Free Barton Springs shuttle starts May 27

The free Barton Springs shuttle will run from May 27 to Sept. 4. Photo courtesy city of Austin

A leap into Barton Springs Pool can help keep you cool this summer – but first you’ve got to get there.

I prefer traveling by bicycle, but that’s not always possible. If you do park at the pool, you’ll have to pay a $7 fee on weekends and holidays, payable at stations around the park.

Luckily, there’s a cheaper alternative. Visitors who park at One Texas Center parking garage, 505 Barton Springs Road, can hop a free shuttle to the park.

The shuttle runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday from May 27 through Sept. 4, and on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day holidays, according to city of Austin officials. You must get the driver to validate your ticket.

The shuttle drops off at the Zilker playground/Barton Springs spillway, a two-minute walk to Barton Springs Pool. No pets are allowed on the shuttle. For more information, go to AustinTexas.gov/Zilker.

Barton Springs makes a fine place to cool off on a hot summer day. Pam LeBlanc photo

My advice? When you get off the shuttle on your way back to your car, zip across the street to Sandy’s for some frozen custard.

And another tip: Buy your tickets to enter the natural, spring-fed swimming pool online in advance. For residents of Austin, admission is $2 for ages 1-11, $3 ages 12-17, $5 ages 18-62, and $2 for seniors. Infants and veterans are free. (Prices are higher for non-residents.) Season passes are $190 for adults.