Overview
Austin, the capital of Texas, mixes live music, a fast-growing tech scene, lakeside outdoors and some of the best barbecue in the United States. With a nonstop flight from London it is one of the more accessible corners of the American South, whether you are travelling for a festival, business in the tech corridor or a road trip into the Hill Country. This guide covers when to fly, who flies there and how to keep the fare down; for live pricing, see the price charts on this page.
Best time to fly to Austin
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable, with warm days and lower humidity. Summers are genuinely hot, often above 35°C, though fares and hotel rates can ease. Winters are mild and quiet, and January and February usually bring the lowest flight prices. Watch out for SXSW in mid-March and Austin City Limits in early October, when demand and fares climb sharply. The When to book chart above shows how prices shift across the year.
Airlines and routes
British Airways operates the only regular nonstop service from the UK, flying London Heathrow to Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) in around 10 hours outbound and a little under 9 hours on the way home. From other UK airports, or for more choice, you will connect: American Airlines, Delta, United and Aer Lingus route through hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Charlotte or Dublin, while KLM, Lufthansa and Air France connect via Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Paris. Connecting trips from Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham or Glasgow typically add three to six hours overall.
Things to do in Austin
Austin rewards a relaxed pace: mornings by the water, afternoons in the shade and evenings following the music.
- Barton Springs Pool: A spring-fed natural swimming pool in Zilker Park, a cool 20°C all year.
- South Congress Avenue: Vintage shops, boot-makers, food trucks and the well-known Greetings from Austin mural.
- Texas State Capitol: The striking pink-granite statehouse, free to visit and tour.
- Congress Avenue Bridge bats: From spring to autumn, up to 1.5 million bats pour out from under the bridge at dusk.
- Lady Bird Lake: Kayak, paddleboard or walk the hike-and-bike trail right in the centre of the city.
At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
The airport sits about 5 miles (8 km) south-east of downtown, usually 15 to 20 minutes by road. CapMetro's Route 20 bus runs to the city centre for a low flat fare, while taxis and ride-hailing are quick and cost roughly £20 to £30. Many downtown hotels do not run shuttles, so arrange a transfer in advance if you land late in the evening.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Austin
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best mix of price and choice; last-minute fares to Texas are rarely kind.
- Choose midweek departures, as Tuesday and Wednesday flights are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
- Shift your dates away from SXSW (March) and Austin City Limits (October); even a week either side can bring the fare down.
- Compare the British Airways nonstop against one-stop fares on American, Delta, United and KLM before you book.
Travel essentials
UK travellers do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days, but you must hold an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Programme before departure; apply online early and expect a small fee in US dollars. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the US dollar, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, though a little cash is handy for food trucks and tipping. No special vaccinations are required for UK visitors, but check the latest NHS and FCDO guidance before you travel.
