Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Austin
CapMetro bus route 20 runs from the airport to downtown Austin in about 25–35 minutes for a very low fare. A taxi or rideshare takes 15–25 minutes and costs about $30–45.
Best for most people: Ride-hailing. Rideshares are quick and go door to door, while the bus is the budget choice for light travellers.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus CapMetro route 20 from the stop outside the terminal to downtown Austin | about 25–35 min | every 15–20 min | about $1.25 | roughly early morning to late evening; check last departures | Pay with the CapMetro app, contactless card or exact cash. |
| ride-hailing Uber and Lyft from the signed rideshare pick-up area on the lower level of the garage | about 15–25 min | about $25–45, depending on demand | 24 h | Prices surge during big events such as SXSW and Formula 1 weekends. | |
| taxi Taxi rank outside baggage claim | about 15–25 min | about $30–45 to downtown | 24 h | Metered; a tip of about 15–20 percent is customary. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Tips
- During major festivals and races, allow extra time for traffic and long rideshare waits.
- Downtown, South Congress and Rainey Street hotels are all within about 20 minutes by car.
- Car hire is useful for the Hill Country and Texas road trips; the rental car facility is next to the terminal.
- Austin is hot much of the year; bus stops have shade but carry water.
Common questions
How do I get from Austin airport to downtown?
Most visitors take Uber, Lyft or a taxi, which reach downtown in about 15–25 minutes for roughly $25–45. On a budget, CapMetro route 20 runs from outside the terminal to downtown every 15–20 minutes for about $1.25, taking about 25–35 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Austin airport?
A metered taxi to downtown Austin usually costs about $30–45 plus a customary tip of 15–20 percent. The ride takes about 15–25 minutes in normal traffic. Uber and Lyft are similar or cheaper, but prices surge during big events such as SXSW or Formula 1 weekends.
Is there a bus from Austin airport?
Yes. CapMetro route 20 connects the airport with downtown Austin, running roughly every 15–20 minutes during the day for about $1.25. Pay with the CapMetro app, a contactless card or exact cash. Check last departures if you arrive late in the evening.
How long does it take to get downtown?
By car, downtown Austin is about 15–25 minutes from the airport, longer at rush hour or during major events. The bus takes about 25–35 minutes. South Congress and East Austin are similarly close, so most hotels are a short ride.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.