Austin is a cosmopolitan city of politicians, enlightened college students, and do-gooders. The once small town is a present-day musical paradise with roots deeply entrenched in a cultural combination that wouldn’t happen anywhere else. As the fastest growing city in the U.S., locals and visitors alike need help navigating the rapidly changing city. It’s almost impossible to conquer life within the Austin City Limits without a smartphone in hand.

We put together a list of 13 apps that will keep you up to date on the happenings, help you find your way around, and be the first to know about the most exciting events. Download them and navigate Austin like a pro!

CapMetro

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

Whether you need a bus schedule, plan to ride the light rail, or need to know more about HOV lanes, this app will help you drive less and do more. Find your closest options, look up routes and schedules, and pick the one right for you!

 

• Find the fastest route
• Look up schedules in advance
• Buy tickets online
• Plan your trip

RideAustin Non-Profit TNC

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

RideAustin is your local nonprofit rideshare. Committed to paying drivers more, keeping costs down for riders, and giving back to the Austin community through Round Up feature, this handy app offers service throughout the Greater Austin area.

 

• Split fare
• Female Driver Mode allows females to request female drivers
• Accept Bevo pay
• See a fare estimate before requesting a ride

Austin B-cycle

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

Access bike share locations and check availability at more than 80 B-cycle stations so you can check out a bike for only $3 for 30 minutes. Be sure your route keeps you close to the stations so you can check in once per hour to avoid extra charges. Take a ride through Zilker Park and stop by Barton Springs Pool for a dip. The app allows you to track your trip history and even get event information and directions.

• Get directions
• Track your trip history
• Locate bikes and stations
• Easily check out bikes for a short trip or a whole day

NuWash – Car Wash & Detailing

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

You won’t find this app anywhere but the Lone Star State! Keep your car in tip-top shape by booking a mobile car wash technician. Schedule high-quality, eco-friendly hand car washes and detailing services at your office, home, or apartment—all performed by top-rated local Austin mobile car wash technicians.

 

• Select your wash package
• Choose which day
• Easily input your location
• Pay securely online

ParkATX

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

In a city this exciting, finding an available parking spot in a downtown lot or garage may seem impossible. There’s no better way to avoid the hassle of parking than to use the ParkATX app to pay for parking and manage your parking session with a few quick taps.

 

• View simple payment options
• Find available parking
• Extend your parking session from your phone
• Update payment methods on the fly

Keep Austin Eatin’

AppStore  |    Website 

Don’t just go out to eat, enjoy an authentic food experience in a city known for great food. Keep Austin Eatin’ will point you to amazing eateries like Shady Grove and Matt’s El Ranch or to recommended locations for desserts, drinks, or live music within walking distance. This app helps you find the best dining experience in Austin, no matter if you’ve lived here all your life or are in town for a couple of hours.

• See the Top 20 local Austin experiences
• Search by map
• Get paired suggestions for a night out
• Easily share your favorites with friends

YMCA of Austin

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

YMCA of Austin serves more than 100,000 people through eight branches. The organization constantly searches for ways to meet community needs and transform lives. Download this app to find class schedules and set your fitness goals. Check-in on social media to see what’s going on and find the nearest YMCA facility straight from your phone.

• Check class schedules
• Set fitness goals
• Find local facility locations
• Review social media feeds

Bark Happy

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

Find the perfect winding hike and bike trail, dog park, or an outdoor art installation where you can spend the day with your four-legged friend. Stay up to date on outdoor events in the Austin area so you can take your pooch on fun outdoor excursions.

 

• Attend dog-friendly events or host your own
• Find dog-friendly places on an easy to use map
• Connect with other local dogs for play dates
• See pet policies for restaurants, hotels, bars, parks, and more

Austin Symphony

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

The Austin Symphony Orchestra is Austin’s oldest performing arts group. The ASO offers a complete season of musical and educational programming for locals. With concerts and events all year long, this app will help you find performance locations, and make it easy to manage your ticket and find your seat.

 

• Preconcert lectures
• Recommended recordings
• Special offers
• Restaurants with concert night specials

Go Austin

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

Whether you live in Austin or you’re just visiting, Go Austin is the app to have in your pocket. You’ll always be in the know of the best local hotels, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Consult the special ‘buy local’ section for the best ways to Keep Austin Weird. View recommended itineraries and plan your day with this handy app.

 

• Find locations of the best local food trucks
• See what bands are performing around town
• Get turn by turn interactive GPS mapping
• See event listings and add them to your calendar

KXAN – Austin News & Weather

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

Stay on top of what’s happening in Austin with customized news and weather updates. KXAN News delivers in-depth, investigative local news, along with First Warning Weather Forecasts, traffic, and information from central Texas. You’ll see hourly and daily forecasts from award-winning weathercaster Jim Spencer, so you are prepared during any weather events.

• Customize your alerts
• See the latest headlines
• Watch live video from local broadcasts
• Listen to 24/7 updates on weather and traffic

FOX 7: Austin News & Alerts

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

Austin traffic can test the patience of even the calmest drivers, so you need an app that alerts you about the latest wrecks and traffic conditions. The FOX 7 app will keep you updated with instant alerts for traffic and weather and all of the most important headlines from around the world.

 

• See state-to-international headlines
• Watch weather and traffic cams
• Find sports and crime news
• Find the latest traffic information

MyUT

AppStore  |  Google Play  |  Website 

Whether you work on campus or attend classes, the official MyUT app helps students, faculty, and staff at The University of Texas stay connected to the university. MyUT is a one-stop-shop to access university resources; it has everything you need to live and work on the Forty Acres. Find campus maps, view class schedules, see safety alerts, and stay up to date on all the events on campus.

• See a campus map
• Learn class schedules and room assignments
• Integrated with Canvas, so you know what’s due on which day
• Get instant alerts about on-campus activity and athletics

Austin has a lot to offer, with live music, fine dining, high-powered politics, and beautiful weather. Get to know the places that define Austin and keep up to date on the recent changes.  With this group of apps on your phone, you’ll never miss out on a local art festival or wonder where to find the coldest beer on a hot day.

If you plan on moving to this amazing place, browse apartments for rent in Austin on RentCafe to find safe and secure rentals.

Have we missed any of your favorite apps? Let us know at media@rentcafe.com and we’ll check them out!