Length: approximately 35 minutes

Time: Please see schedule below

Summary: Tour does not include hotel pick-up, unless you are staying at one of our regular pickup locations. Please choose a pickup location from the list below. Prices are per carriage for 1-6 people, so enter the number of carriages you need (rather than the number of people). Please indicate actual number of passengers on the order form. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-317-1288.

Click here for the list of available pickup locations

There are no refunds. All sales are final.

If changes are allowed on a tour or activity, a $20.00 per reservation change fee will be applied for any change to a reservation. Please note that some tours and activities do not allow any changes. Date changes can only be made only if we can confirm availability on the new date. While we cannot guarantee any changes can be made, all change requests must be submitted a minimum of 24 hours prior to the tour departure and must be handled on an individual basis through our Reservations Center.

What better way to see scenic downtown Austin than from a horse-drawn carriage? Carriage drivers are professional and knowledgeable, and can provide you with historical facts and wonderful stories of the city. Or, if you prefer, they will provide you with a quiet, romantic ride with that special someone. The carriage ride price includes 1-6 passengers.

Schedule

Tuesday through Sunday - 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
(Mid May through September)

Tuesday through Sunday 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
(October through Mid May)

Saturday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
(October through Mid May)

Sunday 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm
(October through Mid May)

Special Schedule Notes
-During the month of Decmeber, carriage tours begin at 6:00 pm.

PLEASE NOTE: Carriage tours are not available during the daytime hours during the hottest months of the year, to protect the horses in extreme heat.

Pickup Locations

All regular pickup locations are in the heart of the downtown area of Austin:
Hilton Hotel - 500 East 4th Street
Driskill Hotel - 604 Brazos Street
Hampton Inn - 200 San Jacinto Blvd.
Omni Hotel - 700 San Jacinto Blvd.
Stephen F. Austin Hotel - 701 Congress Avenue
Marriott Hotel - 701 East 11th Street
Four Seasons Hotel - 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
Radisson Hotel - 111 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin Club - 110 East 9th Street
Carmelo's - 504 East 5th Street
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - 107 West 6th Street
Old Pecan St. Cafe - 310 East 6th Street
Roy's - 340 East 2nd Street
Fleming's - 320 East 2nd Street
P.F. Chang's - 201 San Jacinto Blvd.
You must choose one of the above locations for pickup for your tour.

Some helpful tips:

Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes in most cases for dining time before you have a carriage pick you up from your requested location.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- What kind of horses drive the carriages?
All horses are full blooded Clydesdales. These magnificent animals originated in Clyde Valley, Scotland in the mid-18th century. They were bred for heavy work, such as hauling heavy objects and farming. A Clydesdale horse measures on average 16-18 hands, or about 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs between 1600 and 2000 pounds! Clydesdales are often called "Gentle Giants" because of their calm disposition. They often act like overgrown puppies! The horses develop strong relationships with their owners and drivers.

- Is it hard for them to pull the carriage?
Clydesdales can pull 5-6 times their own weight on wheels. Considering that the carriages, fully loaded with passengers, weigh about the same as the horses themselves do - pulling a carriage is literally a walk in the park! If one of our 100 lb. drivers can pull an empty carriage out of the carriagehouse, a 1800 lb Clydesdale can certainly pull a loaded one!

- How long do the horses work?
City Ordinances clearly outline that the horse can work up to 6 hours per day, 5 days a week. But most of these horses only work 2-3 days a week, 4-6 hours a day, with plenty of rest breaks. Wouldn't you love to join their union?!

- How safe are the horses?
Draft horses are known for their easy-going, laid back personalities. They are experienced working among traffic and crowds, and are used to the sights and sounds of downtown. A couple of the horses even enjoyed watching the fireworks last July 4th!

- How clean are the horses?
All the horses are bathed and groomed before going out to work. They love being pampered! Also, all the horses wear a 'diaper bag'. This bag attaches to the horse and carriage and prevents any messes from being left behind.

- Are the drivers trained?
All drivers go through a strict training period of 2-3 months. All of them have worked with horses before and are all experienced, professional drivers and know how to handle the horses in any kind of circumstance.

- How many passengers can ride on a carriage? Is it more expensive with more people?
The carriages can accommodate up to 6 average-sized adults. The price is per carriage, not per person.

- What happens in bad weather?
All of our carriages are equipped with convertible tops which can be raised to protect the passengers while riding. This will keep you dry in a light rain (or cool on a hot day).

Tour does not include hotel pick-up. Please choose a pickup location from the list above. Prices are per carriage and include 1-6 passengers, so enter the number of carriages you need (rather than the number of people). Please indicate actual number of passengers on the order form. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-317-1288.

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