- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
One of the largest art museums in the United States, with major collections spanning antiquity to contemporary works across multiple campus buildings.
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 $66. 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 $66, and a flight costs an average of $159.
Distance: 154 miles (249 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $94 Average price | $344 Average price | $35 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX:
A train is $23 (€18) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX costing on average $94 (€76).
A train is $272 (€221) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX costing on average $344 (€279).
Other travel options to Houston, TX take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 18m.
Train takes on average 7h 24m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€58) compared to roughly $35 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-36.96 (€-29.92). 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.
The table below shows live departures for San Marcos, TX to Houston, TX trains for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited | 8:08 PM San Marcos Station, San Marcos, TX | 15h02 | 11:10 AM Houston Station, Houston, TX | 1 transfer | |
421 Texas Eagle · 2 Sunset Limited | 8:08 PM San Marcos Station, San Marcos, TX | 15h02 | 11:10 AM Houston Station, Houston, TX | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 $66 (€54) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) 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.
Distance 154 miles (249 km) |
Average train duration 7h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€54) |
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 |
Discover the best of Houston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Houston trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the United States, with major collections spanning antiquity to contemporary works across multiple campus buildings.
A leading science museum known for dinosaur halls, gems and minerals, space science, and popular special exhibitions.
A celebrated free museum with an outstanding collection of modern, surrealist, Byzantine, and tribal art in a quiet campus setting.
A signature urban park with trails, skyline views, public art, and bayou scenery popular for walking, cycling, and photography.
A major central park beside the Museum District, offering gardens, paths, water features, and broad appeal for all visitors.
A dense cultural area that brings together many of the city's leading museums, parks, and walkable attractions.
Slow-smoked beef brisket with a peppery bark, central to Texas barbecue and a must-try in Houston.
Grilled skirt steak served with tortillas and toppings; Houston helped popularize Tex-Mex fajitas across the country.
Soft tacos filled with eggs, potatoes, beans, or bacon, reflecting Houston's everyday Tex-Mex breakfast culture.
Classic upscale steakhouse known for prime beef, polished service, and a traditional fine-dining experience.
Widely respected barbecue spot known for expertly smoked brisket, ribs, and classic Texas sides in a casual setting.
Established regional Mexican restaurant offering refined cooking, strong beverage program, and an elegant Montrose atmosphere.
Houston is moderate for U.S. cities: food and transport are reasonable, while hotels vary by area and season.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff.
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.

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