San Marcos, TX (SMC)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2011

$368,201

Station Ridership

FY 2011

6,555

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

The San Marcos Intermodal Station, in operation since 2001, serves Amtrak, Greyhound, and local bus passengers. The station also has future potential to serve commuter trains between Austin and San Antonio. The modern depot’s façade is covered in windows, which stream light into the bisque-colored station. The project utilized federal, state, and local funds and cost $1,858,709, including land. Texas Department of Transportation, Amtrak, Greyhound, Southwest Texas State University, city and county officials, and neighborhood groups were involved in the planning. Two Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) depots remain in San Marcos, as does a Missouri Pacific station, which is currently used as a business.

San Marcos, the county seat of Hays County, has been inhabited for more the 10,000 years. Archaeologists have found evidence of the Clovis culture at the San Marcos River. At the headwaters of the river are the limpid San Marcos Springs—the second largest collection of springs in Texas. Never in history has the San Marcos River run dry.

The earliest European settlers in San Marcos were Spanish missionaries in 1869. The Spanish explorer Alonso de Leon reached the river on April 25, the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist, and thus named the river San Marcos. In April 1808, a group of Mexican families settled in the area, and named it Villa de San Marcos de Neve.

The first Anglos arrived in November 1846, and in 1848, the Texas Legislature organized Hays County, naming San Marcos the county seat. The town became a center for ginning and milling local agricultural products, and following the arrival of the International and Great Northern railroad in 1881, cattle and cotton provided the basis for growth in San Marcos.

The tourist industry has become a growing part of San Marcos’ economy. Attractions in San Marcos include the Hays County Courthouse, Aquarena Springs (an aquatic learning center run by Texas State University), Belvin Street District, the former City Hall and Fire Station, 21 city parks, the San Marcos River Walkway, and Wonder Caves (an ancient earthquake cave), among others. The San Marcos Springs are home to numerous endangered species, including the Texas Blind Salamander and the Fountain Darter.

The city hosts many annual festivals that highlight its different cultures, such as the annual VIVA! Cinco de Mayo Celebration, the Texas Natural & Western Swing Festival, Juneteenth celebrations, and the Sights and Sounds of Christmas. In addition, Texas State University, the alma mater of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, culturally enriches the city. Students organize many entertainment events and keep the city’s music scene vibrant.

Amtrak does not provide ticketing or baggage services at this facility.

San Marcos is served by two daily trains.