Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA, code AUS) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, and parking demand has grown right along with it. If you're planning to drive to the airport and leave your car, here's everything you need to know about your options — from the official on-site garages to the off-airport shuttle lots that can save you serious money on a long trip.
Official ABIA On-Site Parking
The airport operates two main parking facilities directly connected to the terminal:
Garage 1 (Express) — Closest to Terminal Reserve →
Garage 1 is the closest parking structure to the Barbara Jordan Terminal, connected via a short covered walkway. This is the highest convenience option and priced accordingly.
| Duration | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0–30 minutes | $3 |
| 30 min – 1 hour | $5 |
| 1–2 hours | $10 |
| Daily max | $30/day |
| Weekly (7 days) | ~$210 |
Rates approximate — always verify current rates at the airport's official site before parking.
Garage 2 (Economy) — Short Walk Reserve →
Garage 2 is slightly further from the terminal but offers lower daily rates. It's still connected via a pedestrian bridge, so the walk is covered and easy with luggage.
| Duration | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0–30 minutes | $2 |
| Daily max | $22/day |
| Weekly (7 days) | ~$154 |
For trips under 3 days, on-site parking is usually worth the convenience. For 4+ days, the cost difference between on-site and an off-airport shuttle lot adds up fast. A week in Garage 2 costs ~$154. A week at a good off-airport lot is $40–70. That's real money.
Off-Airport Shuttle Parking (The Money Saver)
Several privately operated lots within 1–3 miles of ABIA offer shuttle service to the terminal. The shuttle typically runs every 10–20 minutes and drops you at the departures level. Here's the tradeoff: you save $60–120 on a week-long trip, but add 10–20 minutes to your airport arrival process. Most experienced Austin travelers use these for trips of 4+ days.
What to Expect at Off-Airport Lots
- Rates typically run $7–12/day for uncovered, $10–14/day for covered
- Shuttle runs 24/7 at the better lots — verify before booking
- Book in advance for better rates (same principle as hotels)
- SpotHero and similar booking platforms often have exclusive rates below walk-up prices
Booking Tips
The best off-airport lots book up during peak travel periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, SXSW week). If you're traveling during a busy stretch, book at least a week in advance. For regular travel, even 2–3 days ahead gets you the best rates.
Rideshare vs. Parking: The Honest Comparison
Austin rideshare to the airport has gotten more expensive. From central Austin (South Congress, downtown, East Austin), expect to pay $25–40 each way during normal hours, more during surge. Round trip that's $50–80+.
For trips of 3 days or less, rideshare is often cheaper than parking once you factor in fuel and parking. For longer trips, driving and using an off-airport lot usually wins.
| Trip Length | On-Site Garage 2 | Off-Airport Lot | Rideshare (RT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $22 | $10–14 | $50–80 |
| 3 days | $66 | $30–42 | $50–80 |
| 7 days | $154 | $70–98 | $50–80 |
| 14 days | $308 | $140–196 | $50–80 |
Cell Phone Lot (Free Short-Term Waiting)
Picking someone up? Use the free cell phone lot on the north side of the airport. You can wait there for free until your party's bags are collected and they text you. Way better than circling or paying for a short-term parking spot. The lot is clearly signed from the airport access road.
Tips for Saving Money at ABIA
- Book in advance: SpotHero and the airport's own pre-pay option both offer discounts over walk-up rates
- Use Economy Garage 2 over Express Garage 1 if you're not in a rush — save $8/day
- Off-airport lots for 4+ day trips: The shuttle adds 10–15 minutes but saves real money
- Check for promo codes: Off-airport lots frequently run 10–15% off codes via SpotHero
- Avoid the first hour premium: If you're just dropping someone off, the cell phone lot is free
Reserve Airport Parking in Advance
SpotHero has both on-site and off-airport options at ABIA with transparent pricing and instant confirmation. Booking ahead locks in rates before they increase closer to your travel date.