A Long Bus Ride: Houston To Austin

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 preferences. The fastest bus can get you to your destination in around 2 hours and 45 minutes, making it a convenient and affordable choice.

Bus ticket prices

The bus ticket prices for the route from Houston to Austin vary depending on the bus company, the date of booking, and the date of travel. The average price of a bus ticket for this route is around $32, but you can find tickets for as low as $22.49 if you book in advance or during non-peak times like weekends and holidays.

• FlixBus: FlixBus offers inexpensive fares, with tickets starting from $22.49. Their coaches are equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets, and the average travel time is around three hours.
• RedCoach: RedCoach provides a more luxurious experience with reclining leather seats, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment. Ticket prices for RedCoach can vary, but generally range from $43 to $68 for this route.
• Greyhound: Greyhound operates multiple buses daily between Austin and Houston, providing a budget-friendly option. Ticket prices for Greyhound typically range from $23 to $42.
• Megabus: Megabus offers comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi on most buses. Ticket prices start at $32 and can go up to around $42, making it an affordable choice.

It's recommended to book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays, to secure your preferred travel dates and times. Additionally, consider faster routes, which might be slightly more expensive but can save you time. The price difference between quicker routes and longer routes is usually around $6 to $10.

Travel time

The bus ride from Houston to Austin can take anywhere from 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes, depending on the bus company and the number of stops along the way. The distance between the two cities is approximately 162 to 164 miles, and there are multiple bus companies that offer direct service between the two cities.

For example, FlixBus offers a direct bus service with a travel time of 2 hours 35 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes. RedCoach also provides a direct bus with a travel time of 2 hours 15 minutes. On the other hand, Greyhound makes more stops and has a longer travel time of around 3 hours. It's important to note that the departure and arrival locations vary for each company, so it's essential to check the specific details before booking your trip.

In addition to the travel time, it's worth considering other factors when choosing a bus company. For instance, RedCoach offers luxury accommodations with reclining leather seats, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment. Flixbus and RedCoach also provide power outlets and Wi-Fi access on their buses.

When planning your trip, it's advisable to book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays, to secure your preferred travel dates and times. The price of bus tickets can vary, but they generally range from $22.49 to $141, with the cheapest option being around $22.49.

Overall, taking the bus from Houston to Austin is a convenient and affordable option, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Texas countryside during your journey.

Departure and arrival points

The departure and arrival points for buses travelling from Houston to Austin vary depending on the bus company and the specific route. Here is a detailed breakdown of the departure and arrival points for some popular bus companies serving this route:

FlixBus

FlixBus offers multiple departure and arrival points in both Houston and Austin. In Houston, FlixBus buses may depart from the following locations:

• Downtown Gray & Smith
• Cypress (Houston area), TX
• Houston - Downtown, TX
• Houston Uptown/Upper Kirby
• Houston (Agencia Autobuses)
• North Houston
• Baytown (Thompson & I-10 Service Rd)

In Austin, FlixBus buses typically arrive at the following locations:

• Austin Eastside Bus Plaza
• Downtown Austin (9th St)
• Austin South Congress
• Austin (Southpark Meadows)
• Austin (ABI Airport)
• Austin (Metro Lakeline)

RedCoach

RedCoach provides several departure and arrival options for the Houston-Austin route. In Houston, RedCoach buses may depart from:

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

In Austin, RedCoach buses usually arrive at:

• Austin, TX
• Austin Eastside Bus Plaza
• Downtown Austin

Megabus

Megabus has specific departure and arrival points for their Houston-Austin route. The bus departs from the Hillcroft METRO Park and Ride at 6220 Southwest Freeway in Houston and arrives at 1500 San Jacinto Blvd in Austin.

Greyhound

Greyhound, a well-known bus company, offers multiple daily trips between Austin and Houston. Their departure and arrival points may include:

• Greyhound Station in Austin
• Airport Blvd, Austin
• Brazos St, Austin
• Ben White Bd & I-35, Austin
• Hillcroft Ave & Southwest Freeway, Houston
• Harrisburg Senda Station, Houston
• Downtown Greyhound Station, Houston
• Lockwood Dr & Harvey Wilson Dr, Houston
• Harrisburg El Expreso Station, Houston
• Main St & Airline Dr, Houston

It is always recommended to carefully review your bus ticket and check with the bus company for the exact departure and arrival locations, as they may vary based on the specific route and schedule.

Bus companies

The bus ride from Houston to Austin takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes. There are several bus companies that offer this route, including:

Vonlane

The buses operated by Vonlane offer a range of amenities, including tables, snacks, and comfortable seats. They also provide direct bus services from Austin to Houston, with buses departing every four hours.

FlixBus

FlixBus offers an affordable option for travelling between Houston and Austin, with tickets starting at $22.49. Their buses are equipped with comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Additionally, FlixBus prioritises sustainability and eco-friendliness in their operations. They have multiple bus stations in both Houston and Austin, providing convenience and flexibility for passengers.

Greyhound

Greyhound is a well-known bus company with a presence in Houston. While specific details about their Houston-Austin route are not readily available, they are a popular option for bus travel across the United States.

Longhorn Charter Bus

Longhorn Charter Bus is a Houston-based company that offers charter bus and minibus rentals for a variety of occasions. They cater to corporate events, field trips, sports events, and private celebrations. Their buses can accommodate different group sizes, ranging from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger charter buses.

Continental Charters

Continental Charters is a family-owned and operated charter bus company based in Houston. They have been serving the Houston area for nearly two decades and cover destinations across Texas, including Austin. Their deluxe motor coaches offer various amenities, such as reclining seats, entertainment systems, and onboard restrooms.

Houston Charter Bus Company

Houston Charter Bus Company provides charter bus and minibus rentals for groups of travellers. They offer customised shuttle solutions and partner directly with bus providers and professional bus drivers in the Houston metro area. Their services are ideal for corporate events, school field trips, sports teams, and wedding shuttles.

Luggage allowance

When travelling by bus from Houston to Austin, it's important to be aware of the luggage allowance. Each bus company has its own set of guidelines, so it's crucial to check their policies in advance to avoid any issues. Here is a detailed overview of the luggage allowance for different bus companies operating on this route:

FlixBus

FlixBus allows each passenger to bring one carry-on item and one checked bag. They don't specify a weight limit, but they do mention that the checked bag should not exceed 50 pounds. The carry-on item should be small enough to fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. FlixBus also offers the option to bring your bike on board, but this is subject to availability and may require an additional fee.

RedCoach

RedCoach has a similar policy to FlixBus, allowing one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. They specify that the carry-on bag should not exceed 25 pounds in weight and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. The checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and should not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height).

Greyhound

Greyhound allows passengers to bring one piece of checked baggage, with a weight limit of 50 pounds, and one carry-on bag, which should fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. They also allow passengers to bring additional items, such as a briefcase, purse, or small bag of food, as long as it doesn't exceed 25 pounds and can be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat.

Megabus

Megabus also follows a similar policy, allowing one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. The carry-on bag should be small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, and the checked bag should not exceed 50 pounds in weight.

It's important to note that these policies may change or be updated, so it's always a good idea to check the bus company's website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

Frequently asked questions