Houston, TX to Austin bus

Buses from Houston to Austin

How far is Austin from Houston? If you are traveling by bus, your journey will actually include a stop in San Antonio before arriving in Austin, Texas. The fastest bus route completes this journey in just about 5h 45min. There are four departures to choose from each day, with the earliest departure leaving from Austin about 6:30 a.m. The final departure of the day leaves around 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Houston around 11:45 p.m.

How long is the journey by bus from Houston to Austin?

The fastest bus from Houston to Austin will take about 5h 45min to complete the journey. This is the 5:30 p.m. departure, arriving in Austin at approximately 11:45 p.m. The second-fastest bus departs around 11:30 a.m. and completes the journey in about 9h 30min for a 9:00 p.m. arrival in Austin. Both of these buses require one change in San Antonio, with a 40min layover for the fastest route.

How many buses are there from Houston to Austin?

There are four buses per day from Houston to Austin, with the earliest departure at 6:30 a.m. and the final departure at 5:30 p.m. Both of these options involve one stop in San Antonio for a connection. There is also an option that departs at 6:30 a.m. with one stop in Waco and a second stop in Austin before reaching the arrival station. Another option is the 11:30 a.m. departure that arrives in Austin around 9:00 p.m. after a 9h 30min journey.

Houston City Bike. Source: Shutterstock

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Houston to Austin?

Departure bus station: The departure station for this route is Houston Bus Station, located about 2 miles (3 km) south of Houston city centre. It is connected to several public transit options that you can use for travel throughout Houston. You can ride the Houston public transit - METRORail and METRO buses - to and from the station in about 10min, running every 30min. This station offers ticketing counters, restrooms, vending machines, and a waiting area for travelers.

Arrival bus station: The arrival station for this route is Austin Bus Station, located about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of the Austin city centre. You can ride the Austin public transit - Capital Metro - to and from the station in about 40min, running every 10min. This station offers ticketing counters, restrooms, vending machines, and a waiting area for travelers.

Which bus companies travel from Houston to Austin?

The bus company operating travel between Houston and Austin is Greyhound Lines, which serves nearly 4,000 locations across North America. It is based in Dallas, Texas, fairly close to the two cities in this route. They are the largest bus company in the United States, and the only company operating this route. Greyhound operates many of its own stations, including the stations serving as departure and arrival stations on this journey. In total, Greyhound operates 230 stations throughout North America.

Houston Lights. Source: Shutterstock

To Austin by bus—travel tips

How far is Austin from Houston? With just about 150 miles (240 km) separating these legendary Texas cities, this journey is well worth your time. Austin is the capital city of Texas, with a capitol building that is actually taller than the capitol building of the United States in Washington, D.C. With a combination of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and bustling entertainment and nightlife, Austin has something for every traveler who is lucky enough to walk its streets.

Take a stroll along the Lady Bird Lake trail, paddle through Zilker metropolitan park, or hike up Mount Bonnell. Head over to the South Congress District for some retail therapy, and to learn why the unofficial motto of this city is "Keep Austin Weird." This is also a great place for you to grab some food and refuel, as SoCo has many of the top restaurants in the city.

Considering Austin is a culinary hotspot and quickly attracting the top chefs in America, that is high praise. For a fun-filled night, or maybe just some quality people-watching, make your way to Sixth Street for a district filled with bars and restaurants that keep the party going well into the night.

Greyhound Houston to Austin

There are four Greyhound buses per day from Houston to Austin, with the earliest departure at 6:30 a.m. and the final departure at 5:30 p.m. Both of these options involve one stop in San Antonio for a connection. There is also an option that departs at 6:30 a.m. with one stop in Waco and a second stop in Austin before reaching the arrival station.

Another option is the 11:30 a.m. departure that arrives in Austin around 9:00 p.m. after a 9h 30min journey. Greyhound operates all of these buses, along with the departure and arrival stations they utilize. The departure station for this route is Houston Bus Station, located about 2 miles (3 km) south of Houston city centre and solely operated and available for Greyhound Lines. You can ride the Houston public transit - METRORail and METRO buses - to and from the station in about 10min, running every 30min.

The arrival station for this route is another Greyhound Station - Austin Bus Station - located about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of the Austin city centre. You can ride the Austin public transit - Capital Metro - to and from the station in about 40min, running every 10min. Both stations offer ticketing counters, restrooms, vending machines, and a waiting area for travelers.

Houston to Austin Bus: Services on Board

There is free Wi-Fi available for all travelers on board each Greyhound bus. There are also personal charging outlets on each seat to ensure your devices stay powered throughout the journey. Each seat is a reclining leather seat that you can adjust for comfort, whether you are looking to take in the views passing by or take a quick nap. Greyhound buses are unique because they do not have any middle seats - each seat is either a window or an aisle.

There are restrooms on board each bus. For luggage, you can choose to store items beneath the bus or in the overhead storage. The overhead storage racks are reserved for smaller items, typically those you want to access during the journey itself. Larger items must be stored beneath the bus. You can store up to three bags or pieces of luggage beneath the bus, and one item above you in the overhead storage. You can bring larger items such as bikes, golf clubs, or skis on your trip, though you will need to pay an oversize baggage fee and keep them under the bus.

Strollers and car seats are also allowed to be stored beneath the bus during travel, and you will not need to pay an additional fee for these items. Travelers with disabilities can arrange support on their journey by contacting Greyhound in advance for assistance throughout the trip.

Whether you need assistance in boarding the bus, help with loading your luggage, or use a wheelchair or scooter to get around, reach out to Greyhound before your journey to ensure that support can be available along every stage of your journey. Animals and pets are not allowed on Greyhound buses, except guide dogs with proper and current documentation.