Texas Hill Country: Day Trips and Tours from Austin

Visiting the Texas Hill Country is like entering another world, with its unrivaled natural beauty rich culinary culture and easygoing vibe. This region just outside Austin has been a hotspot for photographers, nature lovers and foodies.

Take a break from the city and head into the wilderness for dramatic natural landscapes. Book a Texas Hill Country day trip from Austin, especially if you’re a fan of outdoor and culinary adventures.

Here's all you need to know about Texas Hill Country, one of the most famous destinations for day excursions from Austin.

How to get to the Texas Hill Country from Austin?

The Texas Hill Country is a geographic region in Central and South Texas, and you can get there by car and public transportation.

From Austin to the Texas Hill Country by car

The drive to the Texas Hill Country from Austin takes around 2 hours and is easy to navigate, with the fastest driving route along the US-290 W highway.

For a more leisurely drive with scenic sites, you may take highways I-35 S and I-10 W. This route passes small towns such as Boerne which is famed for its microbreweries and takes 2.5 hours.

From Austin to the Texas Hill Country by bus

Taking a bus from Austin to the Texas Hill Country is also an option, though bear in mind there are no direct routes. Buses leave from Austin’s main bus terminal or downtown Austin and take either up to 5 hours in total depending on where your bus departs from.

If you’re taking a bus departing from Austin’s main bus terminal change at San Antonio and take a second bus headed for Kerrville. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to the Texas Hill Country. Buses from Austin to San Antonio depart five times a day.

Guided tour to the Texas Hill Country from Austin

Guided tours are one of the best ways to discover the Texas Hill Country. They take away the hassle of having to deal with your transport needs yourself and offer the convenience of hotel pickups and drop-offs.

Alternatively, meet at a pre-determined meeting point in the city center. With a professional guide along, you’ll be sure to tick off Texas Hill Country’s best attractions, while also discovering secret spots along the way.

What is the typical itinerary?

While every excursion is different, trips departing from Austin typically include either a hotel collection or offer a central meeting point. From there, cruise in a comfortable air-conditioned van or coach accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.

The ride on some selected tours typically takes 90 minutes, though there is an option to join a more in-depth tour that takes in more sites and lasts 2.5 hours.

Once at Hill Country, marvel at multiple points of interest during your journey, including the iconic Austin City Hall, Barton Springs Pool and Congress Avenue Bridge – home to the city’s bat population.

Tours will also take you to famed local diners where you can tuck into traditional Texas delicacies (which often include plenty of meat) at places like Chuy’s and Green Mesquite BBQ. Vegetarian options are also available at most restaurants for those who want to go meat-free.

Some Texas Hill Country day trips also stop at LBJ Ranch and include a sightseeing tour of Austin en route before returning to your departure point in the Texan capital.

What kinds of tours are available?

There are several guided tours available to the Texas Hill Country from Austin. They typically include a pickup and drop-off from a central meeting point for a comfortable and smooth journey. Marvel at countryside hills of rolling greenery, flowing rivers and vibrant meadows of wildflowers.

Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle from Austin

Guided day trips to the Texas Hill Country offer a fantastic way to discover the best that the Texan wilderness has to offer with a professional local guide. This is an easy and informative trip where you’ll learn all about the region’s cowboy and mixed German immigrant culture.

You'll try some authentic Texas barbecue and wine tasting! Ask frequent questions and get insider knowledge about the Texas Hill Country along the way.

Shuttle transfer without guide to the Texas Hill Country from Austin

Shuttle transfers from Austin to the Texas Hill Country offers a great way to involve yourself in the local lifestyle, with the majority of transfers centering on food and wine.

It also provides the chance to explore each site on your own terms, while also allowing for plenty of leisure time to drink and eat to your heart’s content. At the end of your tour, you’ll be transferred back to the same meeting point in Austin.

Texas Hill Country plus LBJ ranch from Austin

Enjoy two of the best sites near Austin on an exciting combination tour. Take in the beauty of the Texan countryside as you follow winding country roads and rolling hills on this day trip filled with photo opportunities and adventure.

Visit LBJ’s ranch, see award-winning wineries and orchards, and make a stopover at Fredericksburg – a charming and historic German town.

How much does it cost?

Texas Hill Country day tours from Austin vary in price according to the type of excursion you choose, the duration of your stay, and how many stopovers you plan on making during your trip.

Guided tours to the Texas Hill Country from Austin start at US$25 per person and include a tour guide and roundtrip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Shuttle transfers without a guide to the Texas Hill Country from Austin cost around US$60 per person. You will travel in an air-conditioned sprinter van, and visit two Hill Country wineries with a professional guide.

Day trips to Texas Hill Country plus LBJ ranch from Austin cost around US$95 per person and include entrance to the LBJ ranch and Lyndon. B, Johnson National Historical park. The tours also provide hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Austin, round-trip transportation, and a knowledgeable local guide.

What will you see and do?

The Texas Hill Country is a mystical rock state natural area in Texas, offering stunning vistas, jaw-dropping wildflower displays in spring, and heaps of delicious wine and drinking opportunities.

The Salt Lick BBQ

This popular barbecue place has been serving locals and visitors since 1967. It began offering wine from its own vineyard through Salt Lick Cellars in 2008.

Vineyards and wineries

Most tours also visit Fall Creek Vineyards and Duchman Family Winery to taste award-winning wines of the Texas Hill Country.

LBJ Ranch

LBJ Ranch was the birthplace, home and resting place of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. On a number of tours, you’ll have the chance to explore the location that he held in such high regard.

Experience a working cattle ranch, marvel at artifacts and exhibition pieces and watch an award-winning documentary film.

When is the best time to visit the Texas Hill Country?

The winter season is a popular time to visit the Texas Hill Country when there’s the least amount of rainfall and is known to have one of the best climates of the year. Given this, it’s a perfect season for escaping the harsh winters of other regions.

Travel tips

• Bring your passport or a form of photo ID documentation if you plan on consuming alcohol on your trip.
• Carry some cash, as charcuterie boards and snacks will be available for purchase on some selected tours.
• Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to take photos.