You can reach most central Austin sights with walking, CapMetro and rideshare; a rental car is most useful for day trips and north Austin. A CapMetro local ride costs $1.25 ($2.50 per day with fare capping), riders under 18 ride free, and Route 20 links the airport and downtown in about 35 minutes. CapMetro fares increase on January 10, 2027.
Getting around Austin
How to get from the airport and around Austin, with verified CapMetro fares.
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CapMetro fares (verified October 11, 2026)
| Fare | Local bus and rail | Commuter rail (Red Line) |
|---|---|---|
| Single ride | $1.25 | $3.50 |
| Per service day (4 a.m.–3:59 a.m.) | $2.50 | $7.00 |
| 31-day pass (calendar month) | $41.25 | $96.25 |
| Reduced fare single ride | $0.60 | $1.75 |
Fare capping: after two paid rides in a service day, remaining rides that day are free; monthly capping applies with the Umo app or a Reloadable Fare card. Kids under 18 and uniformed emergency or military personnel ride free. Fares increase January 10, 2027. Source: CapMetro.
Choosing how to get around
| Mode | Good for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Downtown, Rainey Street, the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk | Distances grow quickly outside the core; summer heat (normal July high 96.6°F) |
| CapMetro bus | Airport via Route 20; many city routes | Check the trip planner for frequency and detours during events |
| MetroRail Red Line | Downtown to Leander (10 stations); Kramer Station serves The Domain | Operates Monday through Saturday; check the timetable |
| Rideshare / taxi | Evenings, Zilker, door-to-door trips | Pickup points are limited near Sixth Street when it is closed to traffic Thursday–Saturday nights |
| Rental car | Day trips, north Austin, flexibility | Parking costs and availability vary; we do not publish parking prices |
Renting a car or booking a transfer
Rental companies operate from the airport's Consolidated Rental Car Facility, and the airport lists two shuttle providers. Compare rates directly with the providers. The links below search Google Maps; they are not endorsements.
The essentials
Arriving and moving around.
Rent a car or arrange a transfer
Rental companies and shuttles serving the airport.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get around Austin?
For the core, walking plus CapMetro and rideshare. Add a rental car for day trips or north Austin.
Do I need a car in Austin?
Not for the central sights, but it helps for day trips and The Domain. Parking costs and availability vary.
How much does the bus cost in Austin?
A CapMetro local single ride is $1.25 and a service-day cap is $2.50; fares increase on January 10, 2027.
Does a train go to The Domain?
CapMetro's MetroRail Red Line serves Kramer Station near The Domain, Monday through Saturday.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 11, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- CapMetro fares — Capital Metro (CapMetro)
- CapMetro airport service — Capital Metro (CapMetro)
- CapMetro Rail (Red Line) — Capital Metro (CapMetro)
- Ground transportation at the Barbara Jordan Terminal — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) — Visit Austin
- U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, Austin Camp Mabry (USW00013958) — NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
- CapMetro — Capital Metro (CapMetro)
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