Austin, Texas, is an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. With its thriving live music scene, rich culture, and outdoor adventures, there are numerous ways to explore the city while keeping costs low. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from affordable travel options to budget-friendly attractions and accommodation. By following these tips, you can enjoy the best of Austin without spending a fortune.
Getting there
Getting to Austin from the UK is more affordable than you might think, especially if you book during off-peak times. Flights typically range from £300 to £600 depending on the season, with direct flights from London with BA. For cheaper options, consider booking flights mid-week or using fare alert services to track price drops. Booking connecting flights via cities like New York or Dallas can also save you money.
When to visit
Austin’s busiest seasons are during March (SXSW Festival) and October (Austin City Limits Festival), which can drive up flight and accommodation costs. To save money, plan your visit between February to April or September to November, when the weather is milder, and prices are lower. Traveling outside of festival periods also ensures fewer crowds and more affordable rates across the city.
Accommodation
Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or looking for mid-range comfort, Austin has a variety of accommodation options. Here are three choices for different budgets:
| Name | Level | Avg price | About |
| Firehouse Hostel | Budget Hostel | £30 | Located in downtown Austin, offering affordable dormitory-style rooms. |
| Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake | Mid-level Hotel | £75 | Comfortable mid-range hotel by the lake with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. |
| The Line Hotel | Luxury Hotel | £150 | High-end hotel with city views, rooftop pool, and close proximity to downtown attractions. |
For even more savings, consider booking accommodation in East Austin or South Austin, where prices are often lower than in the city center. Airbnb is also an option for self-catering apartments, which can help cut down on food costs.
Local Transport
Public transport is an affordable way to get around Austin. The Capital Metro bus system offers several types of passes, including a Day Pass for $2.50 (£2), which provides unlimited rides for 24 hours, and a 7-Day Pass for $11.25 (£9), offering great value for those staying longer. Additionally, bike rentals and electric scooters are widely available for about $1 (£0.80) per ride.
| Capital Metro Bus (Day Pass) | $2.50 | Unlimited 24-hour rides. |
| Capital Metro Bus (7-Day Pass) | $11.25 | Unlimited rides for 7 days. |
| Bike Rentals | $1 per ride | Bike-share stations available city-wide. |
| Electric Scooter Rentals | $1 per ride | Electric scooters are found throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
Austin’s food scene is both diverse and affordable, especially with its renowned food trucks. Whether you’re craving BBQ, tacos, or Asian fusion, you can find budget-friendly meals across the city. Here are some excellent choices for eating on a budget:
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- Veracruz All Natural: Known for delicious breakfast tacos starting at $3 (£2.50).
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- Franklin Barbecue: One of the best-known and most-loved BBQ spots in the world, where a portion of brisket will set you back around $12 (£10).
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- East Side King: A food truck offering affordable Asian fusion dishes for under $10 (£8).
If you prefer self-catering, head to the Texas Farmers’ Market, where you can purchase fresh produce and local ingredients to prepare meals yourself.
Important Attractions
Many of Austin’s top attractions are either free or low-cost, making them perfect for budget-conscious visitors. Here are some highlights:
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- Texas State Capitol: Free guided tours are available, providing insight into the state’s history and architecture.
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- Lady Bird Lake: A popular spot for walking, running, or biking along the scenic trails.
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- Blanton Museum of Art: Free admission on Thursdays.
- Barton Springs Pool: A natural spring pool that costs just $5 (£4) to enter.
For live music lovers, venues like Antone’s and Mohawk Austin often host free or low-cost performances.
Free or Low-Cost Events
Austin is known for its festivals and events, many of which are free or budget-friendly. These include:
- Bat Fest: Held in August, this event celebrates the nightly flight of 1.5 million bats from the Congress Avenue Bridge.
- Zilker Kite Festival: A free, family-friendly event held each March in Zilker Park, featuring spectacular kite displays.
Day Trips
Take advantage of Austin’s proximity to several nearby attractions, perfect for day trips on a budget. Here are two great options:
| San Antonio | $15 round trip | 90 minutes by bus. Visit the Alamo and River Walk. |
| Hamilton Pool Preserve | $11 entrance | A natural swimming hole, perfect for a day of hiking and swimming. |
Hidden Gems for Budget Travelers
For those seeking unique, lesser-known experiences in Austin, here are some hidden gems that are free or low-cost:
- Graffiti Park at Castle Hill: An outdoor gallery of street art, free to visit and photograph.
- Mayfield Park: A tranquil garden with free roaming peacocks, free to enter.
Airport Transfer Options
Getting from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to the city center is affordable and easy. The Airport Flyer Bus (Route 20) costs $1.75 (£1.40) and takes approximately 30 minutes. Uber and Lyft are available, with prices ranging from $20 to $30 (£16-£24).
Volunteer for Free Accommodation
If you’re staying in Austin for an extended period, consider participating in volunteer programs like Workaway or Worldpackers, where travelers exchange work for free or discounted accommodation. Opportunities range from working in hostels to helping at local farms or community centers.
10 Money-Saving Tips for Austin
- Use public transport passes for unlimited rides at a low cost.
- Visit free attractions like the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake.
- Opt for food trucks and street food instead of pricier restaurants.
- Take advantage of free live music events at local venues.
- Stay in budget-friendly neighborhoods like East Austin.
- Travel during off-peak months to save on flights and accommodation.
- Sign up for flight fare alerts to track price drops.
- Use bike or electric scooter rentals for cheap city travel.
- Plan budget-friendly day trips to nearby destinations like San Antonio.
- Attend free festivals such as Bat Fest and Zilker Kite Festival.
Itineraries for Budget Travelers
Here are two suggested itineraries designed for budget-conscious travelers:
3-Day Cultural Explorer Itinerary:
- Day 1: Visit the Texas State Capitol (free) and take a walk around Lady Bird Lake (free).
- Day 2: Explore the Blanton Museum of Art (free on Thursdays) and Graffiti Park (free).
- Day 3: Take a day trip to San Antonio for $15 (£12) round trip.
3-Day Nature Lover Itinerary:
- Day 1: Visit Barton Springs Pool for a swim ($5).
- Day 2: Hike McKinney Falls State Park (free).
- Day 3: Explore Hamilton Pool Preserve for $11.
Typical Weather per Month
Austin has a (very) humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Below is a summary of the typical weather conditions throughout the year:
| Month | Average temp | Rainfall |
| January | 11°C | 44mm |
| February | 13°C | 50mm |
| March | 16°C | 63mm |
| April | 20°C | 57mm |
| May | 24°C | 97mm |
| June | 28°C | 97mm |
| July | 30°C | 52mm |
| August | 30°C | 63mm |
| September | 27°C | 86mm |
| October | 22°C | 79mm |
| November | 17°C | 66mm |
| December | 12°C | 58mm |
