Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Austin Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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Around midnight they kicked everyone sleeping out of our comfy Southwest Airlines chairs (leather, nice!) and I found the mezzanine the perfect sleeping spot! – defiant
AUS Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Austin-Bergstrom Airport.
What to Expect
Austin Airport (code: AUS) consists of two terminals: the Barbara Jordan Terminal (main terminal, 34 gates, serving most airlines including American, Delta, Southwest) and the new, smaller South Terminal (serving Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines). The two terminals are connected by a shuttle bus that must fully exit the airport grounds in order to travel between terminals, taking about 15-20 minutes.
The Barbara Jordan Terminal offers a good range of services and amenities. Given that it serves as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” it’s fitting that there is a live music stage featuring local talent. Travellers can expect a variety of shopping and dining options, mobile charging, and free WiFi. All shops and restaurants close overnight, so it’s worth purchasing drinks and snacks for later, as the vending machines leave something to be desired. The South Terminal, while much more basic, does have an airside outdoor patio area with a food truck and plenty of seating – the first post-security outdoor area in Texas! Indoors, you’ll find free WiFi, charging stations and a few grab-and-go snacks. For those looking for a little added comfort, there are first-class lounges in the Barbara Jordan Terminal that economy-class passengers can pay to access.
Sleeping in Austin Airport
Austin Airport isn’t the most sleep-friendly place. In the Barbara Jordan Terminal, only travellers with a late flight connecting to an early morning departure may be permitted to sleep airside. Everyone else will be moved landside when the security checkpoints close. If you are permitted to sleep airside – or you’re just looking for a comfortable place to relax – the best spot seems to be all the way down the terminal at the last gates. According to a 2023 reviewer, you should find a few wide and comfy benches here. Another option is the Southwest and Delta area, featuring bluish chairs which may be very comfortable when pushed together. Several reviewers also mentioned the airside mezzanine.
For uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel directly connected to the airport and others nearby that are connected by shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read some recent traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Austin Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is open 24 hours a day.
TSA security checkpoints typically open around 3:00 AM and close after the last scheduled departures of the day. Overnight access is generally limited to ticketed passengers.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist; however, informal spots may exist around the terminal. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
Austin airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Austin Airport that provide free airport shuttles:
- Aloft Austin Airport » Check Rates
- Comfort Suites Austin Airport » Check Rates
- Courtyard by Marriott Austin Airport » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn & Suites Austin-Airport » Check Rates
- Hilton Austin Airport » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Austin Airport » Check Rates
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Airport, an IHG Hotel » Check Rates
- Hyatt Place Austin Airport » Check Rates
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport » Check Rates
- Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport » Check Rates
- Tru by Hilton Austin Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Austin Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.
Admirals Club – Location: Airside, Barbara Jordan Terminal, near Gate 22. Hours: 4:00 AM – 7:15 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (day pass – USD 79) • Prepaid lounge passes (via American Airlines website/app) • Lounge membership programs (Admirals Club membership, Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardholders) • Access for American Airlines and oneworld premium cabin and elite status passengers.
Delta Sky Club – Location: Airside, Barbara Jordan Terminal, near Gate 1. Hours: 4:15 AM – 7:15 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (Delta Sky Club membership, Delta Reserve Amex, Amex Platinum/Centurion) • Access for Delta and SkyTeam premium cabin and elite status passengers.
The Club at AUS – Location: Airside, Barbara Jordan Terminal, near Gate 13 (mezzanine level). Hours: 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet zone with recliners). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (USD 50) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Access for some airline-contracted passengers.
United Club – Location: Airside, Barbara Jordan Terminal, near Gate 22. Hours: 4:15 AM – 7:15 PM daily. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (day pass – USD 59) • Prepaid lounge passes (via United website/app) • Lounge membership programs (United Club membership, United Explorer / Infinite cards) • Access for United and Star Alliance premium cabin and elite status passengers.
Drinking Water
Free water bottle refill stations are available throughout both terminals.
Barbara Jordan Terminal (Airside): Gates 9, 11, 14, 17, 21, and 25
South Terminal: Near Gates 1 and 2, plus landside areas near Check-in and Arrivals
Food & Drinks
Barbara Jordan Terminal: Food outlets operate on varied schedules, with some opening as early as 4:30 AM. There are no 24-hour dining options. Vending machines are available in the Baggage Claim area near Carousels 1 and 5.
South Terminal: Dining options are very limited. A single taco truck operates on the outdoor patio during select hours. Vending machines are available near the Arrival Gate and Check-in area.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Charging stations and power outlets are available throughout both terminals.
Showers
A traveller reports that a shower may be available inside an accessible restroom near Gate 10.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Austin Airport for four hours through Boingo. If you need more than four hours, choose the “AUS free Wi-Fi” option again.
Security & Safety
We do not have any reports of safety issues at AUS Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Art & Culture
- Art in the Airport – Works by local artists are displayed throughout the terminal. Austin’s well-known live music scene is also represented, with rotating performances by local musicians on select weekdays.
- Live Music – Live music performances take place in various areas of the terminal, typically Monday through Friday during the afternoon.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs operated by Bank of America are available in the Barbara Jordan Terminal, both landside and airside. Fees may apply depending on your bank. There are no ATMs in the South Terminal.
- Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are not available, based on traveller reports.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – A private Mamava Lactation Suite is available for nursing or pumping. The room includes seating, a fold-down table, power outlets, and a locking door. Access is free for parents.
Communication & Information
- Courtesy Phones – Courtesy phones for local calls are available in the Baggage Claim area.
- Information Desk – Visitor Information Centers provide maps, directions, and general travel assistance. Ambassador Volunteers are also available to help with questions about services and amenities.
- Postal Services – A mailbox and a FedEx drop box are available for sending mail and packages.
- SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Relaxation & Activities
- Massages – Massage services are not available.
- Observation Deck – The airport’s Family Viewing Area offers an outdoor space to watch planes take off and land. It includes parking and picnic tables and is especially popular in the morning hours.
- Shopping – A variety of retail shops and kiosks sell books, snacks, electronics, souvenirs, and travel essentials, primarily in the Barbara Jordan Terminal.
Bus
Bus No 20, operated by CapMetro, connects the airport to downtown. A trip lasts about 50 minutes. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Capmetro website.
Car Rentals
The following companies provide on-site car rentals: Advantage • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Fox • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Best Western Plus Austin Airport Inn & Suites • Candlewood Suites Austin Airport • Comfort Suites Austin Airport • Courtyard by Marriott Austin Airport • Hampton Inn & Suites Austin – Airport • Hilton Austin Airport • Hilton Garden Inn Austin Airport • Holiday Inn Austin Airport, an IHG Hotel • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Airport • Hyatt Place Austin Airport • Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport • Staybridge Suites Austin Airport • Tru by Hilton Austin Airport.
Hotel shuttles pick up on the Upper Level (Ticketing/Departures). Contact your hotel of choice for shuttle service availability and information.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Rideshare
Pick-ups can be booked via the Lyft, Uber, Earth Ride, Wridz and Wingz rideshare apps. Prices to downtown range from $25 to $30.
Shared-Ride Shuttle
Carter Transportation and Airport Transportation provide door-to-door shared-ride or private-ride service between the airport and the Austin metropolitan area.
Taxi
At the time of this update, ATX Co-Op, Central City Taxi, Z-Trip, and Homeland Austin Taxi provide taxi services. Prices range from $20 to $30.
Last updated: 2026-01-19
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.