USA Guide
Texas
Getting around
Texas distances are best negotiated by car, and in Houston driving is all but essential. Mass transit has proved impractical in a state with long commuting distances and gasoline prices that are historically lower than the national average. Cycling makes sense within cities like Austin and San Antonio, and rentals are available from bike shops. Greyhound routes are concentrated between the major cities of the east and the central region, though buses also serve the Gulf Coast, the Rio Grande Valley, West Texas, and the Panhandle. Two Amtrak trains pass through Texas: The Texas Eagle travels between Chicago and San Antonio, stopping in Dallas and Austin; while the Sunset Limited stops in Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Alpine, and El Paso on its way between New Orleans and Los Angeles. Given the vast distances, flying can save time and is relatively cheap if price wars flare up.