There is a math on whether flying or driving is more efficient. We just drove back from Taos to Houston (about 17 hours with a two hour nap break in there for 900 miles). Flying involves airport travel, flight, rental car, then three hour drive from ABQ. There is no train option.
It’s about 3 hours from Austin to Houston by car. On a train it’s more than 16 hours, and the trains don’t even run every day. It’s ridiculous that there aren’t multiple fast trains every day, but rail in the US is for cargo, not passengers.
The passenger trains often have to cede the track to the cargo, so timing can be approximate. I have a conference in Austin next week and am thinking about taking one of those busses that leave from downtown. But I’ll probably drive.
Vonlane is fantastic. Highly recommend them.
Into “airport travel,” also factor in 30-60 minutes of security kabuki!