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Austin, TX, USA to San Marcos, TX, USA from $5: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Austin, United States of America
to
San Marcos, United States of America

How to Get from Austin to San Marcos: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$5 by carBest price
50 kmDistance
32m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Austin to San Marcos with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$1-65
Recommended
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
32m
Estimated price
$5-9
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 50 km
Duration: 32m

See more options

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$5-35
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
32m
Estimated price
$100-130
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Traveling From Austin to San Marcos

The journey from Austin to San Marcos offers you a shift from the vibrant city life known for its music and culture to a charming town with scenic rivers and tranquil parks.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Marcos

San Marcos features diverse neighborhoods that cater to various tastes and activities.

Downtown San Marcos
• Vibrant local shops and eateries abound.
• Host to lively festivals and events year-round.
Riverwalk District
• Scenic views along the San Marcos River.
• Ideal for kayaking, tubing, and picnicking.
Sessom Creek
• Peaceful residential vibe with lush greenery.
• Close to Texas State University, attracting students and visitors.

Best Times To Visit San Marcos's Attractions

Timing your visit can significantly enhance your San Marcos experience.

San Marcos River
Visit early mornings or weekdays for a quieter, relaxing atmosphere.
Outlet Malls
Shop during weekday afternoons to enjoy less crowded aisles.
Wonder World Cave
Explore in the late afternoon for a cooler, less busy tour.

San Marcos Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Marcos enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal times to visit. Understanding the weather patterns can help you plan your outdoor activities and ensure a comfortable travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Marcos

For a true taste of San Marcos, try the locally celebrated restaurant, The Root Cellar Cafe, where fresh farm-to-table dishes highlight the region’s local ingredients. Unlike Austin's bustling food scene, this eatery provides a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that emphasizes comfort food with a twist, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of Texas.

Austin - San Marcos operators

Explore transport companies operating between Austin and San Marcos, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Austin to San Marcos Amtrak

Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$1-65
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from Downtown Austin to San Marcos

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$5-35
Taxi
Contact phone
+1-512-452-9999
Website
http://yellowcabaustin.com

Taxi from Austin to San Marcos

Average Duration
32m
Estimated price
$100-130
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 512-796-6059

Other from Austin to San Marcos

Average Duration
32m
Estimated price
$100-130
Contact phone
+1 512-836-4900
Website
http://lonestarcabaustin.com

Other from Austin to San Marcos

Average Duration
32m
Estimated price
$100-130

Other from Austin to San Marcos

Average Duration
32m
Estimated price
$5-9

Austin to San Marcos: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Austin and San Marcos offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Austin to San Marcos, covering a distance of 31 miles. The smooth drive takes around 32 minutes, making it a convenient day trip option for travelers. 💰 Enjoy cost-effective travel options, with prices ranging from $5 to $9 for the trip by car. This budget-friendly excursion allows you to explore the charming town of San Marcos without breaking the bank.
Average price
$5 - $9
🚆 The journey from Austin to San Marcos by train is a convenient and efficient way to travel, with services departing once daily and taking approximately 42 minutes. 🚆 Upon boarding the Amtrak train at Austin station, passengers can relax and enjoy the scenic route as they make their way to San Marcos Amtrak station, covering a distance of about 39.6 miles. 🚆 Ticket prices for the train ride between Austin and San Marcos can range from $1 to $65, offering travelers a comfortable and stress-free transportation option to reach their destination in a timely manner.
Departure Point
Austin station
Arrival Point
San Marcos Amtrak station
🚌 Traveling from Austin to San Marcos by bus is a convenient option with services departing three times a day and taking approximately 50 minutes. 🛣️ The route covers a distance of around 40 miles, offering multiple options for travelers via different bus agencies such as Flixbus USA and Capital Area Rural Transportation System. 💲 Ticket prices for the bus journey between Austin and San Marcos can range from $5 to $35, providing an affordable and efficient transportation choice for those looking to explore these Texan cities.
Departure Point
Downtown Austin station
Arrival Point
San Marcos station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at the Downtown Austin station early to ensure you have enough time to board the Flixbus; it can get crowded during peak travel times.
• Keep an eye on your phone for the Flixbus app notifications on arrivals and schedules, as real-time updates can help you track your bus and any potential delays.
• Upon arrival at the San Marcos station, look for the covered waiting area right next to the bus drop-off; this is where you can find local transportation options and dining nearby, such as the popular Chick-fil-A at the nearby Shopping Center.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Austin to San Marcos.

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The distance between Austin and San Marcos is 29 miles or 31 miles by road. Each mode of transportation offers its own advantages and considerations, so it's important to choose the option that best fits your needs and preferences.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Austin to San Marcos is by driving. It takes approximately 32 minutes and costs between $5 and $9. Another fast option is to take a taxi, which also takes 32 minutes, but the cost ranges from $100 to $130. These two options provide the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities.
When traveling from Austin to San Marcos the prices for a train ticket can range from $1 to $65. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from San Marcos to Austin can vary from $5 to $35. It is recommended to check the specific prices and schedules with the respective transportation providers for accurate and up-to-date information.
To get from Austin to San Marcos without using public transportation, you can drive. The driving distance between the two cities is 31 miles, and it takes approximately 32 minutes to drive from Austin to San Marcos. The cost of renting a car varies but is generally around $5 to $9.
To travel from Austin to San Marcos without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey typically takes around 42 minutes and the ticket prices range from $1 to $65, depending on the type of train and seating. This is a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation to reach San Marcos from Austin without the need for a car.
Yes, there is a direct link between Austin and San Marcos. You can travel between the two cities by train or bus. The train journey takes approximately 42 minutes, with services departing once daily. The bus journey takes around 50 minutes and operates three times a day. Both modes of transportation provide convenient options for traveling between Austin and San Marcos.
There are numerous hotels available near San Marcos. With over 248+ options to choose from, you will have a wide variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Prices for hotels in San Marcos start at $42 per night, providing affordable options for travelers. Whether you prefer luxury resorts or budget-friendly motels, you will find plenty of choices to stay near San Marcos.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Austin to San Marcos by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is 29 miles, and it typically takes an average cyclist around 2 hours to complete the route. The route is fairly straightforward and can be done on public roads or through bike-friendly paths, if available.