GETTING AROUND
Transport and cars
You do not need a car in year one. Here is how TXST students move around — and the maths of buying a car when you do need one.
Bobcat Shuttle — free with your student ID
TXST runs several shuttle routes covering campus and the major student apartment complexes around town. Buses run continuously on class days, some routes into the evening, and a live tracking app shows exactly when the next one arrives. Before signing a lease, check that the complex sits on a shuttle route.
Your options
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bobcat Shuttle | Free | Class, getting home to complexes on route |
| Walking / bike / scooter | Free – $300 (bike) | Downtown and campus (2 km radius) |
| Uber / Lyft in town | $5–$12 per ride | Groceries, appointments, evenings |
| Carpooling with friends | $5–$10 for gas | Austin grocery runs, weekends |
| Uber to Austin | $40–$60 each way | Groups of 3–4 |
| Intercity bus | A few dollars | Scheduled trips to Austin |
| Used car | $6,000–$12,000 + running costs | From year two, internships in Austin/San Antonio |
The car question
Running costs on top of the purchase
- Insurance for international students: ~$100–$200/month (high without U.S. driving history)
- Gas: ~$60–$120/month depending on mileage
- Campus parking permit: about $200+/year
- Maintenance, Texas inspection and registration: a few hundred dollars a year
What you need to drive
- An SSN (from an on-campus job) or an SSN ineligibility letter
- Written + road test at Texas DPS; bring I-94, I-20, passport and proof of address
- Insurance BEFORE you drive — required by Texas law
- Register the car and get plates within 30 days of purchase
Airports and flying home
Austin (AUS) — 45 min
The main airport for TXST students. Uber from campus is about $60–$80; splitting between 3–4 people is very economical.
San Antonio (SAT) — 50 min
Compact and sometimes cheaper, with international connections too.
Houston (IAH) / Dallas (DFW)
Major international gateways 3–4 hours away, often used for good direct fares to Asia.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live in San Marcos without a car?
Yes. The free Bobcat Shuttle covers campus and major housing, and downtown is walkable. Most first-year students have no car.
Can I use my home driving licence?
Only briefly, with a certified translation or IDP. For longer residence in Texas, take the Texas driving test.
Where do students buy used cars?
Dealerships in San Marcos/Austin, or from graduating students. Always check the vehicle history (Carfax) first.
Why is car insurance so expensive?
Because you have no U.S. driving history yet. After 1–2 claim-free years it drops significantly. Compare providers and ask about student/good-grade discounts.
Plan your transport before you arrive
The International Office helps you pick housing on a shuttle route and connects you with students for an airport pickup.