Austin River Tubing Shuttle Companies Directory
Your complete guide to reliable, professional shuttle services connecting Austin to Texas's best tubing rivers. Compare services, pricing, and specialties to find the perfect transportation for your San Marcos, Guadalupe, or Comal River adventure.
Find Your Perfect Shuttle Service
Choose Your River
Select from San Marcos, Guadalupe, or Comal Rivers
Select Group Size
Find companies that accommodate your party
Book with Confidence
Professional, licensed, and insured services
Complete Directory Guide
Featured Austin River Shuttle Companies
These established providers run frequent departures from Austin to the rivers. Pricing varies by day and season; check their sites for current rates.
ATX Tours — Austin Tubing Trips
Austin, TX → San Marcos/Guadalupe/Comal
Public trips from $69 and private trips from $75 with roundtrip transport from Austin, tubes, and cooler setups included.
Highlights:
- Downtown departures
- AC vehicles
- Alcohol allowed on vehicles
- Great for groups
Services:
ATXcursions
Austin, TX → San Marcos
BYOB river tubing with roundtrip transport from Austin. Public trips ~6 hours total; tubes, coolers, and ice included.
Highlights:
- 5‑star rated
- Group friendly
- Flexible cancellation
- Downtown pickup
Services:
Texas State Tubes
San Marcos, TX (walk‑up) + Austin trips
Walk‑up San Marcos tubing from $20, Austin public trips, and private transport options. Spring‑fed San Marcos River.
Highlights:
- 72° spring water
- Large group capacity
- Multiple trip types
Services:
Service Areas & River Routes
San Marcos River
30 miles from Austin • 45 minutes
Companies: ATX Tours — Austin Tubing Trips, ATXcursions, Texas State Tubes
Best for: Beginners, families, year‑round clarity
Guadalupe River
60 miles from Austin • 1-1.5 hours
Companies: ATX Tours — Austin Tubing Trips
Best for: Longer floats, Hill Country scenery
Comal River
45 miles from Austin • 1 hour
Companies: ATX Tours — Austin Tubing Trips
Best for: Families, short floats, constant temp
Shuttle Service Comparison Matrix
| Company | Rivers Served | Price Range | Specialties | Group Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tubes & Shuttles | San Marcos | $25-35 | All-inclusive packages | 10-50 people |
| Hill Country River Shuttles | All Rivers | $30-45 | Luxury coaches, corporate | 15-60 people |
| Austin Adventure Transportation | All Rivers | $20-30 | Downtown pickups | 8-40 people |
| Lazy River Rides | San Marcos, Comal | $22-32 | Family-friendly, safety focus | 6-35 people |
| Guadalupe River Express | Guadalupe | $28-38 | Adventure packages | 12-45 people |
How to Book Your Austin River Shuttle
📞 Booking Process
Choose Your Date & River
Decide on your preferred date and which river you want to visit. Check weather forecasts and water conditions for optimal planning.
Contact Multiple Companies
Call 2-3 companies for availability and pricing. Ask about group discounts, cancellation policies, and what's included in the price.
Confirm Details & Pay Deposit
Confirm pickup times, locations, and services included. Most companies require a 25-50% deposit to secure your reservation.
Final Confirmation
Confirm final headcount 24-48 hours before your trip. Share pickup details with your group and prepare for your adventure.
📋 Information to Have Ready
When Calling Companies:
💡 Pro Booking Tips
- • Book 2-4 weeks in advance for best availability
- • Weekday trips often have better rates and service
- • Ask about package deals that include equipment
- • Confirm cancellation policy before booking
- • Get all agreements in writing or email
Austin River Shuttle Pricing Guide
Shuttle pricing varies based on destination, group size, services included, and season. Understanding pricing factors helps you budget appropriately and find the best value for your group.
💰 Typical Pricing Ranges
San Marcos River Shuttles
$20-35 per person
- • Closest to Austin = lowest transport costs
- • Most frequent daily departures
- • Best value for budget-conscious groups
Guadalupe River Shuttles
$28-45 per person
- • Longer distance = higher transport costs
- • Premium for Hill Country experience
- • Often includes adventure packages
Comal River Shuttles
$22-35 per person
- • Mid-range pricing for families
- • Often includes family packages
- • Shorter trips = efficient pricing
📊 Price Factors & Discounts
What Affects Pricing:
💡 Money-Saving Strategies
- • Book Monday-Thursday for best rates
- • Shoulder seasons (March-May, Sept-Nov) offer savings
- • Groups of 20+ get significant per-person discounts
- • Package deals often beat individual bookings
- • Early bird discounts for 4+ weeks advance booking
- • Student and military discounts available from some companies
Professional Booking Tips
✅ Do's
Book Early for Popular Dates
Summer weekends and holidays fill up 4-6 weeks in advance. Book early for best selection and pricing.
Read Cancellation Policies
Weather and life happen. Understand each company's cancellation and rescheduling policies before booking.
Ask About Package Deals
Many companies offer packages including tubes, coolers, and equipment that provide better value than booking separately.
Confirm Pickup Details
Double-check pickup times, locations, and what to bring. Share details with your entire group in advance.
❌ Don'ts
Don't Book Unlicensed Operators
Always verify companies have proper licensing and insurance. Your safety depends on professional, legal operators.
Don't Wait Until Last Minute
Last-minute bookings often mean limited options, higher prices, and potential disappointment during busy periods.
Don't Forget Group Coordination
Ensure someone is responsible for group communication, headcount management, and day-of coordination.
Don't Ignore Weather Policies
Understand each company's weather policies. Some operate in light rain while others have strict weather cancellation rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a shuttle service?
For weekends and peak season (March-October), book 2-4 weeks in advance. Popular companies fill up quickly during summer months. Weekday trips can often be booked with shorter notice.
What's typically included in shuttle service pricing?
Basic shuttle service includes round-trip transportation from Austin to the river. Some companies include tube rental, river shuttle, and basic equipment. Always confirm what's included when booking.
Do shuttle companies provide equipment rental?
Many shuttle companies coordinate with river outfitters or provide equipment rental directly. This typically includes tubes, life jackets, and coolers. Ask about equipment packages when booking.
What happens if the weather is bad on our scheduled day?
Cancellation policies vary by company. Most allow rescheduling for severe weather but may operate in light rain. Review weather policies when booking and monitor forecasts leading up to your trip.
Are there age restrictions for shuttle services?
Most shuttle services welcome all ages, but river tubing itself may have age restrictions. Children typically need adult supervision and properly fitted life jackets. Check with both shuttle and outfitter companies.
Can I bring alcohol on the shuttle bus?
Alcohol policies vary by company. Some allow consumption on board while others prohibit it. Most coordinate with outfitters who allow alcohol on the river (in approved containers). Confirm policies when booking.
What payment methods do shuttle companies accept?
Most companies accept major credit cards and cash. Many require a deposit (25-50%) to secure reservations with final payment due before or on the day of service. Some offer payment plans for large groups.
Do I need to tip the shuttle driver?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Standard tipping is $3-5 per person for good service, or 15-20% of the shuttle cost for exceptional service. Some companies include gratuity in their pricing.
Ready to Book Your Austin River Adventure?
Choose from Austin's most trusted shuttle companies and start your river tubing adventure today.