Austin Transport

Austin has an excellent public transport system that is provided by Capital Metro. Buses are the primary form of transport, though a commuter rail system is currently undergoing construction and is due to be completed in 2008. Bus services are highly efficient and extremely economical, with several services running for free.

By metro

Capital Metro provides public transportation throughout Austin, mainly by bus. But this is due to change, with the company currently building a commuter rail system that is expected to be completed by 2008. The system is being constructed on existing freight lines and will serve the areas of downtown Austin, East Austin, Northwest Austin and Leander.

By train

The Austin Steam Train Association operates a number of tours aboard the Hill Country Flyer steam train among other services. Short 30-minute trips are available as well as a 30-mile circuit of the countryside (only available at weekends from March to December).
 

By bus

Capital Metro (www.capmetro.org) provides an excellent bus service throughout the city that features more than 50 bus lines and very low fares. One-way adult tickets on Metro routes are very economical, though you’ll need exact change when paying for your ticket onboard.

Capital Metro also operates several free trolley-style buses around the downtown area. These are known as ‘Dillos, short for ‘Armadillo Express’. 'Dillos aren't the only free transport in Austin, passengers 65 years and older or those with mobility impairments are entitled to ride all fixed bus routes for free upon presentation of a Capital Metro ID card. These cards are available for a few dollars from the Capital Metro Information Centre, open on weekdays. Other passengers can save up to 50 per cent by buying a ticket book from Capital Metro.

Night-time services are also provided by Capital Metro, with E-Bus and Night Owl services operating to and from the city’s entertainment districts late into the night.

Taxis

There are numerous cab companies on call in Austin including the American Yellow Checker Cab company (tel: +1 512 452 9999). Taxi services in the city are efficient and can be either ordered by phone or hailed in the street.

Tourist services

The seven free 'Dillo routes - Blue, Gold, Orange, Red, Silver, Moonlight and Starlight - mean that it’s simple as well as economical for visitors to get around the city’s tourist attractions. The routes cover many sections of downtown Austin as well as the University of Texas, East Austin and the South Congress shopping areas. The Orange and Silver 'Dillos are especially suited to tourists, while the Starlight and Moonlight 'Dillos transport passengers to the city’s most popular nightlife and restaurant areas. The hours of operation of these services are 18:00 to 03:00, Thursday through Saturday.

Moreover, Capital Metro also provides a special weekend Tour the Town route, which circles around the University of Texas, crosses downtown Austin and then travels on to Restaurant Row along Barton Springs Road.

From the airport

There is a wide selection of transfer options from Austin Bergstrom International Airport to downtown Austin and beyond, which includes taxis, local buses, limousines and shuttle services. Taxis travel to Austin city centre in approximately 20 minutes, while shuttle services and Metro buses 100 and 350 take around twice as long, but are usually only available on weekdays.