Ready to Hit the Road?

The corridor connecting College Station and Houston is the lifeline of Texas A&M. Whether you’re a student heading home to the 713 for the weekend, an alum returning to Kyle Field for game day, or a business traveler moving between the energy capital and the university, this route is one of the most critical in Texas.

But for many, the trip comes with questions. What’s the best way to get there? How do you avoid the stress of driving? And once you arrive—whether you are looking for things to do in College Station or exploring Houston—what are the absolute best spots to visit?

This guide covers it all. We’ll break down the smartest travel options for the College Station to Houston route, compare costs, and give you an insider’s look at the top attractions in both cities.

What is the Best Way to Travel from College Station to Houston?

The route spans approximately 95 miles, which typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes—if you’re lucky enough to miss the traffic. When deciding between driving and taking a bus, most people look at the ticket price first. But to get the real picture, you have to look at the hidden costs.

Competing on Cost: Bus vs. Car

Driving your own car might seem cheaper at a glance, but let’s do the math on the true cost of the road.

• • Fuel Costs: With gas prices in Texas averaging around $2.63 per gallon, a standard car getting 28 MPG will burn about 3.4 gallons just to get there. That’s roughly $8.92 one-way, or nearly $18 in fuel alone for a round trip.
• • The Parking Problem:
• • For Visitors: If you are heading to Houston for a concert or a weekend trip, daily parking in Downtown can easily run you $15 to $30 per day.
• • For Students: Even if parking at home is free, driving means putting wear and tear on your vehicle and dealing with the mental drain of fighting highway traffic after a long week of classes.
• • The Value of Time: Driving is “dead time.” You can’t study, sleep, or relax.

Compare that to RedCoach. Tickets start as low as $24.99. For just a few dollars more than the cost of gas, you get a stress-free ride where you can be productive or just rest.

Which Bus Service is Best for Aggies?

Not all bus services are built the same. For students, the biggest difference is location.

The “Last Mile” Problem

Most bus lines, like Greyhound or FlixBus, drop you off at stations that are off-campus, like on Dominik Drive or at the Brazos Transit District. This means you still have to find a ride to campus, which adds time, friction, and Uber fees to your trip.

RedCoach solves this problem perfectly. In College Station, we pick you up directly on campus at 188 Bizzell Street, right in front of the Wisenbaker Engineering Building. You can walk out of class and step right onto the bus.

In Houston, we don’t just drop you Downtown. We also have stops in Katy, Sugar Land, and Webster (Clear Lake). So whether you’re a student heading home to the suburbs or a visitor avoiding downtown parking fees, we get you closer to your actual destination.

Service	Starting Price	CS Station Location	Houston Drop-Offs	Checked Bags
RedCoach	From $24.99	188 Bizzell St (On Campus)	Downtown, Katy, Sugar Land, Webster	2 Free Bags
Greyhound / FlixBus	From ~$30.98	105 Dominik Dr / Brazos Transit	Mostly Downtown	Varies (Fees may apply)

Why Choose RedCoach for Comfort?

If you have assignments to finish or just want to catch up on sleep, the type of bus matters.

• • Room to Relax: You have three seating options—First Class (21-inch wide single seats), Business Class, and Premium Economy. The best part? The seats recline up to 140 degrees, so you can actually get some rest.
• • Stay Connected: With free 5G Wi-Fi and 110V power outlets at every seat, you can keep your laptop charged and your work on track.
• • Student-Friendly Luggage: Heading home for the holidays? RedCoach lets you bring two checked bags and one carry-on for free.
• • RedRider Loyalty Program: Frequent travelers can earn points for every dollar spent. These points turn into vouchers for future trips, making it a smart choice for students who travel often.

Destination Guide: Things to Do in College Station

College Station is defined by deep-seated traditions and buzzing modern hangouts. If you are visiting, here is where you need to go.

Aggie History and Landmarks

• • George H.W. Bush Presidential Library: A cornerstone attraction offering a deep dive into American history and the life of the 41st President.
• • Kyle Field: The legendary home of Aggie football. Even on non-game days, the sheer scale of the stadium is impressive.
• • The Century Tree: A massive live oak on campus. Tradition says if you walk under it with someone, you’ll be together forever!
• • Bonfire Memorial: A solemn and beautiful tribute to the students lost in the 1999 tragedy, reflecting the deep spirit of the Aggie community.

Lifestyle Hubs: Dining & Entertainment

• • Century Square: The modern “Aggie Experience.” This walkable district is perfect for shopping and dining. Grab a fast-fired pizza at Blaze, a bowl at CAVA, or catch a movie at Star Cinema Grill. It’s also home to boutique hotels like Cavalry Court if you need a stylish place to stay.
• • Northgate District: The traditional heartbeat of nightlife, located right across from campus. It’s the headquarters for Aggie social life. Grab a burger at The Dixie Chicken or walk down Bottlecap Alley. Since it’s directly across University Drive, you can transition from class to social hour in under five minutes.

Destination Guide: Things to Do in Houston

If you choose the Downtown Houston stop (957 Polk St), you are in the perfect spot to explore the city without a car.

Culture and Science

• • Space Center Houston: A must-see for anyone visiting Space City. It features wheelchair-accessible exhibits and tours that highlight Houston’s fame as the home of NASA.
• • The Museum District: Hop on the METRORail Red Line from downtown for a quick ride to the Museum District. Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science (don’t miss the paleontology hall!) or the Museum of Fine Arts.

Downtown Dining & Nightlife

Houston is a major foodie capital, and downtown has some of the best options.

• • Finn Hall: Located at 712 Main St, this modern food hall is perfect for sampling diverse cuisines. Try Nyam Nyam for Korean dishes or Proper Burger for a classic American bite.
• • Bungalow: For an upscale vibe, check out Bungalow. It’s known for its rooftop patio and dishes like wagyu meatballs, offering a state-of-the-art dining experience right in downtown.
• • Nightlife: For a night out, head to Midtown for high-energy bars, or Montrose for eclectic cocktail lounges.

How Can I Plan the Perfect Weekend Trip?

Bus travel makes it easy to plan a quick weekend getaway. Here is a simple itinerary:

• • Friday: Hop on a RedCoach bus from the A&M campus after your last class. You’ll arrive in Downtown Houston in under 2 hours. Drop your bags and head to Finn Hall for dinner.
• • Saturday: Spend the day exploring the Museum District or take a trip to Space Center Houston.
• • Sunday: Enjoy a brunch in town, then catch an afternoon bus back to College Station. You’ll be back on campus in a couple hours, rested and ready for the week.

Booking Tip: For the best rates, try to book your tickets early. Mid-week trips (Tuesday and Wednesday) often have the lowest fares.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does the bus from College Station to Houston cost?

Tickets on RedCoach start at $24.99. This includes two free checked bags, making it a great value compared to competitors who charge over $30.

Where does the bus pick up in College Station?

RedCoach picks up directly on the Texas A&M campus at 188 Bizzell Street, in front of the Wisenbaker Engineering Building.

How long is the bus ride?

The trip is approximately 95 miles and usually takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Does RedCoach stop in Houston suburbs?

Yes! In addition to Downtown Houston, RedCoach has stops in Katy, Sugar Land, and Webster (Clear Lake), getting you closer to home.

Is there Wi-Fi on the bus?

Yes, RedCoach buses are equipped with free 5G Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, making it easy to study or work during your trip.

The Smartest Way to Travel

For Texas A&M students and visitors, the choice is clear. Driving involves hidden fuel costs ($17+ round trip), parking fees, and traffic stress. Competitor buses often drop you off far from campus.

RedCoach offers the perfect solution: a direct campus stop, suburban drop-offs in Houston, luxury reclining seats, and a price that fits a student budget. Whether you are heading to Houston for big-city culture or returning to College Station to enjoy the best things to do in Aggieland, it’s the most efficient way to travel.

Book Now

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