Getting Around Downtown

Getting around downtown Austin to your next session, meet up, film, or artist showcase is easy. There are many options to choose, including Festival Shuttles, B-cycle, and Pedicabs.

Hotel Transportation

Most of our hotels are just a quick trip to the Austin Convention Center and SXSW works with a variety of transportation services to provide a comprehensive selection of transportation options. These options are available to help you design your commute to SXSW events within your individual budget and needs. More information on our hotel transportation page coming soon >>

Group Transportation

If you’re bringing a large group staying outside of downtown, scheduling regular shuttles for your team ahead of time may be a great option for you. Services like SuperShuttle and International Chauffeured Service (ICS) for chartered coach service, work with your organization ahead of time to make sure your team can catch all the valuable programming, without the worry of scheduling once you arrive. Whether your team is 4 or 140 these services can help you make a plan that works for you.

SuperShuttle >>
International Chauffeured Service >>

Airport Transportation

The Austin Airport is minutes from downtown with lots of options to get to and from your hotel. Traveling with a large group? Try SuperShuttle or International Chauffeured Service. If you’re traveling on your own, try a taxi or, or rideshare service.

CapMetro, Austin’s public transportation network, offers the Airport Flyer, which stops close to the Austin Convention Center and many downtown hotels.

SuperShuttle >>
Taxi Services >>

Street Closures

The City of Austin closes various streets in downtown Austin during the Spring Festival Season, which includes SXSW. To help navigate the closures, please view the City’s Spring Festival Season street closures map.

For more information about the City of Austin’s street closures during SXSW and/or how to obtain Barricade Access Vehicle Permits, please contact either Connor Tester at connor@sxsw.com or Christian Mella at christian@sxsw.com.

Parking

Area parking ranges in price and availability. Arriving into the downtown area early is the best bet for securing parking. Parking locations and availability can be found on the City of Austin’s website. >>

Festival Shuttles

The SXSW Festival Shuttle is our free circulating shuttle that runs between the Austin Convention Center and most festival venues. More festival shuttle information coming soon.

Group Transportation Services

SuperShuttle & ExecuCar Pre-Scheduled Ride Service

SuperShuttle is a versatile transportation company offering safe reliable pre-scheduled options for getting around Austin with a dynamic range of services that work for you. Choose between a Blue Van (up to 10 people) or Black Car/SUV Service (up to 6 people).

Airport Transportation: Make reservations using the SuperShuttle/ExecuCar app or on the SuperShuttle/ExecuCar website for SuperShuttle shared-ride or private direct service or ExecuCar private black car or SUV service. Book Online or
Download the App »

International Chauffeured Service

ICS provides the finest, quality, global chartered chauffeured service available by integrating advanced technology with highly skilled service professionals who work hard to fulfill the needs of every client, including very large groups. They provide ON-TIME service for thousands of small, midsize and Fortune 1000 companies for over 25 years. Book Now »

CapMetro Public Transportation

CapMetro is Austin’s regional public transportation provider. They provide residents, commuters, and visitors the best possible transit options available. More Information »

With the CapMetro App, your smartphone becomes your ticket. Use the app for schedules, maps, and real-time arrival information. Download the App »

B-cycle

When you’re ready to give your feet a break, check out B-cycle, Austin’s bike-share system. Bike-share stations are conveniently placed throughout downtown near all the places you want to be. Austin B-cycle is another fast, easy way to get around during SXSW, day or night. Day access passes are available at each B-station; all you need is a credit card! Bikes adjust to fit individual sizes and come equipped with baskets, lights, and gears. More Information »

Downtown Alternative Cab Services

PediCabs

Pedicabs operate throughout Austin day and night, mostly in the Central Business District, Rainey St, and East 6th St areas. Pedicab drivers are licensed and regulated by the City of Austin Ground Transportation Department and usually work for tips or a charge-per-block fare. Look for pedicab staging areas around downtown, or just flag one down.

Electric Cab

Electric Cab provides a fun, safe, and green ride for evening entertainment and special event pedestrians in Downtown Austin. More Information & Service Area »

Car Rental

Enterprise

Enterprise, the Preferred Car Rental Company of SXSW, offers SXSW Registrants competitive rates and a number of convenient locations in the Austin area. Rent online at enterprise.com and enter rental code: L65SXSW (PIN: SXS) or by phone (800-261- 7331). (Discount valid for rentals with Enterprise or its sister company National rentals). Visit their website »

Car2Go

car2go is carsharing wherever you want, whenever you need, without the costs or hassles of owning a car. Car2Go starts at only $0.41 per minute and without parking charges, fuel costs, or annual fees, your only question should be “Where to next?” If you already have a car2go account, you’re ready to go. If you don’t we recommend setting up your account before arriving in Austin. More Information »

Traditional Taxi Service

Cabs are in high demand during SXSW. Schedule a Taxi or call to arrange for pick-up from your hotel. The following cab services operate in the Austin area:

Austin Cab Company – (512) 478-2222
Austin Taxi Co-op – (512) 333-5555
Lone Star Cab – (512) 836-4900
Yellow Cab Austin – (512) 452-9999 or book with the zTrip App
Must have a US phone number to use the z-trip app