Getting Around

SXSW works with a variety of transportation services to provide a comprehensive selection of transportation options to help you design your commute to SXSW events within your individual budget and needs. Use the guide below to find the services that best work for you.

Photo by Waytao Shing

Getting Around Austin & SXSW

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 heading out including SXSW Shuttles, the Registrant Walking Map, the official SXSW GO mobile app, the Austin Chronicle's guide, and more transportation services below 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 during the March event for SXSW registrants. Catch the SXSW Shuttle outside the Convention Center on Trinity Street. Review the shuttle map for a snapshot of all official stops. Give yourself ample time to ride the shuttle to your next event!

Explore Shuttle Map

Get live updates during the event by following the SXSW Shuttle Tracker. ADA accessibility transfers are available – learn more on our accessibility page.

Live Shuttle Tracker

Transportation Partners

Airport Transportation

SuperShuttle Austin is the preferred airport transportation service for SXSW 2023. They offer a stellar shared-ride service with convenience, price transparency, and affordability for rides to and from the airport and around town. Use the link above for discounted rates available only to SXSW attendees.

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 pick you up. Click the link above for discounted rates.

Registration Walking Map

At the center of the event is the Austin Convention Center which houses Registration, daily Conference sessions, Exhibitions, and much more.

Use this handy Registration Walking Map with distances and times listed from downtown venues to the closest Austin Convention Center entrance.

PDF Download

SXSW Attendees – Photo by Aaron Rogosin

Austin Chronicle's Transportation Guide

How to get around Austin, with or without your own wheels.

Explore Guide

Austin skyline - Austin Chronicle Transportation Guide

Street Closures

The City of Austin closes various streets in downtown Austin during Spring Festival Season, which includes SXSW. For more information regarding road closures during Spring Festival Season, please visit the City of Austin's website here.

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.