Major city · United States
BastropBastrop, Texas
Give Bastrop one night, two at most: a small historic Main Street plus Bastrop State Park's Lost Pines, 30 mi east of Austin on Hwy 71.
Bastrop is a county seat of about 9,700 people on the Colorado River, 30 mi (48 km) east of Austin by Hwy 71. It is a car town: the draw is a compact historic downtown of shops and restaurants, the Lost Pines belt at Bastrop State Park, and river and lake parks. Most travellers see it as a one-night stop or a day trip out of Austin, not a multi-day base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (35 °C (95 °F)+ afternoons), late Dec–Feb cold snapsavoid Jul–Aug (95 °F (35 °C)+ afternoons), late Dec–Feb cold snaps
- Airport
- AUS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bastrop911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bastrop, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyBastrop is a small, low-crime town and daytime walking downtown is easy.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-800-222-1222 Poison Control
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportAUS Austin-Bergstrom International (About 48 km (30 mi) west; rental car is the practical transfer, taxi one-way about $40).AUS Austin-Bergstrom International (About 30 mi (48 km) west; rental car is the practical transfer, taxi one-way about $40).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Beerdraught at a bar / can at a store$6–8$2–4
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 mi taxi or rideshare$15–25
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Museum or sight ticketBastrop County Historical Society Museum entry$2
- Budget bedState-park campsite (tent, no hookups), a night, per roomUS$20
- Mid-range bedChain motel double room, a night, per roomUS$110
- High-end bedChain motel double room, a night, per roomUS$180
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$150 · High US$280
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AUS Austin-Bergstrom International (About 48 km (30 mi) west; rental car is the practical transfer, taxi one-way about $40)AUS Austin-Bergstrom International (About 30 mi (48 km) west; rental car is the practical transfer, taxi one-way about $40)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Aug
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Sep
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
Avoid*
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Bastrop: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Feb
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Jul
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Aug
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Dec
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. Hwy 71 is the main road from Austin; Loop 150 drops you into downtown, where parking is free and plentiful, and the centre is small enough to park once and walk. CARTS runs a regional bus between Austin and Bastrop (Bastrop Station, 310 Hospital Dr) — useful if you cannot drive, but slow and infrequent.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 35–50 min off rush hour
Drive Hwy 71 west, about 30 mi
Go for the day and come back; the drive is lined with antiques and gift shops.
Smithville
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive southeast on Hwy 71/95, about 15 mi
Small-town antiques and country kitsch; pairs well with a Bastrop morning.
Door to door: About 45–55 min
Drive Hwy 21 west, about 40 mi
Outlet malls and a river town; a half-day if you want shopping.
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive Hwy 71 west about 8.4 mi
Canyon and arroyo hiking along the Colorado River; $3 adults, $1 seniors, free under 13; Mon–Sat 8:00–17:00, Sun noon–17:00, closed major holidays.Canyon and arroyo hiking along the Colorado River; $3 adults, $1 seniors, free under 13; Mon–Sat 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sun noon–5:00 PM, closed major holidays.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Main Street
Walk to shops, restaurants and the river walk; historic B&Bs and small inns. Best for one night without a car in the evening.
Hwy 71 corridor (east and west)
Chain motels with free parking, 5–10 min drive from Main Street. Best value if you have a car.
Lost Pines resort area (west)
Resort and spa about 10 mi west, next to McKinney Roughs; pool, golf, equestrian centre. Best for families and a full resort day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain motel double room1 × 1 night × US$110 | US$110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Bastrop State Park day-use fee, per person 13+2 × US$4 | US$8 |
| McKinney Roughs entry, adult2 × US$3 | US$6 |
| Rental car, one day, compact1 × US$60 | US$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$51 |
| Trip total≈ US$283 per person per day, bed included | US$565 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; prices shown before sales tax. Flights and rental car excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Barbecue plate (meat, two sides) | $14–22 |
| Tex-Mex plate | $12–18 |
| Beer: draught at a bar / can at a store | $6–8 / $2–4 |
| 5 mi taxi or rideshare | $15–25 |
| Bastrop County Historical Society Museum entry | $2 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat: plan park hikes before 10:00 and carry more water than you think you need.Summer heat: plan park hikes before 10:00 AM and carry more water than you think you need.
- Bastrop has no indoor smoking ban, so some restaurants allow smoking inside — ask before you sit.
- Bastrop State Park charges $4 per person 13+ per day and has day-use hours (8:00–17:00, to 19:00 in summer); arrive early on spring weekends.Bastrop State Park charges $4 per person 13+ per day and has day-use hours (8:00 AM–5:00 PM, to 7:00 PM in summer); arrive early on spring weekends.
- Rural roads at night are unlit and deer are common; drive slowly after dark.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Poison Control
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
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BastropBastrop, Texas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies in Bastrop; consulates are in Austin and Houston (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- AUS airport → Bastrop, taxi: about $40 one way, 40–50 min
- CARTS regional bus, Austin ↔ Bastrop: low fare, infrequent — check the timetable
- Bastrop State Park day use: $4 per person 13+ per day
Say or show
- Where is Main Street? — Where is Main Street?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there a fee to park here? — Is there a fee to park here?
- How far is the state park? — How far is the state park?
- Thank you — Thank you
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bastrop. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (35 °C+ afternoons), late Dec–Feb cold snaps · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for AUS: rental-car pickup times, taxi fallback, one-night rung.
- Walking clusters for downtown Bastrop: Main Street, the river walk and Fisherman's Park, the Opera House block.
- Place pages with verified hours and fees (Bastrop State Park, McKinney Roughs, Bastrop County Historical Society Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Heat and storm fixtures so summer and spring-flood days can go green.