Austin-Bergstrom International Airport serves as the main gateway to Austin, Texas. Opened in 1999 after replacing the older Bergstrom Field, it handles over ten million passengers each year. The airport features modern terminals with local food options and free Wi-Fi throughout. Rental cars are available on site, along with rideshare services for quick trips into downtown. Its central location makes travel to major highways easy while keeping noise away from nearby neighborhoods. The facility continues expanding to meet growing demand.
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
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| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport covers a large area on the former Bergstrom Air Force Base site, with two terminals: the main Barbara Jordan Terminal and a separate South Terminal for low-cost carriers. The airport features 34 gates with six able to serve international flights and local musicians often perform live, celebrating Austin's reputation as the 'Live Music Capital of the World.'
Facilities include a variety of dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi and efficient passenger services. However, travelers should be aware that transfer between the two terminals requires a 15-20 minute shuttle ride and connections between flights on different terminals need extra time. Construction and expansion work is ongoing, so some areas might experience slight congestion or temporary closures.
Getting to downtown Austin is convenient with options like the CapMetro Route 20 bus that runs frequently and costs just $1.25, taxis with a typical fare of $25 to $31 or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offering door-to-door convenience. Public transport features a distinctive neon guitar-shaped bus stop outside baggage claim, making it easy to find.
Overall, AUS provides a lively and efficient gateway to Austin, combining Texan charm with modern airport amenities, though travelers should plan enough time for terminal transfers and expect occasional busy periods.
Located in the Barbara Jordan Terminal near gate 22, this lounge offers complimentary food and beverages, a full-service bar, Wi-Fi, televisions, and a quiet environment. Access is granted to eligible American Airlines passengers, Oneworld members, and invitational guests. It operates daily from early morning to late evening and provides a relaxing space away from busy gates.
The best places to stay are downtown Austin and nearby neighborhoods such as South Congress or East Austin, offering a wide range of accommodations from trendy boutique hotels to budget-friendly motels. The airport area itself has fewer lodging options, so staying closer to downtown is recommended for convenience and vibrant local culture.
To Austin city:
Austin city centre lies about 11 km northwest. The CapMetro Route 20 bus runs every 15-30 minutes from the airport with a journey time of about 35-45 minutes and a fare of US$1.25 (£0.93). Taxis provide a direct ride in roughly 15 minutes, costing between US$25 (£18.69) and US$31 (£23.18). Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft offer convenient door-to-door service, especially useful for groups or heavy luggage.
To San Antonio:
San Antonio is approximately 130 km southwest of Austin. Travelling by car or bus takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. There are intercity bus services between the cities, and driving via I-35 is the most common route.
To Dallas:
Dallas is about 320 km north of Austin. It is reachable by car or bus, with driving taking about 3 to 3.5 hours on I-35. Flights between Austin and Dallas are frequent, offering a quicker connection.
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