for storing luggage in the trunk.
The total price of your journey will depend on your exact destination in Austin or the amount of traffic on the roads when you travel.
Note that the cost of your journey can increase by up to 50% if you're traveling at night.
Ensure that your driver resets the taximeter before you take off.

How to get from Austin Airport to Downtown by bus (Line 20)

The Line 20 bus from Austin Airport to downtown is a popular choice for tourists as it is inexpensive and relatively frequent. You can expect the bus to depart every 25 minutes from 05:00 to 00:00 on weekdays and 06:00 to 22:00 on weekends. The journey to downtown Austin is around 30 minutes in normal traffic. It’ll drop you by the river.

How much is a bus from Austin Airport to downtown?

The cost of a one-way ticket for the bus from Austin airport to downtown is $1.25 (€1). You can purchase your ticket from the airport or from the bus driver before you get on the bus.

Cost
$1.25 (€1)
Trip Duration
30 Min.
*There's a waiting time of up to 25 minutes for the bus.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Metrobus Line 20 is available from 05:00 to 24:00 during the week and 06:00 to 23:30 on the weekends.

Where do I get a bus from?

The blue Metro Bus can be found just outside of Austin airport (AUS). It departs from the impressive blue neon guitar shaped bus stop, so you won’t be able to miss it.

Convenience

The Metrobus Line 20 is a fantastic option if you’re on a budget as it runs directly into downtown Austin and is available 7 days a week. However, once you arrive downtown, you will need to either walk with your luggage or take a taxi to your hotel, which adds time and money to your journey.

Timetables

Bus timetable

Route 20

Useful Tips

You will need to bring exact change to pay the bus driver as they don't usually have change.
There's very little storage on the bus so travel light.
Buses fill up fast, so be sure to arrive to the bus stop at least 10 minutes early to get a seat.
Holiday hours may vary. Check the trip planner website for an accurate bus timetable.

How to get from Austin Airport to Downtown by private transfer

Getting an Austin Airport transfer from Austin Airport to downtown is the best way to travel. Not only do you get the fast door-to-door service, but you also save time by skipping the taxi queue. This can save precious minutes of your journey — especially in rush hour. 

By choosing a trusted, top-rated company like Welcome Pickups, you’ll also benefit from perks like:

  • Meet and greets
  • Trained English-speaking drivers
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed fixed fares
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Flexible cancellation

If you want a seamless travel experience from the moment you reach Austin Airport, booking an airport transfer is the best way to go.

How much is a private transfer from Austin Airport to downtown?

A private transfer from Austin Airport to Downtown Austin costs €98 for a sedan that can seat up to 3 passengers. For a minivan that can carry 4-10 passengers, it costs €110. A minibus ride for 11-12 people will cost €208. 

It’s quick and easy to book via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). All you need to do is put in your flight information, personal contact details, party size, and pickup time. We’ll then generate a fixed quote for your trip which includes all airport fees, tolls, and luggage charges so there are no hidden costs to pay on the day. If you’re happy with the quote, you can pay securely with a credit or debit card via our online payment system. And that’s it! Your ride is booked and will be waiting for you at your chosen pickup time. What could be easier?

Cost
€98
Trip Duration
20 Min.
*Booking your private transfer from AUS Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private transfer are available 24/7 from Austin Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Your friendly local driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it so you can’t miss them. They’ll be monitoring your flight so if you’re delayed they can adjust their pickup time. After welcoming you to Austin, they’ll help you with your luggage as they guide you to your handpicked vehicle.

Convenience

The most convenient way to get from Austin Airport to downtown Austin is to take an airport transfer. We guarantee a seamless introduction to Austin with guaranteed on-time pickups, professionally-trained drivers, and 24/7 customer support for any and all queries you may have.

Useful Tips

You can request a baby/child seat during the booking process and your driver will provide one for you.
Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers, minivans up to 7, and minibusses up to 12.
Before your transfer, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know who to expect on the day.
If you would like to tip your driver, you can do so via the Welcome Pickups app.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Austin Airport to downtown?

The local drivers at Austin Airport use a taximeter to calculate your fare based on the distance you travel or the time you take. The average cost of the journey from Austin Airport to downtown is around $33 (€30), however, this could increase by up to 50% at night.

How do I get from the airport to downtown Austin?

Is there a shuttle from Austin Airport?

How much is a taxi from the airport to downtown Austin?

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Transfer Options in Austin