Everything you need to know about navigating Austin, Texas

Austin is a wonderfully quirky city in many respects, yet like its Texan counterparts, it heavily relies on cars for transportation.

The state capital is expansive, making it challenging to explore on foot during the hot and humid summer months. While having your own vehicle can be handy, the associated costs can be substantial both financially and environmentally.

Although it lacks a subway for quick transit, Austin is working diligently to enhance its public and sustainable transportation options. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around the city.

Save money by using the regular bus service

The MetroBus service is the ideal choice for exploring all that Austin has to offer on a budget. You can easily navigate downtown Austin, reach the airport, and travel to some suburbs like Round Rock, as well as around the UT campus—all with MetroBus.

The bus service features 11 high-frequency routes that stop every 15 minutes or less. Plus, there are five night owl routes operating from midnight to 3 AM, Monday through Saturday, in popular neighborhoods like South Congress, South Lamar, and Riverside.

While day-pass fares are affordable ($2.50), you’ll get even better value with a seven-day pass ($11.25) if you plan to stay in Austin for more than five days. Children under 18 can ride for free. Use the CapMetro app to buy a pass and skip the lines at the vending machines.

Reach your destination quicker with a MetroRapid bus

If you're in a rush in Austin, just catch a MetroRapid bus to get there faster.

Faster than a standard MetroBus, these Wi-Fi-equipped vehicles utilize transit-priority lanes and gain an advantage at traffic lights with bus-first signals. The MetroRapid operates on a limited route running north to south, linking the Domain to Westgate and Tech Ridge to Southpark Meadows, while also stopping at the University of Texas Campus and downtown Austin.

MetroRapid buses arrive every 10 to 15 minutes on weekdays and every 15 to 20 minutes on weekends.

Discover North Austin with the MetroRail

In 2022, plans were proposed for Austin’s first subway system, featuring four underground stops linking South Austin to downtown. While this will be a major advancement, you can still utilize the MetroRail—a 32-mile network with nine stops connecting downtown to North Austin, terminating in the northern suburb of Leander.

Although the MetroRail may not directly stop at the city’s most popular attractions, connector buses fill this gap by transporting passengers from MetroRail stations to nearby major destinations. For example, the MLK station has a connector bus that takes riders straight to the University of Texas campus, and Kramer Station’s connector bus services the Domain or UT’s Pickle Research Campus.

MetroRail travel tips

Austin’s MetroRail operates from 6:55 am to 8:23 pm on weekdays, extending to 1:32 am and 1:37 am on Fridays and Saturdays, respectively. Free Wi-Fi is provided on board, fares are affordable, and tickets can be purchased at vending machines at each station or through the CapMetro App.

Children under 18 ride the MetroRail for free, and military personnel can benefit from discounted fares.

Discover the city on two wheels

Austin features an impressive 215 miles of bike paths, complete with a map that guides cyclists to the safest, most comfortable, and accessible routes.

If you don’t have your own bike, you can easily rent a MetroBike. Over 800 bikes, including electric options, are available at 79 MetroRail and CapMetro bus stations across the city—the BCycle app will help you locate the nearest one.

Catch a ride the Austin way

Austin offers a wide array of rideshare options beyond the usual choices. You can find Bird, Lime, and Link scooters scattered across the city, while Wheels provides a more comfortable seated scooter alternative. For a quick ride, Lyft and Uber are always available, with both apps covering the Austin area extensively.

Don’t forget about Austin’s pedicab services. These small, bike-powered trailers with seating are abundant in downtown and popular neighborhoods like East Austin and Rainey Street.

Local tip: Visitors staying at downtown hotels might benefit from complimentary car services offered by their accommodations. For example, Hotel Zaza provides its guests with the Magic Carpet Ride Shuttle, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis within a three-mile radius of the hotel until 11pm.

Explore Austin’s most vibrant neighborhoods on foot

With careful planning, you can leave your car parked at your hotel and discover various parts of Austin on foot. We suggest choosing your accommodation based on the neighborhoods or attractions you intend to explore most.

Austin's top attractions are primarily located around downtown, the adjacent areas to the east, and the southern banks of Lady Bird Lake. For easy walking access to different neighborhoods, it’s best to stay on the southern edge of downtown, allowing you to stroll to popular spots like Rainey Street or cross the bridges to reach Zilker.

The Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail links various neighborhoods and can help reduce your walking distance. Keep in mind that Austin summers can be very hot, making what you consider a short walk at home feel much longer here. Alternatively, you can drive to a neighborhood and then explore on foot.

Parking is abundant in Austin

As a city centered around cars, Austin offers numerous parking lots and street parking options. However, be mindful that some neighborhoods require payment. For example, areas like downtown, West Austin, Central-North, East Austin, Zilker Park, Mueller, parts of South Austin, and sections near the Colorado River feature paid street parking.

Parking rates vary from $2 to $5, and you can conveniently pay using apps on your smartphone or at designated pay stations. You can find a paid parking map here.

Parking is prohibited on 6th St (between Red River and Brazos St) from 9pm to 3am Thursday through Sunday. Vehicles parked here during those hours will be towed.

Accessible transportation options in Austin

Austin is making strides toward improved accessibility, but this will be a long-term endeavor. According to the city council, there are approximately 2,700 miles of sidewalks in Austin, with only about 32% meeting functional standards in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The local government is prioritizing the renovation of sidewalks in busy areas. New crossing signals and curb ramps have been introduced at intersections to aid individuals with visual and hearing impairments, as well as those using mobility devices. This map highlights intersections equipped with accessible pedestrian signals and/or pedestrian recall.

Both the MetroBus and MetroRail are compliant with ADA standards, catering to a diverse range of individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users. For example, the MetroBus lowers for easier access and is equipped with lifts or low-floor ramps, while the MetroRail trains facilitate level boarding at station platforms.

If a disability prevents you from using the MetroBus or MetroRail, Austin offers an on-demand shared ride service known as MetroAccess, but you'll need to apply in advance. Additionally, CARTS and the HOP provide wheelchair-accessible public transport options; CARTS serves areas surrounding Austin, while the HOP covers nine county regions north of the city.

Transportation passes

The MetroBus, MetroRail, MetroRapid, and MetroBike systems are all accessible through a single pass—the CapMetro pass. Each service has different fare structures, so you'll need to select a pass that suits your travel needs.

The MetroBike and Bus Pass is valid only for the MetroBike and MetroBus lines. A Local pass is exclusive to the MetroBus, while a Commuter pass allows access to MetroRail, MetroBus, and MetroRapid. Additionally, travelers can purchase a $20 or $40 stored-value card, usable across all public transportation services until the balance runs out.

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