A new free Zilker Park shuttle will carry visitors from the parking area on Stratford Drive to three places inside the park. Pam LeBlanc photo

I’d rather ride my bike to Barton Springs Pool than fight the traffic and fork over $3 an hour to park my car there.

Not everyone can make that work, though. That’s why I’m happy to report that the city is launching a free shuttle that will loop between the parking area on Stratford Drive and three locations inside the park.

The free Zilker Loop will make stops at the Stratford parking lot, the Zilker playground, Barton Springs Pool and the Polo Fields parking area. Service begins May 24 and continues from noon until 6 p.m. every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday through Sept. 1.

Visitors who use the Stratford lot get a discount on parking fees, too. By using a code in the Park ATX App, the first two hours of parking fees can be waived.

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No pets or coolers are allowed on the shuttle.

And remember, the parking lot on the north side of the pool remains closed due to the rehabilitation of the bathhouse. That project, which includes new plumbing, structural repairs and restoration of the entry rotunda and changing rooms, began in February 2024. Construction should wrap up later this year.

For more information about the Zilker Park shuttle, visit AustinTexas.gov/Zilker.