8/9/25

The Ultimate Guide to Austin Airport Parking: From Garages to Secret Off-Site Gems

Flying out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is usually a breeze, but let's be honest, the parking situation can throw a wrench in your pre-flight chill. It’s one of those travel details that seems minor until you’re circling a full lot with a flight to catch. But here's the thing: with a little insider knowledge, you can navigate the Austin airport parking scene like a pro. Whether you’re looking for the closest spot, the best deal, or a service with all the bells & whistles, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve dug through all the options, from the airport’s own garages to the off-site lots that have become local favorites. We'll break down the costs, the convenience, & the real-world traveler experiences to help you pick the perfect spot for your next trip. So, buckle up, because we're about to make your next departure from AUS the smoothest one yet.

On-Site Parking at AUS: The Official Options

For a lot of folks, parking right at the airport is the go-to for convenience. You're right there, no need to time a shuttle, & you can just walk to the terminal. AUS has a few different flavors of on-site parking, each with its own price point & perks.

The Red Garage: Closest & Most Convenient

If you're the type of traveler who wants to get from your car to the terminal as fast as humanly possible, the Red Garage is your jam. It's located right next to the Barbara Jordan Terminal, so you're just a short walk away from check-in. This is the premium option, & the price reflects that.
  • Best for: Business travelers, those with a lot of luggage, or anyone who values proximity over price.
  • Cost: Expect to pay around $32 per day.
  • Perks: It's a covered garage, so your car is protected from that wild Texas weather. Plus, you can't beat the location.

The Blue Garage: A Balance of Cost & Convenience

A little further out but still within walking distance is the Blue Garage. It's a slightly more budget-friendly option than the Red Garage but still offers the convenience of being on-site. It's a popular choice, so it can fill up, but they have a pretty cool feature to help with that.
  • Best for: Travelers who want the convenience of on-site parking without the premium price tag of the Red Garage.
  • Cost: Daily rates are around $23.
  • Perks: The Blue Garage has a smart parking guidance system that tells you where the open spots are, which is a HUGE time-saver. They also have "Find Your Car" kiosks, which are a lifesaver after a long trip.

Economy Parking: The Budget-Friendly On-Site Choice

If you're looking to save some cash but still want to park at the airport, the Economy Parking lot is your best bet. It's the most affordable on-site option, but there's a catch: it's not within walking distance of the terminal. You'll need to hop on a free shuttle to get to & from the airport.
  • Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who don't mind a short shuttle ride.
  • Cost: This is the cheapest on-site option, coming in at about $12 per day.
  • Perks: The shuttle service runs 24/7, every 10-15 minutes, so you're never waiting too long.

The South Terminal: A Whole Different Ballgame

Flying Allegiant or Frontier? Then you'll be heading to the South Terminal, which is physically separate from the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. It has its own parking, so don't even think about parking at the main garages & trying to get there.
  • Premium Lot: Located right in front of the South Terminal, this is the most convenient option for a quick walk to the gate. Daily rates are around $20.
  • Economy Lot: A more budget-friendly choice at the South Terminal, with a daily rate of about $12. You'll need to take a short shuttle ride from this lot to the terminal.
One important thing to know: you can't get between the main terminal & the South Terminal on foot. There is a shuttle, but it can take 15-20 minutes, so it's REALLY recommended to park at the terminal you're flying out of.

Off-Site Parking: The Savvy Traveler's Secret

This is where you can find some of the best deals & some pretty awesome perks. The off-site lots are all located a short shuttle ride from the airport, & the competition between them means they offer some great services to win your business.

The Parking Spot: A Popular & Polished Choice

You've probably seen their iconic spotted shuttles. The Parking Spot has two locations at AUS (East & West) & they're a well-oiled machine. They offer both covered & uncovered self-parking, as well as valet options.
  • Best for: Travelers who want a reliable service with lots of perks.
  • Cost: Rates can vary, but you can often find deals online, especially if you book in advance.
  • Perks: Their shuttles are frequent, they offer luggage assistance, & you can even get your car washed while you're away. Their app is also super handy for tracking shuttles & managing your reservation.

FastPark & Relax: Speedy Service with a Local Vibe

FastPark & Relax is another big name in the off-site parking game. They pride themselves on getting you to the airport quickly, & they have a loyal following of Austin travelers.
  • Best for: Travelers who want a fast & efficient shuttle service.
  • Cost: Their rates are competitive, & you can often save money by booking online.
  • Perks: They offer covered parking to protect your car from the elements. They also have EV charging stations & even a longhorn cattle program on-site, which is a quirky Austin touch.

Park & Zoom: On-Airport Location with Off-Site Prices

Park & Zoom has a unique advantage: it's located on airport property, but it's run like an off-site lot. This means you get the benefit of being close to the terminal without the high on-site prices.
  • Best for: Travelers who want to be close to the airport but still want the value of an off-site lot.
  • Cost: They offer both covered self-park & valet options, with rates that are very competitive with other off-site lots.
  • Perks: Because they're on airport grounds, their shuttles don't have to deal with traffic on the main roads, which can be a big time-saver. They also offer car care services like hand washes & oil changes.

Beyond the Lots: Other Ways to Get to AUS

Driving & parking isn't the only way to get to the airport. Depending on where you live & how much you're packing, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

Ridesharing & Taxis

Services like Uber & Lyft are a popular choice for getting to the airport. They'll drop you off right at the departures level, & you don't have to worry about finding a parking spot. However, surge pricing can make this an expensive option, especially during peak travel times. Taxis are also readily available.

Public Transportation: The CapMetro Route

For the truly budget-conscious, the Capital Metro Route 20 bus goes directly to the airport. It's an affordable & reliable option, especially if you live along its route. It runs every 15 minutes & costs just $1.25 for a single ride.

Prked: The Neighborhood Parking Solution

Here's a game-changer you might not have considered: what if you could park in a safe, private driveway or garage right in a neighborhood near the airport? That's where Prked comes in. It's a pretty cool platform that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have extra space.
Honestly, it's a win-win. You get a convenient & often more affordable parking spot, & a local homeowner earns a little extra cash. It's a great way to avoid the chaos of the big lots & have a more low-key start to your trip. You might even find a spot that's closer than some of the official economy lots. It's definitely worth checking out, especially for longer trips where the daily rates at the big lots can really add up.

The Final Word on Austin Airport Parking

So, there you have it – a complete rundown of your parking options at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. As you can see, there's a spot for every type of traveler & every budget.
For pure convenience, the on-site Red & Blue garages can't be beaten. If you're looking to save a few bucks, the on-site Economy lot or the many off-site options like The Parking Spot, FastPark & Relax, & Park & Zoom are all fantastic choices.
And don't forget to think outside the box with alternatives like the CapMetro bus or a unique solution like Prked, which could save you both money & stress.
Hope this was helpful in planning your next trip out of Austin! Let me know what you think & if you have any of your own airport parking hacks. Safe travels
;