World / North America / USA / Texas / Austin / Arrival
Austin spreads about 20 miles north-south and 18 miles east-west, severed by I-35 (between Dallas and San Antonio) to the east. The dammed Colorado River – called Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) where it abuts Congress Avenue – runs just south of downtown. Flights arrive at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport ( 512/530-2242, www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport ), eight miles southeast of downtown. From here it's about twenty minutes to downtown by taxi (Yellow Cab; 512/452-9999; around $28) or by SuperShuttle vans ( 512/258-3826, www.supershuttle.com ; $12). Bus no. 100 runs from the airport to downtown. Car rentals are available at the airport.
The visitor center (Mon– Fri 9am–5pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am–5.30pm; 866/GO-AUSTIN, www.austintexas.org ) is located at 209 E 6th St.
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