Airport Transportation
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.
Arriving by Car
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.
SXSW Shuttles
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.
Shuttle Tracker
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.
Rideshare
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
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 & Electric Bikes
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.
Bikes
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.
Rental Car Needs
Hauling gear? Taking a road trip to Lockhart for BBQ? Whatever your rental car needs, Enterprise will pick you up.
Street Closures
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.
