Yes, you can get from Bastrop to Austin without driving. CARTS, the Capital Area Rural Transportation System, runs a weekday commuter route called the 1515X from Bastrop Station to downtown Austin, and route 1518 connects Bastrop with the Austin airport.
How does the 1515X commuter route work?
The route launched March 2, 2026, Community Impact reported, with park and ride locations feeding coach buses into Austin. It runs on weekdays, with trips in the morning and the afternoon.
Here are the main stops from the CARTS 1515X schedule:
| Morning stop | Time | Afternoon stop | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bastrop Station | 6:25 a.m. | Eastside Bus Plaza | 4:45 p.m. |
| UT West Mall | 7:38 a.m. | Trinity and 11th | 5:03 p.m. |
| 15th and Brazos | 7:43 a.m. | 15th and Brazos | 5:06 p.m. |
| San Jacinto and 5th | 7:48 a.m. | West Mall (Lavaca) | 5:11 p.m. |
| Eastside Bus Plaza | 7:58 a.m. | Bastrop Station | 6:25 p.m. |
Schedules can change, so check the current one before you plan around it.
How much does it cost?
CARTS lists the 1515X as free one way. Community Impact and a July report say that is for a limited time, and no end date is given, so ask CARTS before you count on it. CARTS also lists standard fares of $2 and $4 one way, a $6 day pass and an $88 monthly pass.
Can you get to the airport by bus?
Yes. CARTS route 1518 runs Monday through Friday from Bastrop to Tucker Hill Park and Ride, the ABIA Hilton, the ABIA terminal and Eastside Bus Plaza. Buses leave Bastrop at 8:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., and reach the terminal about 40 minutes later. CARTS lists the fare at $4 one way.
Where do you catch the bus?
CARTS lists Bastrop Station at 310 Hospital Dr., and says park and ride is available at the station.
To confirm your trip, call 512-478-7433 or check RideCARTS.com.
Thinking about the commute?
Our Moving to Bastrop guide covers the commute and getting around, and the Neighborhoods guide shows how the areas around town lay out. Our post on SH 71 overpass projects covers the road side of the trip.
Have a question about this? Ask locals in our Moving to Bastrop Facebook group.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a bus from Bastrop to Austin?
- Yes. CARTS route 1515X is a weekday commuter route from Smithville and Bastrop to downtown Austin. Route 1518 connects Bastrop Station with the airport and Eastside Bus Plaza.
- What time does the CARTS bus leave Bastrop for Austin?
- CARTS lists the 1515X leaving Bastrop Station at 6:25 a.m. on weekdays and reaching UT West Mall at 7:38 a.m. Check the current schedule before you ride.
- Is the CARTS commuter bus free?
- CARTS lists the 1515X as free one way, and reports from 2026 say that is for a limited time. No end date is given, so call 512-478-7433 to confirm.
- Can I take a bus from Bastrop to the Austin airport?
- Yes. CARTS route 1518 runs Monday through Friday and stops at the ABIA terminal about 40 minutes after leaving Bastrop. CARTS lists the fare at $4 one way.
- Where is the CARTS station in Bastrop?
- CARTS lists Bastrop Station at 310 Hospital Dr., with park and ride available at the station.
Sources
- CARTS: 1515X Express Commuter Route
- CARTS: Express Commuter Routes
- CARTS: 1518 Purple Route
- CARTS: Interurban Coach
- CARTS: Our Stations
- My Neighborhood News: Free CARTS express bus routes
- Community Impact Bastrop-Cedar Creek edition, February 2026
- Community Impact newsletter, April 10, 2026
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
