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

Key Takeaways

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) features 2 terminals that are not connected. Barbara Jordan Terminal is the largest, while Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines only use the South Terminal.
• The airport has 4 lounges, including the newer Chase Sapphire Terrace. You can purchase a day pass to Admirals Club and United Club.
• Various options for getting to and from the airport, including rental cars, ride-shares, shuttles, and Capital Metro buses, ensure easy access to downtown Austin and surrounding areas.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) served over 22 million passengers in 2023 and holds a level 3+ accreditation for being a carbon-neutral airport.

It’s one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S., and ranked above average for customer service in the JD Power’s 2022 North American Air Satisfaction Survey.

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 Ln., Austin, TX 78719
Distance From Downtown Austin: 7 miles (11 km)
Websites: austintexas.gov/airport and austinsouthterminal.com
Phone Number: 512-530-2242
Passengers Served: 13.5 million annually
Destinations: 85+ domestic and 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 only be accessed from the southern perimeter of the airport, from 183 South or 130 to Burleson Road.

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 and pick-up on the upper and lower levels.

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 in the terminal (but are not always all open), located near the entrances to both concourses and in the middle of 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 9 gates, numbered 15 to 23. Across from gate 22 on the mezzanine level, is an Admirals Club and a United Club.

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 to 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, on the mezzanine level, with an outdoor patio bar.

West Concourse

The West Concourse has 11 gates numbered 24 to 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.

South Terminal

The South Terminal is approximately 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 to 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. 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 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 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.

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

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has 4 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 airport lounge access and begin your trip in style without paying the day pass fee.

Dining and Drinks at AUS

AUS has 55 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 Rd., Austin, TX 78719, and has picnic tables.

AUS also has a jam-packed live music schedule, for your kids to have a pre-flight boogie.

Hot Tip: Explore the most kid-friendly U.S. airports and see why AUS was one of the worst airports on our list.

Baby Facilities

For nursing or pumping, AUS has 2 private rooms/pods at Barbara Jordan Terminal. A mother’s lounge is located near gate 11 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 1 pet relief area near gate 9 of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and 1 near gate 1 of the South Terminal.

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.

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: 512-530-5678

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 $20. Taxis from the airport to downtown Austin are around $30 to $40, not including tip.

At Barbara Jordan Terminal, taxis pick up from beneath the rental car facility. When exiting arrivals, passengers must walk across the road through the red parking garage to reach 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 $5 per hour or $27 per day.

Hot Tip: Passengers can reserve parking on level 1 of the red parking garage by paying a small reservation fee, 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. Valet parking is temporarily closed.

Blue Parking Garage

The blue parking garage is located a little further from the terminal but is within walking distance through the red parking garage. Parking is charged at $5 per hour or $17 per day.

Economy Parking Lot

The economy parking lot (indicated in green on the above map) is located behind the red and blue parking garages. Complimentary shuttles depart every 15 to 20 minutes from outside the terminal, transporting passengers to and from the economy parking lot.

Parking fees are $5 per hour or $10 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 within 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: $22 per day
• SpotHero close-in lot: $15 per day (prepaid reservations using SpotHero)
• Economy lot: $10 per day

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. The vehicle must display “DV” plates.

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, which is located at 2901 Spirit of Texas Dr.

For the South Terminal, a second cell phone waiting lot is located on the right as you enter the airport road.

These parking lots are 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 the off-site rates are the same.

Daily parking at AUS is available for as little as $10 per day, with external parking lots also available to book from $10 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 at the South Terminal must ride the terminal shuttle bus to reach the facility.

These companies are available at the rental car facility:

Hot Tip: There are credit cards with rental car insurance, 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 — though you’ll hardly need it! Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but you can expect an award night to cost from 44,000 points per night.

The Hyatt Place Austin Airport is located just 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 this Category 2 hotel are a steal, starting at just 6,500 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. Award nights start at 22,000 points per night.

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 Bonvoy 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.