Amtrak Vacations
Heartland Rail Journey
Independent rail trip from Kansas City to St. Louis and Chicago
6 daysfrom $409
33% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
East Texas and the Hill Country
Six-day Texas rail trip: Houston, San Antonio and Austin
Amtrak Vacations runs this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation through Texas, starting in Houston and traveling by train to San Antonio on the Sunset Limited, then on to Austin on the Texas Eagle, both in Coach class. The three nights in San Antonio include a guided hop-on, hop-off tour stopping at the Alamo, the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum, along with time to visit the city's UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial missions and Historic Market Square. The two nights in Austin include a guided city tour covering the capital's music, food and history, with free time to explore South Congress Avenue. No tour manager travels with the group; the included tours provide the guided portions of an otherwise independent trip. This suits travelers who want a short, rail-linked tour of central Texas history and culture, moving between two Hill Country cities rather than covering the whole state.
What to know before you look closer
- The hotel is chosen from 12 accommodation options across San Antonio and Austin, described as 'choices, not consecutive stays,' so the specific property and comfort tier depend on what you select.
- No hotel night is included in Houston; the trip begins with an evening train departure the same day, so day 1 is a travel day rather than a Houston stay.
- The operator publishes no departure dates or seasonal information for this package in the evidence provided.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: San Antonio
Your Journey Begins in Houston
Board your train this evening and travel west through the Texas hill country landscape to historic San Antonio. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay.
- Day 2overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio
Enjoy your guided tour of the city while hopping off to explore numerous attractions, including the famous Alamo historic site. Learn about the legendary battle that played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution. Visit the historic Buckhorn Saloon and discover its Wild West past, or delve deeper into Texas history at the Texas Ranger Museum.
- Day 3overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio
Enjoy another day exploring the rich culture and history of San Antonio. Perhaps visit one of the city's UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial missions, explore the vibrant arts scene at the Blue Star Arts Complex, or sample Tex-Mex cuisine at the bustling Historic Market Square.
- Day 4railovernight: Austin
Austin
Today you'll travel by train through the Texas Hill Country to Austin, the capital of Texas. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.
- Day 5overnight: Austin
Austin
With its laid-back vibe and creative spirit, Austin is known for its live music venues, eclectic shops, and thriving food scene. Your guided tour of this city ensures you know about its rich blend of cultures, music, food, and history. Spend your evening enjoying a live performance or strolling along South Congress Avenue in your free time.
- Day 6
Your Journey Ends in Austin
Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The train travels west through the Texas hill country landscape from Houston to San Antonio in the evening.
- Day 2A guided tour stops at the Alamo, the historic site of the pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution.
- Day 3The tour visits one of San Antonio's UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial missions and the Historic Market Square for Tex-Mex food.
- Day 4The train travels through the Texas Hill Country from San Antonio to Austin, the state capital.
- Day 5A guided tour of Austin covers its music, food and history, with free time for a live performance or a stroll on South Congress Avenue.
Included
- One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Houston to San Antonio on the Sunset Limited and San Antonio to Austin on the Texas Eagle
- 5 nights' hotel accommodations
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel is included from Houston to San Antonio on the Sunset Limited, and San Antonio to Austin on the Texas Eagle.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- Independent. Guided sightseeing tours are included in San Antonio and Austin, but no tour manager travels with the group throughout.
- How many hotel nights are included?
- Five: three in San Antonio and two in Austin.
- What is included besides rail and hotel?
- A multi-day hop-on, hop-off tour of San Antonio with admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum, and a sightseeing city tour of Austin.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers 12 accommodation options across San Antonio and Austin, including DoubleTree, Hilton, Embassy Suites and Omni properties.
