Car Rental at Austin-Bergstrom Airport

Airport travel guide

Home of the SXSW festival and known for its very strong music scene, Austin is one of the most creative places in all of the U.S. In addition to its wealth of entertainment, it can also be a hub for exploring surrounding Northeastern Texas. Here are three of the most interesting attractions in and around it:

• Live music. Austin is known as one of the music capitals of the U.S. – many famous bands hail from the city, and live performances are held at many venues across the city every night. Austin is also home to South by Southwest (or SXSW), one of the largest music and media festivals in the world, which takes place every March. On a more classical note, the city is also famous for its opera house and symphonic orchestra. 
• The Contemporary Austin. Previously known as the Austin Museum of Art, The Contemporary is one of the main cultural hubs of the city. It has two separate locations – The Arthouse at the Jones Center and Laguna Gloria (the latter also doubles as an art school). Both branches of the museum have a focus on local and other American contemporary artists and also frequently host various events. Visit the official website to learn more.
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. A large botanical garden and arboretum, this is the right place to learn about the flora of Texas — the center has close to 1,000 plant species unique to the Lone Star State. The center is about a 20-minute drive southwest of downtown and is on the Violet Crown Trail, a popular 30-mile (48 km) hiking and cycling route that runs parallel to Barton Creek. 

Top international routes

• Mexico City, Mexico
• Toronto (seasonal)
• Calgary (seasonal)
• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick (seasonal)
• Frankfurt

Main airlines

Southwest, American, United, Delta, and Frontier are the major airlines at the airport. Find cheap flights from New York

Terminals

The airport has two terminals, the main, or Barbara Jordan, Terminal and the South Terminal. The main terminal hosts the flights of the traditional carriers. It also features three different flyer lounges. The Rental Car Center is most convenient to the main terminal, too.

The South Terminal hosts flights from low-cost carriers such as Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. It is located on the southern end of the airport and even has a separate entrance, though rental car customers will still need to use the same entrance as the main terminal.

Location

AUS is located approximately 7 miles southeast of Downton Austin near the interchange of US 183 and Texas 71. From Downtown, the airport can be reached either via I-35 and Texas 71 or via E 7th street and Highway 183. Either way, the trip should take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from €46 per day
• Medium cars - from €47 per day
• Large cars - from €52 per day
• SUVs - from €51 per day
• Premium cars - from €63 per day
• Convertibles - from €74 per day

Car rental desks

All major suppliers have desks in the Rental Car Facility which is located across from the upper level of the Barbara-Jordan Terminal. Those arriving in the South Terminal with Allegiant, Via Air, or Frontier will need to take a shuttle to the main terminal to reach the Rental Car Facility.

Services and facilities

AUS has all of the facilities and services that an airport of its size usually has. Unique to the airport is the fact that most of the restaurants in it are local businesses as opposed to national chains. The airport also hosts live music (continuing the Live Music Capital theme) every day of the week. Check the monthly schedule to see the artist, stages, and times.

The only hotels at the airport itself are Hilton and Hyatt Place. Quality Inn & Suites has a location just north of the airport and many other chains have locations near the Texas 71 US 183 interchange. Almost all of the hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Nearest gas station

The closest gas station to the airport is a Texaco station that is actually at the airport which will be passed on Spirit of Texas Dr. on the way to the Car Rental Center. The prices are significantly hirer than nearby stations, though.

Another Shell station is located at 2453 Bastrop Hwy just on the other side of Highway 71 from the airport. Though requiring a small circle, prices are competitive. If seeking anything other than a fill-up, though, you should stick with the higher-priced, but new and clean, Texaco station at the airport.