How Far Is Austin From Houston? Drive Time, Routes & Stops
Austin is about 165 miles from Houston, downtown to downtown. The drive takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes on US-290 or on I-10 and TX-71. Here are the distances, routes, best times to leave and the easiest ways to make the trip.
- 165 miles downtown to downtown
- 2 h 45 min typical drive
- Private SUV from $650
Request a Quote
Fill in your trip details and we'll get back to you within 15 minutes.
Request Received!
Thank you! We've received your submission and will get back to you within 15 minutes. A confirmation has been sent to your email.
Want your price right away? Check live rates and book your ride online in just a minute. Prefer a personal quote? Just relax, our team will reply to you shortly.
Check Price & Book Online →How Far Is Austin From Houston in Miles?
The Houston to Austin distance depends on where you start in Houston and where you are going in Austin. These are typical door-to-door miles and drive times in normal traffic.
| From | To | Distance | Typical drive time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Houston | Downtown Austin | about 165 miles | 2 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min |
| IAH Airport | Downtown Austin | about 170 miles | 2 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min |
| Hobby Airport | Downtown Austin | about 180 miles | 3 h to 3 h 30 min |
| Katy | Downtown Austin | about 145 miles | 2 h 30 min to 3 h |
| The Woodlands | Downtown Austin | about 170 miles | 2 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min |
| Downtown Houston | Austin airport (AUS) | about 160 miles | 2 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min |
The Two Main Routes From Houston to Austin
US-290 West, the most common route
US-290 runs northwest out of Houston through Cypress, Hempstead, Brenham, Giddings and Elgin into north and east Austin. It is the usual choice from central and north Houston and from IAH. Expect stoplights and lower speeds in the small towns.
I-10 West and TX-71
This route follows I-10 west through Katy to Columbus, then TX-71 through La Grange and Bastrop into south Austin. It is often faster from west Houston, Katy, Sugar Land or Hobby, and it passes close to the Austin airport.
Both take about the same time on a quiet day. Check live road conditions on DriveTexas, the official TxDOT traffic map, before you leave.
Houston to Austin Drive Time: Best and Worst Times to Leave
Best times
Before 6:30 AM, between 9 AM and 11 AM, or after 7 PM.
Worst times
Weekdays from 3 PM to 7 PM, when Houston rush hour slows the first hour.
Fridays and Sundays
Weekend traffic is heavy. Sunday afternoons back to Houston are often slow.
Big Austin weekends
UT football, Formula 1 at COTA, Austin City Limits and SXSW. Plan extra time.
Good Places to Stop on the Way
The drive is short enough to do without stopping, but a break makes it easier with kids or older travelers.
Brenham
About halfway on US-290, with places to eat and the home of Blue Bell ice cream.
Giddings and Elgin
Small US-290 towns known for Texas barbecue and sausage.
San Felipe de Austin
A state historic site near I-10 about Stephen F. Austin’s first colony.
La Grange and Bastrop
Food and fuel on TX-71, with a large Buc-ee’s travel center in Bastrop.
Driving vs Bus, Train, Flight, Uber and Car Service
The right choice depends on how many people are going, how much luggage you have and whether you need to arrive at an exact address. Bus and Uber prices change with date and demand.
| Option | Typical cost | Door to door? | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private car service | SUV from $650, Sprinter from $750 per vehicle | Yes | Costs more than a bus for one person |
| Drive yourself | fuel plus Austin parking | Yes | 3 hours each way at the wheel |
| UberX from IAH | about $190 | Yes | Small car, price rises with demand |
| Intercity bus | from about $22 per person | No | Fixed times, bus stations at both ends |
| Amtrak train | varies | No | No direct train; needs a connection |
| Short flight | varies | No | Security and airport transfers take longer than the drive |
How Much Does a Private Ride From Houston to Austin Cost?
Our Houston to Austin car service is private: only your group rides, and the price is per vehicle, not per person. Fuel and tolls are included.
Luxury SUV
- Up to 6 passengers
- About 5 to 6 suitcases
- Couples, families, business
Mercedes Sprinter
- Up to 14 passengers
- Room for a group’s luggage
- About $75 each for 10 people
IAH & Hobby pickups
- Flight tracking
- Meet at your terminal
- Straight to your Austin address
Child seats and extra stops start at $15. Get your exact price with the free quote form at the top.
How Far Is Austin From the Galveston Cruise Port?
Galveston is the closest cruise port to Austin, about 215 miles away, or 3.5 to 4 hours by road. Plan to leave Austin about 4.5 hours before you want to be at the terminal.
We drive groups from Austin to the cruise terminals and back. For the Houston part of the trip, see our Houston to Galveston distance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Austin from Houston?
Austin is about 165 miles from Houston, downtown to downtown. From IAH it is about 170 miles and from Hobby Airport about 180 miles.
How many hours is Houston to Austin by car?
About 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes in normal traffic. Rush hour, Fridays and big Austin events can add an hour or more.
Is it better to take US-290 or I-10 to Austin?
US-290 is usually best from central and north Houston and IAH. I-10 to TX-71 is often faster from west Houston, Katy, Sugar Land or Hobby, and for south Austin or the Austin airport.
What is the best time to drive from Houston to Austin?
Leave before 6:30 AM, between 9 AM and 11 AM, or after 7 PM. Avoid weekday afternoons from 3 PM to 7 PM and Friday afternoons.
Where is the halfway point between Houston and Austin?
Brenham on US-290 is about halfway. On the I-10 and TX-71 route, Columbus and La Grange are near the middle.
Is there a direct train from Houston to Austin?
No. Amtrak does not run a direct train between the two cities, so the trip needs a connection and takes much longer than driving.
Is there a bus from Houston to Austin?
Yes. Intercity buses run between bus stations in both cities, from about $22 per person, and take about 3 hours plus time to get to and from the stations.
How much is an Uber from Houston to Austin?
UberX from IAH to Austin is often around $190 and Uber Black SUV around $650, depending on demand. Our private SUV starts at $650 and the price is fixed when you book.
Can I get a ride from IAH or Hobby straight to Austin?
Yes. We track your flight, meet you at your terminal and drive you directly to your Austin address. It starts at $650 in a Luxury SUV.
How far is Austin from Galveston?
About 215 miles, or 3.5 to 4 hours by road. Galveston is the closest cruise port to Austin.
Skip the Drive: Book a Private Houston to Austin Ride
Flat prices, a professional driver and door-to-door service from Houston, IAH and Hobby, 24/7.