Getting Around SXSW Events
Getting around downtown Austin to your next session, meet up, film, or artist showcase is easy. Most venues are walkable within a few minutes. Austin blocks are just a one minute walk within the downtown area. If you need to give your feet a break, there are many options to choose from.
Use our Transportation Directory to find a complete list of services we recommend, contact information, and to download their apps. We recommend you bookmark it prior to your arrival for easy access during SXSW.
SXSW Festival Shuttles
The SXSW Festival Shuttle is our free circulating shuttle that runs between the Austin Convention Center and within walking distance of most SXSW festival venues. Shuttles typically run from 9am – 2:30am daily, with peak service hours between 9am and 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. Check back after the first of the year to see our shuttle map and for detailed hours of operation.
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 services we recommend, contact information, and download their 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 services we recommend, contact information, and download their 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 services we recommend, contact information, and download their 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 locations are downtown hotel valet spots. Try the Hilton, Fairmont, Courtyard Marriott/Residence Inn, JW Marriott, Weston, or Driskill on 6th street.
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, check out Austin’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 Passes for commercial deliveries, etc., please contact roadclosures@sxsw.com.
