Getting Around SXSW Events
Getting around Downtown Austin 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.
Use our Transportation Directory to find a complete list of recommended services including contact information and mobile apps. Bookmark this page prior to your arrival for easy access during SXSW.
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.
SXSW Festival Shuttles
The SXSW Festival Shuttle is our free circulating shuttle that runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW festival venues. Shuttles typically run from 9am-2:30am daily, with peak service hours between 9am-7pm. This one-route system helps get you within walking distance of even the most remote festival venues. Catch the SXSW Festival Shuttle outside the Convention Center on Trinity Street.
ADA accessibility transfers are available between any two established SXSW Festival Shuttle stop locations during operating hours for properly credentialed SXSW attendees. To initiate a transfer, a request can be made of any of the shuttle staff members or by texting the Customer Service Line 512-675-0155. Once the request is received, an accessible vehicle will be dispatched to the location requested. Transfers are only available between established stops.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Friday, March 8: 10:00am-2:30am
Saturday, March 9: 9:00am-1:59am*
Sunday, March, 10: 9:00am-2:30am
Monday, March, 11: 9:00am-2:30am
Tuesday, March, 12: 9:00am-2:30am**
Wednesday, March 13: 9:00am-2:30am**
Thursday, March 14: 9:00am-2:30am**
Friday, March 15: 9:00am-2:30am**
Saturday, March 16: 9:00am-2:30am**
*Daylight Savings Time
** Red River service runs from 7pm – 2:30am 3/12 – 3/16
Find routes and stops located at shuttles.sxsw.com or on the SXSW GO mobile app.
Austin Capital Metro
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.
Austin Chronicle’s Transportation Guide
Austin Chronicle’s Transportation Guide is updated regularly with the most up to date information about getting around Austin without wheels. Use the Chronicle guide to navigate Austin’s Capital Metro bus system, find a rideshare, rent a bike, and more.
Airport Transportation
The Austin Airport is minutes from downtown and offers many options to get to and from your Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA).
Use our Transportation Directory to find a complete list of recommended services including contact information and mobile apps.
Getting to and from Downtown Austin
If you’re not staying downtown during SXSW, not to worry. Whether you’re staying at a hotel, short-term rental, or you’re a local living outside the downtown area, there are many options to get you to your downtown SXSW destination. Use our Transportation Directory to find a complete list of recommended services including contact information and mobile apps.
Late-Night Transportation
SXSW events often go late into the evening. Not to worry, Austin has a vibrant nightlife and transportation services to get you home safely after hours. Use our Transportation Directory to find a complete list of recommended services including contact information and mobile apps.
Arriving by Car
We highly recommend considering all other options before deciding to drive during SXSW. With many street closures and heightened vehicle and foot traffic, driving can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor as downtown parking ranges in both price and availability. Parking locations and availability can be found on the City of Austin’s website.
Pickup & Drop Off Locations
If you plan to get dropped off downtown during SXSW, the best and safest pickup and drop off locations are downtown hotel valet spots. Try the Hilton, Fairmont, Courtyard Marriott/Residence Inn, JW Marriott, Weston, or Driskill on 6th street.
City of Austin Street Closures
The City of Austin closes various streets in downtown Austin during the Spring Festival Season, which includes SXSW. To help navigate these closures, check out Austin’s Spring Festival Season street closures map.
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.
