How to get to, from 2024 South by Southwest festival

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Spring is in the air in Austin with the return of the South by Southwest Conference & Festivals next week.

SXSU EDU runs March 4-7, while the full-fledged festivities are slated for March 8-16. Thousands and thousands are expected to flock to Austin to network, listen to keynote speakers, learn about emerging technology and check out artists and musicians performing in town.

Here’s a breakdown of how to navigate getting to and from the festivities downtown and beyond.

Full, partial road closures planned

Several roadways in and around downtown and east Austin will be closed due to the festivities. Here’s a look at those different roadway impacts.

SXSW shuttles

SXSW operates a free shuttle system that circulates between the Austin Convention Center and the majority of SXSW venues. The service is available for registrants and attendees, who can catch the shuttle outside both the Austin Convention Center and on Trinity Street.

2024_SXSW_Shuttle MapDownload

The following breakdown outlines shuttle services through the festival:

• Friday, March 8: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

• Saturday, March 9: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

• Sunday, March 10: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Daylight Savings Time

• Monday, March 11: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

• Tuesday, March 12: 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. (with east Austin service running from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.)

• Wednesday, March 13: 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. (with east Austin service running from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.)

• Thursday, March 14: 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. (with east Austin service running from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.)

• Friday, March 15: 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. (with east Austin service running from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.)

• Saturday, March 16: 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. (with east Austin service running from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.)

CapMetro’s bus, rail and bike services

Those looking to commute by bus or rail to SXSW can use CapMetro’s Trip Planner tool to coordinate their trip. CapMetro Rail will operate extended services during the festival, with rail services running until 2:30 a.m. on March 8-9 and March 15-16. Every other night of the festival will feature rail services operating until midnight.

CapMetro’s Rapid bus routes 801 and 803 will run until 12:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, until midnight on Saturday and 11:30 p.m. on Sundays.

These routes also operate throughout downtown and east Austin:

• Route 1

• Route 2

• Route 3

• Route 4

• Route 7

• Route 10

• Route 20

• Route 30

Night Owl bus services provide regular services from midnight until 3 a.m., with boarding available at Sixth Street and Congress Avenue.

• 481 North Lamar from Sixth and Congress: Departs every 20 minutes from 12:10 a.m. until 3:10 a.m.

• 483 Riverside from Sixth and Congress: Departs every 35 minutes from 12:10 a.m. until 3:05 a.m.

• 484 South Lamar from Sixth and Congress: Departs every 35 minutes from 12:10 a.m. until 3:05 a.m.

• 485 Cameron from Sixth and Congress: Departs every 35 minutes from 12:10 a.m. until 3:05 a.m.

• 486 South Congress from Sixth and Congress: Departs every 30 minutes from 12:10 a.m. until 3:10 a.m.

More details on specialty SXSW services — including MetroBike access and service to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport — are available online.

Pedicabs, taxi services and downtown parking

Pedicabs run throughout Austin during the day and at night, primarily in the Central Business District, Rainey Street and the East Sixth Street areas. Pedicab staging areas will be situated throughout downtown, with visitors welcome to flag one down for services.

Those looking to use more traditional services can call one of the following companies to arrange a ride:

• zTrip Austin: Call 512-452-9999 or book on the zTrip App

• ATX Co-Op Taxi: Call 512-333-5555

Anyone looking to drive downtown can park at paid on-street parking meters or off-street lot services. The City of Austin outlines a host of available parking options online.

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