Getting To and Around Austin

You can find Ground Transportation options, including: taxis, ridesharing, shuttles, pedicabs, and electric low-speed vehicles, and charter services.

See this brochure for a quick overview: Getting Around Austin with CapMetro: A Quick Guide for International Students

Catch a ride with Capital Metro, Austin's public transportation provider. Capital Metro provides a network of bus routes, MetroRapid Route 800, 801, 803, 837, and MetroRail service to keep people moving into and out of downtown and throughout the city. 

Read more about the types of passes and their prices here! 

You can pay for CapMetro rides using several convenient methods. The Umo App is the most flexible option, allowing you to pay with your phone, track your balance, and benefit from fare capping (you won’t pay more than the daily or monthly maximum). Alternatively, you can use a Umo Smart Card, a reloadable physical card available at the CapMetro Transit Store and select retailers like H-E-B. Both the app and Smart Card require tapping or scanning on the onboard fare reader when boarding.

CapMetro now uses an account-based fare system with fare capping, so riders automatically receive the best available fare value without needing to purchase paper day passes or monthly passes in advance. Once you reach the daily or monthly fare cap, additional rides within that period are free.

Cash is still accepted on buses; however, exact change is required and cash payments do not qualify for fare capping benefits.

Passes are no longer needed in most cases, as fares can be paid through the Umo app, Smart Card, or contactless payment methods. Funds can be added through the app, online, or at participating retail locations.

In partnership with Capital Metro, all residential students (those who live on campus) can receive a no-cost mobile bus pass upon request. Watch this Instagram reel for instructions on how to request a pass as a St. Ed's student. You can also visit the Card Office in Main Building G11 to purchase discounted monthly passes. Local Monthly Pass: $27.50 (valid on local CapMetro bus routes within Austin) and Commuter Monthly Pass: $66.00 (includes access to both CapMetro bus routes and commuter rail services).

Check out where you can go on Capital Metro's system map. You can also use the Umo App or Google Maps to plan your trips. Finally, you can also visit. Check out CapMetro’s site for tips and videos on how to ride. Call (512) 474-1200 for more information. 

Riding a bike is a fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get around Austin. Students can access more information, including safety guidance and system updates, through CapMetro Bikeshare resources and the university’s Active Transportation Program page.

Austin’s public bikeshare system is now CapMetro Bikeshare, which offers electric-assist bikes available at stations throughout the city, including a station located on the St. Edward’s University campus. Bikes can be unlocked through the CapMetro Bikeshare app and are ideal for short trips around campus and nearby areas.

Over the past few years, St. Edward’s has expanded bike-friendly infrastructure, including additional bike racks and on-campus resources that support cycling as a transportation option.

The campus also provides a bike repair station, equipped with basic tools, an air pump, and a repair stand to assist students with minor maintenance and bike adjustments. This supports students in maintaining safe and accessible bike use on campus.

If you are a bike commuter, lockers are available in the Recreation and Convocation Center. A $10 deposit fee will be charged for the lock and reimbursed at the end of the semester when the lock is returned.

And if you have a bike, remember to register it with University Police! Bike registration is required for everyone who bikes on campus. You can register yours at the Police Department on the second floor of the Operations Building, between 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Ridesharing is when you book a driver, vehicle, or another transportation service quickly and conveniently through a mobile app. Uber and Lyft are popular services in Austin. 

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. To drive a car in Texas, you must have liability insurance. If you do not have this type of insurance, you will have to pay for it on a day-to-day basis.

Rental Car Companies

The following companies are located at the Austin airport and are open 7 days a week.

• Alamo Rent-A-Car: Open 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. (844) 366-2656

• Budget: Open Sun - Fri 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.; Sat 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (512) 356-3519

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Open 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. (737) 484-3896

• Hertz: Open 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. (512) 247-7250

View zipcar for short-term car rental options around Austin. It is app and web-based, allowing you to sign up from your phone or computer. 

If you decide to buy from a private party, it is recommended that you have an experienced driver test drive the car for you. Also, it is highly recommended that you take the car to an auto mechanic for a “buyer’s check.” Ask for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) when you speak with the owner. You can use the VIN number to check the vehicle’s history at Carfax or ask the dealership to provide a vehicle history report. 

To avoid a financial penalty, you must transfer the car’s title within 30 days from the date of purchase. More information about registering your car can be found at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. If you live in Austin, you will register your car at the Travis County Tax Office. 

State law requires people who drive in Texas to pay for accidents they may cause. Most people do this with liability insurance. A liability policy pays to repair or replace the other driver's car and pays other people's medical expenses if you’re at fault in an accident.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) provides an online guide to help you choose an insurance policy. Before purchasing insurance, get price quotes from several insurance companies. Use TDI’s HelpInsure service to get sample prices and compare policies. You will need your car’s VIN number and your driver's license number to buy insurance.

Buy a quality lock for your bicycle. A coated U-lock is recommended for the highest security. Make sure both your frame and wheel are securely locked to the bicycle rack.

Obey traffic signs. You must follow all road rules while riding your bike, including stopping at red lights and stop signs.

As a vehicle, you must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. Don't ride on sidewalks and walkways – walk your bike instead.

Lights at night. State law requires a white headlight and red rear reflector. Drivers must turn on their headlights within 30 minutes after sunset and leave them on until at least 30 minutes before sunrise.

Bus etiquette. Buses pull to the right-hand side of the road to load and unload passengers.