SXSW venues and events are clustered across Downtown Austin, but getting to your next session, meet up, film, or artist showcase is easy. Most venues are walkable and within a few minutes of each other. Austin blocks are just a one minute walk within the downtown area. If you need to give your feet a break, there are many transportation options to choose from.

We highly recommend considering all other options before deciding to drive. With many street closures downtown, as well as heightened vehicle, scooter and foot traffic, driving can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor as downtown parking ranges in both price and availability.

Explore your options before to better help you navigate Austin and SXSW events.

SXSW Shuttles

A free circulating shuttle route runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW venues, for official registrants. Catch the SXSW Shuttle outside the Convention Center on Trinity Street.

Resources

Stay tuned for news and updates for SXSW 2025 resources.

Airport Transportation

Carter Transportation Austin is the preferred airport transportation service for SXSW. They offer a stellar shared-ride service with convenience, price transparency, and affordability for rides to and from the airport and around town.

Rental Cars

Enterprise is the car rental company of choice for SXSW. Hauling gear? Taking a road trip to Lockhart for BBQ? Whatever your rental car needs, Enterprise will take care of you.

CapMetro Public Transportation

CapMetro is Austin’s regional public transportation provider. They provide residents, commuters, and visitors the best possible transit options available. More Information »

With the CapMetro App, your smartphone becomes your ticket. Use the app for schedules, maps, and real-time arrival information. Download the app »

MetroBike

When you’re ready to give your feet a break, check out MetroBike, Austin’s bike-share system. Bike-share stations are conveniently placed throughout downtown near all the places you want to be. Austin MetroBike is another fast, easy way to get around during SXSW, day or night. Day access passes are available at each B-station; all you need is a credit card! Bikes adjust to fit individual sizes and come equipped with baskets, lights, and gears. More Information »

Pedicabs

Pedicabs operate throughout Austin day and night, mostly in the Central Business District, Rainey St, and East 6th St areas. Pedicab drivers are licensed and regulated by the City of Austin Ground Transportation Department and usually work for tips or a charge-per-block fare. Look for pedicab staging areas around downtown, or just flag one down.

Electric Cab

Electric Cab provides a fun, safe, and green ride for evening entertainment and special event pedestrians in Downtown Austin. More Information & Service Area »

Traditional Taxi Services

Cabs are in high demand during SXSW. Schedule a Taxi or call to arrange for pick-up from your hotel. The following cab services operate in the Austin area:

zTrip Austin – (512) 452-9999 or book through the zTrip App
ATX Co-op Taxi – (512) 333-5555

Parking

Area parking ranges in price and availability. Arriving into the downtown area early is the best bet for securing parking. Parking locations and availability can be found on the City of Austin’s website.

The Austin Convention Center has two parking garages, located at 2nd & Brazos and 5th & Red River. See their website for more information and pricing details. While driving is always an option, we don’t encourage using a car, as you will experience high traffic volume and high parking fees in and around Downtown Austin.

The City of Austin closes various streets in downtown Austin during Spring Festival Season, which includes SXSW.

Note: Austin is a major city so expect delays during peak traffic hours on weekday mornings (7am-9am) and evenings (4:30pm-7pm). Be sure to schedule extra time for transportation when traveling during these hours.