Bus & Train

Commuting by bus or train not only takes another car off the road, but it also eases your stress and reduces your cost to commute. For the Austin area, Capital Metro offers several different ways to get you to work and back.

Park and Ride lots allow you to park in a lot near your home, hop on the train or bus, and let others worry about traffic congestion.

Benefits

The population in central Texas has reached 2 million and is projected to double by 2040, but the road capacity is expected to increase by only 15%. Using public transit provides a sustainable alternative that keeps commuters productive, connects our community members to school, health care, and jobs, and improves the overall quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a pass to ride?

Metro passes can be purchased through their mobile app, on their online marketplace, at dozens of retail outlets like H-E-B or Randall’s, or at the transit store in downtown Austin, 209 W. 9th Street. MetroRail passes can be purchased at a ticket vending machine located on the rail platform, and Single Ride or Day Passes can be purchased on board with the help of the operator. Greyhound passes can be purchased online, at a station, through thousands of independent agents (like convenience stores and gas stations), or by phone. Megabus reservations must be made using their online system, and reservations cannot be canceled or refunded (but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure). Amtrak passes can be purchased on their website, through their free mobile app, at the Quik-Trak Kiosk at most larger Amtrak stations, by phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL, through a travel agent, onboard (although restrictions apply and may cost a higher fare), or from a ticket agent at the station.

How do I pay to ride?

You can pay for your CapMetro ride by cash, exact change, with a pass, or using the CapMetro App on your smartphone. Greyhound rides can be purchased with cash, debit or credit cards. Megabus rides require a reservation and payment with major credit cards using their online system. Amtrak accepts major debit and credit cards or cashier’s and personal checks for group travel with a prior arrangement from Amtrak Group Desk.

Where can I find routes and schedules?

Search route maps and schedules for any Capital Metro service online at https://www.capmetro.org/schedmap/. A PDF version of their system maps is also available at this link.

Greyhound is the biggest bus network with 4,000 destinations across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (https://locations.greyhound.com/).

Megabus travels from Austin to San Antonio, Dallas, or Houston with various departure and return times (https://us.megabus.com/journey-planner/map.)

View Amtrak’s train schedules and timetables from cities across the U.S. and Canada at https://www.amtrak.com/timetables.html.

Do I get a discount as a commuter?

If you are a member of myCommuteSolutions, you can enter contests and earn reward milestones for the chance to receive free Capital Metro passes. Capital Metro also provides reduced fares for seniors 65 and older, Medicare card holders, active-duty military, and riders with disabilities. Some companies may also provide passes at a discount to employees through MetroWorks for Business, a bulk discount program. Government employees also receive a 30 percent discount by participating in MetroWorks.

Where can I find park and ride lots for commuters?

Search for the nearest Park & Ride facility online at https://www.capmetro.org/parknrides/ or download a map with routes.

Can I bring a bike on the bus or train?

CapitalMetro provides bike racks on all full-sized buses, and you can also bring your bike on the train. Longer bus services, like Megabus and Greyhound, generally do not have bike racks or room in baggage compartments. You’ll need to contact those services to confirm. Amtrak handles oversize baggage like bikes for an additional service fee.

Do you offer travel assistance for persons with disabilities?

Capital Metro vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts, ramp access, and priority seating. MetroAccess service is a door-to-door service for persons with disabilities who are unable to ride regular bus and rail service. This paratransit service is ADA-compliant and runs parallel to the fixed-route bus service. Greyhound buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift, please make your request at the time of booking as spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters are limited. Megabus is fully ADA compliant and offers accessible transportation services. Amtrak provides additional services for passengers with disabilities with a complete guide online https://www.amtrak.com/planning-booking/accessible-travel-services.html.

How far can I travel outside of Austin by bus or train?

Capital Metro is mainly around Austin but travels to the surrounding communities as far as Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park, Lago Vista, Manor, Elgin, Del Valle, and Oak Hill. Greyhound has destinations across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Megabus travels from Austin to Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio. Amtrak travels to over 500 destinations across the U.S. in 46 states with some stops in Canada.

Tools & Resources

Capital Metro
Park & Ride Lots
Helpful Links

Plan your trip by bus or train with Capital Metro’s Rider’s Guide. Services offered by Capital Metro include:

  • MetroBus – local bus service to get you around town and flyer routes that take you from the edges of the service area to central Austin.
  • MetroExpress – express bus service for riders outside the city center with stops at various Park and Ride lots.
  • MetroRapid – frequent service with fewer stops along Austin’s busiest corridors of N. Lamar to S. Congress and Burnet Rd. to S. Lamar.
  • MetroRail – commuter rail service to the city center with stations between Leander and downtown Austin.

Find your closest park and ride lot and trade your long commute into a relaxing, productive ride. Service area and maps across Austin are here: https://www.capmetro.org/using-parknrides/

  • Greyhound: plan your trip outside Austin or across the country with regularly scheduled bus service.
  • Megabus: daily express bus service to major Texas cities and beyond.
  • Amtrak: explore Central Texas and beyond by train.