Wanderu Logo
Canada flag
  • Canada
$
Log in
background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Austin to Houston bus

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Helpful info about taking the bus from Austin to Houston

  • There is no non-stop Amtrak service from Austin to Houston. Traveling by train on this route requires a transfer between trains in San Antonio. Since there aren’t any direct train trips, the bus is likely your best option if you want to get from Austin to Houston without a car.

    • Austin to Houston bus ticket prices do not see large fluctuations because several bus companies compete to keep prices low for travelers. You can find tickets from FlixBus, MegaBus, Greyhound, RedCoach, and Tornado Bus for about $25 on average. If you’re lucky, you can score Megabus tickets for as little as $1, and even last-minute tickets are rarely more expensive than $38.

    • Ticket prices for buses and trains vary depending on when you book and when you travel. To find the cheapest way from Austin to Houston, search on Wanderu and easily compare prices of multiple modes, days, carriers, and more. Prices tend to climb the closer you get to the departure date, so book in advance to get the cheapest bus tickets possible.

    • Traveling from Austin to Houston typically takes around 3 hours by bus, which is comparable to the time it would take to drive yourself. Either way, the journey relies on traffic conditions for an on-time arrival.

    • Buses from Austin to Houston are perfect for solo travelers. The main bus stations in both cities are in popular areas of downtown, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Plus, since there are no stops on most Austin to Houston bus routes, you’re traveling with the same people for the duration of the trip.

    • Many travelers from Austin to Houston aim to visit Space Center Houston on their trip, but there are no buses or shuttles directly to Space Center Houston. Luckily, after you arrive in downtown Houston from Austin, you can easily get an Uber or local transit bus from downtown Houston to the Space Center about 25 miles outside the city center.

Austin to Houston Bus Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$41.12

Bus from Austin to Houston: Journey Information

There are 27 intercity buses per day from Austin to Houston. Traveling by bus from Austin to Houston usually takes around 3 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest RedCoach Business bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance146 mi (235 km)
Shortest duration2h 25m
Cheapest price$27.40
Trips per day27
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines6

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Austin to Houston

(Based on 17 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Tunu

September 29, 2024- Vacation

FlixBus US

Pros: Was good and friendly driver. Cons: Appreciate. Tips: Use flixbus.

5.0

Don

May 15, 2022- Visiting family

RedCoach Business

Pros: The bus driver is very professional. Cons: Nothing to suggest.

5.0

Miles

April 13, 2022- Visiting family

RedCoach Business

Pros: Affordable and reliable. Quiet atmosphere so I could just sleep the entire ride. No stops and chill customers. Cons: Being in time - but, hey, can’t do anything about traffic, right? Really no complaints. Tips: Have ID ready.

5.0

Idam

March 17, 2022- Business

RedCoach Business

Great service

5.0

Genevieve

March 8, 2022- Solo travel

RedCoach Business

My lean back lever was broken

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Austin to Houston?

Snag a sweet deal on bus tickets from Austin to Houston, averaging just $30.28, a steal compared to other bus fares. Want to save even more? Lock in your plans at least 29 days before your trip. If you’re the spontaneous type and can only book a ticket on the day of your adventure, be ready to shell out an extra estimated $26.32.

Average bus ticket prices from Austin to Houston by travel date

$62$41$21OctOct

If you're planning to travel by bus from Austin to Houston in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $29 to $48. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 22, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to Houston this week, bus tickets are available starting at $34.

Average bus ticket prices from Austin to Houston by month

$69$55$41$27$14NDJFMAMJJASO
Grabbing a one-way bus ticket from Austin to Houston will cost you between about $30.28 and $48, with the most budget-friendly option at around $29. Looking to save some extra bucks? Plan ahead and secure your ticket well in advance to avoid any last-minute price bumps.

Prices as travel date approaches

$69$55$41$27$143020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $26.32 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Austin to Houston?

There are 6 bus lines from Austin to Houston available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 23 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US233h 8m$41.13
Greyhound16h 15m$125.93
RedCoach Business23h 32m$53.13
RedCoach Economy12h 53m$68.70
RedCoach First Class12h 28m$63.43
Tornado Bus13h 13m$89.09

  • FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 23 trips per day from Austin to Houston, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 1 bus trips from Austin to Houston every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Houston usually start from $95.

  • Book RedCoach Business from Austin to Houston from $34. There are 2 RedCoach Business schedules from Austin to Houston and you can expect on average to pay for a RedCoach Business ticket to Houston. In Austin, RedCoach Business departs to Houston from 516 E 5th St and no other station. In Houston, RedCoach Business arrives at 904 Dallas St and no other station.

    An average trip on RedCoach Business from Austin to Houston takes 3 hours and 32 minutes , while the fastest available RedCoach Business trip will get you to Houston in 2 hours and 25 minutes .

    On weekends, RedCoach Business offers 3 trips per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Houston.

  • Book RedCoach Economy from Austin to Houston from $69. There are 1 RedCoach Economy schedules from Austin to Houston and you can expect on average to pay for a RedCoach Economy ticket to Houston. In Austin, RedCoach Economy departs to Houston from 516 E 5th St and no other station. In Houston, RedCoach Economy arrives at 904 Dallas St and no other station.

    An average trip on RedCoach Economy from Austin to Houston takes 2 hours and 53 minutes , while the fastest available RedCoach Economy trip will get you to Houston in 2 hours and 25 minutes .

  • RedCoach offers a premium travel option called First Class, emphasizing quality and comfort for passengers. The transportation company operates primarily in Texas and has a modern fleet with features such as air conditioning, extra legroom, and 21-inch wide reclining seats. First Class buses also offer restrooms, complimentary WiFi, and power outlets for device charging during the journey.

  • Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Austin to Houston

There are four different bus carriers that operate between Austin and Houston:

  • Greyhound offers at least two trips per day, and average about 3 hours of driving time. Greyhound bus tickets cost around $18.

  • Megabus offers at least five trips per day, and average about 3 hours of driving time. Megabus tickets cost around $16, but you may be able to find a ticket for as low as $1.

  • El Expreso Bus offers at least three trips per day, and average about 16 hours of driving time. El Expreso does not offer direct routes, and tickets cost around $50.

  • Tornado Bus offers at least six trips per day, and average about 15 hours of driving time. Tornado Bus does not offer direct routes, and tickets cost around $50.

The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 8 minutes to cover the 235 kilometers from Austin to Houston. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 25 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Houston. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Austin to Houston, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 27 scheduled buses that travel from Austin to Houston every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Austin to Houston without transferring.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Austin to Houston; ticket prices start at $53.45.

City Information

Austin

Austin, TX - AUS-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Austin, TX - AUS-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Austin, TX - AUS-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State and one of the best vacation destinations in Texas. Known as Texas’s “weird” city, Austin is famous for being the southern mecca for the arts. In addition to being a hot spot for both emerging and established artists from Texas and the surrounding states, Austin is well known for its eclectic live music scene. In addition, the University of Texas’ main campus is located in Austin, which makes the city a popular destination for young people from all over the world, keeping it vibrant at all times. It’s no surprise that it ranks among the top party cities in the U.S.

While you’re in town, make sure to stop by the hip South Congress neighborhood to shop at the trendy boutiques and grab some grub at the authentically Austin restaurants. Since Austin is one of the best craft beer cities in the country, you won’t regret checking out some of the local breweries too. After that, head over to Lady Bird Lake and rent a kayak for a relaxing paddling session on the water, or simply go for a walk on the picturesque Hike & Bike Trail. Finally, spend the night bar hopping along the pedestrian-only Sixth Street.

While the Austin airport is located on the outskirts of the city, the main train station is right in the heart of downtown. Similarly, the two bus stations that serve Austin are located close to the city center, making ground transportation the more convenient way to travel in and out of town.

Houston

Houston, TX - HOU-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, TX - HOU-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, TX - HOU-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.

As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Austin?

Bus Terminal - 916 E Koenig Ln - AUSGLI-0

Image credit: leyla.a

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Eastside Bus Plz

Travelers to and from the capital of Texas will likely stop through the bus station at 916 E Koenig Lane. Located in Austin’s quaint North Loop neighborhood, and with close proximity to several main highways, this station serves bus trips from both Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. The station has a comfortable seating area inside, along with restrooms and vending machines for on-the-go snacks. Takeout restaurants, coffeeshops, and a range of stores surround the station for those seeking heartier food options before or after their bus trip.

All bus stations in Austin:

  • Eastside Bus Plz

  • Downtown Austin

  • South Congress - 710 E Ben White Blvd.

  • 516 E 5th St

  • 711 E Ben White Blvd

Where does the bus arrive in Houston?

Main arrival station: Downtown - 605 Gray St

Buses arrive in Houston at 6 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

Bus stations in Houston:

  • Downtown - 605 Gray St

  • 2525 Southwest Fwy (Timewise/Shell gas station lot)

  • 904 Dallas St

  • Greyhound Terminal Bus Station

  • Tornado Bus Station - Lockwood

  • Tornado Bus Station - Airport

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Houston by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Related reading

Need a return trip from Houston to Austin?

Search Bus Tickets
0

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.