Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is Austin, Texas's main gateway to the world, known for its live music stages, local food vendors, and distinctly Texan character.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport opened in 1999 on the grounds of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, which served as a Strategic Air Command installation during the Cold War era. The conversion of that military site into a civilian airport gave Austin a facility that could grow alongside one of the fastest-expanding cities in the United States, and the airport has expanded its gates, concourses, and international routes considerably in the decades since its opening.
The Barbara Jordan Terminal, named for the trailblazing Texas congresswoman, is the heart of the airport and the space most travelers experience. Inside, the concourses are lined with outlets from Austin's independent restaurant scene, offering everything from barbecue and Tex-Mex to craft beer and breakfast tacos. The live music program is perhaps the most distinctive feature, with performances scheduled across multiple stages and representing the range of genres that have made Austin famous as the Live Music Capital of the World.
Beyond food and entertainment, the airport features rotating art installations and murals that reflect Texas history and culture, giving the terminal a sense of place that distinguishes it from generic travel hubs. The international terminal handles flights to destinations in Latin America, Europe, and beyond, making Austin-Bergstrom International Airport a true point of connection between Central Texas and the wider world. For travelers passing through, the airport serves as a genuine introduction to what Austin values most.
Arrive at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights, as security lines can grow quickly during peak travel periods.
Catch a live performance at one of the airport's dedicated music stages, which feature rotating local acts throughout the day at no cost to travelers.
Try a meal from one of the locally owned food vendors in the Barbara Jordan Terminal rather than opting for national chain options.
Download the airport's official app or check the flight information displays often, as gate assignments in the Barbara Jordan Terminal can shift closer to departure.
If you are picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting lot off Presidential Boulevard to avoid circling the terminal and paying for short-term parking.
90-minute private air tour over Hill Country lakes with a downtown Austin loop
Private couples flight with 60- or 90-minute routes and sunset views
Private 30-minute Cessna flight over Austin landmarks for 2–3 people
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