Discover Plaza Saltillo Station
Welcome to the vibrant city of Austin, Texas! While Austin is well-known for its music scene, eclectic eateries, and outdoor adventures, there’s a whole world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey along the CapMetro Rail from Leander, TX, one remarkable stations at a time.
Buckle up as we embark on an exploration of lesser-known spots, where local charm, culture, and unique experiences await. So, hop aboard, and let’s dive into the heart of Austin’s best-kept secrets!
We will cover a trip to each station starting from Leander AND from each station ending in Leander!
Plaza Saltillo Station:
Starting from Leander, it will take you about an hour to get to the Plaza Saltillo Station stop. This second to last stop along the southbound route is right in the heart of downtown East Austin. It is a great stop for getting to 6th Street at night or hitting up local dining with international flair.
Family-Friendly Trip From Leander to Plaza Saltillo
We recommend your start this trip around lunch and plan to stop at the pool mentioned by co-author on this blog and Leander local, Rachel Montemayor.
Friday Night Adult Trip From Plaza Saltillo to the Leander Station
Plan your Friday Night Happy Hour Hop
Let’s Hear From a Local
Local MetroRail Veteran Rachel Montemayor shared her experience riding the rails with us:
Exploring East Austin’s Hidden Gems through the Cap Metro Rail in Leander: A Thrilling Adventure Worth Sharing
by: Rachel Montemayor
“Embarking on an adventure through the vibrant streets of East Austin, I decided to leave my car and embrace the local commuter rail. Little did I know that this choice would open up a world of hidden gems, cultural diversity, and unforgettable experiences. Join me as I share my thrilling journey through the heart of East Austin, all made possible by hopping on the Cap Metro Rail!
“From the moment I stepped off, I could feel the pulse of East Austin. The lively atmosphere, diverse communities, and colorful murals lining the streets were an immediate feast for the senses. The Cap Metro Rail became my gateway to immerse myself in the authentic local culture.
“Cap metro makes it easy to take your bike and it’s exactly what I recommend for the Saltillo stop. As I made my way through historic tree-lined streets, my taste buds were excited by the tantalizing aromas wafting from the many eateries that East Austin is known for. I couldn’t resist hopping off to try La barbeque and Gati gelato. Biking made it easy to hop on and off, allowing me to savor every delicious bite.
“One of the highlights of my Saltillo stop adventure was stumbling upon the free public pool at Metz park. The route whether walking or biking will take you through beautiful old and modern neighborhoods and when you arrive at Metz park you can expect a refreshing splash pad and a shady public pool with many lifeguards.
“While on the train, I struck up conversations with fellow passengers, exchanging stories, recommendations, and getting a glimpse into the daily lives of Leander’s residents. Cap Metro Rail is a platform for genuine connections, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community.
“Choosing Cap Metro Rail not only allowed me to experience the true essence of East Austin but also contributed to a trip without traffic. By reducing my anxiety about traffic I was able to take in and savor the ride and before I knew it we were pulling into Saltillo Station.
“My adventure through East Austin by using the Cap Metro Rail was an enlightening and exhilarating experience. From the vibrant culture to the mouthwatering cuisine, and the artistic wonders that adorn the streets, every moment was filled with awe and discovery. Embracing it allowed me to connect with the heart and soul of this neighborhood while reducing the anxiety of traffic and parking. I encourage everyone to embrace the Cap Metro Rail and embark on their own journeys, unlocking the hidden gems of the Red Line. So, hop on board and see where the adventure takes you!”
Photos by: Rachel Montemayor
Planning Your Own Trip:
Want to plan your own adventure? We have gathered the best tools for you to start planning right now.
CapMetro Rail Schedule and Map
View the MetroRail Redline schedule. You can sort it by Northbound or Southbound and by weekday or weekend.
Destinations
Use this link to see a list of eateries, bars, coffee shops and entertainment venues along the CapMetro Rail Red Line.
CapMetro Ride Options:
MetroBike: capmetro.org/metrobike
- More than 70 bike stations in the Downtown Austin area.
- App-based rentals.
- Manual bikes and e-bikes are available.
- System upgrades are planned.
Pickup by CapMetro: capmetro.org/pickup
- On-demand Pickup service is currently offered in 10 different zones across the CapMetro service area, including the Leander zone. Rides should start and end within the same zone.
- Leander Pickup runs 6a-7p weekdays and 10a-6p Saturdays.
- Rides may be scheduled via the Pickup app or by phone. Each ride is $1.25; children ride free.
- Destinations within the Leander Pickup zone include: Leander City Hall, Austin Community College San Gabriel, H-E-B, Bagdad Senior Activity Center, Robin Bledsoe Park, Leander Public Library, Kohl’s, Lowe’s and Goodwill.
RideShare: capmetro.org/rideshare
- Month-to-month vanpool lease agreements available for groups of 4-12 riders.
- Monthly subsidies available covering some vanpool lease costs.
Guaranteed Ride Home program available in cases of emergency.
