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.
car2go
Access SXSW like a pro. Grab a Mercedes-Benz right from the street. Find the nearest car on the car2go app, and take it for a few minutes or a few days without having to return it from where you found it. It’s up to you! When you’re done, parking is included.
On Demand Rideshare Service
On-demand services can be a great way to get around downtown if your commute is more than a few blocks.
CapMetro
CapMetro, Austin’s regional transportation provider, is another great way to get to SXSW events. With major bus stops located at Republic Square Park and all over downtown, it’s easy to catch the bus to get to your next party, showcase, or film.
If you’re looking to get to South Congress the 1 and 801 are perfect for you. Want to catch a film a the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar? Try the 3 or 803. Jump on the 17 on Cesar Chavez in front of the Austin Convention Center to head to Austin’s “East Side” for a showcase or party.
Pro Tip: Enter your destination in your map app and choose the public transportation for the best route to get you where you need to be.
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.
Austin B-Cycle
When you’re ready to give your feet a break, try Austin B-cycle. Bike-share stations are conveniently placed throughout downtown, near all the places you want to be. 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.
Electric Cab
Electric Cab provides a fun, safe, and green ride for evening entertainment and special event pedestrians in Downtown Austin.
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.
CapMetro
CapMetro offers affordable and easy airport transportation. Hop on the Airport bus (100 Flyer) for a straight shot between downtown Austin and ABIA. With buses leaving every 30 minutes, riders have direct access to the Austin Convention Center and surrounding downtown hotels.
Route 350 provides additional service between East Austin, Airport Boulevard and the Highland ACC (Austin Community College) campus.
car2go
car2go offers airport transportation that is convenient and stress-free (or at least, less stressful than TSA lines). Drive yourself to or from the airport without waiting on drivers to pick you up or signing lengthy airport car rental contracts. Avoid costly cab fares, slow shuttles, or begging friends for rides. car2go parking is available at The Parking Spot, next to the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
On Demand Rideshare Service
On-demand services can be a great way to get around downtown if your commute is more than a few blocks.
Chartered Ride Services
Are you bringing a group or prefer to schedule your transportation in advance? SuperShuttle, International Chauffeured Service, and Carey Limousine are available to get you and/or your group to your final destination.
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 outside of downtown, here are some suggestions to get to your downtown SXSW destination.
Use our Transportation Directory to find a complete list of services we recommend, contact information, and download their apps.
car2go
Hop in a car whenever, wherever (no reservations required) and park it in the car2go Home Area – no need to return it where you grabbed it from. During SXSW – car2go also offers free VIP valet-style Drop Zones – find free parking all over downtown.
On Demand Rideshare Service
On-demand services can be a great way to get downtown if your commute is more than a few blocks.
Charters & Group Transportation
If you’re bringing a group staying outside of downtown, scheduling regular shuttles for your team ahead is a great option. 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 when you arrive. Whether your team is 4 or 100 these services can help you make a plan that works for you.
Scheduled Commute Options
Local commute providers offer affordable pre-scheduled pickups during commuter hours. Check their websites for schedules and coverage at your hotel.
CapMetro
CapMetro, Austin’s regional transportation provider, services the greater Austin area. Taking the bus is simple and affordable. The CapMetro app allows you to easily buy your passes online.
Looking to park your car to get a ride downtown? CapMetro’s Park & Ride map lists all of the stations that have parking available. Once you’re downtown, get off at Republic Square, just a few blocks from the Austin Convention Center.
There are several SXSW Hotels that are serviced by CapMetro. Use this helpful guide to find hotels with convenient bus routes to Downtown.
Pro Tip: Enter your destination in your favorite map app and choose the public transportation for the best route to get you where you need to be.
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.
On Demand Rideshare Service
On-demand services can be a great way to get downtown and are the most popular way to get home after a late night at SXSW.
CapMetro
Whether you live in Austin or staying outside of downtown, Capital Metro offers safe and inexpensive options for traveling at night. Consider taking one of their special late-night services, the Night Owl and E-Bus, to get to and from your destination safely.
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 back soon to see 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 Passes, please contact roadclosures@sxsw.com.
