San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX train with Amtrak

Fri, Jul 31
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX

Showing times and prices for Jul 31

Cheapest price

$135

Average price

$135

Fastest journey

15 h 37 m

Average duration

15 h 37 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

249 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Marcos, TX to Houston, 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 Houston, TX will cost around $135 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $135.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX without transferring at least once.

  • Amtrak
    7:33 PM15h37
    San Marcos, TX
    11:10 AMHouston, TX
    $1351One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $157.

Distance: 154 miles (249 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$71

Average price

Cheapest

$93

Average price

$340

Average price

$34

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 54m

Average total duration

7h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 48m

Average total duration

5h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 43m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

2h 41m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX is a train with an average price of $71.

This is compared to other travel options from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX:

A train is $22 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX costing on average $93.

A train is $269 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX costing on average $340.

The fastest way to travel from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 43m.

Other travel options to Houston, TX take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 18m.

Train takes on average 7h 24m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Marcos, TX and Houston, TX including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $71 compared to roughly $34 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-36.49. The journey takes 7h 24m versus 2h 41m 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.

Compare prices and tickets San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Fri
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $65 but you can travel from only $46 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 19:33, the last at 20:53. The fastest train covers the 154 miles (249 km) distance in 13h 42m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $46
Distance
154 miles (249 km)
Average train duration
7h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$65
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
13h 42m
First train
7:33 PM
Last train
8:53 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $46

Train companies: Amtrak from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Marcos, TX and Houston, TX from $46. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 42m
Cheapest Price
$65
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Houston, TX

Things to do in Houston, TX

Discover the best of Houston, TX — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Houston, TX trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

One of America’s top fine arts museums, spanning antiquity to modern works. A must for major collections, architecture, and rotating exhibitions.

  • Must visit

Space Center Houston

Premier space museum with spacecraft, simulators, and NASA history. Essential for understanding Houston’s link to human spaceflight.

  • Must visit

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Large natural science museum known for dinosaurs, gems, and immersive displays. A family favorite with broad appeal and strong exhibits.

United States dollar ($)

Moderate for U.S. cities: hotels vary widely, dining is reasonable, and car-based transit can add costs for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-18 for fast food or casual spots.
Mid-range
$20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$75+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
$3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts.

FAQs: Trains from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Marcos, TX to Houston, 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 Houston, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $65, while the average price is around $71.
The train from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX takes 13h 42m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX is 154 miles (249 km).
The first train from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX leaves at 7:33 PM.
The last train from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX leaves at 8:53 PM.
There is no high speed train available from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX.
There is no direct train service currently available from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX.
The train station in San Marcos, TX that goes to Houston, TX is San Marcos Station, San Marcos, TX, which connects to Houston Station, Houston, TX.
The cheapest way to get from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX is by bus, with a cost of around $46.
The train journey from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX primarily passes through urban and suburban areas, with views of small towns and countryside landscapes, but it is not typically considered scenic compared to routes with notable natural landmarks.
A day trip from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX is not feasible due to the travel duration of 13h 42m and a distance of 154 miles (249 km). The trip frequency is 2 per day for trains.
In Houston, TX, you can visit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, explore vibrant street art in the Houston Heights, and enjoy performances at the Houston Symphony. Discover the culinary scene with a food tour, and catch a baseball game at Minute Maid Park. For sights, explore Space Center Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy outdoor activities at Buffalo Bayou Park with its trails and gardens.
To fully experience Houston, TX, including its cultural attractions, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, spending three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX.
Since neither San Marcos, TX nor Houston, TX are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Houston, TX include Beaumont, TX.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Houston, TX, travelers should be cautious of common urban safety concerns such as petty theft, pickpocketing, and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Scams to watch out for include fake ticket sellers, overcharging by unofficial taxi or ride-share drivers, and street vendors offering counterfeit goods. Staying in well-lit areas, using authorized transportation, and securing personal belongings can help minimize risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX

Most San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX trains use the San Marcos Station to Houston Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Marcos, TX and Houston, TX train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in San Marcos
Arrival train stations in Houston

Which San Marcos, TX station do trains to Houston, TX leave from?

Trains from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX leave from San Marcos Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from San Marcos, TX city centre at 338 S Guadalupe St & San Marcos Intermodal Station, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
San Marcos Station338 S Guadalupe St & San Marcos Intermodal Station, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA+1 800-872-7245ParkingDiningAccessibilityWC

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 San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Houston, TXSan Marcos, TX to Houston, TX train

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