The Austin Convention Center is located at 500 E Cesar Chavez in downtown Austin, Texas. The most convenient entrances to use are located at 4th and Trinity or 4th and Neches. With its robust wireless network and end-to-end technology, the facility is well-suited to serve SXSW attendees. The Austin Convention Center is a LEED Gold Certified facility. Read more about their sustainability initiatives.

What Happens at the Austin Convention Center?

• Registration
• Music, Film, and Interactive conference sessions, interviews, mentor sessions and more
• SXSW Trade Show, Pitch Stage, Next Stage, Happy Hours and more
• Film Screenings
• Flatstock Poster Show
• Music, Film, and Interactive Keynotes
• Music Radio and International Day Stages
• SXSW Gaming Expo
• SXSW Job Market Expo
• Trade Show Happy Hours and more

Austin Convention Center Parking Information

Austin Convention Center garage parking fees apply and vary from day to day. Austin Convention Center garages are located at 2nd & Brazos and 5th & Red River.

Expect to do a lot of walking while you are here, so wear your comfy shoes. When you’re ready to give your feet a break, check out B-cycle, Austin’s bike-share system. These 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 size and come equipped with baskets, lights, and gears.

Mazda Express, has you covered. Ride in comfort and style to any SXSW location. Save time by pre-registering or sign up for this complimentary service at the Austin Convention Center.

Visit Mazda Express for more details.

Mazda Express – Photo by Mireya Salinas.

The SXSW Festival Shuttle is the free circulating shuttle that runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW Music, Film, and Interactive Festival Venues. Shuttles will leave the Austin Convention Center approximately every 7 – 10 minutes during conference hours, but run into the wee hours of the morning. Check back later in the season for specific pick-up locations and times.

During SXSW, Capital Metro offers a variety of services to get you where you need to be. Below are some specifics to help you along the way. Be sure to download the free CapMetro App or visit CapMetro.org for more information about Capital Metro’s public transportation options.

Airport Bus Service

Capital Metro provides a frequent transfer to and from the Austin Bergstrom international Airport (ABIA). Ride their Airport Flyer, which offers a low cost option for direct access to the downtown area.

MetroRail

Capital Metro’s MetroRail runs along 32 miles from Leander to downtown Austin with stops in the Domain and Highland Mall area. Regular fares apply.

Late Night Options

Staying out late? Catch a safe ride home ‘til 3 AM using Capital Metro’s Night Owl and E-Bus services.

Riders now have more traveling options with MetroRapid Route 801 and 803, offering frequent service to downtown, free onboard Wi-Fi and upgraded stations with real-time arrival information.

Mobile Ticketing App

Easily buy Capital Metro passes on-the-go during SXSW via the free CapMetro App. During SXSW, select “special offers” in the app to buy multi-day passes, good for unlimited bus and train rides. Purchase your pass at any time and it will activate once you use it.

MetroRail – Photo by Tim Strauss

Groups of all sizes can pre-arrange transportation with SuperShuttle. They help to facilitate trips between the Austin Bergstrom Airport and your hotel, as well as trips to and from downtown Austin.. Email AusSales@SuperShuttle.com or call 512-929-3900 x 4.

Cabs are in high demand during SXSW, but can sometimes be found circling the downtown area. The following cab services operate in the Austin area:

Yellow Cab Austin – (512) 452-9999
Lone Star Cab – (512) 836-4900
Austin Cab Company – (512) 478-2222

Taxi cabs can charge a night-time surcharge of $1 per person between the hours of 9pm to 4am authorized by the City of Austin.

Pedicabs are a common sight in the downtown Austin area and operate for a pre-negotiated tip. Flag one down for shorter trips between SXSW venues.

Super Shuttle offers shared-ride van service and executive car service for SXSW registrants. Visit SuperShuttle’s Website to reserve your airport charter.

Capital Metro offers the Airport Flyer, which stops close to the Austin Convention Center and many downtown hotels.

Various street closures occur in Downtown Austin during SXSW. To help our attendees navigate these closures we provide a detailed map, in partnership with our co-sponsor, City of Austin. The 2017 map is coming soon.

For more information about the 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.

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.