Austin to Love Field Airport Shuttle
Explore other routes: Austin to Abilene Shuttle, Austin to Brownwood Shuttle, Austin to College Station Shuttle, Austin to Dallas Shuttle.
Round Trips Save You 10%
How is Your Service Different?
- Any Address - We pick up and drop off at your home, business, hotel or any airport.
- Better - most rides are non-stop and no sharing in a Nice Car, SUV or Shuttle.
- Flexible - we pick you up on your schedule 24/7. It's also always free to change the date or time if your flight changes.
- Safer - we don't leave you at a bus stop, and all our drivers go through nationwide fingerprint background checks.
- Faster - most rides take half the time, because it's just you in the vehicle. No need to stop and wait everywhere.
- Convenient - Door to Door means no need to arrange or pay for a Taxi or Lyft to get home.
- Affordable - once you add it all up, it's the same price or less than other shared ride shuttles for two or more people, or less than Uber with just one person.
Daily Schedule (Austin to Love Field)
What is your daily schedule?
We pick you up on your schedule 24/7, and take you anywhere in Dallas and Fort Worth. Our professional shuttle drivers are normally 5-10 minutes early at your home in Fort Worth and Dallas, or right on time at Dallas Fort Worth. You pick the time we pick you up. Normally 30 minutes after you land is enough time to get your bags and find Prearranged.
What is my pickup time at DFW?
We normally pick you up 30 minutes after your plane lands for domestic flights, or 45 mins after for international flights. If you don't have bags, you can schedule your pickup time for 15 mins after you land, or 30 mins for international flights with no bags.
What happens if my flight is delayed in Dallas?
Pickup times automatically adjust to 30 minutes after you land if your flight is delayed for domestic flights at DFW, or 45 minutes after you land for international flights. Please let us know as soon as possible if your flight number changes. You can always text us if there is a delay. This is helpful since airlines don't always update things online when they are late.
What happens if my flight in Dallas arrives early?
Call or send us a text if you want us to pick you up early at Dallas Fort Worth, and we will let your shuttle driver know that you are ready to be picked up. Otherwise, we will pick you up at the scheduled time on your reservation. If it's hot outside, please wait inside the DFW terminal closest to prearranged until your car or airport shuttle is a minute or so away.
How soon should I make a reservation?
Although there is no set rule that prevents booking a Austin to Love Field Shuttle last minute, it's a good idea to make your reservation as soon as possible so a shuttle driver is available and prevent any delays with picking you up. There's no need to confirm again if you've already made a reservation, and received a confirmation email.
How long does it take from Dallas or Fort Worth Texas?
Texas Shuttle trips from Dallas or Fort Worth Texas in normal traffic are about an hour and forty minutes versus three and a half hours on the bus with a bunch of people. Rush hour in downtown Dallas and Fort Worth will normally add 15-45 mins (30 mins on the average). You might think there's no way a bus or another shared ride shuttle company in Dallas or Fort Worth Shuttle would take that long, but they stop and wait 3-5 times to pickup people. Buses and other shuttles also don't leave on your schedule, so you might wait 30 mins - 1.5 hours if the bus is running late. With us it's just you going straight to Fort Worth or Dallas, normally non-stop in a nicer vehicle or shuttle.
What time should I be picked up?
The drive to Fort Worth is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. 3 hours and 30 minutes before your flight is normally enough time if you're going to DFW. Dallas Fort Worth recommends you be there 2 hours early to get through security and find your gate. Boarding in Dallas usually starts 30 mins before your plane takes off. However, one hour and thirty mins is generally okay. Dallas and Fort Worth Shuttle driving takes about 2 hours, then 3 and a half hours before your flight takes off is normally good. You start running the risk that they will give your seat away in Dallas about 40 mins before your flight takes off. Sometimes a little extra time is good and makes your trip to Fort Worth stress free by adjusting for the unexpected.
Our Great Company
With more than 100,000 customers and 5 years in business, Texas Shuttle LLC owns Austin to Love Field Shuttle, and has shuttle drivers all over the State of Texas. Our main office is 10 minutes from DFW and Love Field in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
Main Office
320 Decker Drive
Irving, TX 75062
Travel and Hospitality Award Winner - 6 Years in a Row
Testimonials and Reviews
Click here to read lots of excellent Austin to Love Field Shuttle reviews.
Traveling between the vibrant neighborhoods of Austin and Love Field is a breeze with Texas Shuttle. Our service picks you up from your doorstep in areas like Cedar Park or Round Rock and smoothly navigates through scenic routes to reach Love Field. This route is popular among business travelers heading to Dallas for conferences, as well as leisure travelers exploring both cities.
The journey typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. We follow the direct interstate route, ensuring you arrive at your destination on time and with minimal hassle. Our vehicles are equipped to make your travel experience comfortable and stress-free.
What is the estimated drive time from Austin to Love Field?
The drive usually takes about 45 minutes, but this can vary based on traffic conditions.
Do you monitor flight schedules for changes or delays?
Yes, we keep an eye on your flight schedule and adjust pickup times accordingly to ensure you make it to your flight on time.
Getting from Austin to Dallas Love Field: Your Complete Guide
Dallas Love Field (DAL) sits about ten miles northwest of downtown Dallas, and it has become the airport of choice for many Central Texas travelers who fly Southwest Airlines. Whether you're catching an early flight, flying home to Austin after a trip, or arranging ground transportation for a colleague, this guide covers every practical option for the trip between Austin and Love Field — driving, shuttles, flying, and everything in between.
The distance from downtown Austin to Love Field is roughly 190 to 200 miles, depending on the route you choose. Most of that journey happens on Interstate 35, one of the busiest corridors in Texas. Below, we break down your options so you can pick the one that fits your schedule, budget, and comfort level.
Driving from Austin to Love Field: Routes, Timing, and Traffic
For most travelers, driving is the default option. The trip is long enough to require planning but short enough to do in a morning or afternoon.
The Main Route: Interstate 35 North
The most direct route follows I-35 North nearly the entire way. From downtown Austin, you'll head north on I-35 through Round Rock, Georgetown, Temple, Belton, Waco, Hillsboro, and Waxahachie before the highway splits into I-35E and I-35D near Hillsboro. Continue on I-35E through Waxahachie and into Dallas.
As you approach downtown Dallas, I-35E runs along the western edge of the city center. From there, take the exit for Oak Lawn Avenue or the Lamar/Mocklingbird area exits and follow signs to Love Field, which is bounded by Lemmon Avenue, Mockingbird Lane, Cedar Springs Road, and Herb Kelleher Way. The airport's single terminal is easy to spot from the surrounding streets thanks to the modernized terminal building and the large parking garage directly across from it.
Estimated driving time: In light traffic, expect the drive to take roughly three to three and a half hours. These are estimates only — I-35 is notorious for congestion, and delays of an hour or more are common through Austin, the Waco corridor, and the Dallas downtown mixmaster interchange, especially during weekday rush hours and holiday travel weekends.
The Alternative: TX-130 Toll Road
If you want to bypass the worst of Austin's I-35 congestion, Texas State Highway 130 (the SH 130 Toll road) runs along the eastern edge of the Austin metro area. You can pick up SH 130 from US-183 or SH 45 on the east side of Austin and ride it north to Georgetown, where it reconnects with I-35. SH 130 is known for having some of the fastest posted speed limits in the country, which can make this a faster option — though remember that tolls apply, and total savings depend heavily on the time of day you're driving.
Where to Park at Love Field
Love Field offers a multi-level parking garage connected to the terminal, plus a dedicated valet operation and surface lots. Rates change over time, so check the City of Dallas Aviation Department's official Love Field parking page (dallas-lovefield.com) before you travel for current pricing and real-time availability. If you're driving and parking for a week or more, compare garage rates against off-airport hotel park-and-fly options near Love Field before you commit.
Comparing Your Transportation Options: Austin to Love Field
Every traveler weighs time, cost, and convenience differently. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
| Option | Approximate Time (Estimate) | Approximate Cost (Estimate) | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive yourself | 3–4 hours door-to-door, plus parking and terminal time | Fuel plus Love Field parking; tolls if using SH 130 | Travelers who want full schedule control or need a car in Dallas | Long drive; I-35 traffic is unpredictable; parking fees add up on longer trips |
| Private shuttle or car service (e.g., Texas Shuttle) | 3–4 hours door-to-door | Varies by vehicle type and trip; request a quote | Families, groups, business travelers who need reliability and door-to-door service | No parking hassle; professional driver handles traffic; reserve in advance |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 3–4 hours | Often several hundred dollars one-way for this distance; get a live quote | Solo travelers who value spontaneity | Long-distance rideshare fares fluctuate widely; driver fatigue on long routes is a real factor |
| Fly AUS to DAL | Roughly 1 hour in the air, plus 2+ hours of airport time on each end | Fares vary widely by date and demand | Time-sensitive travelers who book early fares | You'll need ground transport to Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) first; baggage and check-in time offset the in-air savings |
| Bus service (intercity carriers) | Roughly 3.5–4.5 hours to Dallas, plus local transfer to Love Field | Varies by carrier and booking window | Budget-conscious travelers with flexible schedules | You'll need a DART bus, rideshare, or taxi from the Dallas arrival point to the airport |
Note that all times and costs above are general estimates. Fuel prices, fares, tolls, and traffic conditions change constantly — always get a current quote or check live conditions before finalizing plans.
Taking a Shuttle from Austin to Love Field
A private shuttle or chauffeured car service solves the biggest problems with the drive-it-yourself approach: fatigue, traffic stress, and parking costs. Texas Shuttle provides door-to-door service between Austin-area addresses and Dallas Love Field, which means you're dropped off directly at the terminal curb — no off-site lots, no dragging luggage across a garage.
Why Travelers Choose Shuttle Service for This Route
- Schedule reliability. A professional driver monitors traffic and departure times, building in buffer for I-35 slowdowns that a solo driver might misjudge.
- Productive travel time. The Austin–Dallas corridor is a major business route. Three-plus hours in the back seat is time you can spend answering email, prepping for a flight, or resting.
- Group economics. For families or small groups splitting one vehicle, a shuttle can compare favorably against multiple rideshares or long-term parking fees.
- No return-drive problem. If you're leaving your car in Austin, you avoid paying Love Field parking for the entire length of your trip.
Booking Tips
- Book at least 24 hours in advance when possible, and earlier for peak travel periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break.
- For early morning departures out of Love Field, confirm your pickup time against the airport's recommended arrival window — Southwest and other carriers typically recommend arriving 90 minutes to two hours before domestic departures.
- If you're traveling with oversized luggage, golf clubs, or mobility equipment, mention it when booking so the right vehicle is dispatched.
Flying from Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) to Love Field (DAL)
It sounds odd to fly between two cities three hours apart by car, but the Austin–Dallas air shuttle market is real and active. Dallas Love Field is best known as the home airport of Southwest Airlines, and Southwest operates frequent service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and DAL. Delta Air Lines also maintains a presence at Love Field with limited service.
A Short History Worth Knowing: The Wright Amendment
For decades, Love Field's service was restricted by the Wright Amendment, a federal law that limited most nonstop flights from Love Field to destinations within Texas and neighboring states. Those restrictions were fully phased out in October 2014, which transformed Love Field into a true origin-and-destination airport with nonstop flights across the country. That history explains why Love Field feels different from most major airports — it's compact, heavily Southwest-branded, and built for quick turn trips.
Is Flying Actually Faster?
On paper, a one-hour flight beats a three-hour drive. In practice, run the full math: driving to AUS, parking or being dropped off, clearing security, boarding, the flight itself, deplaning at DAL, and retrieving bags. Door-to-door, flying AUS–DAL often saves less time than travelers expect — and costs can swing dramatically based on demand. The drive or a shuttle is frequently the more predictable option, especially when you book ground transportation in advance.
Know Before You Go: Love Field Terminal Essentials
Love Field is a single-terminal airport, which makes it one of the easiest major airports in Texas to navigate. A few facts that help first-time visitors:
- One terminal, one security checkpoint. There are no trains, terminals-to-terminal transfers, or confusing concourses. The airport completed a major modernization program in 2013 that rebuilt the terminal around a central marketplace and expanded gates.
- Address: The airport's official address is 8008 Herb Kelleher Way, Dallas, TX — renamed in 2018 to honor the Southwest Airlines co-founder. Plug that into your GPS rather than the old Cedar Springs Road address.
- Pickup and drop-off zones: Private vehicles, shuttles, and rideshares use designated curbs outside the baggage claim level for arrivals and the upper level for departures. Follow airport signage; curbs are actively managed and idling is restricted.
- Ground transportation options at the airport: Rental car counters, taxis, rideshare pickup, and DART bus service are all available. Notably, Love Field does not have a direct light-rail connection — the DART Love Link shuttle bus (Route 549) connects the airport to the Inwood/Love Field station on the DART Green Line, where you can connect toward downtown Dallas.
- Dining and amenities: The terminal's central marketplace concentrates shops and restaurants after security, so you don't need to arrive absurdly early to get food or coffee.
Love Field vs. DFW: Which Dallas Airport Should You Choose?
Travelers booking trips to Dallas often see both DAL and DFW as options and wonder which makes more sense from Austin.
- Airline coverage: DFW is one of the largest hubs in the world and offers far more airlines and destinations. Love Field is dominated by Southwest, which means if you're flying Southwest anyway, DAL is usually the smarter, faster airport.
- Distance from Austin by car: Both airports are on the north side of the Dallas metro; DFW sits farther north between Dallas and Fort Worth. Drive times from Austin to either airport are broadly similar, typically in the three-to-four-hour range, though DFW can add time depending on your arrival terminal and Dallas-area traffic on I-35E or the Dallas North Tollway.
- Airport experience: Love Field's single terminal is faster to traverse than DFW's five terminals. If your flight is on Southwest, DAL almost always means a shorter, simpler airport experience.
- Sample both: If you find a significantly cheaper fare at DFW, price out the ground transportation difference before you book — the fare savings can evaporate in a longer transfer.
Best Times to Make the Austin–Love Field Drive
After hundreds of trips along this corridor, we've learned the traffic patterns matter as much as the distance.
- Austin departures: I-35 through Austin and Round Rock backs up badly during weekday morning and evening rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.). Midday departures and pre-dawn starts move much better.
- Waco and Temple corridor: This stretch can slow during holiday weekends and when construction is active — TxDOT maintains ongoing I-35 expansion work through Waco, so check drivetexas.org for current conditions before you leave.
- Dallas arrival: The I-35E approach into downtown Dallas is congested at peak hours. Building a 30-minute buffer here is wise regardless of when you travel.
- Holidays: The Sunday after Thanksgiving and the Wednesday before are among the worst travel days of the year on this corridor. If your flight is fixed, leave earlier than seems reasonable.
Frequently Asked Questions: Austin to Love Field
How far is Austin from Dallas Love Field?
The drive from downtown Austin to Love Field covers approximately 190–200 miles depending on your route, with I-35 North being the most common. From Austin-Bergstrom Airport or the southern suburbs, add a few miles.
How long does it take to get from Austin to Love Field?
In good conditions, roughly three to three and a half hours by car. With rush-hour congestion, construction, or holiday traffic, plan for up to four and a half hours. Always build in a buffer if you have a flight to catch — these are estimates, not guarantees.
Is there a shuttle from Austin to Love Field?
Yes. Texas Shuttle provides door-to-door private shuttle and car service between Austin and Dallas Love Field, with advance reservations. Door-to-door service means no parking fees, no rental car counter, and no navigating downtown Dallas traffic at the end of a long drive.
Which airlines fly out of Dallas Love Field?
Southwest Airlines operates the overwhelming majority of flights at Love Field and uses it as a major focus city. Delta Air Lines also operates limited service. If you're flying another carrier, check whether your flight actually departs from DFW instead.
Does Love Field have public transit from Dallas?
Yes, but it's limited. There's no direct light rail into the airport. DART's Love Link shuttle bus (Route 549) connects the terminal to the Inwood/Love Field DART Green Line station, from which you can reach downtown Dallas and other parts of the metro. For travelers arriving from Austin with luggage, a pre-booked shuttle or rideshare is usually the smoother final leg.
How early should I leave Austin for a morning flight at Love Field?
Work backward from the airlines' recommended 90-minute-to-two-hour arrival window. For an early flight, factor in pre-dawn roads (which are usually clear) versus a mid-morning departure (which will hit Round Rock and Waco traffic). For a 7 a.m. departure, a 2:30–3 a.m. Austin pickup time is a realistic planning estimate for a shuttle or private car.
Is it cheaper to fly or drive from Austin to Dallas?
It depends entirely on current fares, fuel prices, and how many people are traveling. A solo traveler who books a low fare might come out ahead flying; a family of three or four splitting the cost of a shuttle or a single tank of gas usually finds ground transportation cheaper and, door-to-door, often no slower. Get quotes for both on your specific date before deciding.
Final Word: Planning Your Austin to Love Field Trip
The Austin-to-Love Field journey is one of the most frequently traveled airport runs in Texas, and it rewards planning. Check current traffic on TxDOT's DriveTexas.org before a drive, verify your terminal and airline (Love Field, not DFW) before booking, and confirm parking rates or shuttle pickup times before the day of travel. If you'd rather hand the whole thing off — the early alarm, the I-35 construction zones, the downtown Dallas merge — a reserved door-to-door shuttle from Texas Shuttle turns a four-hour logistical headache into a ride you can sleep through. Either way, leave earlier than your gut says you need to. I-35 always wins ties.