Cheap train tickets from Austin to San Marcos
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Austin to San Marcos. Traveling by train from Austin to San Marcos usually takes 46 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 29 mi (47 km) |
| Fastest train | 46m |
| Lowest price | $16.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Texas Eagle |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Austin to San Marcos Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Austin to San Marcos?
There are usually 17 daily bus trips available from Austin to San Marcos.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$17.08Cheaper | Avg. Price$36.27 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips17 |
Duration | Duration46m | Duration41mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Austin to San Marcos (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Austin to San Marcos:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Austin to San Marcos?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Austin to San Marcos was $16.21. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.06 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Austin to San Marcos by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Austin to San Marcos will cost between $11 and $18. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Austin to San Marcos by month
Taking the train from Austin to San Marcos usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $13 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Austin to San Marcos doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Austin to San Marcos?
Amtrak Texas Eagle is the one and only train line which connects Austin to San Marcos. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Texas Eagle | 1 | 46m | $17.08 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Austin to San Marcos
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to San Marcos with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Marcos to Austin. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Austin to San Marcos for $10.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
The distance between Austin and San Marcos is approximately 29 miles, or 47 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 46 minutes, It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to San Marcos.
Distance (mi)
29
Distance (km)
47
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Austin at 7:22pm and arrives in San Marcos within the hour.
First train
7:22pm
Last train
7:22pm
Trains from Austin to San Marcos are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Austin
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Austin?
Main departure station: 250 N Lamar Blvd
Built in 1947, the Amtrak Station in Austin is one of the stops along Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route which runs from Chicago to San Antonio and connects to Los Angeles. The station, located at 250 N Lamar Boulevard, sits near the banks of the Colorado River in downtown Austin. With just a quick walk from the station, you can reach the beautiful Ladybird Lake-Lamar Beach Park, stylish shopping and dining in the 2nd Street District, and even the state capital complex. Same-day and overnight parking is available at the station, as well as restrooms and vending machines inside.
All train stations in Austin:
- 250 N Lamar Blvd
Where is the train station in San Marcos?
Main arrival station: 338 S Guadalupe St - San Marcos Intermodal Station
San Marcos has one train station.
All train stations in San Marcos:
- 338 S Guadalupe St - San Marcos Intermodal Station
Need a return trip from San Marcos to Austin?
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