Austin Public Transportation Overview

In Austin, our public transportation system isn't as great as somewhere like New York City, but we are working on it.  We have regular buses, Rapid Buses, and MetroRail, all run by Capital Metro.  Read on for an overview of Austin's public transportation system and how you can find out how to get from point A to B.  

MetroBus is the standard bus system that will take you all over Austin.  You can plan your route using their Trip Planner and pay your fare using their CapMetro App.  Then you just have to show your phone to the bus driver and go!  

Capital Metro also runs late night buses called Night Owls.  This buses run year round from midnight until 3 a.m. from Monday through Saturday to popular nighttime destinations.  Check out the schedule and plan how you can let 

CapMetro be your sober driver and prevent the hassle of trying to park downtown.

MetroRapid is a new addition to Capital Metro's offerings and can also be planned using the Trip Planner, the CapMetro App, Google Transit or by calling the GO line at 512-474-1200.  There are two routes on MetroRapid, 801 North Lamar/South Congress and Route 803 Burnet/South Lamar.  These buses run weekdays from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.  MetroRapid buses use special technology to allow them to catch more green lights to stay on schedule, and they use priority transit lanes within downtown.  The buses also have free wi-fi and fewer stops so you can get some work done while you get to your destination faster.

MetroRail can be planned by using the MetroRail schedules and map.  There are nine stations along the 32-mile line and all trains stop at each station.  There are Park and Ride lots where you can leave your car at the Leander, Lakeline, and Howard stations.  You can buy tickets using the CapMetro app, on Capital Metro's website, at the Transit Store, at Retail Outlets around Austin, or at the station.  

You can take your bike on all Capital Metro transit options, but the regulations vary with each type of transportation.  Be sure to read the rules on the pages for each method of getting around.

Need help finding an apartment on a transit route that will get you to work and play easily and quickly?  Give Austin Apartment Specialists South Austin a call today at (512) 912-8000. We know all the apartments and what transit routes they are on!