If you frequently fly from Austin, you may have experienced the moment of checking your smartphone to find out, "Which terminal is my flight in?"

Fortunately, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has a relatively simple layout compared to other major airports in the U.S. Knowing a few things in advance can help you save time.

The first thing to remember is that there are two terminals.

The main terminal used by most airlines is the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Almost all major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines, operate from here.

On the other hand, the South Terminal is exclusively for Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. The two terminals are not within walking distance, so it's advisable to check your airline before you head out. If you go to the wrong terminal, you'll need to take a shuttle back, which can take much longer than expected.

Austin Airport also has surprisingly convenient public transportation.

The most commonly used route is CapMetro Route 20.

This route runs approximately every 15 minutes from downtown to the airport, with a one-way fare of just $1.25.

It's rare to find such a low fare connecting a city center to an airport in major U.S. cities.

The bus passes through Republic Square, Downtown Transit Center, Riverside Drive, and connects to the airport, making it popular not only among travelers but also airport staff. There are options available even late at night or in the early morning. The Night Owl Route 483 operates during late hours, passing through the Montopolis area, so you can use public transportation if you have a flight after midnight. However, since the frequency is lower than during the day, it's best to check the schedule in advance.

Currently, there is no direct train line to the airport. The MetroRail Red Line connects to Leander to the north of downtown but does not reach the airport.

Instead, CapMetro is working on the Blue Line light rail project, which, if all goes as planned, will connect the airport and downtown by rail in 2029. Until then, combining Route 20 buses and MetroRail is the most practical public transportation option.

If you're driving, choosing the right parking lot is also important. Right in front of the terminal are the Red Garage and Blue Garage.

Both are just a few minutes' walk to the terminal, making them the most convenient, but the rates are relatively high.

If you want to save on costs, I recommend Economy Parking. The Economy Lot operates on a self-parking basis, with free shuttle buses running to the terminal.

This is the parking lot most frequently used by long-term travelers. The shuttles run frequently, so there shouldn't be much inconvenience, but during peak seasons, it's wise to arrive early to account for shuttle wait times.

The reservation system is also well-established. If your travel dates are set, it's a good idea to book parking online in advance.

Especially during holidays or summer vacation periods, there are often cheaper rates available for reservations compared to on-site prices, reducing the worry of full capacity.

Many people also use rental cars. Rental car companies are gathered at the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, where you can pick up and drop off vehicles in one location.

Ride-share vehicles like Uber and Lyft also pick up passengers at the designated Ride App Pickup Zone near this facility.

First-time travelers may get confused trying to find their vehicles right in front of the arrival level, so it's important to follow the signs to the designated area.

Preparing for security screening in advance can also make the process much smoother. As the number of travelers at Austin Airport continues to grow, security lines can get long during peak hours or Monday mornings. If you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you can significantly reduce your wait time, which is especially popular among business travelers.

While Austin Airport is not extremely large, the number of passengers is steadily increasing. Therefore, for those who frequently use the airport, knowing which terminal to go to, which bus to take, and which parking lot is the most economical can make the start of your journey much more relaxed.

More important than fancy facilities is knowing the layout. In an airport, those who know the way are ultimately the ones who save time.