Beginning May 24, Austin Parks and Recreation will begin offering free, air-conditioned shuttle services from the Stratford parking lot to popular Zilker park amenities, like Zilker Metropolitan Playground, Barton Creek and Barton Springs Pool.

What you need to know

The seasonal services, called The Zilker Loop, are intended to help reduce weekend traffic jams surrounding some of Austin’s favorite recreational destinations, according to a news release.

The Zilker Loop will offer rides every Saturday and Sunday 12-6 p.m., running roughly every 15-20 minutes.
The Zilker Loop, a free weekend shuttle service, will bring park visitors to popular park amenties. (Courtesy Austin Parks and Recreation)
Weekend and holiday parking at Zilker Park costs $3 per hour; however, the first two hours of parking fees in the Stratford Lot can be waived using a code in the parking app. Park visitors pay and renew parking charges using the Park ATX App.

The service will be offered through Sept. 1 and also operate on the following holidays:
  • Memorial Day, May 26;
  • Juneteenth, June 19;
  • Independence Day, July 4;
  • Labor Day, September 1.
No pets or coolers are allowed on the vehicle. For more information, visit AustinTexas.gov/Zilker.


One more thing

The Austin Parks Foundation reopened the beloved Zilker Eagle Train last summer.

Austinites will be able to ride the Zilker Eagle daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for $6 per person. On the first Friday of every month, rides are free to the community all day.