So, you’ve just landed at Hobby. You’re looking for a track, a platform, maybe a ticket kiosk that says "San Antonio." I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you're standing in the terminal looking for trains from William P. Hobby Airport to San Antonio, you aren't going to find a single rail line.
Texas is huge. It’s also, unfortunately, deeply committed to the internal combustion engine. There is no train station at Hobby Airport. To get on a train heading west toward the Alamo City, you have to leave the airport entirely and head into the heart of downtown Houston. Specifically, you’re looking for the Amtrak station at 902 Washington Avenue.
It’s a bit of a trek. Honestly, it's about 10 to 12 miles depending on how your driver weaves through the I-45 traffic, which, as anyone from Houston will tell you, is a roll of the dice every single time.
The Reality of the Amtrak Sunset Limited
The only train that actually runs between these two cities is the Amtrak Sunset Limited. It’s a legendary route, part of a massive cross-country journey that starts in New Orleans and ends in Los Angeles. Because it’s a long-distance train, it doesn’t run like a commuter rail. You can’t just show up and expect a train every hour.
Currently, the Sunset Limited only runs three times a week.
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If you are planning to catch one of these trains from William P. Hobby Airport to San Antonio, you need to check the calendar. Usually, the train departs Houston on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. The scheduled departure is typically around 6:55 PM, though Amtrak is famous for its "flexible" relationship with time. If the train coming from New Orleans gets delayed by freight traffic, that 6:55 PM can easily turn into 8:00 PM or later.
The ride itself is about five hours. You’ll pull into the San Antonio station (350 Hoefgen St) around midnight. It’s a slow, steady roll through the Texas night. If you’re in no rush and want to see the silhouette of the Hill Country or just decompress with a drink in the Sightseer Lounge, it’s a vibe. If you’re trying to make a 9:00 PM dinner reservation in San Antonio? You’re going to be disappointed.
Getting From Hobby Airport to the Train Station
Since the train doesn't come to you, you have to go to it. You’ve got a few ways to bridge that gap between HOU and the Amtrak station:
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): This is the easiest but most expensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $50. In light traffic, it’s a 20-minute ride. During rush hour? Double it.
- The METRO Bus: If you’re counting pennies, take the 40 or 50 bus. It’s basically $1.25. You’ll likely have to transfer at the Eastwood Transit Center or head all the way downtown and walk a bit. It’ll take you an hour, maybe more.
- Taxi: Old school. They’re usually lined up outside Zone 3. Prices are comparable to Uber, but sometimes more predictable.
Is the Train Actually the Best Way?
Let’s get real for a second. Most people searching for trains from William P. Hobby Airport to San Antonio are looking for a convenient, European-style rail experience. We just don't have that here.
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When you factor in the Uber to the station, the ticket price (which usually starts around $30 but can spike), and the five-hour travel time, the train is actually the slowest way to get to San Antonio. Driving takes about three hours. A bus like Vonlane or RedCoach is often faster and much more frequent.
Vonlane, in particular, is what I’d call "the private jet of buses." They leave from downtown or the Galleria area, have massive leather seats, and they actually feed you. If you’re looking for a "premium" experience that feels like a high-end train, that’s probably what you actually want.
Amtrak Amenities vs. The Alternatives
| Feature | Amtrak Sunset Limited | Luxury Bus (Vonlane) | Standard Bus (Greyhound/Flix) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 3 times per week | Multiple times daily | Hourly |
| Travel Time | ~5 hours | ~3 hours | 3.5 - 4.5 hours |
| Legroom | Incredible (Massive) | High-end (First Class) | Standard |
| WiFi | Hit or miss | Reliable | Variable |
| Departure | 902 Washington Ave | Downtown/Galleria | Main Bus Terminals |
What to Know Before You Book
If you’re dead set on the train—maybe you love the rails, or you just want to relax and not stare at I-10 taillights—there are some quirks to the Houston Amtrak station.
It’s small. Don’t expect a Grand Central Terminal experience. It’s a functional building with some vending machines and a waiting room. The staff there are generally helpful, but they can’t do much if the train is stuck behind a mile-long Union Pacific freight train in the middle of Louisiana.
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Pro Tip: Download the Amtrak app. It has a "Train Status" feature that is way more accurate than the printed schedule. If the train is three hours late, you’re better off hanging out at a bar in downtown Houston or staying at Hobby for a few more hours rather than sitting in the Washington Ave station.
Also, San Antonio's Amtrak station is right next to the Alamodome. It’s a great location if you're staying downtown or near the Riverwalk. You can easily catch a quick rideshare to most major hotels from there once you arrive at midnight.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you commit to the rail, do these three things:
- Check the Date: Go to Amtrak.com and see if the Sunset Limited is even running on the day you land. If you land on a Tuesday or Thursday, the train isn't an option.
- Compare the Bus: Look at RedCoach or Vonlane. If the Amtrak schedule is wonky, these buses leave from spots much closer to Hobby or are easier to reach.
- Calculate Total Time: Remember that a 6:55 PM train means leaving Hobby by 5:00 PM to account for Houston traffic and check-in. You’re looking at a 7-hour total journey from airport terminal to San Antonio hotel.
If the timing works out and you land on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday afternoon, the train is a unique way to see the state. Just don't expect it to be waiting for you at the airport gate.