New Braunfels Airport Shuttle
Welcome to Texas Shuttle, where your journey from New Braunfels to DFW International and Dallas Love Field is as smooth as it gets. Our door-to-door service ensures you have a stress-free trip, whether you're heading to a business meeting or a family vacation.
Located in the heart of Central Texas, New Braunfels is a charming city known for its natural beauty and historical charm. We serve various neighborhoods including downtown New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, and even extend our services to neighboring cities like Boerne and Seguin. With easy access to highways I-35 and US-290, navigating through the area becomes a breeze.
Our shuttle service is meticulously designed to meet the needs of travelers heading to DFW International Airport's terminals A, B, C, or D, as well as Dallas Love Field. We also accommodate requests for trips to Houston IAH/Hobby Airport, making your travel plans more versatile. New Braunfels to IAH airport shuttle Our experienced drivers are committed to providing a comfortable and reliable journey every time.
Do you provide door-to-door service?
Absolutely! From the comfort of your home or hotel in New Braunfels and its surrounding areas, our shuttle will pick you up and take you directly to the terminal gates at DFW International or Dallas Love Field. We understand the importance of a seamless travel experience.
What should I know about handling my luggage?
Please ensure your luggage is secure and within airline size restrictions. Our drivers are prepared to assist with loading and unloading, but it's always best to have some help on hand if possible.
How does the service handle flight delays?
We monitor your flights closely and adjust our pickup times accordingly. Rest assured that we will make every effort to sync our schedule with your travel plans.
To book your trip, simply call us at (817) 403-6196 or visit our website to reserve online. Use promo code ONLINE for a special 10% discount on round trips. Let Texas Shuttle take the hassle out of your travel plans and make your journey from New Braunfels to DFW International, Dallas Love Field, or Houston IAH/Hobby a memorable one.
New Braunfels Shuttle: Your Complete Guide to Getting Around Town
Looking for a shuttle in New Braunfels, Texas? You have more options than you might expect. The city's on-demand public transit service, Ride the Rio, operates seven days a week and can take you anywhere within New Braunfels city limits — from the shops of Historic Downtown to the tube rental outfitters along the Comal River. Add in private shuttle providers serving the region, and getting around New Braunfels without a car is easier than ever. This guide covers fares, service hours, how to book a ride, where Rio can take you, and how the service compares with other transportation options in the Comal County area.
Last updated: January 2026
Ride the Rio: New Braunfels' On-Demand Local Shuttle
Ride the Rio is the City of New Braunfels' on-demand, shared-ride transit service, operated in partnership with Via, the same technology platform behind city transit programs in dozens of U.S. cities. Think of it like a shared taxi, but better: instead of following a fixed bus route on a fixed schedule, Rio picks you up near where you are and drops you off near where you're going, combining riders headed in similar directions along the way.
Rio launched on November 18, 2025, replacing all local Alamo Regional Transit (ART) trips within New Braunfels. If you previously rode ART locally, Rio is now your service for trips inside city limits. According to the City of New Braunfels, the change was designed to provide increased flexibility and upgraded convenience for local riders.
Important Update for Alamo Regional Transit (ART) Riders
If you're a former ART rider, here's what you need to know: Rio is your new local service for travel within New Braunfels, replacing all ART local trips starting November 18, 2025. Riders who used ART for trips outside New Braunfels should contact Alamo Regional Transit directly about regional service options, since Rio's service area covers New Braunfels itself. For the latest official information, check the City of New Braunfels website (newbraunfels.gov) or the Rio page at city.ridewithvia.com.
How to Ride Rio
Getting started with Rio takes just a few minutes. There are three ways to book:
- Using the app: Download the Rio app from the App Store or Google Play, set up your account, and request a ride from your smartphone. The app shows your vehicle approaching in real time.
- By phone: Call 830-282-3413 and the Customer Support team will assist you with booking. This is also the only way to arrange pre-booked rides — all advance reservations are handled exclusively by telephone.
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles: Riders who need an accessible vehicle can request one when booking through the app or by phone.
When you request a ride, the app or phone agent will match you with a vehicle already heading your direction and give you an estimated pickup time and pickup point — typically a nearby corner or address rather than your exact doorstep, since Rio is a shared service.
Where Rio Can Take You in New Braunfels
Rio operates throughout New Braunfels city limits, which means it can connect you to many of the city's best-known destinations, including:
- Historic Downtown New Braunfels — the Plaza, local boutiques, restaurants, and the Sophienburg Museum
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark on the banks of the Comal River
- Gruene Historic District — home to Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall, and the shops and tasting rooms along the Guadalupe River
- Landa Park — 51 acres of picnic areas, playgrounds, and the spring-fed Comal Springs
- Tube rental outfitters along the Comal and Guadalupe rivers during float season
- Wurstfest grounds near Landa Park during the annual ten-day festival each fall
- Shopping corridors along Loop 337 and Highway 46, including major retail centers
- Christus Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels and area medical offices
- New Braunfels Independent School District campuses for students and staff
Rio Fares, Service Hours, and Payment at a Glance
Here's the quick rundown of what Rio costs and when it runs, based on information published by the City of New Braunfels and Via:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service area | Within New Braunfels city limits |
| Service hours | Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM, seven days a week |
| Standard fare | $4 flat rate per ride (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Reduced fare | $2 per ride for seniors, veterans, students, and people with disabilities |
| Payment methods | Credit card, debit card, or cash |
| Booking | Rio app or phone: 830-282-3413 |
| Pre-booked rides | Available by phone only (call 830-282-3413) |
| Age policy | Riders must be 15 or older; children under 15 may ride when accompanied by a parent or guardian |
Payment Details Worth Knowing
A few fine-print items from the Rio program's published rider policies can save you surprises on your statement:
- Card verification hold: When you add a new credit card to the app, a $1 hold is placed on the card to confirm it is valid and has at least $1 available.
- Fare pre-authorization: When a ride is booked, a hold is placed on the payment method for the full estimated fare if it is expected to exceed $15. The hold remains pending and should disappear from your account within 3–5 business days, depending on your bank's policies.
- Cancellation fees: If you cancel after a driver has been assigned, you may be charged a cancellation fee — unless your estimated arrival time is 5 or more minutes longer than originally stated, in which case you can cancel without penalty.
Rio vs. Rideshare vs. Private Shuttle: Which Is Right for Your Trip?
New Braunfels riders actually have several transportation choices, and each fits a different kind of trip. Here's how they stack up:
| Option | Best for | Service area | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride the Rio (public shuttle) | Everyday local trips within New Braunfels — work, errands, dining, river access | New Braunfels city limits | App or 830-282-3413 |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Flexible point-to-point trips, including out-of-town destinations | Wherever drivers are available; coverage varies by time of day | Smartphone app |
| Private shuttle and charter companies | Airport transfers, group trips, events, and longer-distance travel | New Braunfels, San Antonio, Austin, and the broader Hill Country region | Company website or phone reservation |
| Regional transit (Alamo Regional Transit) | Trips connecting New Braunfels to other communities in the region | Multi-county Alamo region | Through ART's reservation system |
For routine trips inside the city — a run to H-E-B, a shift at work, or a float trip meetup at Prince Solms Park — Rio's flat fare makes it the most predictable choice. For trips outside city limits, such as a transfer to San Antonio International Airport or Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a private shuttle provider or rideshare is the practical option. Several companies, including Texas-based operators such as RydePort, offer scheduled and private shuttle service in the I-35 corridor between San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Austin; check directly with providers for current routes, schedules, and rates, which vary by company.
Planning Around New Braunfels Events and Peak Seasons
New Braunfels is one of Central Texas' most visited destinations, and demand for transportation spikes during certain times of year. A little planning goes a long way:
Wurstfest (Late October – Early November)
Wurstfest draws tens of thousands of visitors to the festival grounds near Landa Park and the Comal River. Parking near the Wurstfest grounds fills quickly, and streets around the site get congested. Booking Rio in advance by phone — remember, pre-bookings are handled only by calling 830-282-3413 — can lock in your ride to and from the festival. If you're staying at a hotel along I-35 or Highway 46, Rio can shuttle you to the gates so you can enjoy the polka and the sausage without worrying about parking.
River Season (May – September)
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Comal and Guadalupe rivers are the center of life in New Braunfels. Tube outfitters cluster near the Comal River entry points downtown and along the Guadalupe near Gruene. A shuttle ride to the river means everyone in your group can ride back together without shuttling cars between the drop-off point and the takeout — and no one has to be the designated driver after a day at the river.
Weekends and Holidays
Rio runs a shared-ride model, so during busy periods — Saturday nights downtown, holidays, Schlitterbahn peak days — allow extra time for pickup and build buffer into your plans. Requesting your ride a bit earlier than you think you need it is always smart.
Getting to and From New Braunfels: Regional Shuttle Connections
New Braunfels sits almost exactly halfway between two major airports: San Antonio International Airport (about 20 miles southwest via I-35) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (roughly 45 miles northwest via I-35 and SH 130 or US 183). The city also sits on the Amtrak route serving the historic New Braunfels depot downtown, and Greyhound and other intercity bus lines serve stops along the I-35 corridor.
Because Rio's service area ends at the city limits, travelers flying out of SAT or AUS typically arrange airport transportation through a private shuttle company or rideshare. When comparing providers, ask about:
- Pickup windows and whether they monitor flight arrival times
- Vehicle types (sedan, SUV, van) and luggage capacity
- Advance reservation requirements
- Shared-ride versus private-vehicle options and how they affect cost
Costs for private airport shuttles vary by provider, vehicle, and time of day, so treat any figure you see online as an estimate and confirm pricing directly with the company when you book.
Tips for a Smooth Ride on Any New Braunfels Shuttle
- Book ahead for must-make appointments. Rio pre-bookings are handled exclusively by phone at 830-282-3413, so call ahead for medical appointments, work shifts, or event arrivals.
- Know the age rules. Riders must be at least 15 years old to ride alone; children under 15 can ride when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Have payment ready. Rio accepts credit card, debit card, or cash.
- In an emergency, call 911. If you ever feel you're in imminent danger during any ride, contact police directly rather than going through the service's support line.
- Check service boundaries. Rio serves locations inside New Braunfels city limits. Destinations like Canyon Lake, Seguin, San Marcos, or the San Antonio airports require regional or private transportation.
- Verify current details before you travel. Fares, hours, and policies can change — confirm current information at newbraunfels.gov or city.ridewithvia.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Braunfels Shuttle Service
How much does the Rio shuttle cost in New Braunfels?
As of January 1, 2026, the standard fare is a $4 flat rate per ride. Seniors, veterans, students, and people with disabilities qualify for a reduced fare of $2 per ride. Riders can pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash.
What are Rio's service hours?
Rio operates seven days a week, Monday through Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, according to the City of New Braunfels and Via.
How do I book a ride with Rio?
Book through the Rio app on your smartphone, or call 830-282-3413 and the Customer Support team will book the ride for you. All pre-booked (advance-scheduled) rides must be arranged by phone.
Does Rio still operate where Alamo Regional Transit (ART) used to go?
Rio replaced all ART local trips within New Braunfels starting November 18, 2025. If your trip starts and ends inside New Braunfels, Rio is your local service. For trips outside the city, contact Alamo Regional Transit about regional options.
Can children ride the Rio shuttle?
Yes. Riders must be 15 years of age or older to ride unaccompanied. Children under 15 can ride when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How do I get from New Braunfels to the San Antonio or Austin airport?
Rio's service area covers New Braunfels city limits only, so airport transfers require a private shuttle company or rideshare service. New Braunfels is located along I-35 between the two airports — San Antonio International to the southwest and Austin-Bergstrom to the northwest — and several regional providers serve the corridor. Compare providers and confirm rates directly when booking.
Will I be charged if I cancel my Rio ride?
You may be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel after a driver has been assigned. However, if your estimated time of arrival is 5 or more minutes longer than initially stated, you can cancel without a fee.