Texas Travel: Houston To Austin By Bus

If you're planning a trip from Houston to Austin, taking the bus is a great option. The bus journey between these two Texas cities is approximately 162 to 164 miles, and various bus companies offer different travel experiences to suit your needs and preferences. The average travel time is around 3 hours, but some routes can be as fast as 2 hours 10 minutes. With multiple daily departures and affordable ticket prices, taking the bus from Houston to Austin is a convenient and cost-effective choice.

Bus companies and their amenities

The bus ride from Houston to Austin takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. There are several bus companies that offer this route, each with its own unique amenities and features. Here is an overview of some popular bus companies and their amenities:

Vonlane:

Vonlane is a bus company that provides a direct bus service from Austin to Houston. Their buses offer various amenities to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. These amenities include spacious and comfortable seating, snacks, and tables. Vonlane buses also have Wi-Fi and power outlets, allowing you to stay connected and charged during your trip.

FlixBus:

FlixBus is an eco-friendly and affordable option for travelling between Houston and Austin. Their buses are equipped with comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. FlixBus also offers a Real-Time Bus Tracker, allowing passengers to stay updated on their bus's location and arrival time. They provide flexible payment options and have a large network of destinations across the United States.

Greyhound:

Greyhound is a well-known bus company that operates from the Houston Bus Station. They offer a range of amenities, including comfortable seating and convenient boarding processes. Passengers can present their tickets to security before entering the back lobby where the bus loads, and staff are available for assistance and directions inside the terminal.

Longhorn Charter Bus:

Longhorn Charter Bus is a Houston-based company that provides charter bus rentals for groups. They offer a range of amenities to cater to different needs, such as fast Wi-Fi, TV screens, ADA features, tray tables, and power outlets. They also provide spacious luggage bays and comfortable reclining seats, making them a great option for long-distance travel and large groups.

Houston Charter Bus Company:

The Houston Charter Bus Company offers charter bus and minibus rentals for various occasions, including corporate events, school field trips, sports team transportation, and wedding shuttles. Their buses can be equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, spacious luggage bays, reclining seats, flat-screen TVs, and clean restrooms. The company ensures safe and reliable transportation with professional drivers.

Continental Charters:

Continental Charters is a local, family-owned, and operated charter bus company in Houston. They offer deluxe motor coaches with various amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. These amenities include 3-point seat belts, reclining leather and cloth seats, footrests, armrests, state-of-the-art sound systems, TV/DVD monitors, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi. Their buses are also ADA wheelchair-accessible, and the company prioritises safety, comfort, and reliable service.

These bus companies provide a range of amenities to make your trip from Houston to Austin as pleasant as possible. Whether you prioritise comfort, entertainment, or staying connected, there is a bus company that can cater to your specific needs.

Bus schedules and ticket prices

When travelling by bus from Houston to Austin, you have several options for bus companies, departure points, and arrival times. The journey takes between 2 hours 10 minutes and 3 hours 20 minutes, depending on the company and route chosen.

FlixBus

FlixBus offers tickets starting at $22.49 for the Houston-Austin route. Their buses are equipped with comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. They have multiple departure points in Houston, including:

• Downtown Houston (Gray St.)
• Houston Uptown/Upper Kirby
• Houston Bus Station (Greyhound)

The arrival point in Austin is the Austin Eastside Bus Plaza. FlixBus has multiple daily departures, with the earliest bus leaving Houston at 5:15 am and the latest at 5:15 pm.

RedCoach

RedCoach provides a more luxurious travel experience with reclining leather seats, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment. Their tickets are priced higher, starting at $41 and increasing depending on the day of the week and seat choice.

Their Houston departure points include:

• Downtown Gray & Smith
• Houston - Downtown, TX
• Cypress (Houston area), TX

The arrival point in Austin is the Austin Eastside Bus Plaza. RedCoach also offers multiple daily departures, with the earliest bus leaving Houston at 7:00 am and the latest at 5:15 pm.

Greyhound

Greyhound is a well-known, budget-friendly option for this route. Their buses are more basic but reliable, and they offer multiple daily trips. The Houston departure point is the Downtown Greyhound Station, and the arrival point in Austin is the Greyhound Station.

Megabus

Megabus is another affordable option, with tickets starting at just $1.50. They offer up to 6 services per day, with the earliest bus departing Houston at 9:00 am and the latest at 5:00 pm. Their Houston departure point is the Hillcroft METRO Park and Ride, and the arrival point in Austin is at 1500 San Jacinto Blvd.

Booking and Other Considerations

It is recommended to book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred travel dates and times. You can easily book your tickets online or through a mobile app for most companies.

Additionally, each bus company has its own luggage allowance and restrictions, so be sure to check their guidelines beforehand. Also, keep in mind that some companies make fewer stops, resulting in faster travel times, while others make multiple stops, increasing the overall travel duration.

Finally, some user reviews praise the safety, cleanliness, and comfort of the bus services, while others mention issues with delays, non-reclining seats, and problems with footrests near toilets. Be sure to read through recent reviews to get a sense of each company's pros and cons.

Bus stations and stops in Houston and Austin

The bus from Houston to Austin takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, and costs between $15 and $130. The journey is 164 miles, and there is one direct bus service from Austin to Houston, which departs every four hours.

Bus Stations and Stops in Houston

Houston has several bus stations and stops, including:

• Houston Bus Station (Greyhound)—located at 7000 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011. The bus will board inside the Greyhound station, and passengers must present their tickets to security before entering the back lobby where the bus loads.
• Downtown Houston (Gray St.)—located at 605 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002. The bus will board in the parking lot, and passengers should wait at the East side of the parking lot, close to the intersection of Smith St. and Gray St.
• Houston Uptown/Upper Kirby—located at 2525 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77098. The bus will board at the Timewise Food Store/Shell gas station lot, at the northwest curb, next to Kirby Dr and SW Freeway Service Rd.
• The Woodlands—located at 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr, Houston, TX 77380. The bus will board in the striped loading zone next to Barnes and Noble, across from the parking garage.
• Houston (Agencia Autobuses)—located at 6590 Sw Freeway, Houston, TX 77074.
• North Houston—located at 210 Patton Street, Houston, TX 77009. The bus will board along the curb next to the grass, directly below the Love's Travel Stop and Wendy's signs.
• Baytown (Thompson & I-10 Service Rd)—located at 6800 Thompson Rd, Houston, TX 77521. The bus will board inside the Shell station lot (TA Baytown Travel Center) on the front grassy curbside, parallel to the I-10 Service Road in the northwest corner of the lot.

Bus Stations and Stops in Austin

Austin also has several bus stations and stops, including:

• Austin Eastside Bus Plaza—located at 363 Shady Lane, Austin, TX 78702. The bus will board at Bay A, B, or C, and passengers should look for the FlixBus and Greyhound signage.
• Downtown Austin (9th St.)—located at 703 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78701. The bus will board in the parking lot, in the corner of E 9th St and I-35 Frontage Rd.
• Austin South Congress—located at 710 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704. The bus will board in the Walmart parking lot, parallel to Payload Pass near the intersection of Payload Pass and E. Ben White Blvd.
• Austin (Southpark Meadows)—located at TURK AT CULLEN, Austin, TX 78748.
• Austin (ABI Airport)—located at 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719. The bus will board at the lower level of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, near the charter pick-up area, identified by pillar "M".
• Austin (Metro Lakeline)—located at 13701 LYNDHURST, Austin, TX 78717.

Travel time and distance

The distance between Houston and Austin is approximately 162 to 164 miles, and the bus is a popular transportation option for this route. The journey offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel between these two major Texas cities. The bus ride typically takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes for a direct trip, but the duration can vary depending on the number of stops and traffic conditions.

Several bus companies provide services from Houston to Austin, including FlixBus, RedCoach, Greyhound, and Megabus. The frequency of trips varies, with some companies offering multiple departures throughout the day. The earliest bus usually departs around 6:30 AM, while the last bus leaves around 8:15 PM. It's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred travel times.

The departure and arrival points for the bus journey between Houston and Austin differ depending on the company. In Houston, buses may depart from the Greyhound Station, Hillcroft Ave & Southwest Freeway, or other designated stops. In Austin, buses typically arrive at the Greyhound Station or other specified locations. It's important to carefully check the departure and arrival locations when booking your trip.

The cost of bus tickets for this route varies depending on the company and the type of ticket purchased. On average, tickets range from $22.49 to $130, with the possibility of finding cheaper fares by booking in advance or during off-peak times. Some companies, like FlixBus, offer discounted rates for online bookings or eco-friendly travel initiatives.

When choosing a bus company, consider your priorities, such as cost, comfort, travel time, and amenities. RedCoach, for example, provides luxury accommodations with reclining leather seats, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment. FlixBus and Greyhound also offer Wi-Fi and power outlets, with FlixBus focusing on eco-friendly travel.

Overall, the bus is a convenient and affordable option for travelling between Houston and Austin, Texas. With a variety of companies to choose from, you can find the best combination of comfort, speed, and price for your journey.

Pros and cons of the bus ride

Pros:

• The bus ride is a direct route, with no transfers needed.
• It is a relatively short journey, with the fastest time being 2 hours 10 minutes, and the average being around 3 hours.
• The cost is very affordable, with tickets starting as low as $15 and averaging around $32.
• There are multiple daily departures, giving travellers flexibility in their planning.
• The bus is a more environmentally friendly option compared to flying or driving.
• Some bus companies offer added amenities like comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard entertainment.
• It is a safe and reliable way to travel between the two cities.

Cons:

• The bus may make multiple stops, increasing the travel time.
• The departure and arrival times may not always be accurate, with some users reporting delays.
• The buses may not always be clean or well-maintained.
• There can be issues with non-reclining seats and faulty footrests.
• The bus stations in Houston and Austin may not have adequate parking or waiting areas.
• Luggage restrictions and policies may vary across different bus companies.

Frequently asked questions