Austin’s public transportation network is an unsung hero of our city. Taking the bus or MetroRail reduces your carbon footprint in an impactful way! The more we use and support CapMetro, the more it’ll help reduce traffic and pollution in Austin. Next time you’re sitting in the parking lot that is I-35 or overhear someone loudly whining about traffic on Mopac, remember CapMetro and consider making a planet-friendly choice — you might be surprised by how much you like it.
Whether you’re riding the bus or train, you can choose from a variety of routes all over Austin. Plus, kids ride FREE on all CapMetro services, so you can count on an affordable way to get your family where you want to go. You can sit back, relax on your ride, and enjoy some fun experiences with the kids. Sometimes the bus or train ride alone could be a fun weekend outing for littles!
— Ways to Get Around
Austin’s Capital Metro offers a variety of different ways to get around depending on location and time. The MetroBus (all over Austin) and MetroRapid (North Lamar-South Congress and Burnet-South Lamar) are the most common; these are the buses that traverse our city’s surface streets. CapMetro also offers MetroRail trains with nine stations located between Leander and downtown Austin. MetroExpress is a comfy commuter bus service whose routes service outlying areas, great for those who work in the city center and live in the ‘burbs. For nights out, try the Night Owl or E-bus (Routes 410-412 and 481-486), both of which are a cheap way to get downtown or back home and operate until 3 a.m. In addition, MetroRapid runs until 2:30 AM Thurs-Sat.
Check out the CapMetro website for a full list of available services, including accessible options and on-demand pickup service.
— Planning Your Route
You’ve decided to take the leap and use public transportation to get around Austin. Congratulations! The hard part is over. We don’t know how people used to do it, but these days, planning your transit route is incredibly easy thanks to your phone. If you want to, you can check out CapMetro’s specific routes and schedules – but we recommend using their online or in-app Trip Planner (or even Google Maps) for customized, step-by-step directions to your destination. Just hop on over to the app store for your Apple or Android devices. Using the Trip Planner, you can set your departure address, destination, arrival or departure time, and receive a list of options that match your request. You can also use this feature to find upcoming departures from stops near you or nearby routes, making it a helpful tool for on-the-fly planning as well as building a route in advance.
— Getting Your Ticket
CapMetro offers several convenient ways to get your hands on a ticket to ride, both online and in-person. Transit pass options range from a single ride ticket to a month-long pass; choose whatever works best for the way you ride. Click here for information on fares. And as mentioned before, kids 18 and younger can ride CapMetro for free!
- In-App or Online: If you haven’t already, download the CapMetro App – it’s the fastest and easiest way to instantly buy a public transit ticket you can display to the driver or scanner on your phone. On a computer, you can use the Online Marketplace to buy a ticket and it’ll be sent directly to your phone or mailed to your address.
- In-Person: No access to a smartphone? No worries. Head to the Transit Store (209 W. 9th Street) on weekdays during business hours, or visit a participating retail store near you (H-E-B, Randall’s and other local grocery stores) to get your hands on a pass. MetroRail passes are available for purchase from vending machines on rail platforms.
- On-Bus: If you don’t have time to plan ahead, you can also buy a Single Ride or Day Pass from your driver with cash when you get on the bus. Make sure you have exact change to avoid losing any money.
— Riding CapMetro Like a Pro
Want to know how to master Austin’s CapMetro system like a pro? Keep these things in mind:
- Be respectful. Don’t let the kids camp out across handicap seats. Obviously, these seats are set aside for folks who need them.
- Be prepared. Have your ticket or bus fare in hand when you hop on board to make the ride as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Remember to have exact change to avoid losing money.
- Stay in the know. Check the app, the website &/or subscribe to MetroAlerts notifications for updates on delays and service alerts.
- Don’t miss your stop. Pay attention – your driver can’t pull over between stops. Press the buttons on the bus walls or pull the yellow cord to alert your driver when your stop is next.
- Keep the kids with you at all times. Public transportation is, well, public. Be sure the kids are not running up and down the bus or MetroRail aisles, and remind them about using their “indoor voices” to be respectful of other passengers.
- Enjoy the ride! Taking public transportation means saving money and gaining time. Sit back, relax. Play a fun game of “I Spy” with the kids or talk about the sights you see along the way. The ride itself can be a fun experience to share with the kiddos.
For much more info and to plan your next outing, be sure to visit capmetro.org!
Planning your next date night or brunch with friends? Our pals at Do512 have teamed up with CapMetro on a very cool new tool to help you get around to happy hours, concerts, comedy shows and tons of events — all with the ease of getting to and from! Click here to visit the Do512 + CapMetro planner to find event + transportation information all in one place.
