Austin

International visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa (requires ESTA authorization). Others need a B-2 tourist visa. Verify at travel.state.gov.

By Air: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is 8 miles southeast of downtown.

By Car: I-35 corridor. Driving from Dallas (3 hours), Houston (2.5 hours), San Antonio (1.5 hours).

By Bus: Greyhound and Megabus from Dallas, Houston, San Antonio.

English is the primary language. Austin is diverse but English is universal.

US Dollar (USD). Cards accepted everywhere. ATMs widely available. Tipping: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink (live music venues often have no cover but expect tips), 15-20% for rideshare.

Capital Metro Bus: Network covering city but limited compared to other major cities (single ride $1.25).

MetroRail: One commuter rail line (limited service).

Uber/Lyft: Essential for getting around, widely available ($15-30 for most trips).

Scooters: Bird, Lime, and others everywhere downtown.

Bikes: B-cycle bike share, growing bike lanes.

Walking: Downtown, South Congress, East Austin neighborhoods walkable.

Rental Car: Useful for exploring Hill Country and suburban areas.

Capital Metro Bus Route 20: To downtown (30-40 min, $1.25).

Uber/Lyft: $25-35 to downtown (15-25 min depending on traffic).

Taxi: Around $30-40 to downtown.

Rental Car: Available at airport, useful for exploring beyond downtown.