Domestic and International Travel

Here, you can find resources for traveling to and from SXSW with ease, whether domestically or internationally.

Travel to Austin

Traveling to SXSW by Plane

Austin is served by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), located just minutes from downtown Austin and SXSW venues. The airport offers nonstop flights from major cities across the United States and select international destinations, making it the easiest way to reach SXSW from around the world.

For most international travelers, flying into Austin is the most convenient option. If a direct flight to Austin is not available, many attendees connect through major U.S. hubs including Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (JFK/EWR).

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is just a mere 10 miles (16km) from downtown Austin. It takes approximately 15-30 minutes to travel from the airport to downtown.

Don’t care to fly? Amtrak provides train service to Austin via the Texas Eagle. MegaBus and Greyhound are also an alternative to flying.

International Travel & Arrivals

Each year, thousands of people travel to SXSW from outside the United States. We know international travel can be tricky, so we’ve gathered some helpful information and links for you.

When arriving in the United States, international travelers will complete:

• Passport control and customs upon arrival at their first U.S. airport (even if connecting onward to Austin)
• Baggage re-check after customs before continuing to Austin (for connecting flights)

We recommend allowing extra time for connections, especially during peak travel periods.

Getting From the Airport to SXSW

Once you arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, there are several transportation options:

Public Transportation

• CapMetro bus service connects the airport with downtown Austin and surrounding areas.

Rental Cars

• Rental car services are available at AUS, though many SXSW attendees choose rideshare or public transportation due to downtown parking limitations.

Rideshare

• Uber and Lyft are available from designated pickup areas at the airport.
• Downtown Austin is typically a 15–25 minute ride.

Taxi

• Taxis are available at the airport and provide direct transportation to downtown hotels and venues.

Tips for International Travelers

Book early. Flights and accommodations fill quickly during SXSW. We recommend booking your travel as early as possible.

Check visa requirements. Visitors traveling to the United States may need a visa or ESTA authorization before departure. Check requirements based on your country of citizenship.

Arrive with time to spare. International arrivals may require additional time for customs, baggage claim, and transportation into Austin.

VISA Information

Check out the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date information to apply for your U.S. VISA.

Individuals applying for a non-immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy will be required to submit an electronic application form, known as the DS-160 Non-Immigrant Visa Electronic Application form.

The VISA Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less, without first obtaining a visa, when they meet specific requirements. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. If you prefer to have a VISA in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) VISA.

For VISA Support Letters from SXSW, please contact one of the following with the subject line: “VISA Support Letter for [Name of Panelist, Film or Band]”

• SXSW Conference: sessions@sxsw.com
• SXSW Film & TV: filmfest@sxsw.com
• SXSW Music: musicfest@sxsw.com

If you believe that you may need an employment-based visa, for more information see www.artistsfromabroad.org. For pro bono legal guidance regarding U.S. visa requirements, please contact www.tamizdat.org/tamizdatavail/.