Austin plans light rail extension — before breaking ground on light rail

The planned extension is three miles long and will take riders straight to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

1 minute read

November 15, 2026, 7:00 AM PST

By Zachary Whalen


A rendering of the light rail, which shows it waiting for pedestrians to cross the street on a sunny day.

The Austin Transit Project estimates that the planning process will take between nine and 12 months. | ATPTX

Austin is planning an extension to its light rail — before the light rail has even been built. The first phase of the light rail, set to break ground in 2027, will carry passengers down a 9.8 mile-stretch through the center of Austin to the University of Texas at Austin and down South Congress. Now, the Austin Transit Partnership is looking to add a three-mile extension that will take riders straight to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

“[ATP] says it is critical that Austin-Bergstrom designs the new arrivals and departures hall with the Austin light rail in mind for a seamless experience,” Dominique Leh writes for Fox 7 Austin. 

ATP estimates that the planning process for the extension will take between nine and 12 months. ATP will determine the cost during the planning phase, and will look into federal funding opportunities. 

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A rendering of the light rail, which shows it waiting for pedestrians to cross the street on a sunny day.

Austin plans light rail extension — before breaking ground on light rail

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