How much to hire a private tour guide in Austin — hourly rates and tips
A festivalgoer visiting Austin asked about the going rate to hire a private tour guide for two people — they’ve got their own car and want someone local to show them around. Short answer: rates vary, but expect to pay for experience, convenience and whether the guide provides transport, routes or insider access.
Ballpark: private guides typically charge by the hour, with basic local guides often starting in the low tens per hour and experienced or specialist guides asking more. For a two-person private tour in a city like Austin you can generally expect a range rather than a fixed number — budget for flexibility.
- Search trusted marketplaces first: Airbnb Experiences, ToursByLocals, Viator and local visitor centers list vetted guides.
- Ask what’s included: itinerary planning, entrance fees, parking, wait time, and whether they’ll drive your car (or prefer to use their own vehicle).
- Compare flat half-day or full-day rates vs hourly — sometimes a half-day block is a better value than an open-ended hourly rate.
- Check reviews and credentials: local festival-season guides know how to navigate crowds and parking, which matters during big events.
- Confirm cancellation and payment terms up front and tip for great service.
Having your own car can simplify logistics, but tell the guide in advance — some guides prefer to use their own vehicle for insurance and convenience, and that can affect price. If you want someone to tailor a short festival-focused route (best food trucks, late-night spots, or venue history), expect to pay a bit more for local knowledge. For quick matches, post a short request on local festival and city subreddits, neighborhood Facebook groups, or reach out to visitor services — you’ll get solid, real-time options during festival season.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/aclfestival/comments/1ottjto/hiring_tour_guide_in_austin_near_by/