Austin to San Antonio by train

If you’re planning to travel to San Antonio from Austin, driving and flying aren’t your only options. You can board the Texas Eagle Amtrak train in downtown Austin for the 3.5 hour ride (about two hours longer than driving). Here are other things you need to know when planning your trip.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page. For current train schedules and ticket prices, visit Amtrak.com.

Schedule

As of 2024, trains depart Austin in the evening and arrive in San Antonio at night. The return train to Austin departs early in the morning, so you’ll need to stay two nights in San Antonio to make the trip worthwhile on Amtrak. You can also consider flying one way for more flexibility.

Cost

Coach seats are very inexpensive for travel between Austin and San Antonio. Expect to pay $20 or less one way. You can also book a roomette or bedroom for this trip if you prefer private accommodations. Estimated cost is over $100 one way for a roomette and over $200 for a bedroom (learn more about the differences between roomettes and bedrooms).

Note that ticket prices vary depending on availability and how far in advance you book your ticket.

Station Information

It’s recommended that you get dropped off at the Austin Amtrak Station before your trip via Lyft, Uber, taxi or a ride from a friend or family member. There is overnight parking available at the station as well, but it is safer to leave your car at home. You should generally arrive 45 minutes before the train departs.

When you arrive in San Antonio, the Amtrak station is near several hotels, the Alamodome and the Riverwalk. Uber, Lyft or taxi are good options for transportation. Because of the late arrival, walking is not recommended. After you board the train in Austin, you can schedule a Lyft or Uber pickup if you’re concerned about getting a ride in San Antonio. Turo car rentals are another great option — a rental car can often be left at the Amtrak station for you.