Getting to Texas and Getting Around Texas

Traveling to Texas and getting around the state involves a myriad of options given its size and varied geography. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Getting to Texas

By Air:

• Major Airports: Texas is serviced by several international airports:

  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): One of the busiest airports in the world.

  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston: Another major international gateway.

  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

  • Dallas Love Field (DAL): Predominantly for domestic flights.

  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston: Serves both domestic and some international flights.

• These airports offer numerous daily flights to destinations around the world and are serviced by most major airlines.

By Car:

• Texas has a network of federal and state highways, making it relatively easy to drive into from neighboring states and Mexico.

• Interstate Highways: I-10, I-20, I-35, and I-45 are major interstates that cross the state.

By Train:

• Amtrak services Texas with routes like the Texas Eagle (Chicago to San Antonio) and Sunset Limited (Los Angeles to New Orleans via Houston and San Antonio).

By Bus:

• Companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus provide intercity bus services that connect Texas cities to other parts of the country.

From Mexico:

• There are several international bridges and border crossings into Texas from Mexico, especially in cities like El Paso, Laredo, and Brownsville.

Getting Around Texas

By Car:

• Renting a Car: Given the vast size of Texas, renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore the state, especially if you're visiting multiple cities or less urban areas.

• Highways: Texas has a well-developed system of state highways, U.S. routes, and interstates.

• Toll Roads: Be aware of toll roads, especially around major cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Many tolls are electronic, so consider getting a toll tag or inquire about payment methods with your rental agency.

By Plane:

• For long distances, like from Houston to El Paso or Dallas to the Rio Grande Valley, consider taking domestic flights. Regional airports are scattered throughout the state.

By Bus:

• Intercity bus services like Greyhound can be a cost-effective way to travel between major cities.

Public Transport in Cities:

• Dallas: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers light rail and bus services.

• Houston: METRO includes buses and a light rail system.

• Austin: Capital Metro offers buses and a commuter rail line.

• San Antonio: VIA Metropolitan Transit provides bus services.

Rideshares & Taxis:

• Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxi services operate in most Texas cities.

Bicycles:

• Many cities, especially Austin, are becoming more bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing programs.

Special Modes:

• Ferries: If you're visiting areas like Galveston, there are ferries, such as the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry, which is free.

When traveling in Texas, always be prepared for long distances given its size. Ensure you have maps or GPS, especially when driving in remote areas, and always keep an eye on your fuel gauge as gas stations can sometimes be sparse in rural areas. Also, given the state's varied climate, always check weather conditions, particularly if you're traveling in winter (for icy conditions) or during hurricane season along the coast.