Is there a shuttle between Austin and San Antonio?

Located in south-central Texas, San Antonio has a rich colonial heritage dating back to the 18th century. Be sure to visit the beautiful HemisFair Park, walk the San Antonio River promenade, see The Alamo museum and climb the Tower of the Americas for amazing cityscape views.

1. To get from Austin airport to San Antonio, you have two choices; taxi or bus.
2. Taking an Austin airport shuttle or private taxi is the only direct option and takes just 1 hour 30 minutes to reach San Antonio.
3. Taking the bus is a cheaper transfer option, but it requires multiple changes, so takes at least 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach the city centre of San Antonio.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Austin at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost. Comparison of the options

Is San Antonio better than Austin to visit?

Which City To Go To In Texas: Austin Or San Antonio? –

Austin, Texas, is the state’s capital, so there’s more going on throughout the year. San Antonio, Texas, has a rich colonial history and feels more traditional. One of the country’s biggest colleges is located in Austin, Texas.

Although Austin and San Antonio, Texas, have their set of pros, between the two cities: most people tend to choose Austin. Generally, Austin, Texas, has a more lively energy, with streets jam-packed with food, culture, young crowds, and live music. It’s also the capital of the ‘Lone Star’ state, meaning if something’s going on in Texas, it’ll likely roll through Austin.

• However, that’s not to say San Antonio isn’t a great destination for Texas travelers.
• Notably, features a rich colonial heritage, along with the San Antonio River and the miles-long River Walk – a landmark pedestrian promenade lined with cafés and shops.
• San Antonio is also a big city in the state, so it has nightlife, great food, and plenty to see, all with a more traditional Texas charm.

In contrast, Austin has always been a more experimental city, leading away from the rest of the state in many regards. The city is home to, which enrolls over, Therefore, travelers can expect a more college-town feel in certain parts of the city. Between the two, guests of Austin may have more “fun” because of the young crowds and constant music festivals, which could also be a drawback for some visitors.

Austin is considered the ‘Live Music Capital of the World.’ The city features a massive river where tourists can paddleboard, kayak, and swim. Rainey Street in Austin, Texas, is a hot spot for food, drinks, and live entertainment.

For those wanting to head to Austin, Texas, this capital city is a must-see for those traveling there. The state’s largest college is here, giving it a younger, lively energy. Austin is also often regarded as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ with constant festivals, concerts, and events filled with music, food, and fun.

On top of that, Austin features many parks and spots to enjoy the weather, which is another major draw for visitors. The city has a unique feature, with the running straight through the middle. This is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike, where people can paddleboard, kayak, and swim. Various companies offer rentals for paddle boards and kayaks along the Colorado River, ranging in price and availability.

Besides the natural scenery and happening music scene, Austin also features historic buildings and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that only the city can pull off. The Rainey Street Historic District has over 20 bars and even more restaurants.

How do I get from Austin to San Antonio without a car?

The best way to get from Austin to San Antonio is to bus which takes 1h 30m and costs $10 – $15. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $3 – $75 and takes 3h 25m.

How long is Austin from San Antonio by car?

How long is the drive from San Antonio to Austin? – The direct drive from San Antonio to Austin is 79.6 mi (128 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 13 mins in normal traffic. If you’re going on a road trip from San Antonio to Austin, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with New Braunfels and $ San Marcos and top places to visit like Mission San Jose Church and San Antonio River Walk, or the ever-popular San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.32 stops Cities / Attractions I’ll never travel to Austin without this trip planner again Don’t take our word for it Slide 1 of 6 Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app. Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app! Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless.

Seriously, this app does it all! This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough! Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it – just click download right this minute.

The top cities between San Antonio and Austin are New Braunfels and San Marcos. New Braunfels is the most popular city on the route — it’s less than an hour from San Antonio and less than an hour from Austin.1 Sights & Landmarks Points of Interest & Landmarks New Braunfels is a city near San Antonio, Texas.

• It’s known for the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, which wind past leafy parks like Landa and Cypress Bend.
• Original 1800s German buildings like Gruene Hall are preserved in the Gruene Historic District.
• To the west, walkways snake through underground limestone caves at Natural Bridge Caverns.
• The Schlitterbahn water park has rides, slides and a wave pool.

Most popular city on this route 3 minutes off the main route, 41% of way to Austin 2 San Marcos is a city in Texas. It’s home to outlet malls and Texas State University, with its 1903 Victorian Gothic–style Old Main building. Downtown’s Historic District includes the restored 1909 Hays County Courthouse.

1. Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum exhibits vintage vehicles.
2. The city’s green spaces include Rio Vista Park and Sewell Park, both on the San Marcos River, and Five Mile Dam Park on the Blanco River.33% as popular as New Braunfels 3 minutes off the main route, 60% of way to Austin The top stops along the way from San Antonio to Austin (with short detours) are Texas Capitol, Mission San Jose Church, and Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels.

Other popular stops include Congress Avenue Bridge, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and Lake Travis Zipline Adventures.1

Why is it cheaper to fly out of Austin instead of San Antonio?

One of the reasons Austin is a more affordable — and attractive — point of departure for air travelers is the availability of more flights.

Is San Antonio Texas worth visiting?

#1 There’s a complete cultural divergence. – You know that kid at school who always had cool clothes, made people laugh, and showed up to all the parties? That’s Austin, a city that’s an oasis for foodies, musicians, artists, environmental activists, hipsters, tech companies (both start-ups and Fortune 500), and state politicians.

The city’s annual South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits festivals draw celebrities and companies from across the nation together, and it all looks great on Instagram. You know that person you go to for advice or to explain something about times before you were born? Perhaps a parent or grandparent or elderly friend? They’re not really concerned about being popular or suave, but they’re wise from age and lessons learned the hard way.

and they have a lot of stories. That’s San Antonio, the oldest city in Texas and the site of a famous battle in the War for Texas Independence. It’s a hotspot for lovers of history and lovers of margaritas alike, where people can visit the UNESCO World Heritage trail of missions and then sit down to eat at a 100-year-old restaurant.

Mexican and Spanish heritage is a vibrant thread in the city’s tapestry, reflected in architecture and the warmth and gracious spirit of locals. Compared more literally, Austin is one of the healthiest, wealthiest, best-educated, most costly, and most progressive cities in Texas. Meanwhile, San Antonio is one of the least healthy, poorest, most affordable, most conservative cities in Texas.

One has a downtown largely defined by glass and steel; the other colonial revival styled buildings of limestone and stucco. The skyline of Downtown Austin is more modern than Downtown San Antonio.

Why is San Antonio so famous?

What Is San Antonio Known For? – San Antonio is famous for the Spanish missions, the Battle of the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and for the San Antonio Spurs basketball team. But the city isn’t just about history and sports – it’s also home to some fantastic museums, art galleries, and outdoor activities.

Is San Antonio a walkable town?

San Antonio Is One of the Most Walkable Texas Cities From the enchanting River Walk to the historic sites, thriving neighborhoods, and serene parks, San Antonio invites you to embark on a journey of sensory delights and captivating experiences.

Why is San Antonio so cheap?

3. Lower income taxes help with cost of living. – San Antonio residents get to enjoy a cost of living that is slightly below the national average. This savings is due in part to lower housing costs as well as no state income tax. Before you move to San Antonio thinking you’re free from taxes, remember that there are higher sales and property taxes.

Expect to pay approximately 8.25% for sales tax and 2% for property tax. While that may seem like a lot, it is still less than states like New York. How does the San Antonio cost of living compare to other major Texas cities? San Antonio is 13.3% less expensive than Dallas, with the median home cost 22% more expensive in Dallas.

Housing, transportation, and utility costs make up for most of the spending gap.

Do we need a car in San Antonio?

Do I Need A Car In San Antonio? This is one of the most commonly asked questions for visitors who are planning a trip to San Antonio. Given that we traverse the city on the regular to scope out the best restaurants, hotels, and activities, we have a pretty well-established handle on the transportation options that are available. San Antonio is big! And lots of people don’t realize just how big. The city itself is really spread out, with the entire metropolitan area covering approximately 7,000 square miles. To get from one side of the city to the other, in light to moderate traffic, takes at least 45 minutes.

If you are venturing further afield to New Braunfels or Boerne, or the Texas Hill Country, plan on an hour to an hour and a half drive time, minimum. Activities and attractions are spread out as well. While San Antonio boasts a number of exciting, entertaining, and educational experiences, they aren’t all grouped together.

A typical tourist visit to San Antonio may involve a trip to the Riverwalk, a tour of, and a day or two spent at the theme parks, none of which are remotely close to one another (we’re talking 20 miles or more apart, in some instances). And mass transit is severely lacking.

San Antonio is the 7 th biggest city in the United States by population but lags far behind in quality mass transit. There are no light or commuter rail options and no subway system. We do have a metropolitan bus service called Via that services the downtown area as well as some of the more outlying areas of the city, including the Medical Center, Stone Oak, and the military bases, but outside of downtown, routes are limited and can be infrequent, making travel times double or triple what they could be if driving.

Alternative transportation options are available, including ride-shares, taxis, scooters, and BCycle bike rental, but given the distances required to cover the city, the costs can add up and quickly become prohibitive. Probably, but it completely depends on why you are coming, how long you will be staying, and what you will be doing. No, you don’t need a car if you are headed to the Riverwalk or will just be staying downtown for your vacation or convention. Downtown conventions and stays are great because hotels, food, and entertainment are all packed into a handful of very walkable blocks, saving you the hassle of renting a car and finding/paying for parking.

1. A few Uber or Lyft rides should be able to cover any of your extra transport needs (getting from the San Antonio International Airport to downtown and back again, as well as 1-3 short trips to points of interest).
2. You may need a car for a short trip to San Antonio.
3. This will completely depend on where you are staying and what you plan to do.

If you plan to stay downtown, enjoy the Riverwalk, and simply relax, you can make do without (see above for convention trips). The same goes for those staying at an airport hotel with hotel shuttles. However, if you are staying near the Rim or Sea World, or if you are just planning to get out of the downtown area to explore the city, you will want to assess the costs of driving (rental fees, parking, gas) versus ride-shares or taxis to determine what the most cost-effective, as well as convenient, option, may be.

1. Eep in mind, surge pricing is a common occurrence in San Antonio and can quickly make those ride-share costs skyrocket.
2. Yes, you will likely want or need a car for a long trip to San Antonio.
3. With time on your hands, it makes sense to explore and take in as much of South Texas as you can, including a day trip to the Hill Country or one of the historic German towns just outside the city like Boerne, New Braunfels, or Gruene.

A car is an absolute must for this as there are no transit options available. If you are permanently relocating to San Antonio, you will absolutely need a car. Or you will need infinite patience to deal with the bus lines, infinite money to pay for Uber rides, and infinite heat tolerance to be able to walk for distances in the punishing summers.

Best to just have a car. There are rental locations all over the city, but the main rental hub is located at the airport. After baggage claim, just head outside and cross the street to the parking garage, where you will take the elevator up to the rental desks. While this is certainly the most convenient place to rent a car, you will typically pay a premium to rent at the airport.

We suggest pricing out a few off-airport locations to determine if you can get a better deal. Sometimes the cost of the rental plus the ride-shares to get to and from the off-property location is still less than renting directly from the airport. Yes, there is an alternative to traditional car rental in San Antonio.

is an online service that functions much like AirBnB, except with personal vehicles. Locals will advertise their personal vehicles online, and visitors can pay to rent them directly from the owner of the car. There are a variety of car types as well as drop-off/pickup locations, and prices are frequently less than what a traditional car rental will cost.

Just be sure to read EVERYTHING, as owners don’t all offer the same thing. Yes. To take advantage of everything that San Antonio and the surrounding areas have to offer, a car is really the most effective way to get around. With a car, you’ll save tons of time and be in control of your schedule, giving you the power to see and do what you want, when you want. : Do I Need A Car In San Antonio?

Do you need a car in Austin as a tourist?

The best way to get around Austin is by bus and light rail. Some travelers recommend a car; however, the expense and pains of one are enough to encourage many visitors to use Capital Metro – Austin’s public transit system. The Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside line connects the downtown area with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where you’ll likely be greeted by music as soon as you exit the plane, to the heart of downtown about 10 miles northwest.

Can you visit Austin without renting a car?

Do You Need A Car In Austin? Wondering if you need a car when you visit Austin? Ok, hi! Sure! I’ll answer that. As a local Austin resident and someone who is constantly hopping around ATX to eat and explore, I have a feel for the best places to stay and how you should plan to get around. For starters, you’ll need a way to get from the airport to your overnight accommodations. The distance from the Austin Bergstrom International Airport to downtown Austin is 16 miles, or about $20-30. If you don’t want to rideshare, there’s a CapMetro bus ride that goes from the airport () to Lavaca/10th St in downtown Austin for $1.25.

Do you need a car to get around Austin while you’re visiting? While you’re in Austin, you can mostly walk everywhere. Downtown, SOCO, and east downtown are very walkable neighborhoods (hence the cost $$$$ of real estate in those areas.)

So if you’re staying there you don’t need a car. Of course, it depends on where you’re staying. These are the, If you’re getting a hotel in a popular tourist area like SOCO, Rainey, or Downtown, you can plan on walking almost everywhere. Those regions have great restaurants, bars, coffee shops, concert venues, shopping, pools, and more. Do you need a car to live in Austin? Yes. Full stop. I’ve never met someone who lives in Austin and doesn’t own a car. No. If you enjoy walking and you plan to catch 3 or 4 ride shares for the long distances (like to/from the airport), you can enjoy a great trip to Austin with no car. If you want to stay in Austin for a long trip and do ALL of the things, like visit Mount Bonnell (pretty far west) and eat tons of barbecue (located all over the city) and go visit some amazing, AND you have an easy place to park your car (like if you’re staying at an airbnb in a neighborhood), renting a car is a good idea. One more thing to note: if you’re coming from a city that has great public transportation, like NYC, Chicago, or a European city with an amazing underground system, you’ll be sorely disappointed with Austin’s public transit. is underway and will introduce a new light rail, an underground subway, and an improved bus system but that’s going to take several years.

For now, we have buses that can get you around. Here’s the a of the bus system, if you’d like to see. There’s also a MetroRail, but it’s pretty small right now. You’d have to specifically plan your trip and airbnb right by it in order to utilize it because it doesn’t go to most parts of the city. Ride shares are abundant in Austin, so catching a Lyft or Uber is typically no big deal.

Also, keep in mind that if you’re visiting during one of the big events in Austin, like SXSW (March) or Austin City Limits (October), ride share rates are going to be much higher than average. Hope that’s helpful! I’m an Austin local and I love sharing helpful tidbits to make your trip to Austin easier. Here are a few more posts to help you out: : Do You Need A Car In Austin?

How many days is enough to visit Austin?

Final Thoughts – Austin is a great place to explore on foot or on the back of a bike. With such a strong balance struck between indoor attractions like museums and galleries and outdoor parks and lakes, you won’t ever get bored in Austin. Three days in Austin is the perfect amount of time to explore the city.

How many days is enough for Austin Texas?

Austin seems made for active travelers, so use your second day to take advantage of the city’s many offerings. Go mountain biking along Barton Creek, take a kayaking tour of Lady Bird Lake, get behind the wheel of a race car on a professional track, or experience the rush of indoor skydiving.

Is 3 days enough for Austin?

Weekend in Austin Itinerary Day 1 – Morning and Afternoon: South Congress Neighborhood Start off your weekend in Austin with a few hours on trendy South Congress Ave, known as SOCO by locals. First stop: Jo’s Coffee in South Congress (there’s a few locations, so make sure you come here)! Stop for some caffeine and a few of their breakfast tacos. The Iced Turbo is their signature drink (a sweet and creamy coffee drink with coffee and hazelnut), but I always get the Belgium Bomber (the famous Iced Turbo mixed with cold brew, making it not as sweet and creamy). And don’t miss a photo with the iconic “I love you so much” mural on the side of the building (you can’t miss it!) – it’s easily one of the best murals in Austin (in my opinion).

Once you’re all fueled up, it’s time for some shopping (and more) in the vibrant neighborhood of South Congress. Think funky vintage shops, chic boutiques, iconic murals, and cool bars. We could have easily spent all day here, but if you’re only spending a weekend in Austin and tight on time, you can still see a lot in a few hours.

To make it super easy, here’s my favorite spots in South Congress:

Allens Boots: Walk in and smell that leather, then stroll down the aisles full of cowboy boots in every style and color imaginable (there’s over 4,000 pairs of boots here). It’s such an iconic shop in SOCO, and it’s fun, too! Try on as many boots as you want — some of them costing over $900! Don’t be surprised if an hour goes by and you’re still mesmerized by all the boots!

Parts & Labor: This shop in SoCo is so unique and special — everything in the store is designed exclusively by Texas artists! Not only will you find creative T-shirts, jewelry, handmade cards & other quirky gifts, but there’s literally always something new. The inventory changes on the regular, and you really never know what you’ll find! How fun is that?! A great place to pick up an Austin souvenir.

Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds: This shop is so totally Austin. There’s wild costumes and outrageous clothing, and a huge assortment of accessories (think colorful wigs, outlandish jewelry, full-on face masks, long gloves, etc). The store is over 8,000 square feet, so you can definitely peruse for a while if this stuff’s your jam.

Go mural hunting: Some of my favorite murals in Austin can be found on South Congress. You’ve already seen the famous red script “I Love You So Much” on Jo’s, but make sure to check out Love from Austin, Willie for President, and of course the Legendary Memories SoCo mural. Check out this post if you’re looking for more Austin photo spots.

Tesoros Trading Company: A funky shop with tons of folk art, furniture, jewelry & curios from around the globe. Such eye popping colors. It’s kinda pricey here, but everything’s authentic and well-made.

Big Top Candy Shop: Exactly what all your old-school colorful candy shop dreams are made of. I especially loved the old-school jelly bean dispenser, as well as all the circus themed sweets. If you’re thirsty, try an Italian cream soda from the old-fashioned soda fountain – they’re really delicious and super sweet!

Lunch and dessert in South Congress: You’re most likely pretty hungry by now, and thankfully there’s lots of great restaurants right here in South Congress. You can either grab a decent sized meal at one spot, or share a few things with friends like I did on my last Austin weekend getaway (it’s more fun that way)!

Home Slice Pizza: Craving pizza? Home Slice is such an iconic Austin landmark — you’ve gotta try a slice of their New York-style pizza. With so many toppings to choose from, you’ll wanna grab a white slice as well as red!

Gourdoughs Big. Fat. Donuts.: Ohhh Gourdough’s. I’ve been dreaming about these decadent donuts since my first visit to Austin in 2015. They’re absolutely huge and ridiculously insane, so plan to share if you’re eating elsewhere as well. The menu’s huge, but my favorites are Miss Shortcake, The Baby Rattler, and the Motherclucker!

Elizabeth Street Cafe: Such a cute spot if you want something a bit different than your usual Texas fare — the cafe specializes in French and Vietnamese cuisine.

Amy’s Ice Creams: Have you really been to Austin if you haven’t had a few scoops of Amy’s?! It’s the OG of ice creams in Austin afterall! Try some of their inventive flavors in a handmade cone — so delicious. Psst — there’s a few around town, so if you don’t make it to the location on South Congress, you’re bound to see another one later on.

South Congress Cafe: Any place that’s known for their Bloody Marys and carrot-cake French toast gets 5-stars in my book. And psst — there’s also beignets and croque madame. Don’t miss the great happy hour out on their patio!

Late-afternoon: Before leaving buzzy South Congress, make sure to stop by the famous “Greetings From Austin” Mural! Just note you may need to wait in line as it’s a super popular spot! With it’s 40’s postcard vibe and colorful vintage letters, it’s easily the most photographed work of art in all of Austin. Night : Bat Watching from the South Congress Bridge Did you know that Austin’s got the largest urban bat colony in the world (yes, the world!)? Time to partake in all that fun! From March to October, people line up on the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the 1.5 MILLION Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the bridge. Do note that some bat shows will be better than others — you may see an insane surreal dark cloud of them all at once, or they may exit the bridge only a few at a time (making for a not-so-spectacular show). And even if you don’t get a spectacular bat viewing (like us), the sunset is so gorgeous over Lady Bird Lake! Pro Tip: Go to P6 (at the Line Hotel) to watch the bats fly out with a cocktail in hand – I so wish we had done that! We got HUGE agua frescas from Veracruz All Natural (where we’re grabbing breakfast tacos tomorrow morning), and they were delicious.

How is San Antonio different from Austin?

7 Reasons Why San Antonio is Better than Austin Sibling cities, San Antonio and Austin, while only about an hour apart physically, are lightyears apart in personality. Truly, you couldn’t find two more divergent cities that also happen to be close together if you tried. It has always felt like San Antonio has had a bit of an inferiority complex when it comes to Austin. Austin’s reputation for being hip/cool/alternative/weird has always left us SA residents feeling a bit like we have to justify our own city (“yeah but, we have the Riverwalk and the Alamo!”).

But all that changed in the blink of an eye back in 2016 when the great breakfast taco debates between the two cities erupted into an all-out war. In February 2016, Eater Austin published an article entitled and the reaction in San Antonio was swift and vicious. SA residents had long put up with Austin’s crap status as the front-runner for coolness, but they weren’t about to tolerate Austin taking the credit for something that was so puro San Antonio.

So, they fought back. And HARD. In the end, the debate was decidedly settled in San Antonio’s favor by a little actual that Eater Austin neglected to complete. But the victory for SA went far beyond its established ownership of the “crucial breakfast taco.” San Antonians began defending not just the taco, but everything about their city, and Alamo pride swelled to new heights.

1. With SA no longer content to sit in Austin’s shadow, San Antonio’s newfound self-confidence translated into a whole host of new developments, with SA residents pleased and proud to be from here, fully convinced that San Antonio is indeed the better city.
2. And I am inclined to agree with the sentiment.

Austin who? Breakfast tacos aside, no article on which city is better is complete without addressing the food. The food of each city is something that residents are zealously protective of. And rightly so. Both cities are heavy hitters when it comes to cuisine, Austin having recently been named to the top 10 best cities in the country for food by Food and Wine magazine and San Antonio, one of only two US cities to be named a UNESCO creative city of gastronomy.

• While Austin definitely had a leg up on SA for many years when it came to food, San Antonio no longer lags behind.
• With, James Beard Award finalist chefs, and extensive variety in cuisine, San Antonio is on the cutting edge of food these days, right next to Austin.
• Whether you are in the market for some, Tex-Mex, or international cuisine, either city will suffice.

I guess we can call this one a draw. Austin is expensive. Stupid expensive. Even Austin knows this about itself. According to, the average cost of living in Austin is 9% higher than the Texas state average and 1% higher than the national average. San Antonio’s cost of living, on the other hand, is commensurate with the state average and a whopping, Austin tends to be less diverse than San Antonio. According to the, Austin is approximately 49% white, 34% Hispanic, 8% African American, and 7% Asian. Conversely, San Antonio is, according to, 65% Hispanic, 24% white, 6% African American, and 3% Asian.

It is no surprise then, that San Antonio is home to a number of thriving cultures and cultural experiences. Additionally, San Antonio’s vast military presence serves to bolster the city’s diversity. Nicknamed “Military City, USA,” San Antonio’s military presence dates back more than 300 years, and today, San Antonio is home to four large military bases, 80,000 active-duty service members, and 159,000 veterans.

Photo Credit: Along with the diversity described above comes culture. San Antonio’s rich Mexican heritage influences just about every aspect of city life. Food, art, architecture, and special events all reflect this strong cultural tie, and citizens across SA have embraced the city’s unique culture. Photo Credit: No offense on this one, Austin, but San Antonio runs circles around you in this arena. The city of Austin, TX was founded in 1839, 121 years after San Antonio had been established. San Antonio’s deep history is reflected in the historical missions (see our, for more information) that run along the river through the southern part of the city. All you gotta do is Google, “Is Austin crowded?” and result after result will be a resounding YES. Let’s do a little math here. The city (proper) of Austin lies over approximately 272 square miles while the population of the entire metro area is around 2.3 million.

The San Antonio area covers almost twice that of Austin’s at 505 square miles and has a metropolitan population of around 2.6 million. It doesn’t take a genius to see that Austin crams a whole lot of people (only slightly less than San Antonio’s population) into a space nearly half the size of San Antonio’s land area.

The result – traffic and congestion. I can’t remember ever having driven through Austin, at any time of the day, on any day of the week, without encountering some kind of traffic. The city simply wasn’t designed for the kinds of growth it has experienced over the last 20-30 years and it is limited in how it can grow to accommodate all the people.

1. As such, commutes are long and painful (according to the GPS maker TomTom, ).
2. Like all cities, San Antonio certainly does experience traffic, especially during peak times like rush hour or when construction is occurring – and yes, it does feel like there is construction at ALL. THE. TIME.
3. But the city’s size and ability to expand has seriously cut down on the sense of congestion that so plagues Austin.

For that reason alone, San Antonio never breaks into the lists of the top 20 worst congested cities in the United States (Austin, coming in hot at ). San Antonio is simply less crowded, a remarkable feat for the 7 th largest city in the United States. San Antonio is just plain friendly. It really is. People here are largely warm and welcoming. But don’t take my word for it, a recent ranked San Antonio in the top 5 cities in the country for having the friendliest neighbors. And every few years, San Antonio manages to crack into the top 10 list of friendliest cities according to travel publication, Conde Nast Traveler.

While San Antonio is a larger city than Austin, it has a distinct small-town feel, unseen in Austin. That small-town feel translates to friendly people and lots of family-friendly activities. Visitors to San Antonio have their choice of any number of family-friendly activities to participate in and enjoy.

Photo Credit: Clearly, Austin, you know we’ve got the goods here. The NBA Spurs are a San Antonio institution. With 5 championships under their belts and a whole host of playoff appearances, the San Antonio Spurs are a commanding force in basketball. And we here in San Antonio are devoted fans.

We love our Spurs. But so do you. And if the recent where the Spurs played for the first time is any indication, you’re fans too. While it looks like we will be loaning them out to you occasionally in the future – which we are mostly okay with – don’t forget who the Spurs REALLY belong to. Today, the relationship between the two cities is generally one of tolerance and goodwill.

I remember being in a cab in NYC years ago and the driver telling me that the people who live in Manhattan and the people who live in Brooklyn generally recognize the good that each other’s cities have to offer, but neither would ever want to live in the other city.

1. The same goes for San Antonio and Austin.
2. The cities are just so different, which means the populations are different.
3. Those in Austin like and edgy lifestyle.
4. Those in San Antonio prefer the more laid-back, easy-going way of life offered in the city.
5. For me, and the other couple million who call the Alamo City home, we can respect Austin, but also firmly believe that San Antonio is the better choice.

Austin, we get it. You’ve got your live music scene and your vibe and your “keep Austin weird” thing and that’s all well and good for you. We’re even good to encourage people to go and check you out and see what Austin is all about. But we’ve got our things too.

Things that we are dang proud of. The Alamo and the for sure, but also, the theme parks,, and the NBA Spurs. San Antonio is a totally worthwhile city. And those 7 aforementioned reasons why San Antonio is not just worthwhile, but better than Austin, prove it. Oh, and did we mention the breakfast tacos? Because they’re ours too.

: 7 Reasons Why San Antonio is Better than Austin

Why is San Antonio the most visited city in Texas?

With attractions like Six Flags Fiesta, The River walk, and the historic Alamo site, it’s no surprise that San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas.

Why do people travel to Austin?

One World. Many Destinations. Austin, TX, is one of America’s most unique and interesting destinations. The city has a lot to offer for locals and visitors alike. You can enjoy some of the best food in the US, drink craft beer at over 50 breweries, take in some live music performances, or go on outdoor adventures like kayaking down Lady Bird Lake.

What is the best month to visit San Antonio?

Generally speaking, though, the shoulder season between November and April is what most consider to be the best time to visit San Antonio.

How many days is enough in San Antonio?

Curated by Lydia Schrandt Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers.

1. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.
2. Three days in San Antonio gives you plenty of time to experience the historic missions, tour downtown, spend the day at a theme park, and even venture farther afield into the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Read on for advice on what to do during your 3-day trip to San Antonio. Start your trip to San Antonio at the beginning, with a look into the past. The Alamo Mission has come to symbolize the fight for Texas independence, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Get there early to beat the crowds, then spend some time touring the historic downtown neighborhood on your own or on a guided walking or Segway tour. In the afternoon, get a feel for everything San Antonio has to offer with a flexible, self-guided tour aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. You’ll be able to stop at notable landmarks such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, Pearl Brewery, Market Square, HemisFair Park, and the Tower of the Americas.

In the evening, head to the San Antonio River Walk for dinner at one of the waterside restaurants, followed by a romantic evening cruise along the San Antonio River. Now that you’ve experienced San Antonio’s historic appeal, it’s time to have some serious fun.

• This city is home to some of the nation’s best family-friendly attractions.
• Depending on your interests, you could spend the day riding rides and watching parades at Six Flags Over Texas, learning about more than 750 species of animals at the San Antonio Zoo, or taking an educational (and entertaining) dive into the world’s marine ecosystems at SeaWorld San Antonio.

After your day at the park of your choice, head back into downtown San Antonio for an after-dark ghost tour to learn more about the paranormal side of the city. Today, head outside the city limits on a day trip to explore the scenic Texas Hill Country.

1. Many guided tours include stops at the boyhood home of President Lyndon B.
2. Johnson (as well as his “Texas White House”), the German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, country music–loving Luckenbach, and area vineyards where it’s possible to sample Texas-made wine.
3. When you arrive back in the city, head to the top of the Tower of the Americas for one last look over the San Antonio landscape from the Flags Over Texas observation deck.

If you’re feeling hungry, make reservations at the tower’s rotating restaurant for dinner with a view. See more things to do in San Antonio

Is San Antonio safer than Austin?

Crime Rate – Investigating an area’s overall safety should be one of the first things you do before purchasing and committing to a new home. Thankfully, in today’s world, crime reports and city profile information have never been so easily accessible.

1. In 2021 Austin reported 4,981 violent crimes and had a crime rate of 511.66 per 100,000 residents,
2. Austin’s crime rate is 28 percent higher than the national average and is on par with cities like Portland, New York, and Fort Worth,
3. In comparison, San Antonio had the 38th highest violent crime rate in the country in 2019, with 707.50 incidents per 100,000 residents.

It also ranked 19th for Property Crime rate in the country, 4,844.84 per 100,000 residents. San Antonio’s violent crime rate is 50 percent higher than the national average and San Antonio’s property crime rate is more than double the national average According to NeighborhoodScout, you have a 1 in 140 chance of being a victim of violent crime in San Antonio compared to Austin, where you have a 1 in 245 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which is far less.

When making a decision on which city to move to in Texas, it is important that you check the city’s safety ratings and crime rates before deciding to move. Winner: On average, you’ll find that most data ranks Austin as being far safer than San Antonio thanks to its lower violent and property crime occurrence.

Houses for Sale in Austin

How much is Amtrak from Austin to San Antonio?

Information on this train trip

Are there shuttles from Austin airport?

Austin Airport Shuttle and Private Airport Car Service – When you book ground transportation at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport through GO, you’ll receive small-town, friendly service with big city style. Our professional drivers at Carter Transportation Austin will be there to greet you and take you to your destination safely and comfortably in a private vehicle.

1. We offer both shared ride Austin airport shuttle service, as well as private airport car service.
2. Nown as the ” Live Music Capital of the World “, Austin features a vibrant entertainment, cultural, and culinary scene that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
3. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Austin offers something for everyone from outdoor venues to museums, live music, and so much more.

Use this guide to start planning your trip. Located just 7.5 miles from downtown, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) features a number of amenities to make traveling easier including free WiFi, TSA Pre-check, art exhibits, local food, and of course, live music.

Can you travel Austin without a car?

The best way to get around Austin is by bus and light rail. Some travelers recommend a car; however, the expense and pains of one are enough to encourage many visitors to use Capital Metro – Austin’s public transit system. The Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside line connects the downtown area with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where you’ll likely be greeted by music as soon as you exit the plane, to the heart of downtown about 10 miles northwest.