Transportation in Texas is no different than in the rest of America. A rental car is in many cases necessary to see some of the state. Given the size of the state, it’s no surprise that Texas has both the largest highway and the longest railroad in the country.
By car
Renting a car, along with renting an RV, is the best option to see a lot of Texas. There are many landlords in America who have rental locations in the larger cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio as well as in places such as El Paso, Lubbock and Corpus Christi. All types and sizes of cars are available to rent, from a compact car to a large SUV with plenty of space for luggage and several passengers. You can rent a car easily and quickly at, for example, Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, National or Sixt.
Toll roads
Keep in mind that there are 17 toll roads in Texas, mostly around the cities. You can usually avoid these by choosing a different route, but if you want to get to your destination quickly, a toll road can be beneficial. In most cases you can purchase a Toll Pass from your car rental company in advance, inquire about this when you pick up the rental car. Read more about toll roads at: www.htallc.com/TollRoads.aspx.
Taxi
In the big cities you can easily hail a taxi on the street. You can also order an Uber or Lyft. You then pay for the ride in the app on your mobile phone with your credit card.
RV rental
Renting a motorhome has the great advantage that you always have your sleeping place ‘at hand’. You can stop wherever and whenever you want and really experience the ultimate freedom of an American road trip. Americans are also fond of ‘RV’ vacations and are happy to help you on your way. Texas has beautiful campsites in nature, near the National Parks and in the cities, so a nice place to stay is easily found. There are also motorhomes in different categories: from compact campervans to super-deluxe motorhomes with a separate bedroom and bathroom. You can rent a camper in Houston or Dallas, for example, through WorldWide Campers, Travelhome, Tioga Tours or directly from lessors such as Cruise America and El Monte.
Fly to Texas
According to Ebizdir, Texas has no fewer than 730 major and minor airports, including two of the largest airports in America and worldwide: Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. Dallas-Fort Worth is the home of American Airlines. In the summer season (May – September) there is a daily flight from Amsterdam to Dallas-Fort Worth. KLM and United Airlines both fly direct to Houston 7 times a week. Houston is United Airlines’ largest hub, from where many flights to other airports in North America and South America depart. Other major, international airports in the state can be found in Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso.
Public transport
Public transportation is well organized in Texas. Whether you want to go by train, metro or bus. Both between and in the cities you can rely on good connections.
Train
The national railway company Amtrak has 3 intercity services. The Texas Eagle runs daily from Chicago to San Antonio, the Heartland Flyer also runs daily between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. The Sunset Limited runs three times a week from New Orleans to Los Angeles with stops in Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Del Rio, Alpine and El Paso in Texas. In the major cities you will also find light rail trains. For example, Dallas has the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) that connects Dallas to Fort Worth. Austin has the Capital MetroRail that connects the city to the northwestern suburbs and in Houston the METRO operates several lines in the city and the surrounding area.
Another option is with the Texas State Railroad through Piney Woods. A wealth of sightings for the senses awaits at Piney Woods in the east of the state, where diverse ecosystems and wildlife meet. Exploring this region on a steam locomotive from the 1920s, where historical stories can be heard, brings travelers into the nostalgic atmosphere of a train journey from 100 years ago. A stop is especially worthwhile in Palestine, where there are more buildings on the National Register of Historic Places than in almost any other Texas city, while in Jacksonville majestic pines and blue lakes provide serenity.
Bus
The national bus company Greyhound has so-called cross-country routes that include Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. It is best to buy tickets online to find good deals.
Metro
In the major cities of Houston and Dallas you will find an extensive metro network.
With a hot air balloon close to the sky: a balloon ride over Longview
Just like above the clouds: the oldest airplane in the world still gives a sense of freedom and adventure. The area around Longview is – as the name suggests – the hot air balloon capital of Texas. Magnificent views over the sparkling waters of Lake Cherokee, dense pine forests, freshly cut hay meadows or the famous longhorns leave lasting impressions from a bird’s perspective. A special highlight is the “Great Texas Balloon Race”, which this year takes place from July 27 to 29, with numerous color patterns flying through the sky. At the popular Evening Balloon Glow, the approximately 80 pilots light their balloons under the Texas starry sky and create a unique atmosphere.
Ride a bike in Texas
It is precisely the bicycle that makes this area literally “tangible”: fields full of wild flowers, streams through fragrant cypress forests and traditional wineries line the trails in the Hill Country region. A good starting point for bike rides is the former German emigrant town of Fredericksburg, surrounded by vineyards, picturesquely located in the heart of Texas. The “Luckenbach Loop Alternate”, a 50 km long cycle route, can be done in a day trip. The tour also includes a stop here in the four-soul village of Luckenbach, which becomes an open-air stage for country musicians every evening – join us in jamming, humming and singing, you’re most welcome! In the evening a glass of Texan wine under one of the many oak trees – and life is fine.
