Short answer: $25–$55 per person covers a tube and shuttle on any of the three big rivers near Austin. Below is the breakdown by river, what's actually included, and the fees outfitters don't always advertise upfront.
Average Tubing Cost Near Austin
A typical full-day tubing trip near Austin runs about $30–$45 per person when you add up the tube, shuttle, and a cooler tube for drinks. Add gas if you're driving from Austin (~$10–$20 per car for the round trip), parking ($0–$20), and lunch in town ($15–$25), and a budget day looks closer to $60–$80 all-in.
Pricing by River
| River | Tube Only | Tube + Shuttle | Cooler Tube | Avg Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Marcos | $15–$22 | $20–$35 | $10–$15 | $25–$45 |
| Comal | $18–$25 | $28–$45 | $12–$18 | $35–$55 |
| Guadalupe | $15–$25 | $25–$55 | $10–$18 | $30–$60 |
| Blanco (DIY) | $0–$15 | N/A | Bring own | $0–$25 |
Prices vary by outfitter, day of week, and season. Saturdays in July are the most expensive; Tuesday in May is the cheapest.
What's Typically Included
- ✓Tube rental for the duration of your float
- ✓Round-trip shuttle from take-out back to put-in (or vice versa)
- ✓Parking at the outfitter (most include it)
- ✓Restrooms and changing area at base
Hidden Fees & Add-Ons
- •Cooler tube: $10–$18 extra. Worth it if you're bringing drinks.
- •Tube deposit: $5–$10, refunded when you return the tube.
- •Weekend / holiday surcharge: $5–$10. Memorial Day and 4th of July are peak.
- •Locker rental: $5 for keys / phones.
- •Premium tubes: Bottoms, double tubes, baby tubes — $5–$15 add-on.
Group & Bulk Discounts
Most outfitters give a 10–20% discount for groups of 10+. Groups of 25+ often unlock private shuttles, reserved pavilions, and event coordinators. Bachelor and bachelorette packages frequently include party-bus pickup from Austin — see our bachelor party and bachelorette party guides.
How to Save Money on Tubing
- 1.Go on a weekday. Most outfitters charge $5–$10 less Mon–Thu.
- 2.Float in May or September. Shoulder season pricing, smaller crowds.
- 3.Skip the cooler tube if you're not drinking — bring a small dry bag.
- 4.Book direct, not through a third-party site that adds service fees.
- 5.DIY the Blanco River if you have your own tube and a shuttle driver — see our cheap tubing guide.