On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Austin Parks and Recreation will launch the free Zilker Loop, a convenient seasonal service making it easier than ever for visitors to access popular park amenities. The Zilker Loop will take visitors from the less congested Stratford Parking Lot to popular areas in the park including Zilker Playground, Barton Creek and Barton Springs Pool. 

The first two hours of parking fees in the Stratford Lot can be waived using a code in the parking app. Weekend and holiday parking at Zilker Park costs $3 per hour. Park visitors pay and renew parking charges using the Park ATX App.

The Zilker Loop runs every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. starting Saturday, May 24, 2025, and continuing through Monday, September 1, 2025. The Zilker Loop will run on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Monday, May 26; Juneteenth, Thursday, June 19; Independence Day, Friday, July 4; and Labor Day, Monday, September 1.

The route includes four stops: (1) Stratford Lot, (2) Playground, (3) Barton Springs Pool, and (4) Polo Fields Parking Area. The vehicle will loop around picking up passengers and dropping them at designated stops about every 15 to 20 minutes. No pets or coolers are allowed on the vehicle.

For more information, visit AustinTexas.gov/Zilker.