The cheapest and fastest trains from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
46 m
Average duration
46 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
47 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 3 trains that leave Austin, TX for San Marcos, TX on Sat, Jun 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 27 the direct trains cover the 47 km distance in an average of 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 46 m .
On Sat, Jun 27 the slowest trains will take 46 m 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.
1:42 AM0h46Austin, TX2:28 AMSan Marcos, TX$141One-way0 transfers
1:22 AM0h46Austin, TX2:08 AMSan Marcos, TX$161One-way0 transfers
12:22 AM0h46Austin, TX1:08 AMSan Marcos, TX$161One-way0 transfers
1:22 AM0h46Austin, TX2:08 AMSan Marcos, TX$161One-way0 transfers
12:22 AM0h46Austin, TX1:08 AMSan Marcos, TX$161One-way0 transfers
1:42 AM0h46Austin, TX2:28 AMSan Marcos, TX$141One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $11.
Distance: 29 miles (47 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$14 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 16m Average total duration 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX:
A bus is $0.71 (€0.58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX costing on average $14 (€11).
Other travel options to San Marcos, TX take longer:
Bus takes on average 46m.
Tickets start at around $14 (€11) compared to roughly $7 (€5) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.02 (€-5.75). The journey takes 44m versus 37m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX train times
The table below shows live departures for Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 Texas Eagle | 7:22 PM Austin Station, Austin, TX | 0h46 | 8:08 PM San Marcos Station, San Marcos, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
421 Texas Eagle | 7:22 PM Austin Station, Austin, TX | 0h46 | 8:08 PM San Marcos Station, San Marcos, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 12:22 AM Austin, TX | 0h46 | 1:08 AM San Marcos, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:22 AM Austin, TX | 0h46 | 2:08 AM San Marcos, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:42 AM Austin, TX | 0h46 | 2:28 AM San Marcos, TX | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX by train or bus
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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX
Trains from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX run on average 1 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:20, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 29 miles (47 km) distance in 46m.
Distance 29 miles (47 km) |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 46m |
First train 8:20 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Austin, TX and San Marcos, TX from $9 (€7). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Marcos, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX
Most Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX trains use the Austin Station to San Marcos Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Austin, TX and San Marcos, TX train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Austin, TX station do trains to San Marcos, TX leave from?
Getting to Austin Station from Austin city centre
Austin Station is 1 km from Austin city centre. Public transport options include:
Austin Station train station facilities and services
Austin Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Austin Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Austin Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Austin Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Austin Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin Station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Driskill, Hotel Ella, Hyatt House Austin/Downtown.
Which San Marcos, TX station do trains from Austin, TX arrive at?
San Marcos Station train station facilities and services
San Marcos Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and WC.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at San Marcos Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Marcos Station: Parking, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Marcos Station.
More options for your journey from Austin, TX to San Marcos, TX
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

