Buc-ee’s San Marcos: Address, Map & Opening Date

The new Buc-ee’s San Marcos is scheduled to welcome customers on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6 a.m. CDT. Located at 3245 N. IH-35, San Marcos, TX 78666, the store sits along the busy I-35 route connecting Austin and San Antonio. The massive travel center will cover 74,000 square feet, include 128 fueling positions, and bring more than 200 full-time jobs to the area. Construction was nearing completion by late July 2026, preparing the site to become Texas’ 37th Buc-ee’s and the company’s 57th U.S. location.

 A special ribbon-cutting ceremony is also planned for 10 a.m. CDT on opening day, with San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson and County Judge Ruben Becerra expected to take part. After months of construction along I-35, the wait is nearly finished. The familiar Buc-ee’s beaver is about to make its arrival in San Marcos.

Buc-ee’s San Marcos — Fast Facts

Detail	Information
Opening Date	Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Doors Open	6:00 a.m. CDT
Ribbon Cutting	10:00 a.m. CDT
Address	3245 N. IH-35, San Marcos, TX 78666
Location	SW Corner of Yarrington Rd & IH-35
Size	74,000 sq ft (74,707 sq ft per TDLR)
Fuel Pumps	128 fueling positions
Jobs Created	200+ full-time positions
Construction Cost	$47.2 million
Groundbreaking	January 29, 2025
Hours	24/7, 365 days a year

See It for Yourself: The Store Is Nearly Complete

Want to know how close San Marcos is to welcoming its first Buc-ee’s? Recent ground footage gives a clear look at how far the project has come. MySA (San Antonio Express-News) documented the nearly finished travel center along the I-35 corridor, where the familiar yellow-and-black Buc-ee’s branding is appearing, the fuel canopy is installed, and the parking area is coming together.

With the main walls enclosed, the large fuel canopy in place, and the Bucky the Beaver branding starting to appear on the building, the project looks very different from the empty site San Marcos residents watched for months. The finished store will soon offer 128 fueling positions, making the progress especially noticeable to drivers traveling along I-35. After the long wait that began with the city's early development plans and incentive discussions, opening day is now within reach.

The development of Buc-ee’s San Marcos has been in progress for several years. Here is a look at the major milestones that brought the project from an early proposal to its scheduled opening.

2024 — The Announcement

The San Marcos project was registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in August 2024. Before construction began, the city had already been working to bring Buc-ee’s to the area. San Marcos City Council approved economic development incentives tied to the project, while Buc-ee’s committed to a $50 million investment and 175 full-time positions with average annual salaries of about $44,000.

During the City Council meeting, Buc-ee’s representative Stan Beard explained the company's approach to its stores, saying, “We’ve kind of become a destination. It’s as much of a unique place to stop in a city as a museum or a park.”

January 29, 2025 — Groundbreaking

The project officially moved into construction on January 29, 2025, when Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson, County Judge Ruben Becerra, and other local officials gathered for the groundbreaking at the Yarrington Road and IH-35 site.

Mayor Hughson described the event as “a momentous occasion” and said Buc-ee’s was “way more than a travel stop, it’s an experience.”

Stan Beard also highlighted the company's goal of delivering its signature customer experience, stating: “The Buc-ee’s mantra is ‘exceed expectations,’ and this San Marcos location is a special step for us in that regard. The San Marcos store will help us provide the ultimate Buc-ee’s experience to all I-35 travelers, north and southbound!”

Throughout 2025 and Early 2026 — Construction Progress

Construction steadily transformed the site throughout 2025 and into early 2026. Drivers along I-35 first saw the building framework take shape, followed by the exterior walls and eventually the large fuel canopy designed to serve 128 pump positions.

The expected opening date also changed during the construction process. The original TDLR filing pointed to December 2025, while early groundbreaking projections suggested May 26, 2026. By spring 2026, Buc-ee’s Media Coordinator Crissy Gonzalez had indicated a July 2026 opening timeframe.

July 29, 2026 — Official Opening Date Announced

The wait finally ended when Buc-ee’s released its official announcement on July 29, 2026. The company confirmed that the San Marcos location would open its doors at 6 a.m. on August 12, 2026.

Once open, the store will become the 37th Buc-ee’s location in Texas and the 57th in the United States, giving I-35 travelers between Austin and San Antonio another major Buc-ee’s stop.

Why San Marcos? The Strategic Location

San Marcos is positioned at mile marker 206 along I-35, roughly 30 miles south of Austin and 50 miles north of San Antonio. That puts the city almost directly between two of the biggest metropolitan areas in Texas. The I-35 corridor in this area sees heavy traffic throughout the year, including visitors heading to the San Marcos Premium Outlets, students traveling to Texas State University, and commuters moving between Austin and San Antonio.

For Buc-ee’s, the location offers access to a steady stream of travelers heading in both directions. The placement was clearly intentional. As Stan Beard explained, the San Marcos store is designed to serve “all I-35 travelers, north and southbound.”

The New Braunfels Question

One of the biggest questions surrounding the San Marcos project has been its relatively short distance from the existing New Braunfels Buc-ee’s, which is about 19 miles farther south.

Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III acknowledged the unusual proximity, saying: “It is close, and it is closer than we’ve ever put two travel centers that is true.”

However, the traffic along I-35 helps explain why Buc-ee’s chose this area for another large store. New Braunfels was once home to the world’s largest Buc-ee’s before the title moved to Luling in 2024, and the location continues to attract large numbers of travelers. With such a busy highway corridor connecting Austin and San Antonio, Buc-ee’s sees room for another major stop just 19 miles away.

For travelers heading south from Austin, the San Marcos store provides an earlier opportunity to stop before reaching New Braunfels. Likewise, drivers traveling north from San Antonio will have another Buc-ee’s option along one of the busiest sections of I-35.

The San Marcos location will follow the familiar Buc-ee’s format, combining fuel, food, snacks, merchandise, and large restrooms under one roof. While each store has its own size and layout, visitors can expect many of the chain’s most recognizable offerings at this new location.

1. Food & Kitchen

Texas BBQ Bar (11:30 a.m. – midnight)

The BBQ counter will feature freshly smoked brisket, available sliced or chopped and served on a soft bun with Dave’s-style BBQ sauce. Brisket remains one of the best-known parts of Buc-ee’s hot-food selection.

Breakfast (4 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

Early travelers can choose from savory and sweet kolaches, including sausage, cheese, jalapeño, cherry, cream cheese, and strawberry varieties. Fresh pastries and biscuit sandwiches will also be available, making the store a convenient breakfast stop for people starting their journey early.

2. Snacks & Signature Items (Available 24/7)

• Beaver Nuggets: Buc-ee’s famous caramel-coated corn puffs and one of the brand’s most recognizable snacks.
• Wall of Jerky: More than 15 packaged jerky flavors, along with in-house jerky available by the pound at the back counter.
• Homemade Fudge: More than 20 flavors prepared and cut fresh at the fudge counter.
• Beaver Chips: Thick-cut potato chips that are freshly fried and served warm near the BBQ area.

3. Fuel & EV Charging

The San Marcos Buc-ee’s will feature an impressive 128 fueling positions, giving drivers plenty of options even during busy travel periods. EV charging stations are also included in the project, according to the original economic development agreement.

The development agreement also calls for a rainwater collection and storage system at the site. This infrastructure was planned with the surrounding Edwards Aquifer recharge areas in mind and is intended to prevent negative impacts on those sensitive areas.

4. Restrooms

Large, clean restrooms have become one of Buc-ee’s most recognizable features. The chain has built a reputation around maintaining its bathrooms, with the New Braunfels location previously receiving the Cintas “Best Restroom in America” award in 2012.

The San Marcos store is expected to follow the same cleaning standards, with restrooms maintained on a 30-minute cleaning schedule. With more than 200 employees planned for the location, regular upkeep will be part of the store’s day-to-day operation.

5. Jobs: 200+ Full-Time Positions

The San Marcos project will also bring more than 200 full-time jobs to the area. Buc-ee’s positions are structured as full-time employment rather than gig-based work and include benefits such as starting pay above minimum wage, health benefits, a 6% 401(k) match, and three weeks of paid vacation.

For Hays County, the opening represents more than another gas station along I-35. It adds a major employer while bringing another large Buc-ee’s travel center to one of the busiest travel corridors in Central Texas.

Buc-ee’s San Marcos in Context: Texas’s 37th Location

The opening of Buc-ee’s San Marcos will bring the total number of Buc-ee’s locations in Texas to 37, giving the state the largest concentration of Buc-ee’s stores in the country. Its position along the I-35 corridor also places it within driving distance of several other Texas locations.

The nearest Buc-ee’s locations include:

Location	Distance from San Marcos	Highway
New Braunfels	19 miles south	I-35
Bastrop	~40 miles east	Hwy 71
Austin / Buda area	~30 miles north	I-35
Luling (World’s Largest)	~45 miles east	I-10

For drivers traveling north from San Antonio toward Austin, the I-35 route will soon include New Braunfels followed by San Marcos, with the two Buc-ee’s locations separated by only about 19 miles. That gives travelers another convenient stop along the same stretch of highway and makes the corridor even more closely connected to the Buc-ee’s brand.

How to Get There: Directions to Buc-ee’s San Marcos

• Address: 3245 N. IH-35, San Marcos, TX 78666
• Intersection: Southwest corner of Yarrington Road and IH-35
• From Austin: Travel south on I-35 for about 30 miles and take the Yarrington Road exit. The Buc-ee’s site will be on the west side of I-35.
• From San Antonio: Follow I-35 North for approximately 50 miles and take the Yarrington Road exit in San Marcos. The store is located directly near the exit.
• From New Braunfels: Head north on I-35 for roughly 19 miles before taking the Yarrington Road exit.
• From Houston: Take I-10 West and connect to I-35 North through the Seguing/San Marcos area. The trip from central Houston is approximately three hours.
• Google Maps: Search for “Buc-ee’s San Marcos” to locate the store.

Opening Day: What to Expect on August 12, 2026

The opening of a new Buc-ee’s typically attracts plenty of attention, and San Marcos is likely to be no different. Based on the way recent Buc-ee’s openings have unfolded, visitors should expect increased traffic and crowds throughout the first day.

6:00 a.m. CDT — Doors Open

The San Marcos location will officially open to customers at 6 a.m. Early visitors should be prepared for crowds, as new Buc-ee’s stores often attract people before opening time, especially in Texas.

10:00 a.m. CDT — Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

A formal ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 10 a.m., with San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson and Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra expected to attend.

What to Bring:

• Cash or a card: Buc-ee’s accepts both payment methods.
• Extra time: At 74,000 square feet, the store is large enough that first-time visitors may want plenty of time to explore.
• An appetite: The food counters will be ready for customers, including the BBQ offerings.

What Visitors Can Expect:

• Heavy crowds, especially during the morning
• Food service available from opening
• All 128 fueling positions ready for use
• A wide selection of Buc-ee’s merchandise, including the possibility of San Marcos-themed or opening-day items, as new locations often feature special merchandise

Pro Tip: Visitors who want to experience the new store without the heaviest opening-day crowds may find weekday mornings before 10 a.m. or evenings after 7 p.m. more manageable. The first weekend, particularly Saturday, August 15, is expected to attract significant interest.

Why This Opening Matters Beyond San Marcos

The San Marcos project is part of Buc-ee’s continued growth from its Texas beginnings into a larger national travel-center brand. What started in Clute, Texas, in 1982 has grown into a chain with locations across multiple states, changing the way many travelers view the traditional highway stop.

For years, San Marcos has been an important stop along the I-35 corridor for travelers moving between Austin and San Antonio. The arrival of Buc-ee’s adds another major travel destination to that route, giving drivers a place to refuel, eat, shop, and take a break during their journey.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Jane Hughson described Buc-ee’s as more than simply a travel stop, calling it “way more than a travel stop, it’s an experience.” With the opening date set for August 12, 2026, that experience is about to become part of the San Marcos travel corridor.

I. When is Buc-ee’s San Marcos opening?

The new Buc-ee’s San Marcos is scheduled to open on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. CDT. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials will take place at 10:00 a.m. CDT that morning.

II. Where is Buc-ee’s San Marcos located?

The San Marcos Buc-ee’s will be at 3245 N. IH-35, San Marcos, TX 78666, on the southwest corner of Yarrington Road and Interstate 35. The location sits along the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio.

III. How big is Buc-ee’s San Marcos?

The travel center covers approximately 74,000 square feet, with the TDLR filing listing 74,707 square feet. It will also feature 128 fueling positions, placing it among the larger Buc-ee’s locations in Texas.

IV. How many fuel pumps does Buc-ee’s San Marcos have?

The San Marcos location will have 128 fueling positions. With this many pumps available, the store is designed to handle a large volume of highway traffic and reduce fueling congestion during busy travel periods.

V. How many jobs will Buc-ee’s San Marcos create?

The new store is expected to provide more than 200 full-time jobs. Employee benefits include starting pay above minimum wage, full benefits, a 6% 401(k) match, and three weeks of paid vacation.

VI. How much did Buc-ee’s San Marcos cost to build?

The San Marcos travel center represents a $47.2 million construction project. Under the city's economic development incentive agreement, Buc-ee’s committed to a total investment of $50 million in the location.

VII. Is Buc-ee’s San Marcos open 24 hours?

Yes. Like other Buc-ee’s travel centers, the San Marcos store operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays.

VIII. How close is Buc-ee’s San Marcos to Buc-ee’s New Braunfels?

The San Marcos store is approximately 19 miles north of the New Braunfels Buc-ee’s along I-35. The close spacing is unusual for the chain, and founder Arch Aplin acknowledged that the two locations are “closer than we’ve ever put two travel centers.”

IX. What will be available at Buc-ee’s San Marcos on opening day?

Customers can expect Buc-ee’s most popular food, snacks, drinks, and merchandise from the start. The opening-day selection will include Texas BBQ brisket, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, the Wall of Jerky, homemade fudge, Beaver Chips, fresh pastries, beverages, and Buc-ee’s merchandise, including Bucky the Beaver apparel.

Buc-ee’s San Marcos is set to become a major new stop along the I-35 corridor when it opens on August 12, 2026, at 6 a.m. CDT. Located at 3245 N. IH-35, the 74,000-square-foot travel center will feature 128 fueling positions, more than 200 full-time jobs, Buc-ee’s signature food and snacks, large restrooms, and a full merchandise selection.

Its location between Austin and San Antonio makes it especially convenient for I-35 travelers, while its roughly 19-mile distance from Buc-ee’s New Braunfels gives drivers another option along one of Texas’s busiest highway corridors. With construction nearly finished and opening preparations underway, Buc-ee’s San Marcos is ready to bring the full Buc-ee’s experience to San Marcos and become the company’s 37th Texas location.