Travel Guide: Getting from Dallas to San Antonio by Bus 

Heading from Dallas to San Antonio? FlixBus makes it easy, affordable, and comfortable. The journey takes around 5 hours on average, making it a great option whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, visiting family and friends, or traveling for work. With daily departures—including both daytime and overnight trips—you’ve got flexibility built in. Planning a quick round trip? FlixBus even has weekend options that leave on Friday and return Sunday, so it’s simple to fit a mini escape into your schedule. 

Departing from Dallas by Bus 

No matter where you’re starting from in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, you’ll have no trouble catching your FlixBus. There are multiple departure points around the city, including the Dallas Bus Station on Lamar Street, Deep Ellum, and even nearby hubs like Fort Worth International Airport and Richardson. 

How to Get to the FlixBus Stop in Dallas 

Dallas is a big city—the fourth largest in Texas, in fact—so getting to your FlixBus stop might take a little planning. Thankfully, you’ve got several transportation options to make the trip easy and stress-free. 

By Public Transit: DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) 

Dallas has one of the best public transportation networks in Texas, thanks to DART. Whether you’re taking a train, bus, streetcar, or trolley, DART has you covered. 

• DART Rail: The DART Rail system features four color-coded lines—Red, Blue, Green, and Orange—spanning 93 miles across the metro area. These lines connect key locations, especially in downtown Dallas. The Red and Orange Lines run through central Dallas and extend out to Richardson and Plano, while the Green Line serves Fair Park and Carrollton. Conveniently, DART Rail also connects with both major airports—DFW International and Dallas Love Field—so if you're flying in, it’s easy to get to your FlixBus stop from the terminal. 
• DART Buses: DART’s bus network is equally extensive, with nearly 700 buses covering thousands of stops throughout Dallas and surrounding areas. The buses run frequently and can get you to most FlixBus departure points across the city. 
• Dallas Streetcar & M-Line Trolley: If you’re coming from a nearby neighborhood, consider hopping on the Dallas Streetcar, which runs between EBJ Union Station and the Bishop Arts District, or the M-Line Trolley, which connects the Dallas Arts District with Uptown. 

Not sure which route to take? Use the DART Trip Planner to find the most efficient way to your FlixBus stop based on your location. 

By Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and Alto 

Prefer door-to-door service? Rideshare apps are a reliable and flexible way to get around Dallas. 

• Uber & Lyft: Both services are available citywide, offering quick access to FlixBus stops like Deep Ellum or the Dallas Bus Station. These rides are often more affordable than taxis and are easy to book through the app. 
• Alto: If you want something a bit more premium, Alto is a Dallas-based rideshare company known for its high-end experience. You can personalize your ride preferences and enjoy a bit more comfort—perfect if you’ve got luggage or just want to travel in style. 

By Taxi 

While rideshare apps are popular, traditional taxi companies like Mears Transportation, Ace Metro, and Town & Country Transportation are still a solid choice. To make sure you’re getting a licensed and insured ride, it’s best to book by phone or app rather than hailing a cab on the street. 

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Departure 

With Dallas being so spread out, it’s a good idea to plan your route to the FlixBus station ahead of time. Check transit schedules if you’re taking DART, or book your rideshare or taxi early to allow for potential traffic. To avoid any last-minute rush, aim to arrive at your departure stop at least 15 minutes before your scheduled boarding time. 

Arriving in San Antonio 

Once you arrive in San Antonio, you’ll have plenty of ways to get around the city with ease. 

Public Transportation: VIA Metropolitan Transit 

San Antonio’s public bus system is called VIA Metropolitan Transit. It operates seven days a week and covers over 90 routes, making it a reliable and affordable way to explore the city. You’ll find the greatest bus coverage in the Downtown area, which is perfect if you’re planning to check out the city’s most popular sights. 

If you’re traveling from the suburbs into Downtown, VIA’s express service is a great option. These direct, nonstop routes run on comfortable buses equipped with reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, overhead storage, and personal reading lights—ideal for a more relaxed ride into the city.  

To plan your trip, download the VIA goMobile+ app—it’s your one-stop shop for bus schedules, mobile ticketing, and customer support. You can also use Google Maps to figure out the best route. Every VIA bus comes with free Wi-Fi and bike racks, which is great if you're planning to cycle at your destination. 

Digital signs at stations and stops display real-time bus arrival info to help you stay on track. 

Ride in Style with Prímo 

Looking for a faster and more comfortable ride? Prímo is San Antonio’s premium bus service. These 40- and 60-foot-long, natural gas-powered buses operate along three major routes and stop only at dedicated stations—not regular bus stops. Stations come with coverings, free Wi-Fi, and digital signs showing real-time arrival updates. The VIA Prímo 100 line runs to Downtown and operates daily from early morning to late at night, giving you flexibility no matter your schedule. 

VIA Link: A Smart Ride for Specific Zones 

In San Antonio you can also choose VIA Link—a super affordable, on-demand rideshare service available in the Northeast, Northwest, and South parts of the city. You can request a ride using the VIA Link app or by phone, and it will take you anywhere within the same zone. VIA Link runs from early morning through the evening, and each van can fit up to three people, making it a flexible option for small groups. 

On Foot: Where to Walk in San Antonio 

While San Antonio isn’t the most walkable city overall, there are some great neighborhoods to explore on foot. You’ll love strolling through the Pearl District, Southtown, and Downtown. 

The River Walk is especially helpful—this scenic 15-mile path connects several neighborhoods and major attractions, including the San Antonio Museum of Art, making it one of the city’s most enjoyable walking routes. 

Biking Around the City 

San Antonio has made great strides to become more bike-friendly. If you want to explore on two wheels, check out the BCycle bikeshare program. Start by downloading the San Antonio BCycle app, where you can find information on docking stations, ride options, and route suggestions. 

BCycle stations stretch in a north-south line from Brackenridge Park to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. Whether you're cycling for fun or as a way to get around, there are great biking trails across the city. These include stretches of the River Walk, the Hike-and-Bike Trail (connecting all five missions), and the scenic Greenway Trails. 

San Antonio’s Landmarks 

• The Alamo: Legendary 18th-century mission and the site of the famous 1836 battle for Texas independence. 
• River Walk: A vibrant 15-mile network of waterside paths lined with shops, cafés, and cultural spots, running through the heart of the city. 
• McNay Art Museum: Housed in a grand Spanish Colonial Revival mansion, this museum features modern and contemporary art collections. 
• Mission San José: The largest and most visually striking mission on the Mission Trail, known as the "Queen of the Missions." 
• San Fernando Cathedral: One of the oldest churches in the U.S., located on Main Plaza and known for its nightly light shows. 
• SeaWorld San Antonio: Marine-themed amusement park with animal shows, thrill rides, and family attractions. 
• Buckhorn Saloon & Museum: Historic bar and quirky museum featuring wildlife exhibits and Old West memorabilia. 
• Mission Concepción: Remarkably preserved mission church, part of the UNESCO-listed San Antonio Missions. 
• Mission San Juan: A serene mission complex known for its simple architecture and peaceful setting. 
• Mission Espada: The oldest of San Antonio’s missions, featuring a distinctive stone chapel and aqueduct ruins. 
• San Antonio Botanical Gardens: Beautiful 38-acre oasis showcasing native and exotic plants, with a glass conservatory and trails. 
• Tower of the Americas: 750-foot tower offering sweeping city views from its observation deck and rotating restaurant. 
• Ripley's Alamo Plaza Attractions: Fun-filled entertainment zone with wax figures, oddities, and haunted adventures. 
• Briscoe Western Art Museum: Celebrates the art, culture, and heritage of the American West through diverse exhibits. 
• San Antonio Museum of Art: Located in a historic brewery, this museum houses global collections, with a focus on Latin American art. 
• La Villita Historic Arts Village: San Antonio’s oldest neighborhood turned arts district, full of shops, galleries, and history. 
• San Antonio Zoo: A large and well-loved zoo featuring thousands of animals in lush, naturalistic habitats. 
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Action-packed amusement park with roller coasters, shows, and water attractions. 
• Brackenridge Park: Expansive green space with trails, picnic areas, and nearby attractions like the zoo and museums. 
• Fort Sam Houston: Historic military post with over 900 preserved buildings and strong ties to U.S. military history. 
• Quadrangle: Part of Fort Sam Houston, this peaceful courtyard is open to visitors and home to friendly peacocks. 
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site preserving four Spanish colonial missions. 
• Steves Homestead Museum: Elegant 19th-century home in the King William District, open for guided tours. 
• Spanish Governor's Palace: Modest adobe residence once home to Spanish colonial officials, now a museum. 
• US Army Medical Department Museum: Displays the evolution of military medicine, located on the grounds of Fort Sam. 
• Witte Museum: Engaging exhibits on Texas history, natural science, and culture, with hands-on experiences for families. 
• Artpace: A contemporary art center known for its artist-in-residence program and thought-provoking exhibits. 
• Institute of Texan Cultures: A Smithsonian-affiliated museum exploring the diverse cultures that shaped Texas. 
• Japanese Tea Garden: Tranquil garden with koi ponds, stone bridges, and a pagoda, located in a former rock quarry. 
• Texas Transportation Museum: Volunteer-run museum with model trains, vintage vehicles, and weekend train rides. 
• DoSeum: San Antonio’s children’s museum, filled with interactive exhibits and educational fun for kids. 

San Antonio’s Neighborhoods 

Downtown 

Downtown San Antonio is the city’s vibrant core, home to many of its most famous landmarks, cultural attractions, and business centers. The central business district covers much of the northern portion of the “Downtown Loop,” bordered by Cesar Chavez Street to the south. While Downtown makes up a small portion of the city’s total area, it’s packed with activity and offers easy access to entertainment, dining, and history. Just north of the core, The Strip is known for its dynamic nightlife scene and welcoming atmosphere. 

North Central 

North Central San Antonio features a variety of established residential neighborhoods and quiet enclaves. Areas like Castle Hills, Shavano Park, Stone Oak, and Hollywood Park are known for their tree-lined streets, spacious homes, and community feel. It’s a popular part of the city for those looking for a peaceful yet well-connected place to stay or explore. 

Northwest Side 

The Northwest Side is a hub for education and healthcare, home to major institutions such as the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), the UT Health Science Center, and the Rosenberg School of Optometry. You’ll also find the Medical Center District here, as well as the headquarters of notable companies like Valero and NuStar Energy. With its mix of residential neighborhoods, businesses, and academic institutions, it’s a busy and well-developed part of the city. 

South Side 

The South Side has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly following the opening of the Toyota manufacturing plant. This area is also home to Palo Alto College and Texas A&M University–San Antonio. Visitors can enjoy wide-open spaces, parks, and community-driven events. 

East Side 

The East Side features key attractions such as the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, the Frost Bank Center, and the Freeman Coliseum. The area blends history, tradition, and entertainment, making it a great place to experience local events and culture. 

West Side 

The West Side of San Antonio is full of character and charm, with a mix of long-standing neighborhoods, cultural sites, and educational institutions. It includes areas like Avenida Guadalupe, Prospect Hill, Rainbow Hills, and Westwood. It’s also where you’ll find historic institutions like Our Lady of the Lake University and St. Mary’s University, both of which contribute to the community’s strong academic presence. 

Buses from Dallas to San Antonio

Find the cheapest buses from Dallas to San Antonio

It couldn't be easier to book your travel from Dallas to San Antonio with FlixBus - and when you book in advance, you can save money too! Make your journey even easier with the FlixBus app. All your information will be saved for the next time you travel.

No matter whether you want to travel first thing in the morning or late at night, you'll find a journey to suit your plans. The first bus is at 6:45 am with the last bus leaving at 11:55 pm.
You can pick up a bus ticket from Dallas to San Antonio for just $35.98 - that's way cheaper than traveling by any other method.
Buses are also a great choice for environmentally-conscious travelers. We're working towards being 100% carbon neutral and offer all travelers the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions when booking their tickets. Simply select the "CO2 compensation" box when paying online and we'll use all of the money to make a direct impact on the future of sustainable mobility.

What to expect onboard the FlixBus bus from Dallas to San Antonio

Traveling from Dallas to San Antonio is stess-free, clean and comfortable - and it couldn't be easier to book a ticket. You can book online via the website, on our app, in person at a FlixShops or at resellers.
We accept card payment as well as Paypal, Google Pay and Apple Pay, but there are many more payment options that you can choose from. The easiest way to book your ticket is using our app. You'll be able to make your reservation within seconds and there's no need to print and carry the ticket with you, as your phone will be your ticket.

Want to sit beside family or friends or keep the space beside you free? Need easy access to the toilet or a table to get on with some work whilst traveling? You can reserve a seat when you book on the app or website, and you can choose from a variety of seat options. Once you're settled in your seat, you can sit back and relax with plenty of onboard services to help you make the most of your trip. Most of our buses have onboard Wifi so you can catch up on your favorite shows, chat with your friends or listen to music and podcasts. We've also got toilets onboard, as well as power outlets.
What's more, you get a generous luggage allowance when you travel with FlixBus with one carry-on bag and one checked bag, so you can bring everything you need for your trip.