TRAVEL TIPS
By Air
If you have to be stuck in an airport, it might as well be Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). It's only 7.5 miles from downtown Austin and generally regarded as one of the most pleasant airports in the US. With 25 gates, it's neither tiny nor overwhelmingly large—it's modern, easy to navigate, and reasonably user-friendly. Live music has been a distinguishing feature of the airport since its Music in the Air program launched in June 1999, just one month after the airport opened. What started as two performances per week has grown to 23 shows per week in six different venues throughout the airport.
The concourse's restaurants have a decidedly local slant, with branches of the Salt Lick, Matt's El Rancho, Austin Java, and Waterloo Ice House. Free Wi-Fi is available and PowerPort stations offer plugs for laptops and chargers. There are also the usual souvenir shops and newsstands as well as laptop rentals, and printing.
ABIA has direct flights to 43 destinations, including international flights to London, Mexico City, Cancun and San Jose Del Cabo. Austin is one of only seven airports with year-round service to all United hubs.
The airport shuttle and Yellow Cab is on the ground level (same level as baggage claim). A shared shuttle from the airport to downtown Austin will cost $15.00 per person plus tip; add $5 for the Arboretum area.
Airport Information
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport. Austin-Bergstrom is only seven and a half miles from downtown, has roughly 300 daily flights with nonstop service to 43 destinations including international flights to London, Mexico City, Cancun and San Jose Del Cabo. Live music has been a distinguishing feature of the airport since its Music in the Air program launched in June 1999. What started as two performances per week has grown to 23 shows per week in six different venues throughout the airport. 3600 Presidential Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78719. 512/530–2242; www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport.
Airport Shuttle
SuperShuttle. The local branch of the national SuperShuttle airport shuttle chain is found at ABIA's ground level (same level as baggage claim). A shared SuperShuttle ride from the to the airport from to downtown will cost about $15.00 per person plus tip. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 3600 Presidential Blvd., Lower Level/Ticket Counter, Austin, Texas, 78762. 512/258–3826; 800/258–3826; www.supershuttle.com/Locations/AUSAirportShuttleAustin.aspx.
Taxis
Austin Cab. Austin, Texas. 512/478–2222; www.austincab.com.
Lone Star Cab Co.. Austin, Texas. 512/836–4900; www.lonestarcabaustin.com.
Yellow Cab. One of several cab companies in Austin. Yellow Cab has a nifty phone app called Hail a Cab Austin. Austin, Texas, 78753. 512/452–9999; www.yellowcabaustin.com.
