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Journey Information
There are 19 intercity buses per day from Austin to Waco. Traveling by bus from Austin to Waco usually takes around one hour and 44 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in just one hour and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 95 mi (154 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $30.35 |
| Trips per day | 20 |
| Most frequent service | Tornado Bus |
| Bus lines | 3 |
How much is a bus ticket from Austin to Waco?
$33.80 is the average price of a bus ticket from Austin to Waco. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Austin to Waco is expected to be between $35 and $43. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 1, 2024, when tickets are available for May 1, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $35.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in March. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $44 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Austin to Waco in August, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $72 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 27 days in advance to save $31.72 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Austin to Waco?
There are 3 bus lines from Austin to Waco available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 9 daily trips, Tornado Bus usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 6 | 1h 49m | $40.95 |
| Greyhound | 5 | 1h 44m | $38.83 |
| Tornado Bus | 9 | 1h 34m | $84.52 |
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 6 trips per day from Austin to Waco, 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 5 bus trips from Austin to Waco every day, with the average journey taking around 1 hours and 44 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Waco usually start from $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of one hour and 44 minutes to cover the 154 kilometers from Austin to Waco. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 25 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus trip. 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.
"Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week."
The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Austin to Waco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Austin
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
Waco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Waco lies deep in Texas' heartland, and it is one of the most culturally unique cities in the state, offering a real treat to all travelers. You might be familiar with Waco thanks to the influence of Chip & Joanna Gaines (of Fixer Upper fame). To see the Gaines' full impact on Waco, visit the Magnolia Market At The Silos, a premier shopping area for locals and tourists alike. Here you can buy plenty of unique home decor items, and you can even go picnicking with your friends on the green fields within the area!
Waco is also comparatively famous for its many antique stores, so don't hesitate to check out local favorites such as La Salle Shoppes and Junque in the Trunk. You should also consider visiting the famous Dr. Pepper Museum and exploring the secrets behind the nation's most popular soft drink.
Waco offers a wide range of culinary options for tourists. If you are into a delectable breakfast with your friends and family, check out Magnolia Table (yes, that's in Magnolia Market!). For the best BBQ dishes around, don't miss out on Jasper's BBQ.
Although train service does not go directly into Waco, you can connect to Amtrak via several intercity bus lines or simply take a bus to destinations throughout Texas and beyond. Air travel is provided by Waco Regional Airport, about 6 miles away from the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Austin?
Main departure station: 711 E Ben White Blvd
Buses to Waco leave from 4 stations in Austin.
All bus stations in Austin:
711 E Ben White Blvd
Eastside Bus Plz
South Congress - 710 E Ben White Blvd.
Downtown Austin
Where does the bus arrive in Waco?
Main arrival station: 1900 Speight Ave
Buses arrive in Waco at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Waco:
1900 Speight Ave
301 South 8th St
1020 S 5th St
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