Get There
What is the best way to get to Austin?
Flying: Located close to downtown, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport boasts non-stop service to 70-plus domestic and international destinations. From here, travelers can reach the city by a public bus route, as well as via taxis, shuttles, and car rentals.
Train: Austin’s Amtrak station is a stop along the Texas Eagle line, which offers service from Chicago to San Antonio. You can also reach the city’s northwestern suburbs from downtown via a commuter rail service.
Car: To reach Austin from San Antonio, head north on IH-35. From Dallas, head south on IH-35. From Houston, head west on US-290 (or I-10 W to Highway 71 W if you want to reach south Austin). Keep in mind, parking in the downtown area can be hard to find, which means it’s usually pricey.
What is the best time to visit Austin?
Weather wise, the best time to visit Austin is between the months of September and November or March and May. That’s when you’ll experience pleasant daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Expect high temps, most likely in the triple digits, as well as high humidity, during the summer (which is June through August). Spring and fall are considered prime seasons in Austin, which means they are also popular times for festivals and events such as South by Southwest in March, Austin Food and Wine Festival in April, and Austin City Limits Music Festival and Austin Film Festival in October. For major events like SXSW, remember to book well in advance before hotels fill up and rates climb.
Get Around
Walking: Austin is known as a pedestrian-friendly city, with many attractions easily accessible by foot from popular hotels. Also, some travelers prefer to bike since there are several bike trails throughout central Austin. You can rent one via the city's bike-share program called Austin B-Cycle.
Transit: The city’s bus system, Capital Metro, provides routes across Austin, as well as a MetroRapid bus that services the downtown area.
Taxi: You can’t hail a taxi on the street in Austin, so you’ll need to call for one. But rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber are available and probably your best bet if you need a ride.