Is flying from AUS to SAT dumb?

[Justinf]

OK, so I have never driven on the other side of the road and I won't contemplate hiring a car and driving this trip, so even though it's the most logical way to do this, I'm not logical*.
I need to get from Austin to San Antonio, which might seem easy enough, but aside from driving, there's the bus (Greyhound or Megabus) which is a simple 90-minute trip, but have heard horror stories about both.
There's Amtrak, but it leaves Austin at 6.30pm and takes three and a half hours (for the life of me i don't know why).
The other option is flying from AUS to Houston and then to SAT with Southwest. Can do it for about $280 and connection times are pretty good (leave noonish, get in around 4pm).
The cons of the bus are that the megabus stop is out of the way and is often late and Greyhound is Greyhound. Both are cheap (less than $10).
The cons of the train are the length of the journey and the timing. The pros are it's $11.
Flying is more fun, but cost prohibitive and relatively lengthy. At least Southwest gives you one free bag to check in.
So I am crazy or dumb or both to contemplate flying.
*please don't tell me to car it unless you're willing and able to give me a lift ;-)

 

[juddles]

If you ever feel uncomfortable hiring a car - DON'T Do It!!

 

[Justinf]

If you ever feel uncomfortable hiring a car - DON'T Do It!!

I won't be. That much I know.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Im surprised people keep asking whether they are stupid or dumb or crazy to fly on strange routings on this forum. Nobody will ever say you are.

 

[Justinf]

Perhaps I should rephrase the question. Is this any other way of getting from Austin to San Antonio rather than the abovementioned methods of travel other than hitchhiking or walking?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

In general I think the advice is to stay away from bus companies. It's supposedly not for the faint hearted.

 

[travelislife]

Haven't had any issues catching Greyhound or Megabus in the states. Yes some of the stations are in less desirable places (LA downtown comes to mind). But they are cheap and general run on time.

 

[Himeno]

I've never had a problem with Greyhound US. Most if it depends on who else is traveling on the same bus. Haven't used Megabus. Wouldn't even want to look at the smaller operations (such as the chinatown buses along the NE corridor)

Amtrak runs the Texas Eagle daily between Chicago and San Antonio. 3 days a week, this connects with the Sunset Limited between LA and New Orleans. Eastbound trains from LA split at San Antonio.
The Texas Eagle has one stop between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos. Part of the 3.5 hour timetable would be padding. Most tracks Amtrak uses are owned by other companies, often freight carriers. Trains operated by those other companies get right of way on their own track. If the Amtrak train is on BNSF or Union Pacific track and a BNSF/UP train needs to use that same track, the Amtrak train has to pull into a sliding and allow the freight train through.

It looks like the flight options would all require a connection.
I'd take the bus. The main problems with US intercity buses are where the stations are in some cities (eg, LA, Baltimore), the cheap Chinatown type buses (mostly along the NE corridor between Boston and DC or LA-SF) and possible other pax.
I've taken long bus trips in the US a number of times (including one from Iowa City to Denver which was overnight and required changing buses in Des Moines and Kansas City). Only had any sort of problem with 1, a bus from the CA central valley to LA with a problem passenger. The diver ended up pulling over and kicking them off.

 

[Brisbane Flyer]

Take the bus, it's one of life's fun activities in the US.

Personally, I'd hire a fast car and hit the Texas highways! Well worth the drop off charge.

Cheers
BF

 

[ozjuice]

Personally i love driving in the US. Why not seriously consider it? Go on! COYS

 

[mmchow]

Driven that route before in January and it was a pretty easy drive; freeway all the way and it took approximately 90 mins. I enjoyed driving on the left side and I still miss it. If you are not comfortable driving and this is your first time driving on the left, suggest you not take this option. I wouldn't choose the flight option unless you have time to kill. Ever consider Uber?

 

[Hvr]

Have driven in the US and while it was an experience and I'll do it again in October if you're unsure then don't hesitate to seek alternatives.

Your question isn't dumb, but seeking a way to travel that suits you and your circumstances.

If you fly at least ensure you maximise your SCs.

 

[Justinf]

Driven that route before in January and it was a pretty easy drive; freeway all the way and it took approximately 90 mins. I enjoyed driving on the left side and I still miss it. If you are not comfortable driving and this is your first time driving on the left, suggest you not take this option. I wouldn't choose the flight option unless you have time to kill. Ever consider Uber?

I like it!

 

[clazman]

Personally i love driving in the US. Why not seriously consider it? Go on! COYS

Have to ask what is COYS ?

 

[mannej]

Have to ask what is COYS ?

I am taking a stab but it is "come on you spurs"

 

[earlyriser]

I'm with the get the car crew. I lived in the States for 6 years and regret being such a wuss for the first year (the one year I lived in California too!) where I was too scared to rent a car. It was a piece of cake. From memory there is a pretty good outlet mall in between Austin and San Antonio as well.

 

[Justinf]

I am taking a stab but it is "come on you spurs"

Indeed it is!

 

[docjames]

Thinking outside the square (since you're thinking of flying).......

Have you considered how much an uber would cost?

FWIW i'd take busor train at that time/price differential. Add up the time and cost it also takes to get to/from airport etc, yes, you're crazy to fly.

 

[ozjuice]

I am taking a stab but it is "come on you spurs"

Haha Yes...Sorry didn't think it was worth explaining to anyone else ;-)

 

[doctork]

I'm with the get the car crew. I lived in the States for 6 years and regret being such a wuss for the first year (the one year I lived in California too!) where I was too scared to rent a car. It was a piece of cake. From memory there is a pretty good outlet mall in between Austin and San Antonio as well.

Yes there is. With a Sony Store in it, along with the Nike, Gap/Old Navy, Osh Kosh and so on. Went there once with a bunch of colleagues from a conference in San Antonio and it was the two men in the group (me included) who bought the most stuff. Justinf - if you take this option, you'll need to rent or Uber a minivan for your purchases.