Austin-Bergstrom International Airport [AUS] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: February 2, 2021

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
2. Airport Guides

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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) served 17.3 million passengers in 2019 and has experienced year-on-year passenger growth for the last 10 years.

It’s one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S., and Delta Air Lines named AUS a focus city for the airline as more departure gates open, allowing Delta to expand its operations.

In 2019, Delta opened a new Sky Club in the East Concourse with an outdoor patio and bar to enjoy the airside views.

Quick Info

Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Terminals: 2 terminals — Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal
Airport Address (Barbara Jordan Terminal): 3600 Presidential Blvd., Austin, TX 78719
Airport Address (South Terminal): 10000 Logistics Lane, Austin, TX 78719
Distance From Downtown Austin: 7 miles (11 km)
Websites: austintexas.gov and austinsouthterminal.com
Phone Number: 512-530-2242
Passengers Served: 17.3 million annually
Destinations: 58 domestic and 10 international destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

Airlines Operating From AUS

Barbara Jordan Terminal

South Terminal

• Allegiant Air
• Frontier Airlines

AUS Airport Terminals

AUS has 2 terminals that are not connected — Barbara Jordan Terminal, which is the main terminal, and the South Terminal, which is used by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines only.

Barbara Jordan Terminal is located north of the airport and can be accessed off of TX-71. The South Terminal can also be accessed from TX-71 by joining US-183, then turning left onto Burleson Road and then left again onto Emma Browning Avenue.

Barbara Jordan Terminal

Barbara Jordan Terminal is the largest of the 2 terminals, used by the majority of airlines for domestic and international flights.

The terminal is a semi-oval shape where ticketing and baggage claim are located and has 2 long concourses at either end where flights arrive and depart.

There is a split level roadway across the 2 levels of the terminal, with curbside drop-off on the upper level and curbside pick-up on the lower level.

Directly outside the terminal are ground transportation services, and across the pedestrian walkways and bridges are the red and blue parking garages and rental car facility.

Upper Level — Ticketing and Departure Gates

Ticketing is located on the upper level of the terminal, split into east and west ticketing counter areas. There are a few shops and cafes located outside of the secure area for visitors or early passengers. 3 security checkpoints are available, located near the entrances to both concourses and in the middle for the central departure gates.

Inside the secure area, there are lots of shops and restaurants located in the central departure gate area, as well as more in the individual concourses. The central departure gate area has 10 gates, numbered 14-23.

Lower Level — Baggage Claim

The lower level has customs and immigration facilities for international arrivals and baggage claim carousels. The airport lost and found office is also located on this level.

East Concourse

The East Concourse has 13 gates numbered 1-13 and is the most newly developed concourse in the airport. The concourse has a good selection of shops and restaurants and a Delta Sky Club near gate 2, with an outdoor patio bar.

West Concourse

The West Concourse has 11 gates numbered 24-34 and a small selection of shops and restaurants. Once through security, passengers can move around the departure areas freely to make use of the concessions.

The West Concourse has an Admirals Club located across from gate 22 and a United Club on the mezzanine level across from gate 22.

South Terminal

The South Terminal is approximately is used for domestic flights operated by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines.

It’s a small terminal with tarmac access to aircraft only. The decor is quirky, and there’s an outdoor patio with a taco food truck and a selection of grab-and-go food options.

Inter-Terminal Transport

The 2 terminals are located around 8 miles from each other when traveling by road, and passengers may ride the courtesy shuttle bus when connecting between terminals. Shuttles pick-up and drop-off from the upper level of Barbara Jordan Terminal and operate from just outside the South Terminal.

Shuttles run when flights are operating with the journey taking 15-20 minutes between terminals.

Security and Customs at AUS

AUS has 3 security checkpoints at Barbara Jordan Terminal and 1 in the South Terminal.

The checkpoints open daily from 3:30 a.m. (excluding the west checkpoint that opens at 4 a.m.) until the final departure, and passengers departing from Barbara Jordan Terminal may access their gate through any of the 3 security checkpoints.

Hot Tip: Explore how to easily get through TSA security in our helpful guide. 

TSA PreCheck

AUS has TSA PreCheck lanes at checkpoints 1 and 2 of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and at the South Terminal checkpoint. Opening hours vary, so it’s best to check the TSA website to confirm.

The airport also has a TSA Enrollment Center on the baggage claim level of Barbara Jordan Terminal between carousels 3 and 4. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Global Entry Program

AUS has Global Entry kiosks for passengers to use that have been approved in the program.

AUS has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in the Barbara Jordan Terminal on the baggage claim level across from carousel 3. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Conditionally approved applicants may complete their interviews without an appointment with Enrollment on Arrival. This is possible during the hours of international flight arrivals.

Automated Passport Control

Automated Passport Control (APC) is available at AUS. U.S. and Canadian passport holders may submit their information via their smartphone on arrival into AUS instead of completing an arrival card.

AUS Airport Lounges

AUS has 3 airline lounges, all located in the departure concourses. Day pass entry can be purchased at 2 of the lounges.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Check out the best credit cards for complimentary airport lounge access and begin your trip in style without paying the day pass fee.

Dining and Drinks at AUS

AUS has 37 restaurants, cafes, and fast-food counters, so passengers will have plenty of choices to grab a bite before their flight.

If you get to the airport too early to check-in, there are a few cafes located pre-security.

AUS Wi-Fi and Charging Points

Passengers may access 4 hours of free Wi-Fi at AUS via Boingo. To connect, select “Boingo Hotspot” from the available connections and then select “Complimentary wi-fi.”

Charging Stations: There are USB and standard power outlets located throughout the departure areas.

Hot Tip: Not all airports offer free Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to worry about being disconnected, think about investing in a mobile hotspot to keep you connected.

AUS Airport Lost and Found

If you lose an item in the public areas of Barbara Jordan Terminal, you’ll need to get in touch with the Lost and Found office at 512-530-5678 or visit the office at the west end of the baggage claim level.

If an item is misplaced at a security checkpoint, contact TSA Lost and Found at 512-386-2015. If you leave an item on an aircraft, you would need to contact the applicable airline.

If you lose an item when traveling from the South Terminal, you need to send an inquiry via the contact page.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Ambassador volunteers are available in the arrival areas to help provide information on ground transportation and to things to do in Austin.

Children’s Play Areas

AUS doesn’t have any children’s play areas, but there is a family viewing area for a bit of plane spotting before or after your flight.

The viewing area is located at 10335 Golf Course Road, Austin, Texas 78719, and has picnic tables.

Baby Facilities

For nursing or pumping, AUS has 2 private rooms/pods at Barbara Jordan Terminal. A mother’s lounge is located near gate 10 in the East Concourse, and a Mamava Lactation Suite is opposite the Second Bar + Kitchen at the central departure area.

Traveling with a Pet

AUS has 2 pet relief areas at both ends of the Barbara Jordan Terminal parking garage on the lower level. There are no pet relief areas inside of the secure area.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted outside of the terminals, at least 25 feet from the entrance.

Money

ATMs are located in the ticketing area and the departure concourses.

Foreign currency is available at a Travelex counter near gate 5 of the East Concourse.

Luggage Storage

Luggage storage is not available at AUS.

Important AUS Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 512-530-2242

Parking: 512-530-3300

Lost and Found: 512-386-2015

Travel to and From AUS

Transport Options

Bus

• Capital Metro Route 20: Buses run from AUS (Barbara Jordan Terminal) along Riverside Drive to downtown Austin. From downtown, it continues on Manor Road to its final destination near U.S. 183 with the full journey taking around 35 minutes. Buses operate daily every 15 minutes with a single ride costing $1.25 and a day pass costing $2.50.
• Capital Metro Route 100 Airport Flyer: Buses operate every 30 minutes from the airport (Barbara Jordan Terminal) to downtown via the corner of Riverside and Town Creek Drive and the University of Texas. A single ride costs $1.25.

Shuttles

Shared and private ride shuttles can be booked through Carter Transportation at 512-258-3826. Shuttles can be provided to the Greater Austin Metroplex and beyond with shared ride fees from $13 and private rides from $47.

Shuttles pick-up and drop-off outside arrivals at both terminals, and the airport recommends these charter shuttle companies.

Taxi

Taxis are available outside both terminals and have a minimum fee of $13.30. Taxis from the airport to downtown Austin are around $25-$30, not including tip.

At Barbara Jordan Terminal, taxis pick-up from level 2 of the rental car facility. When exiting arrivals, passengers must walk across the road to the rental car facility where they can ride an electrical tram to the pick-up area.

Rideshare

Rideshare operators Lyft, Uber, Wingz, and Ride Austin may pick-up passengers from the same ground transportation area as taxis (see above for location information).

Directions by Car to AUS

Arriving From Downtown Austin

Take I-35 and use the second from the right lane to take exit 230 for TX-71 towards US-290 W/Bastrop/Johnson City/Airport. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for TX-71 E/Bastrop, and merge onto TX-71 E. Exit onto Spirit of Texas Drive for access to the airport.

Arriving From San Antonio

Take I-35 N and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 231 for TX-71/US-290 towards Johnson City. Merge onto TX-71 E and exit onto Spirit of Texas Drive for access to the airport.

AUS Airport Parking Information

Barbara Jordan Terminal Parking

Red Parking Garage

The red parking garage is located in front of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and is available for short and long term parking.

Fees are $3 per hour or $25 per day.

Hot Tip: Passengers can reserve parking on level 1 of the red parking garage for an additional $4 per day, on top of the standard parking fees.

Executive and Family-Friendly Valet Parking

Valet parking is available in the red parking garage and costs $29 for executive valet parking and $19 for family-friendly valet parking.

Blue Parking Garage

The blue parking garage is located a little further from the terminal but is walking distance through the red parking garage. Parking is charged at $3 per hour or $15 per day.

Economy Parking Lot

The economy parking lot (indicated in yellow on the above map) is located behind the red and blue parking garages. Complimentary shuttles depart from outside the terminal, transporting passengers to and from the economy parking lot.

Parking fees are $3 per hour or $8 per day.

South Terminal Parking

The South Terminal has separate parking lots for use exclusively by passengers departing from the South Terminal. The premium lot is located in front of the terminal, the SpotHero close-in lot is located east of the terminal, and the economy terminal is located further east.

All 3 parking lots are walking distance to the terminal, but passengers parking in the economy lot have the option to ride the complimentary shuttle bus instead of walking.

Parking rates are:

• Premium lot: $20 per day
• SpotHero close-in lot: $15 per day
• Economy lot: $10 per day

Hot Tip: Parking can be pre-booked for the SpotHero close-in lot using the SpotHero app, and first-time users can park for $12 per day as an introductory offer.

Veteran Parking

Free parking for veterans is available in the economy parking lot of the South Terminal and is valid for up to 5 days.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

Visitors can pick-up and drop-off passengers curbside at both terminals. While waiting for passengers to arrive, visitors may park in the cell phone waiting lot for free that is located at 2901 Spirit of Texas Dr.

The parking lot is equipped with flight information screens, a convenience store, fuel pumps, and electric car charging points.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots can often provide much cheaper parking for passengers on a budget, but this is not the case for AUS, as those savings are only a dollar a day.

Daily parking at AUS is available for as little as $8 per day, with external parking lots available to book from $7 per day at airportparkingreservations.com.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for passengers with disabilities can be found in every parking lot nearest the pedestrian exits or closest to the covered shuttle stops in the economy parking lots.

Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.

Parking Contact Number

General Inquiries: 512-530-3300

Car Rental at AUS Airport

The rental car facility is located opposite Barbara Jordan Terminal, so passengers arriving into the South Terminal must ride the terminal shuttle bus to reach the facility.

These companies are available at the rental car facility:

Hot Tip: These credit cards include rental insurance as a benefit, so you can avoid paying excessive fees with the rental company.

AUS Airport Hotels

AUS has 2 hotels on airport property —– Hilton Austin Airport and Hyatt Place Austin Airport — that are located a short distance from Barbara Jordan Terminal.

All hotels in the surrounding area are 2- or 3-stars, so guests would need to stay further from the airport for a higher star rating.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

You can’t get much closer to the airport than the Hilton Austin Airport, which is connected to the airport itself. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, fitness center, and airport shuttle — through you’ll hardly need it! Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but you can expect an award night to cost between 30,000 to 35,000 points per night.

The Hyatt Place Austin Airport is located just a half a mile from the airport, making it an incredibly convenient option. Guests will enjoy amenities like an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast for all World of Hyatt members. Better yet, award nights at the hotel are a steal at just 5,000 points per night.

The Courtyard Austin Airport offers close proximity to the airport, the Circuit of the Americas, Austin360 Amphitheater, and the Austin Convention Center. Hotel amenities include a free shuttle service, an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool, and a 24/7 fitness center. The hotel is a Category 4 Marriott property, so award nights start at 20,000 points for off-peak nights, 25,000 points of standard nights, and 30,000 points for peak nights.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points, World of Hyatt points, or Marriott points.

Final Thoughts

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is easy to navigate and has a clear layout. At Barbara Jordan Terminal, ticketing leads seamlessly into security and security into departures where everything is accessible. When departing from this terminal, there is no need to use transportation to get around.

Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines are the only 2 airlines to operate from the South Terminal, so passengers need to be aware of this to know which parking lot to use to avoid riding the terminal shuttle bus back and forth.

As one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S., new development has been underway for several years, including expanding the East Concourse to accommodate 9 new gates and building a 6-level parking garage.