Frequently asked questions
A few things you may be wondering about
PUBLIC TOURS
Do we provide walking tours?
We do not provide public walking tours. All of our public tours are conducted in a 12-passenger Mercedes Sprinter. There is a short walking portion at the Texas State Capitol for our Real Austin Tour. If you’d like to book a private walking tour, you can reach out to hello@austindetours.com.
Where is the Austin Visitor Center?
The Austin Visitor Center is located at 103 E. 5th Street in downtown Austin, TX.
Do we provide hotel pick-up on public tours?
We do not provide personal pickup on public tours. This is a service only provided on private tours.
Should I be concerned about going on the Real Austin Tour if I have mobility issues?
There is a short walk (250 yards) from the parking location to the Capitol Rotunda. The Capitol has ramp access at the north entrance if stairs are to be avoided. Guests may decline the Capitol portion and remain in the vehicle. The guide will leave the vehicle running for the guests to maintain climate control while they accompany the tour guests into the Capitol. This portion’s duration is around twenty minutes.
Are pets allowed on tours?
We only allow service animals on our tours, but require that the guest reach out 48 hours prior to tour departure. Reach out to (512) 962-8636 or howdy@austindetours.com to notify us. We will notify fellow passengers to address any allergy concerns.
Are firearms allowed on public tours?
Due to restrictions with our partners and timetable considerations at the Capitol, firearms are not allowed.
Is gratuity expected, and what is the typical tip amount for a tour guide?
Tips are not required, but always appreciated! Guides that provide an outstanding experience are typically tipped a 15% – 20% gratuity.
Is there storage for a wheelchair or a walker on your vehicles?
If the wheelchair folds flat, we can provide storage in the back of the sprinter. Walkers can also be stored. Note: We can not provide physical assistance in transferring the passenger from their wheelchair to the vehicle seat.
Will the tour be cancelled if there is poor weather?
We operate our tours rain or shine. Tours, however, will be cancelled in the instance of extreme weather conditions (ie, flooding, icy roads).
Can I store my luggage on the Sprinter?
We do not provide luggage storage, but the Austin Visitor Center will gladly provide day storage of luggage for a small fee.
What live music venues do you go to on the Live Music Crawl?
We can not provide a definitive itinerary for upcoming live music crawls. We hand-select three different shows as the primary itinerary. We always have 3 to 4 alternative music venues for each time slot in the interest of the guide pivoting to provide the best custom experience for the guests. A few of our favorite music venues are: Saxon Pub, Continental Club, C-boy’s Heart & Soul, White Horse Saloon, The Broken Spoke, Hotel Vegas, Donn’s Depot, and The Sahara Lounge.
CORPORATE AND PRIVATE TOURS
Why is there a pricing change at my group size?
Groups 10 and under are hosted in one of our Mercedes Sprinters. Larger groups are upgraded to minibuses/motorcoaches which add to the overall tour cost, but mean your whole group (up to 52) can ride together. Discounted rates are available for groups over 30. Ask us for more info!
I have a large group, but pricing only goes up to 30 – can you accommodate us?
Yes! And we offer discounted rates for larger groups. Contact us for more information about your group’s rates and options.
Can we adjust the start time? And can the tour be shorter or longer than the sample itinerary?
Absolutely! With private tours, we can adjust the tour schedule to fit your agenda. We can also add a stop, or remove a stop to find the perfect fit. Contact an Experience Manager for more details.
How do I book?
When you’re ready to book, contact an Experience Manager who will send a service agreement for e-signature. A 50% deposit is required to hold the date and the final balance is due 15 days pre-event.
What if I’m unsure of my guest count?
We can book at your best estimate to hold the date. Final guest counts are due 16 days pre-tour so we can adjust as needed with no change fees before that date. Changes to group size may change your per person price. See price breakdown for more details.
