Is the Port Aransas ferry free?

Yes, the ferry service operated by TxDOT is free for all vehicles.

How long is the ferry ride?

The crossing typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, excluding wait times.

What is the best route to Houston?

Taking TX-35 to US-77 is the most direct and commonly used route.

Are there buses from Port Aransas?

There is no direct bus service; you must travel to Corpus Christi for regional bus connections.

Does Houston have a train?

Houston has a light rail system (METRORail) for local travel, but no intercity passenger rail.

Port Aransas

Houston

Driving

Port Aransas to Houston

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Port Aransas to Houston covers approximately 200 miles via US-77 and US-59. You must first take the free Port Aransas Ferry to reach the mainland at Aransas Pass. From there, follow TX-35 North to merge onto US-77 toward Victoria. Expect a travel time of roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes depending on traffic near the Houston metro area. This route offers a scenic transition from barrier island landscapes to the industrial skyline of Houston.

Total Distance: 322 km driving distance; 265 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the only practical method, taking 3.5 hours under normal traffic conditions.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the most cost-effective method, costing only fuel expenses.

Compare Port Aransas to Houston Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

3 hours 30 mins

Avg Price

$35-$50 in fuel

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

Port Aransas Ferry to Aransas Pass, then TX-35 N to US-77 N and US-59 N.

Check the Port Aransas Ferry Twitter feed for real-time wait times before departing.

Travel Tips

Ferry Timing
Avoid peak weekend hours to prevent long queues at the ferry landing.
Fuel Up
Fill your tank in Port Aransas as gas prices can be higher on the island.
Traffic Alerts
Use navigation apps to bypass congestion on I-69/US-59 entering Houston.
Toll Roads
Houston has several toll roads; ensure you have a TxTag or EZ TAG account.
Weather Check
Monitor coastal fog reports which can occasionally delay ferry operations.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Stay inside your vehicle while on the ferry deck unless instructed otherwise.
Highway Vigilance
US-77 has sections with high-speed limits; watch for merging traffic in rural areas.
Flood Awareness
Avoid driving through standing water in Houston during heavy rain events.
Emergency Kit
Keep a basic roadside emergency kit in your trunk for long stretches of rural highway.