Every March, Austin becomes the center of the creative universe for South by Southwest. Between the conference, festivals, and parties, getting around town efficiently can make or break your SXSW experience. Here’s how to handle transportation like a pro.
Book Early — Seriously
SXSW week is one of the busiest times of the year for Austin transportation. Rideshares surge, rental cars sell out, and downtown traffic slows to a crawl. If you want a chauffeured vehicle, book as early as you can — the best vehicles go first, and last-minute options during SXSW are slim.
Start at the Airport
Most SXSW visitors fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and arrival day sets the tone. Instead of joining the rideshare queue, arrange an airport pickup in advance: your chauffeur meets you at arrivals and takes you straight to your hotel or Airbnb while everyone else waits in line. On departure day, a scheduled pickup means no anxious watching of surge prices.
Getting Between Venues
SXSW venues sprawl across downtown and beyond, and the schedule rarely gives you much time between sessions, showcases, and parties. Having a car on standby — or at least a chauffeur you can call — turns impossible logistics into a smooth day. For teams and groups, it also keeps everyone together instead of scattered across multiple rideshares.
Bringing a Group? Go Bigger
SXSW is a team sport for many companies and crews. Our Mercedes Sprinter (up to 10 passengers) is ideal for groups heading to the same events, and our mini bus (up to 26 passengers) works beautifully for larger teams, client entertainment, or staff shuttles between the hotel and venues. One vehicle, one chauffeur, zero coordination headaches.
Corporate Teams and Client Entertainment
If you’re hosting clients or bringing a team to SXSW, transportation is part of the impression you make. A professional chauffeur, a spotless late-model vehicle, and door-to-door service signal that your company has its act together — from the airport pickup to the last afterparty.
Make the Most of the Week
Plan your must-attend events, build in buffer time for Austin traffic, keep your chauffeur’s number handy, and enjoy the week instead of stressing over logistics. SXSW only comes once a year — spend it at the events, not in a parking lot.
Heading to SXSW? Call Bergstrom Limousines at (512) 931-4047 to reserve your ride — or book online.