Getting Around in Austin

Getting around Austin is becoming increasingly easy thanks to the local government’s investment in the city’s public transport system. That said, while the number of residents using public transport is rising, Austin remains a largely car-dependent city.

With the emergence of e-hailing services and car-sharing schemes, this reliance on personal vehicles is slowly dwindling as residents take advantage of the various options available. For those who enjoy a little exercise, Austin is exceptionally well-equipped with cycling infrastructure, and there are plenty of walkable neighbourhoods.

Public transport in Austin

Capital Metro is the authority overseeing Austin’s multimodal public transport system. The system consists of a light rail network and an extensive network of bus routes and operates with an integrated ticketing system.

It is possible to buy single tickets, but for those who plan on using the system regularly, a weekly or monthly pass affords commuters a substantial saving. Tickets can be purchased online, at local grocery shops, or via the Umo app, which is also a great tool that provides commuters with up-to-date travel information and real-time arrival information.

Light rail

Austin’s commuter rail service is a single 32-mile (51km) line connecting the northwestern suburbs of Leander and Cedar Park with the downtown area. The MetroRail serves nine stations and operates six days a week, with services running until 2.30am on Saturdays. The light rail service is intended for commuters travelling to and from work, so services are less frequent outside peak hours.

Buses

New arrivals in Austin will find the city boasts a fairly comprehensive bus network, with 82 routes and more than 1,600 stops. The network is an intricate mix of neighbourhood, express and downtown bus routes.

The frequency of the buses varies depending on the route. Generally, most of the popular routes run every 15 minutes on weekdays. Other routes run less frequently, and weekend schedules are quite varied, so it is best to consult the app when planning a journey.

Useful links

• Capital Metro

Driving in Austin

Despite improvements to public transport and the increased availability of e-hailing services in the city, driving still remains a popular way to get around Austin.

Austin’s road network is pretty easy to navigate. You will just need to be aware that traffic congestion is severe during both the morning and evening rush hours. One thing you will need to get used to when moving to Austin is the rather complex system of toll roads. There are often ways to avoid these once drivers become more familiar with the city’s road system.

Parking is expensive and often difficult to find in the city centre. Drivers should be aware that the streets are heavily patrolled, and parking illegally will incur hefty fines.

Expat drivers are eligible to drive legally in Austin for a year, but once you become a Texas resident, you will have 90 days to apply for a Texas driving licence. If your country has reciprocity agreements with Texas, you may be able to exchange your foreign driver’s licence for a local one; if not, you’ll have to pass vision, written, and practical tests.

Car-sharing schemes

As public transport improves, Austin residents are becoming less reliant on their vehicles and looking for alternative ways to get around the city. Car-sharing schemes are a happy medium between solely using public transport and driving. These are great for those who want to commute using public transport during the week but may need a car for the weekends and other specific occasions.

ZipCar is Austin’s main car-sharing service. To become a member, you must download an app that allows you to find a nearby car. The user then gets a specific code to unlock the car and drive to their destination, where they can leave the car for another user to pick up. There are various packages available depending on an individual’s usage patterns.

Useful links

• Texas Department of Public Safety – Driver’s Licences
• ZipCar

Taxis in Austin

Taxis are available in Austin, but it is generally best to call ahead and book a service in advance. While it may be possible to hail a taxi from the side of the street in busy parts of the downtown area, it’s rare to see taxis just waiting in other areas of Austin or in the suburbs. Some of Austin’s most popular taxi companies include zTrip and Central City Taxi.

E-hailing services have become more established in Austin over the last couple of years, and Lyft and Uber are available 24 hours a day. Users simply need to download an app onto their smartphone and register for their preferred service with a credit card.

Useful links

• zTrip
• Central City Taxi
• Lyft
• Uber

Cycling in Austin

Long associated with being home to Lance Armstrong, Austin is a cyclist city. The city has a strong community of cyclists, ranging from competitive cyclists to recreational riders. Austin’s cycling infrastructure is excellent, with lots of designated cycle lanes and bike storage facilities available.

CapMetro Bikeshare is Austin’s bike-sharing scheme. It allows users to unlock shared bikes scattered across the city and ride to another docking station to deposit the bike when they’ve completed their journey. Users just need to have the app downloaded onto their smartphones. There are various packages available and various discounts on offer, too.

Beyond the daily commute, the city boasts an array of exciting recreational biking trails and mountain bike routes for those looking for adventure.

Useful links

• CapMetro Bikeshare

Walking in Austin

Despite being a largely car-dependent city, Austin has several neighbourhoods that are actually pretty walkable. Austin’s downtown area and neighbourhoods around the University of Texas are great places to take a stroll.

Newcomers will love exploring parts of Austin on foot, as it will allow them to discover their new home more leisurely and appreciate things they may not have the time to do if they were rushing around in a vehicle.