SXSW works with a variety of transportation services to provide a comprehensive selection of transportation options to help you design your commute to SXSW events within your individual budget and needs. Use the guide below to find the services that best work for you.
Photo by Anthony Mireles
SXSW is launching SXSW Online as part of our 2021 offerings. The digital experience will feature conference keynotes and sessions, screenings, showcases, networking, and exhibitions. The dates for SXSW Online will take place March 16 – March 20, 2021.
SXSW is working with the City of Austin and public health authorities on plans for a physical event in 2021. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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SXSW venues and events are clustered across Downtown Austin, but getting to your next session, meet up, film, or artist showcase is easy. Most venues are walkable and within a few minutes of each other. Austin blocks are just a one minute walk within the downtown area. If you need to give your feet a break, there are many transportation options to choose from.
We highly recommend considering all other options before deciding to drive. With many street closures downtown (see below), as well as heightened vehicle, scooter and foot traffic, driving can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor as downtown parking ranges in both price and availability.
Explore transportation options and other services below to help you navigate Austin and SXSW events.
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is 15 minutes from downtown and offers many options to get you to your destination. Take the Carter Transportation Austin for a shared-ride service with convenience, price transparency, and affordability for rides to and from the airport. Also explore Capital Metro services at CapMetro.org.
Parking locations and availability can be found on the City of Austin’s website. There are also dedicated Uber and rideshare pick up and drop off locations around town.
If you plan to get dropped off during SXSW, the best and safest pickup and drop-off locations are downtown hotel valet spots. Try the Hilton, Fairmont, Driskill, JW Marriott, or Westin. These are also reliable spots to park a car if necessary.
A free circulating shuttle route runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW venues. Shuttles run each day from 9am-2:30am. Catch the SXSW Shuttle outside the Convention Center on Trinity Street – see our Downtown Shuttle Map for a list of stops and venue routes.
Check out the SXSW Shuttle Tracker for live updates during the event. ADA accessibility transfers are available – learn more on our Accessibility page.
Check out Capital Metro service at CapMetro.org. MetroRapid and MetroRail take you into the heart of Downtown Austin for SXSW, and High-Frequency & Late-Night service runs throughout Austin, seven days a week. Plan your trip, get real-time departures and buy passes with the CapMetro App.
If you are staying outside of downtown, or need a car to get where you’re going, simply open the Uber app. The app will give you recommended pickup locations away from road closures and direct you there so you can be on your way quickly.
Pedicabs are abundant during the fest, especially in the central downtown area. Pedicab drivers are licensed and regulated by the City of Austin and usually negotiate a price before takeoff or charge by the block. They can be flagged down or found in downtown staging areas.
Scooters are helpful for short trips of less than two miles, which is about the maximum distance between any two SXSW events. JUMP electric bikes and scooters are available thru the Uber app. There are exclusive JUMP pickup and drop-off areas around the Austin Convention Center, with staff to assist any first-time riders.
Austin B-Cycle is the city’s bike-share system with stations located throughout downtown. You can rent by the hour or by the day with a credit card; bikes adjust to fit individual sizes and come equipped with baskets, lights, and gears.
Hauling gear? Taking a road trip to Lockhart for BBQ? Whatever your rental car needs, Enterprise will pick you up.
The City of Austin closes various streets in downtown Austin during Spring Festival Season, which includes SXSW. For more information regarding the City of Austin’s street closures during SXSW and/or how to obtain City approved Barricade Access Vehicle Passes for commercial deliveries, etc., please contact vehiclepasses@sxsw.com. Check out the City of Austin’s webpage for additional information.
Note: Austin is a major city so expect delays during rush hour traffic on weekday mornings (7am-9am) and evenings (4:30pm-7pm). Be sure to schedule extra time for transportation when traveling during these hours.
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