Festival crowds, street closures, presidential visits, oh my! SXSW brings out the best in music, film, and technology, but it also brings out the worst in Austin traffic. Here's your transportation guide to getting downtown, getting around, and avoiding the madness during the 10-day festival.

President Obama in Austin

President Obama is scheduled for a keynote speech at the Long Center on Friday, March 11, which will add even more congestion to the city. Austinites are urged to carpool, use public transportation (although Capital Metro warns us to expect delays), or avoid the downtown area if possible. The mayor even urged Austinites to work from home on Friday. Do with that what you will.

Getting to SXSW

Capital Metro

Other than Friday, March 11, catching a bus or train will be easy (even easier if you buy tickets ahead of time). Cap Metro is expanding service during SXSW, which means later hours for the MetroRail and MetroRapid — and don't forget about the E-bus and Night Owl options. Download the free Cap Metro app to access bus schedules and route detours from your phone. Not sure how to get where you're going? Use the Trip Planner.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft will be operating in full force. Save some dough and look out for the Lyft Line and UberPool carpooling options in the app. Be aware of surge pricing, though, and see if you can scope out some sweet discount codes ahead of time. For example, new Lyft users get $20 off the first ride with "SXSW2016."

car2go

If you're a car2go member, don't worry about finding parking downtown. Simply drive to one of the four designated drop-off zones downtown and be on your way. If you're not a car2go member, now's the time to sign up — the transportation service is offering new member registration deals and discounts for SXSW.

Cabs

The competition for cabs will be fierce, so we suggest calling an hour before you need to be picked up. Your options are Yellow Cab Austin (512-452-9999), Lone Star Cab (512-836-4900), Austin Cab Company (512-478-2222), and the Hail a Cab app.

Getting around the fest

SXSW Shuttles

SXSW offers a free shuttle service between the Austin Convention Center, Auditorium Shores, and several other venues. Scope out the shuttle locations ahead of time here; schedules and routes can also be accessed via the official SXSW app.

Pedicabs

These human chariots will be everywhere downtown, but most congregate at the Austin Convention Center. Be sure to work out the price with your pedicab driver ahead of time, and tip well — these folks are literally working their butts off to help you get around. Tip: Keep an eye out for SkinnyPop pedicabs, which will be offering a few free rides.

Austin B-cycle

Snag a bike from Austin B-cycle and zip around downtown. All you need to do is insert a credit card at the station, and you're good to go for 24 hours — just return the bike to any station when you're done. Find a full list of stations here.

What to avoid

Check out this map for a more in-depth look at downtown Austin street closures. And the handy little app Metropia can help you plan your commute ahead of time and reroute you away from the worst traffic jams.

Closed March 11 through 20

Sabine Street between East Fifth Street and East Seventh Street

Red River Street between East Fifth Street and East Seventh Street

Red River Street between Cesar Chavez Street and East Fourth Street (Southbound lanes close daily from 5 pm to 3:30 am. Lanes open March 14 through 17.)

Neches Street between East Fifth Street and East Seventh Street

Trinity Street between East Fifth Street and East Seventh Street

San Jacinto Boulevard between East Fifth Street and East Seventh Street

Trinity Street between Cesar Chavez Street and East Fourth Street

East Second Street between Trinity Street and San Jacinto Boulevard (Local access and valet parking allowed.)

East Third Street between Trinity Street and San Jacinto Boulevard (Local access and valet parking allowed.)

East Fifth Street between Neches Street and San Jacinto Boulevard (One lane on south side will be closed.)

East Fifth Street between Red River Street and Trinity Street (One lane on north side will be closed.)

Additional closures