Visiting the LBJ Presidential Library, Austin: Ticket prices, hours and tips

The LBJ Presidential Library is a federal facility and museum located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin at 2313 Red River Street. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.

This guide was updated in April 2026 and reflects the current ticketing pricing structure and the mandatory baggage inspection policies introduced by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Quick facts

CategoryDetails
Opening hoursDaily: 09:00 to 17:00
Ticket pricesAdults: $16; Seniors (62+): $12; Military/Teachers: $8; Students/Youth: $6; Under 12s: Free
Address2313 Red River Street, Austin, Texas 78705
Nearest public transportLot #38 (car park) or Dean Keeton Street CapMetro bus stops
Typical time needed90 minutes to two hours

LBJ Presidential Library opening hours

The LBJ Presidential Library is open every day from 09:00 to 17:00. The final entry of the day is permitted at 16:00, and admission tickets remain valid for the entirety of the operating day.

These core opening hours operate year-round with no seasonal variations. The facility is permanently closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

LBJ Presidential Library ticket prices

General admission ticket prices for the LBJ Presidential Library are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors aged 62 and over, and $8 for former or retired military personnel and K-12 teachers. College students and youth aged 13 to 18 pay $6, while children under 12 enter for free. Active-duty military personnel, university faculty and students, and visitors named Lyndon or Claudia also receive free entry with valid identification. On Tuesdays, admission prices are reduced by half across all ticket categories.

Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.

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How to get to the LBJ Presidential Library

The most direct way to reach the LBJ Presidential Library using public transport is via the Capital Metro bus network, which services the university campus. There are designated stops near the library located on both Clyde Littlefield Drive and Dean Keeton Street. Ride-share services and taxis operate extensively across the city and should drop passengers off directly in the visitor car park off Red River Street.

For visitors travelling by bicycle or scooter, the campus features designated cycle lanes. Visitors can secure their bicycles at the public racks located on the west side of the library near the main lawn, as well as on the south side of the building near the loading dock.

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Parking at the LBJ Presidential Library

Free parking is available for all visitors in lot #38, located directly off Red River Street. This surface car park is marked with brightly coloured LBJ banners at the entrance and provides dedicated spaces for passenger vehicles, alongside a designated area in the upper southeast corner for large buses.

Visitors must ensure they only park in lot #38, as the surrounding lots are permit-only spaces reserved for university staff and students, and unauthorised parking will result in fines. Due to ongoing street construction, access to the car park is best approached from Manor Road if arriving from the south, or Dean Keeton Street if arriving from the north.

How long to spend at the LBJ Presidential Library

Most people spend between 90 minutes and two hours at the LBJ Presidential Library. This duration provides enough time to view the permanent exhibition halls, watch the introductory film on the third floor, and walk through the museum store at a steady pace.

Visitors intending to view special temporary exhibitions should allow an additional 30 minutes for their visit. Visitors with limited time can complete a focused 45-minute tour by prioritising the 10th-floor Oval Office replica and Lady Bird Johnson’s Office, followed by the Animatronic LBJ on the third floor.

Accessibility at the LBJ Presidential Library

The LBJ Presidential Library is fully accessible for wheelchair users, featuring marked accessible parking bays near a wheelchair ramp in lot #38. Elevators inside the central lobby connect to all exhibition floors, and complimentary wheelchairs are available to borrow directly from the admissions desk upon arrival.

Video presentations throughout the museum are open-captioned, and printed booklets with transcripts are provided for audio-only exhibits. Visitors requiring American Sign Language interpreters can arrange this service by contacting the library with at least two weeks’ notice, while a tour docent for visually impaired visitors can be requested with one week’s notice.

Inside / what to see at the LBJ Presidential Library

The permanent exhibits at the LBJ Presidential Library document the life, political career, and legacy of the 36th US President, Lyndon B. Johnson, and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. The primary architectural focal point is the Great Hall, which provides a dramatic visual scale of the historical archives housed within the facility.

A major highlight is the 7/8ths scale replica of the Oval Office exactly as it appeared during Johnson’s presidency, located on the 10th floor. This upper level also features a detailed recreation of Lady Bird Johnson’s working office and the First Lady’s Gallery.

On the lower exhibition floors, visitors can walk through the “November 22, 1963” exhibit, which addresses the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Johnson’s subsequent swearing-in. The adjacent White House Years gallery explores the major domestic policies, civil rights legislation, and achievements of the administration.

Other notable displays include President Johnson’s custom-built black presidential limousine, which is parked permanently in the ground floor lobby. Visitors can also interact with the Animatronic LBJ on the third floor, which recounts several of the president’s famous humorous anecdotes.

The site also features a dedicated Vietnam War Memorial Wall that honours the service members involved in the conflict, providing a space for reflection on the geopolitical challenges of the era.

Practical visitor tips

Tip CategoryPractical tip
TimingVisit on a Tuesday to take advantage of the half-price admission promotion available to all visitors.
CrowdsAvoid visiting on the library’s designated free admission days, such as Presidents’ Day or Austin Museum Day, if you prefer a quieter environment.
LayoutBegin your visit by taking the elevator straight to the 10th floor to see the Oval Office, then work your way down through the remaining galleries.
Entry processPresent a valid identification card at the admissions desk if you intend to claim a discounted military, student, or teacher ticket rate.
On-site logisticsLeave large backpacks and umbrellas at the mandatory complimentary bag check located on the third floor upon arrival.

Frequently asked questions about the LBJ Presidential Library

QuestionAnswer
Is LBJ Presidential Library suitable for children?Yes, children under 12 enter for free, and strollers are permitted throughout all of the standard exhibition spaces.
Do you need to book tickets in advance for LBJ Presidential Library?No, walk-up tickets are always available for purchase at the admissions desk, though advance online booking remains an option.
Is LBJ Presidential Library open on Sundays?Yes, the library is open on Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00, with final entry permitted at 16:00.
Are bags allowed at LBJ Presidential Library?Small bags may be carried in front of you, but large bags and backpacks must be deposited at the mandatory bag check.

Things to do near the LBJ Presidential Library

  • Texas Science and Natural History Museum: Located a short walk away on the university campus, this facility features regional palaeontology, dinosaur skeletons, and native wildlife dioramas.
  • Blanton Museum of Art: Situated a 15-minute walk south, this expansive gallery houses a permanent collection ranging from European paintings to modern American works.
  • Bullock Texas State History Museum: A 15-minute walk west, this comprehensive museum covers the timeline of Texas history across three floors of artefacts and interactive displays.
  • Texas State Capitol: A five-minute drive south brings visitors to this historic 1888 granite building, which serves as the active seat of the state government.
  • Waterloo Park: Located a 15-minute walk south, this large urban green space features walking paths, native gardens, and a large outdoor amphitheatre.

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