- Must visit
LBJ Presidential Library
Large presidential library and museum covering Lyndon B. Johnson’s life, civil rights era, and major moments in U.S. history.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$11
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$12
Fastest journey on Sep 15
35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
46 m
Buses on Sep 15
5
Distance
47 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 5 buses from San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX, including 5 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 47 km distance in an average of 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 1 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $13 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 1h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, while a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 29 miles (47 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$13 Average price Cheapest | $18 Average price | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 19m Average total duration Fastest 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX costing on average $18 (€14).
Other travel options to Austin, TX take longer:
Train takes on average 55m.
Tickets start at around $13 (€10) compared to roughly $7 (€6) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.00 (€-4.87). The journey takes 49m versus 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Valley Transit | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
The table below shows live departures for San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:40 AM San Marcos | 0h35 | 9:15 AM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:40 AM San Marcos | 0h55 | 9:35 AM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:50 AM San Marcos | 0h35 | 11:25 AM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:50 AM San Marcos | 1h00 | 11:50 AM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:05 PM San Marcos | 0h40 | 7:45 PM Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza), TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:10 PM San Marcos | 0h40 | 7:50 PM Austin, South Congress Transit Center, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:10 PM San Marcos | 1h00 | 8:10 PM Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX run on average 8 times per day, taking around 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:40, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 29 miles (47 km) distance in 35m.
Distance 29 miles (47 km) |
Average bus duration 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 7:40 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Austin, TX — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Austin, TX trip today.
Large presidential library and museum covering Lyndon B. Johnson’s life, civil rights era, and major moments in U.S. history.
Respected university museum with changing exhibitions spanning ancient art to modern works in a thoughtfully designed setting.
Texas history museum with artifacts, films, and broad exhibits on the state’s people, culture, and defining events.
Scenic reservoir and trail corridor in central Austin, popular for walking, skyline views, kayaking, and outdoor relaxation.
Austin’s famous live music street mixes historic venues, neon signs, nightlife energy, and classic downtown atmosphere.
Beloved swimming hole and green park, perfect for cooling off, picnics, and enjoying one of Austin’s signature outdoor spaces.
Central Texas-style brisket is oak-smoked for hours until tender, with a peppery bark. Austin is one of the country's best cities for this barbecue tradition.
Beef sausage links with coarse-ground meat and smoky seasoning are a Texas barbecue staple, commonly served by the pound with pickles and onions.
Breakfast tacos are flour or corn tortillas filled with eggs, potatoes, beans, bacon, or chorizo. They are an everyday Austin morning ritual.
Legendary casual barbecue spot famed for smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage. Expect lines, picnic tables, and a classic Austin experience.
Refined Japanese-Texas tasting menu restaurant with polished service and a nationally known fine-dining reputation.
Iconic Tex-Mex restaurant known for queso, enchiladas, and strong margaritas in a lively, long-running Austin setting.
Moderate for U.S. city trips: hotels can be pricey in peak times, dining is varied, and transit is limited so rideshares or car hire can add cost.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee if there is table or bar service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Austin, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Marcos, TX to Austin, TX buses use the San Marcos, S Guadalupe St (San Marcos Station) to Austin, South Congress Transit Center station pair, with some services arriving at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd. Use this guide to compare San Marcos, TX and Austin, TX bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Marcos, S Guadalupe St (San Marcos Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Nearby eateries available within walking distance.
Wi-Fi is available at San Marcos, S Guadalupe St (San Marcos Station). ATMs are available at San Marcos, S Guadalupe St (San Marcos Station).
Ticket office support is available at San Marcos, S Guadalupe St (San Marcos Station).
Available at San Marcos, S Guadalupe St (San Marcos Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Marcos, S Guadalupe St (San Marcos Station): Wheelchair accessible bus stops.
Austin, South Congress Transit Center is 5 km from Austin city centre. Public transport options include:
Austin, South Congress Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center. ATMs are available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center.
Ticket office support is available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center.
Available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center: The station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd. ATMs are available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd.
Ticket office support is available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd.
Available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd: Bus stop accessible from the road.
Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) is 4 km from Austin city centre. Public transport options include:
Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza). ATMs are available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza).
Ticket office support is available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza).
Available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need