Free shuttle takes visitors to Zilker Park, Barton Springs during July 4 weekend

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Austinites prepare for the festivities the city will bring for the Fourth of July at Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, Austin Parks and Recreation encourages visitors to take the Zilker Loop to help reduce traffic congestion.

Zilker Loop is a free transportation shuttle that will be available starting Friday, July 4, through Saturday, July 6, from noon to 6 p.m.

In May 2024, the city launched the free service to transport visitors from the Stratford Parking Lot to popular areas around Zilker Park and Barton Springs every weekend during the summer, including holidays.

The shuttle runs on Saturdays, Sundays and city holidays from noon to 6 p.m., and will continue until Sept. 1, according to a press release from the city. It is expected to stop at the designated locations about “20 mins or so” to pick up or drop off passengers. The city said pets and coolers are not allowed in the vehicle.

According to the city, the route includes these four stops:

• Stratford Lot
• Zilker Playground
• Barton Springs Pool
• Polo Fields Parking Area

The city said visitors can waive the first two hours of the Stratford Lot parking fees by using a code in the Park ATX App. According to the city, weekend and holiday parking at Zilker Park is $3 per hour. Austinites can pay and renew charges via the app.

According to the city, to get the first two hours of the Stratford Lot waived, you must download the app and include the zone code: 39027. Then, you tap redeem and enter the validation code, FREE2STRATFORD, the city said.

Visit the city’s website for more information on the Zilker Loop.