What is the MetroRail Red Line?
The Red Line is CapMetro’s commuter train, Route 550. It runs 10 stations from Downtown to Leander. Highland Station is stop 4. CapMetro calls it “a train for commuters traveling between Leander and downtown.”
CapMetro says Route 550 has “stations in popular areas including Highland (ACC) and McKalla (Q2 stadium).” Our MetroRail Red Line and Highland Station entries give the short versions.
Which stations does the Red Line serve?
The Red Line serves ten stations. Going north, they are Downtown, Plaza Saltillo, M L King Jr, Highland, Crestview, McKalla, Kramer, Howard, Lakeline and Leander. Highland is the fourth stop and Crestview is the fifth.
| Stop | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Downtown |
| 2 | Plaza Saltillo |
| 3 | M L King Jr |
| 4 | Highland |
| 5 | Crestview |
| 6 | McKalla |
| 7 | Kramer |
| 8 | Howard |
| 9 | Lakeline |
| 10 | Leander |
Source: CapMetro’s 550 timetable on its rail page.
How long does the train take from Downtown?
CapMetro’s northbound Monday timetable shows the first Downtown departure at 6:55 a.m., reaching Highland at 7:14 a.m. That is 19 minutes between those two stops. The same train reaches Crestview at 7:16 a.m., two minutes after Highland.
I read this from the northbound Monday table on CapMetro’s rail page. CapMetro also posted a notice of a new weekday rail schedule effective October 12, which removes one morning trip each way. Check the current timetable before you plan a trip.
When does the Red Line run, and what does it cost?
CapMetro lists service on Monday to Thursday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. The rail page shows a Standard Single Ride at $3.50 and a Single Ride, Reduced at $1.75.
CapMetro says to use the Umo app to pay, or a credit or debit card on the conductor’s handheld device. Trains have four bike racks each, per CapMetro. Fares and hours can change, so confirm on capmetro.org before you go.
How far is Highland Station from Centro?
Highland Station is 0.70 miles from Centro in a straight line. The walk is 1.3 miles, which Google walking data on 2026-11-02 showed as 28 to 33 minutes. The same trip by car is about 1.2 miles, an estimate without traffic.
| Trip from 824 Camino La Costa | Distance | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Straight line | about 0.70 miles | Census geocode to the station |
| On foot | 1.3 miles, 28 to 33 min | Google walking data, 2026-11-02 |
| Drive | 1.2 miles, about 3 min | drive estimate without traffic |
Crestview Station is the next stop north. It is 1.10 miles from Centro in a straight line. We have not measured a bike time to either station.
What should I check before I ride?
Three things change often: the timetable, the fare and the service days. CapMetro’s rail page carries all three, plus a service alert link. Look there on the day you travel.
CapMetro also names the Transit app and its online trip planner for planning. You can call the Customer Service GO Line at 512-474-1200. Rail stations are fully wheelchair accessible, per CapMetro. A Single Ride ticket is also sold for cash at ticket vending machines at any rail station.
Park and ride locations feed the line too. CapMetro lists Route 465 to the UT campus and Route 466 from Kramer station to The Domain. Our The Domain entry explains that area.
What other options connect with Highland Station?
Several CapMetro bus routes list Highland Station as a destination: 7 Duval/Dove Springs, 324 Georgian/Ohlen, 337 Koenig/Colony Park and 350 Airport Blvd, per the August 16, 2026 schedules. Route 337 boards near Centro at the 1016 Camino La Costa/La Posada stop.
The station sits near the ACC Highland campus. Read the campus story in From Highland Mall to ACC Highland. For trips to the city center, see Highland to downtown without a car. For the full picture, see getting around Highland without a car and our car-light living entry.
The Gold Line is planned but does not run today. Do not count on it.
Next step
Want to walk the route to the station before you decide? Book a tour or call (737) 317-8369. You can also see floor plans and current prices first.
