Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s 100+ nonstop flights.
What to know
- TSA | The Austin airport’s website recommends arriving:
- Two-and-a-half hours early during peak hours (daily during 5-8 a.m., 11 a.m.–1 p.m., and 3:30-5:30 p.m.)
- About 90 minutes before your flight during off-peak hours
- Three hours before international flights
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, this map of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
- Food and drink | AUS really shines when it comes to its vast array of local food options. Case in point: Get some authentic Austin breakfast tacos from Tacodeli — but beware the perpetually long line — before washing it down with a cuppa joe from Jo’s Coffee.
- Reminder | Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Current airport updates
The Austin airport is currently undergoing a multi-year terminal expansion that will add three new gates, improve TSA checkpoints, and add a new baggage handling system in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. After completion, construction will begin on Midfield Concourse B to add 10+ new gates and an underground connection tunnel. The expansion is set to be completed as early as 2028, but don’t worry — it shouldn’t impact your arrival or departure in any way.
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. Parking pricing at AUS varies by lot — here’s the cost as listed:
- Short-term parking | $5/hour, $32/day
- Red garage | $5/hour, $32/day
- Blue garage | $5/hour, $23/day
- Economy parking | $5/hour, $12/day
While each parking option is walking distance from the terminal, the economy lot offers a free shuttle to take you directly to the right entrance. Click here for a full map of parking at AUS. A quick note: none of this applies to flights leaving from the south terminal, so make sure you have the right terminal before you park.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a shuttle, ride share, or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These are some of the services suggested by the Austin airport:
- Capital Metro | Bus | Route 20 will shuttle you from your nearest bus stop.
- ATX Co-Op | Taxi service | Call 512-333-5555 to book your taxi — there is a minimum departure fare of $20.
- Carter Transportation | Shuttle | Call 512-258-3826 to book your ride.
The ride share pick-up location is located under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility and ride share services can drop off passengers on the upper level.
Nonstop flights
AUS offers 160+ nonstop flights, with 70 domestic destinations and more than a dozen international choices. Here are five nonstop flights — and even more here — to consider for your next trip.
Bonus: Get lower fares by signing up for Going. You’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual. Get a two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which lets you set custom destination flight alerts (score).
- Amsterdam, Netherlands | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Charleston | Southwest Airlines | Daily
- Frankfurt, Germany | Lufthansa | Daily
- Honolulu | Hawaiian Airlines | Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Mexico City, Mexico | Aeromexico | Daily
Pro tip: remember that flight times and schedules will often change. You should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
Gates
Here are five gates with popular food and drink options, stores, and lounges nearby:
- Gate 1 | Nearby services: Enjoy close access to Parkside, an open-air gastropub restaurant, nearby art galleries, and ample charging stations.
- Gate 10 | Nearby services: Guests near gate 10 sit front and center to the East Concourse Art Gallery, where many pieces are available for sale.
- Gate 19 | Nearby services: Guests at this gate are in the center of the action — nearby the largest food court and marketplace in the terminal — which houses The Saxon Pub, Jo’s Coffee, Amy’s Ice Creams, and BookPeople.
- Gate 24 | Nearby services: In addition to being right near Tacodeli, gate 24 puts passengers right across from Haymaker and two stages for live music.
- Gate 28 | Nearby services: Grab a quick snack from Annie’s Cafe & Bar or Thundercloud Subs before you hit up the nearby shops.
Click here to view a complete map.
Food + Drink
AUS is a hub of local eateries with dozens of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, like:
- Flyrite | Near gate 22 | Menu highlights: Don’t miss the chicken sandwiches — spicy or otherwise — mac and cheese, and biscuits.
- JuiceLand | Near gate 17 | Menu highlights: This longtime Austin staple is the perfect place to get vitamin-packed smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and fruit bowls.
- The Peached Tortilla | Near gate 17 | Menu highlights: This Asian fusion restaurant offers Banh Mi tacos, tempura onion rings, and vegetarian bowls.
- Second Bar + Kitchen | Near gate 16 | Menu highlights: If you’ve got the time for a sit-down meal, grab some upscale American fare and creative co*cktails.
- Thurman’s | Near gate 21 | Menu highlights: This Austin airport-exclusive concept — brought to you by the minds behind Salt Lick BBQ — is our go-to for an old-fashioned burger.
Fly comfortably
While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or mysterious in-flight meals, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:
- Lights Out Sleep Mask | This eye mask provides optimal comfort and aids restful sleep amidst changing environments and varying light conditions.
- The AirFly Pro | Make sure you can always access in-flight entertainment (while avoiding the wired headphones airlines pass out) by using an AirFly. It plugs into your seat’s headphone jack and connects to your earbuds or headphones via Bluetooth.
- Trtl travel pillow | The Trtl pillow is scientifically designed to provide a better head position when sleeping upright, thanks to an internal support system comfortably cushioned in cozy fleece.
- Leather Dopp Kit | Keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, ensuring hassle-free journeys wherever you go.
- Bose Noise Canceling Headphones | These headphones are tried-and-true traveling companions, beloved for their crisp sound and ability to block exterior noise.
- Cozy Earth joggers | These Oprah-approved joggers are polished enough to navigate the airport in, but comfy and stretchy enough for long flights.
- Snacks | Bringing your own snacks ensures dietary preferences are met — plus, you’ll save time and money while traveling.
- Anti-nausea wristbands | Some simple anti-nausea wristbands might relieve a nervous stomach or sensitivity to turbulence while flying.
