As the second-largest state in the United States of America, Texas is replete with incredible views and places to see. From remote mountains to ginormous metroplexes connected by highways, air routes, and railways, there is a lot to see. On the other hand, the vastness of the land also means getting to and from destinations won’t be easy.
Regardless of the transportation mode you opt for or how long you spend on this website, going from one place to another in Texas is time-consuming. However, that is not to say you cannot get around Texas, particularly when you have the means – wheels! This article provides a guide to finding your way around Texas, whether you’re looking to visit or become a permanent resident.
Having Your Own Car Makes Things Easy
While there are public buses in Texas, it will be hard to get around the open road without your own wheels. Moreover, there are certain remote destinations like Big Bend National Park that you cannot access without a private car. There are many benefits of having your own wheels, including the freedom to stop at roadside attractions. Also, apart from being ultimately convenient, having your own car lets you enjoy the state’s scenic landscape up close and personal.
Moving from one city to another in Texas can take hours, from as little as three hours to longer. For example, driving between Austin and Dallas can take three to five hours, while it can be much longer for El Paso. Moreover, Texas highway systems can be pretty confusing; therefore, ensure you have your map close for easy navigation.
Drive Defensively
Road accidents in Texas are on the high side, which is why you must exercise caution while you’re there. Particularly, you need to learn to drive defensively – that is, you anticipate other drivers’ mistakes and keep a safe distance from them. Driving defensively can help you avoid getting hit or worse due to someone else’s bad driving behaviors.
Driving defensively means focusing on the road rather than distractions such as your phone and the radio. It also means scanning the road ahead to anticipate a potential slowdown and give the appropriate response. Also, a brake light doesn’t necessarily mean a complete stop; the driver could be slowing down to make a turn or change lanes.
Consider Flights to Save Time
If you’re in a hurry to get to your destination, you can take domestic flights for an easier and faster ride. That makes sense, considering that many of the biggest cities in Texas are hubs for major airlines. Whether you prefer to travel with Southwest Airlines or yours is American Airlines, there are options to choose from. There’s also the Houston International Airport, where you can follow United Airlines to wherever, whenever.
Flying offers the quickest way to travel within or out of Texas, even though it is much worse for the environment. Therefore, if you’re a more environmentally inclined person, you might want the soul and atmosphere of a road or rail trip.
Travel By Train
Although not as popular as flights and travel by road, train travel is also a great way to navigate your way through Texas. Taking a train to your destination can eliminate the stress of driving while still offering those scenic views that flying won’t give you. Of course, if you’re in a hurry, you might not want to take the train. Train travel is much slower than flying and a little slower than driving, depending on your route and connections.
Train travel is also quite expensive, and only a few trains run per day or week in Texas. While some routes offer one train per day, many others only release three trains per week. As such, if you’re planning to move around by train in Texas, you will need to plan ahead.
Take the Bus
If you’re short on cash, don’t have a personal vehicle, or just want to travel with people, think of bus rides. Bus rides are very affordable in Texas, and you may even get access to Wi-Fi and bathrooms if you’re lucky. Some of the most popular bus routes in Texas include Greyhound, Megabus, and San Antonio. You should do your research to find the cheapest bus routes and the amenities they offer.
Volane’s bus routes, for example, offer more amenities than standard coaches, beverages, TVs, and snacks. Volane’s bus routes are particularly beneficial if you’re a business traveler, but any traveler can use it. Meanwhile, each city in Texas has its own form of public transportation, from buses to metro rails; they are affordable and free sometimes. The challenge, however, is that you may not enjoy public transportation in Texas cities as much as you would in other cities.
Conclusion
The best and easiest way to navigate your way around Texas is by owning your own wheels. However, if you don’t have that, there are lots of accessible transportation services that can help resolve mobility issues. If you’re in big cities, in particular, you will find a wide range of accessible local transportation like metro lines.
