Charter Bus Rentals to the Texas Capitol

History of the Texas Capitol Building

Construction began on the Texas Capitol in 1882 when the city of Austin deemed the then-current capitol building, which was constructed in 1853, too small. The project ended up taking six years to complete and covering 22 acres of land in downtown Austin. Since 1888, the Texas House of Representatives have met in this building. The Capitol also contains the governor’s office.

Quick Facts about the Texas Capitol

• The Texas Capitol is 15 feet taller than the National Capitol in Washington D.C.
• The Capitol’s design was selected through a national design competition. Eight U.S. architects entered the contest and Detroit-based Elijah E. Meyers won with his “Renaissance Revival” design.
• Two of Austin’s three Capitol buildings have been burned by devastating fires.
• On April 21, 1888, Texas celebrated the completion of the Capitol and its opening to the public with a week-long party featuring parades, drill team competitions, military displays, band concerts and fireworks.
• The Goddess of Liberty statue, which stands on top of the Capitol’s dome, was installed by helicopter, is almost 16 feet tall and weighs 2,000 pounds.
• The Capitol is supposedly haunted. Visitors have reported numerous ghost sightings of mysterious figures like the Dome’s “lady in red.”

Address, Hours & Bus Parking

Texas Capitol

1100 Congress Avenue

Austin, Texas 78701

The Texas Capitol is open seven days a week during the following hours:

Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

*The building is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

For groups visiting the Capitol by charter bus, there is a specified Capitol Bus Loading Zone where drivers can unload passengers.

Directions to the Bus Loading Zone from IH-35 Southbound: Take Exit 235A. Turn right on 15th Street. Turn left on San Jacinto (South) and get into the right lane. Turn right on 13th Street (West). Turn left on Brazos Street (South). The Bus Loading Zone will be one block ahead.

Directions to the Bus Loading Zone from IH-35 Northbound: Take Exit 235A. Turn left on 15th Street. Turn left on San Jacinto (South) and get into the right lane. Turn right on 13th Street (West). Turn left on Brazos Street (South). The Bus Loading Zone will be one block ahead.

Once your driver has dropped off your group at the Bus Loading Zone, give them these directions to the Austin bus parking along Waterloo Park:

1. Turn left on 12th Street and continue past San Jacinto.

2. Turn left on Trinity (North) and get into the right lane.

3. Park the bus along Waterloo Park.

Tours

Guided Tours

Guided tours of the Capitol are free and available seven days a week during the following hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tours generally depart every 30 to 45 minutes and last approximately 30 minutes. Guided tours will take visitors to key areas of the Capitol and offer information on the building, Texas history and the legislature. Tours leave from inside the South Foyer outside the tour guides’ office in the Capitol. Photography is allowed.

Group Tours

Group tours are available for groups larger than 10 people. Groups with more than 40 people will require multiple tour times. Call (512) 305-8402 to make a reservation. If you want to schedule a group tour for a school, youth group or camp, fill out this form.

Self-Guided Tours

For individuals and groups wanting to lead their own tour, you can explore the Capitol on your own during the following times:

Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Plan Out Your Day

Whether you’re visiting Austin for the weekend or a day trip, you can squeeze in a visit to the Capitol, especially if you save time on transportation by booking a charter bus.

Depending on the amount of time you have to tour the Texas Capitol complex, you may want to embark on a more or less detailed tour. Here are some suggested itineraries for you and your group below:

• One hour. Take a self-guided tour through the Capitol and Capitol grounds.

• Two to three hours. Explore the Capitol complex through exhibits and films. Sign up for a guided tour of the Capitol and walk through the Capitol grounds. Explore the gift shop and grab lunch at the Capitol Grill.
• Half-day. Sign up for a free guided Capitol tour, experience the Visitors Center and walk through the Capitol grounds. Afterwards, take a short walk to the Bullock Museum. Finally, finish off your day by grabbing a bite to eat at the Museum Cafe.
• Full day. Start your day off at the Bullock Museum by watching a 4-D film and exploring different exhibits. Grab a bite to eat at the Museum Cafe, then sign up for a guided tour of the Capitol. Walk through the Capitol Grounds and Visitors Center. Sign up for a tour of the Governor’s Mansion. Then, get on a bus and drive to the Texas State Cemetery.

Rent a Charter Bus for Your Austin Adventure

What better way to explore the Texas Capitol and all that Austin has to offer than via a charter bus? We’ll help you take the stress out of your trip by doing all the transportation planning for you. Whether you need an 18-passenger minibus or a 35-passenger charter bus, we’ve got you covered. Oh, and did we mention all the great perks that your group gets to enjoy on our charter buses? From using free WiFi to upload all those Instagrammable moments to leaning back in the reclining seats and relaxing, there are a plethora of amenities that are available when you book with GOGO Charters. Contact our reservation experts today at (512) 640-4096 to start planning a trip you won’t soon forget.