Smile Bus USA — Frequently Asked Questions

Book online at smilebususa.com in a few clicks: pick your origin, destination, and date, then choose your seat. You can also buy directly at any of our boarding points in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth.

Yes, subject to availability. Same-day seats can be purchased online or at the boarding point, but fares are lowest when you book in advance (up to ~30% off with 20+ days).

No printing required. After booking you receive a confirmation email with your ticket. Just show it on your phone at boarding.

Yes. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your ticket. Your ticket is personal and non-transferable, so the passenger and the ID must match at boarding.

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Passengers under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian, or with an adult carrying written consent from the minor's parent or legal guardian.

We accept major credit and debit cards, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay, processed securely through Adyen. For your security, Smile Bus never stores full card numbers.

Smile Bus connects the four largest cities in Texas: Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth. New routes are coming soon.

We operate from 4 boarding points across the Texas Triangle: Houston (POST, 401 Franklin St), Austin (UT Austin, 300 W 21st St), Dallas (Fuel City, 801 S Riverfront Blvd), and Fort Worth (Central Station, 1001 Jones St). The exact address and a map link are in your booking confirmation email.

There's no direct Houston–Dallas bus yet. You connect through Austin (Houston → Austin → Dallas), which you can book as two legs on smilebususa.com.

Not yet. Our current network covers Houston, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth. New routes are coming soon — check smilebususa.com for the latest.

Approximate times: Houston ↔ Austin ~2h45m (~165 mi), Austin ↔ Dallas ~3h15m (~195 mi), Dallas ↔ Fort Worth ~40m (~35 mi). Actual time varies with traffic. ⚠️Tiempos aproximados por distancia — confirmar tiempos reales de itinerario con ops antes de publicar cifras exactas.

Every Smile Bus ride comes with free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, an onboard restroom, and reclining seats — plus a bilingual team to help you in English or Spanish.

Yes. Free WiFi is included on every Smile Bus USA route at no extra cost.

Yes. Every seat has a power outlet so you can keep your devices charged the whole trip.

Yes. Every Smile Bus coach has an onboard restroom.

Yes. You're welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. We ask that you keep your space tidy and considerate of other passengers.

Yes. Our coaches have reclining seats with extra legroom, so you can rest comfortably on longer rides.

Fares start at $17.49 (Dallas ↔ Fort Worth, booking 20+ days ahead). Longer routes like Houston ↔ Austin start at $34.99 and Austin ↔ Dallas at $41.99 with advance booking. Prices rise as the travel date gets closer.

Dallas ↔ Fort Worth is our lowest fare — from $17.49 when you book 20+ days in advance ($24.99 base).

Book 20+ days in advance for the lowest fare — up to about 30% off the base price. Prices step up at 10 days and 5 days before travel.

We don't have separate student, senior, or military fares right now — instead, everyone gets our lowest price by booking early: save up to about 30% when you buy 20+ days ahead.

Yes. You can reschedule your trip up to 1 day before travel, to a new date within 30 days of the original, up to two times. Request it from your booking confirmation email or contact support and we'll guide you.

Smile Bus tickets are non-refundable, but they're flexible: instead of a refund you can reschedule your trip (up to 1 day before departure, within 30 days, max 2 times).

Have your confirmation number ready and email hello@smilebususa.com at least 1 day before your scheduled departure with your new preferred date. Wait for confirmation of the new ticket before you travel.

If we cancel a trip for reasons within our control, we'll notify you and offer a free reschedule to the next available comparable trip. If none is available, we issue a full refund to your original payment method within 10 business days.

Bring carry-on baggage and keep it with you at all times — Smile Bus doesn't check baggage and isn't responsible for your belongings during the trip. Label each bag inside and out with your name and address. Weapons, drugs, flammable and other dangerous or illegal items are never allowed on board.

Trained service animals are always welcome (see below). Our published policy currently covers service animals only, not pets — if you're traveling with a pet, contact us before booking to check whether it can be accommodated.

Yes. Service animals are welcome on every Smile Bus USA route at no extra cost. Under the ADA we don't require certification — your service animal must stay under your control (leash, harness, or carrier) and within your seating space. Full details on our Accessibility & ADA Policy page.

Call 832-389-7338 or email operationsmanager@smilebususa.com at least 48 hours before departure. We'll coordinate wheelchair boarding, mobility-aid stowage, service-animal travel, or any other support you need.

Yes. We provide ADA-compliant boarding with priority seating and wheelchair securement. A lift-equipped bus accommodates a combined passenger + mobility-aid weight up to 600 lbs, with a mobility aid up to 30 in wide and 48 in long; aids that can't be safely secured inside travel in the baggage compartment when possible. Let us know at least 48 hours ahead (832-389-7338) so we can have the right support ready.

Email support@smilebususa.com for bookings, hello@smilebususa.com for changes and reschedules, or call 832-389-7338. For accessibility requests, email operationsmanager@smilebususa.com.

Email support@smilebususa.com with your confirmation number and the details. We investigate and respond as quickly as we can (payment disputes within 5 business days).