One of the most important aspects to consider before you relocate is transportation. You must ensure you can move around the new city and explore it. This can be a little tricky without a vehicle. So, if you’re wondering what it’s like living in Texas without a car, you’ve come to the right place.
There are a couple of locations in Texas where having a car isn’t necessary. These are Austin and San Antonio. Both cities offer many modes of transportation to get you from one point to another. For example, there’s the Capital Metro, car services, bicycle paths, and river taxis.
Texas Without a Car
Since Texas is the second largest state in the USA, it’s sometimes a little tricky to get around. This is especially true if you don’t have a personal vehicle.
You have to travel massive distances from one place to another, so walking isn’t usually an option. Other than that, the weather in Texas can be a bit grueling, meaning a daily stroll may be out of the question.
However, there are two areas in the Lone Star State that offer a few alternatives. Let’s take a look at these cities and how you can get around.
1. Austin
As most of us know, Austin is the capital of Texas. That means the area is always bustling with life and energy. To keep up with this activity, people need to be able to move around rather quickly.
This is a tad difficult since Austin spans about 271.8 square miles. For that reason, you’ll need some form of transportation.
Ideally, cars are the best way to get around the city. That’s why almost all citizens have private vehicles. However, you can still zoom around Austin without a car. In that case, you can use one of the many modes of public transportation.
Capital Metro
Capital Metro provides public bus routes to help people get around Austin. That includes:
- MetroRapid Route 801
- MetroRail
Together, these routes service almost every corner of the city. So, you should be able to go anywhere with a few bus changes. To help you navigate the different lines, install the CapMetro App to plan your route.
Airport Car Service
We all know how difficult it is to get a ride to and from the airport. That’s why Austin put plenty of transportation options in place.
The city offers:
- Taxis
- Rideshares
- Shuttles
- Pedicabs
- Low-Speed electric vehicles
- Charter services
While these services focus on airport trips, you can still use them for other adventures. Although you may need to book an appointment in advance to make sure you get a ride.
Bicycling
Austin has quite a few bike paths scattered all over the city. They allow people to cycle to work instead of taking a car.
This will both help the environment and keep the citizens in tip-top shape. You don’t even have to own a bike to use the paths. There are many businesses around that rent out bikes for daily use. For example, the Austin B-cycle app will let you book a bike on demand.
Car Share Services
You can use the Share service if you don’t have a car but still want to ride around in one. This program allows people to rent cars for a short while. Usually, two friends will sign a lease, carpool, and share the responsibility and fees.
2. San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the largest cities in Texas, standing at about 504 square miles. That’s almost twice the size of Austin.
On top of that, there are a few bodies of water within the city that can restrict movement. Luckily, there are transportation solutions that you can try out.
Bus System
San Antonio boasts one of the most intricate bus systems in the state. These pathways travel throughout the city to all the nooks and crannies. For that reason, many of the citizens prefer taking the bus, even if they have a car.
Besides that, there are specific routes for tourists. So, you can see most of San Antonio from the comfort of your bus seat. The path goes by museums, parks, and, of course, the zoo. To streamline the process, the city offers the VIA goMobile app to keep track of the system.
River Taxis
Using the bus is an excellent way to get around, but it’s not always an option. When you have to cross a body of water to get to your destination, you’ll need a different vehicle.
For that, you can make use of the river taxis. These boats run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and travel through a large portion of San Antonio.
All you need to do is purchase one ticket, which will grant you access to the taxis all day. In addition, you don’t need a reservation. Simply walk up to one of the ports and wait for the boat to arrive. Not only will you get to avoid any traffic, but you also get a magnificent view of San Antonio.
Ride-share Services
Just like all major cities, San Antonio has a few rental options for its citizens. That includes:
- Car services
- Rideshares
- Amtrak
These offer convenient pick-ups to make sure you arrive at your destination on time. It’s also possible to rent a bike and cycle around the city.
Living in Texas Without a Car FAQs
Is Public Transportation Expensive in Texas?
Generally, public transportation tends to be affordable. However, this can change depending on what mode you choose and how often you move around. On average, people pay anywhere from 50 to a couple of hundred dollars a month.
Is It Easy Traveling From One City to Another in Texas Without a Car?
There are many ways to travel between the cities in Texas. That includes taking a shuttle, bus, rental car, or even a plane. All these services should be able to get you from one city to another in no time.
References:
- Getting around Austin: austintexas.gov
- Getting around San Antonio: frommers.com
- CapMetro App: capmetro.org
- Austin B-cycle App: austin.bcycle.com
- VIA goMobile App: viainfo.net
- San Antonio RiverWalk: youtube.com
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
