Houston to Austin Airport Shuttle
Round Trips Save You 10%
How is Your Service Different?
- Any Address - We pick up and drop off at your home, business, hotel or any airport.
- Better - most rides are non-stop and no sharing in a Nice Car, SUV or Shuttle.
- Flexible - we pick you up on your schedule 24/7. It's also always free to change the date or time if your flight changes.
- Safer - we don't leave you at a bus stop, and all our drivers go through nationwide fingerprint background checks.
- Faster - most rides take half the time, because it's just you in the vehicle. No need to stop and wait everywhere.
- Convenient - Door to Door means no need to arrange or pay for a Taxi or Lyft to get home.
- Affordable - once you add it all up, it's the same price or less than other shared ride shuttles for two or more people, or less than Uber with just one person.
Our Great Company
With more than 100,000 customers and 8 years in business, Texas Shuttle LLC owns Houston to Austin Shuttle, and has shuttle drivers all over the State of Texas. Our main office is 10 minutes from DFW and Love Field in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Heading there from Houston? See our The Woodlands to Austin shuttle page for direct service.
Main Office
320 Decker Drive
Irving, TX 75062
Travel and Hospitality Award Winner - 6 Years in a Row
Testimonials and Reviews
Click here to read lots of excellent Houston to Austin Shuttle reviews.
Why Take the Bus from Houston to Austin?
Traveling between Houston and Austin by bus offers one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to move between these two major Texas cities. The approximately 163-mile journey takes you through the heart of the Lone Star State, passing through charming towns and rolling countryside. Whether you're a college student visiting UT Austin, a business traveler heading to the state capital, or a tourist exploring Texas, bus travel eliminates the stress of navigating I-10 and US-290 or dealing with parking in either city.
Bus companies like RedCoach, FlixBus, and Greyhound have invested heavily in passenger comfort, offering amenities that make the ride feel like a first-class experience. With fares that typically cost a fraction of gas and tolls for driving yourself, plus the ability to work, read, or rest during the trip, taking the bus is increasingly the smart choice for this corridor. Their buses feature spacious seating and multiple daily departures, making them ideal for travelers with flexible schedules. RedCoach stops at convenient locations throughout the Houston area, including the H-E-B Gas Station at 18611 Eastfield Dr in Webster, the Target supermarket at 16300 Southwest Fwy in Sugar Land, and their Houston stop at 808 Jefferson St. They also service the University of Houston campus at 4224 our team Luther King Blvd.
FlixBus
FlixBus has emerged as a major player in the Texas bus market, offering service from multiple Houston locations to downtown Austin. Their buses typically depart from the Greyhound station at 7000 Harrisburg Blvd or the Downtown Houston location at 605 Gray St. FlixBus is known for its extensive network, connecting Austin to 37 destinations including Dallas and San Antonio, making them a great option if you're planning a broader Texas itinerary.
Greyhound
As the most established intercity bus carrier in the United States, Greyhound offers reliable service with daily departures from their Harrisburg Boulevard station. Their network provides connections to destinations nationwide, which can be useful if you're continuing beyond Austin.
Route Details: Distance, Highways, and Travel Time
The distance between Houston and Austin by bus is approximately 162-163 miles. Depending on traffic conditions and your specific route, the journey typically takes between 2 hours and 10 minutes on the fastest services up to about 3 hours on routes with more stops.
Most buses travel along Interstate 10 West before branching off onto either US-290 West or Texas 71, depending on the carrier and final destination in Austin. If you're heading to downtown Austin, you'll likely approach via I-35, while those going to South Congress or East Austin will use different routes through the city.
The route passes through or near several notable Texas landmarks and communities. As you leave Houston, you'll travel through the Energy Corridor before the landscape transitions to the more rural areas of Waller County and Brookshire. Always check current pricing on the carrier's website.
Houston Bus Stations and Pick-Up Locations
Houston offers multiple convenient boarding locations for your Austin-bound bus:
Greyhound Houston Bus Station
Address: 7000 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011
Located in the East End neighborhood, this station serves as the primary hub for Greyhound operations in Houston. Buses board inside the station, and the facility offers basic amenities while you wait.
Downtown Houston (Gray St.)
Address: 605 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002
This convenient downtown location at the corner of Gray St and I-10 Frontage Rd offers parking lot boarding for Greyhound and FlixBus services. It's ideal for those staying in the central business district or using METRORail connections.
Windvale Center / Tidwell Transit Center
Address: 9720 Epsom Rd, Houston, TX 77093
Serving North Houston residents, this transit center boards buses at Bay A. It's a practical option for those in the Greenspoint area or near Bush Intercontinental Airport.
RedCoach Stops in the Houston Area
- Clear Lake: H-E-B Gas Station, 18611 Eastfield Dr, Webster (perfect for Space Center Houston visitors)
- Sugar Land: Target supermarket, 16300 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479
- Katy: 25108 Market Place Dr, Katy, TX 77494
- Houston (Main): 808 Jefferson St, Houston, TX 77002
- University of Houston: 4224 our team Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77004
Austin Bus Stations and Drop-Off Locations
Arriving in Austin is convenient, with multiple drop-off points serving different neighborhoods:
Austin Eastside Bus Plaza
Address: 363 Shady Lane, Austin, TX 78702
This modern facility serves as a primary arrival point, with buses boarding at Bays A, B, or C. Note that the station interior may be closed on certain holidays including Memorial Day (5/26/2025), Juneteenth (6/19/2025), and Independence Day (7/4/2025), though trips will still occur outside the building as scheduled.
Downtown Austin (9th St)
Address: 703 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78701
Located on the corner of E 9th St and I-35 Frontage Rd, this parking lot stop is ideal for those heading to the Downtown entertainment district, 6th Street, or the Austin Convention Center. Walking distance to many hotels and restaurants.
Austin South Congress
Address: 300 Radam Ln, Austin, TX 78704
Buses board at Bay H of the South Congress Transit Center. This stop serves the vibrant SoCo district, known for its music venues, eclectic shops, and trendy eateries.
UT Austin (RedCoach)
Address: Loading/Unloading zone in front of 300 W 21st St, Austin, TX
RedCoach offers direct service to the University of Texas campus, perfect for students, visiting families, or anyone attending campus events. The stop is conveniently located near the Main Building and central campus areas.
What to Expect on Board Your Houston to Austin Bus
Modern buses on this route prioritize passenger comfort with amenities that make the journey enjoyable:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your trip to check email, stream music, or navigate with maps upon arrival.
- Power Outlets: USB ports and electrical outlets at every seat ensure your devices stay charged.
- Reclining Seats: Ergonomically designed seats with ample legroom allow you to relax or take a nap.
- Climate Control: Individual air vents help you maintain your preferred temperature.
- Restroom Onboard: Most coaches include a restroom for your convenience on the 2-3 hour journey.
Baggage Policy: With FlixBus, you can bring one carry-on bag (up to 7 kg/15 lbs) and one checked bag (up to 20 kg/44 lbs) at no extra cost. RedCoach and Greyhound have similar policies, though specifics may vary—always check before boarding.
Tips for Booking Your Houston to Austin Bus
Book in Advance for the Best Rates
Bus fares fluctuate based on demand, similar to airline pricing. Booking your Houston to Austin bus ticket 1-2 weeks in advance typically yields the lowest fares. Last-minute bookings, especially during holidays or major events like SXSW or UT football weekends, can be significantly higher.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
If your schedule allows, use the carrier's flexible date search to compare prices across multiple days. Midweek travel (Tuesday through Thursday) is generally cheaper than Friday or Sunday afternoons when Houstonians head to Austin for weekend getaways.
Consider Your Houston Starting Point
Different boarding locations may have different pricing or availability. If you're near the University of Houston, the RedCoach stop there might offer better rates than downtown locations. Check all available stops in the Houston area to find the most convenient and economical option.
Look for Promotions and Discounts
Many carriers offer discount codes, student fares, or periodic promotions. Signing up for email newsletters from RedCoach, FlixBus, or Greyhound can alert you to special deals.
Houston to Austin Bus FAQ
How long does the bus take from Houston to Austin?
The fastest buses complete the trip in approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. Always check the specific carrier's website for current pricing.
Where does the bus stop in Houston?
Houston has multiple boarding locations including the Greyhound station at 7000 Harrisburg Blvd, Downtown Houston at 605 Gray St, the Tidwell Transit Center at 9720 Epsom Rd, and various RedCoach stops throughout the metro area including Webster, Sugar Land, Katy, and the University of Houston.
Where does the bus stop in Austin?
Austin drop-off points include the Austin Eastside Bus Plaza at 363 Shady Lane, Downtown Austin at 703 E 9th St (corner of E 9th and I-35 Frontage Rd), South Congress Transit Center at 300 Radam Ln, and the RedCoach stop near UT Austin at 300 W 21st St.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Yes, most carriers allow one carry-on bag (typically up to 7 kg) and one checked bag (typically up to 20 kg) at no additional charge. Space is limited, so arrive early to ensure room for larger items.
What amenities are available on board?
Modern coaches typically offer free Wi-Fi, power outlets for charging devices, reclining seats with footrests, climate control, and an onboard restroom. Whether you choose RedCoach for their premium service and convenient suburban stops, FlixBus for their extensive network and early morning departures, or Greyhound for their nationwide connections, you're guaranteed a comfortable journey through the Texas heartland
Traveling from the vibrant Uptown area of Houston to the historic University of Texas campus in Austin is a journey through some of Texas's most scenic landscapes. Our confirmed 74 trips on this route have seen everything from business travelers heading to meetings to families visiting beloved landmarks like the Alamo. The direct interstate route between these cities typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, making our door-to-door service a convenient choice.
Whether you're an early morning flyer out of Hobby Airport or a night owl landing at Austin-Bergstrom, our vehicles will be there to pick you up and whisk you away. With an average fare of around $509 and covering a distance of 165 miles, our service is designed to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Do you provide pickup and drop-off at specific locations?
Yes, we offer pickup and drop-off at your specific addresses within Houston and Austin. Just let us know your preferred locations when you book your trip.
How do you handle flight delays?
We monitor your flights and will adjust your pickup time accordingly to ensure you don't miss your connecting flight.