Trip from Addison, TX to Austin, TX

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

3h 42m

Distance

207.9 mi

335 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 30m ★

6 AM

3h 42m

8 AM

4h 7m

10 AM

3h 51m

12 PM

3h 49m

3 PM

3h 52m

5 PM

4h 6m

8 PM

3h 35m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Addison, TX

Thomas balabaud

Austin, TX

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Trip Overview

This 207.9-mile drive from Addison, TX, to Austin, TX, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes. Your journey will primarily follow major highways, with about 74% of the route being on interstates, including the South R L Thornton Freeway and I-35. With a projected fuel cost of around $31, this is an economical trip. Both Addison and Austin are located within the Great Plains region, so you won't be crossing major geographical divides. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, this route is well-suited for a straightforward, efficient trip, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of time to spare.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

104 miles from Addison, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 74% of your travel occurring on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 89.9 miles along the South R L Thornton Freeway, offering a consistent pace. While I-35 is a major artery, it can become busy, especially closer to urban areas. The Purple Heart Trail designation might offer some subtle points of interest along the way. Overall, this drive is characterized by its efficiency and directness, prioritizing getting you from point A to point B with minimal detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

South R L Thornton Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 89.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South R L Thornton Freeway and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.8 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 207.9 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 11.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.6 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

11.8 mi into trip | ~15m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 35E South

12.2 mi into trip | ~16m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35E South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 35E South

204.6 mi into trip | ~3h 36m in | I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street

207 mi into trip | ~3h 39m in

Take the exit toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson University

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 234B Toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson Univer...

207.9 mi into trip | ~3h 42m in | East 5th Street

Turn left onto East 5th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Addison, TX to Austin, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas Zoo along the way.

Dallas Zoo

14.9 mi in | ~19m | via I 35E

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
South R L Thornton Freeway	89.9 mi	1h 32m
I 35	55.8 mi	58m
Purple Heart Trail	40.3 mi	42m
Dallas North Tollway	10.5 mi	12m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway	6.6 mi	7m
North Stemmons Freeway	1.9 mi	2m
Addison Road	0.5 mi	1m
East 6th Street	0.5 mi	1m

Longest stretch: South R L Thornton Freeway — 89.9 mi, about 1h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Addison, TX and Austin, TX.

Start on this road

84 ft · 11 sec · this road

Turn left

66 ft · 6 sec

Turn right onto Addison Circle

200 ft · 11 sec · Addison Circle

Turn left onto Addison Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Addison Road

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto Belt Line Road

0.4 mi · 54 sec · Belt Line Road

Turn straight

283 ft · 10 sec

Turn straight onto Dallas Parkway

163 ft · 3 sec · Dallas Parkway

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec

Toward DNT South

Merge onto DNT

11 mi · 12 min · Dallas North Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Toward I 35E South Use the right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

329 ft · 8 sec

Toward I 35E South Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto North Stemmons Freeway

0.1 mi · 12 sec · North Stemmons Freeway

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Toward I 35E South

Merge onto I 35E

1.8 mi · 2 min · North Stemmons Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35E

0.5 mi · 44 sec · South R L Thornton Freeway

Continue on I 35E

89 mi · 1 hr 31 min · South R L Thornton Freeway

Exit 426 Toward Dallas Zoo Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35; US 77

6.6 mi · 7 min · North Jack Kultgen Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 35

38 mi · 39 min · Purple Heart Trail

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

56 mi · 58 min · I 35

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290

2.4 mi · 3 min · Purple Heart Trail

Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street Use the slight left lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Exit 234B Toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson University Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto North Interstate 35

0.2 mi · 27 sec · North Interstate 35

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn right onto East 6th Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · East 6th Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto Congress Avenue

357 ft · 17 sec · Congress Avenue

Turn left onto East 5th Street

28 ft · 0 sec · East 5th Street

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

East 5th Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 3-hour and 42-minute drive, consider departing Addison, TX, early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic, especially as you approach Austin. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of about $31, you have flexibility in planning your breaks. Keep an eye on the fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major exit opportunity is nearly 90 miles. Given the relatively short distance, you can easily complete this trip in one day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, a brief overnight stop is also an option. A specific tip: utilize real-time traffic apps to navigate any congestion points on I-35 closer to Austin.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 104 miles from Addison, TX, or about 1h 51m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 89.9 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 26m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 104 miles or 1h 51m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 1m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Austin, TX than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Addison, TX so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Addison, TX

This is one driving day of about 207.9 miles and 3h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Addison, TX.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on South R L Thornton Freeway for about 89.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 104 mi from Addison, TX · 1h 51m into the drive

city in Bell County, Texas, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Killeen, TX

104 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Killeen, TX to Austin, TX

67.3 mi · 1h 17m

Pacing Suggestions

Arlington, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Killeen, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 104 miles from Addison, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before South R L Thornton Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 89.9 miles.

Arriving in Austin, TX

The final approach into Austin, TX usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Austin, TX.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.41 one way

$62.83 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 73 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.20	$34.39	$68.77
premium	$4.54	$37.12	$74.24
diesel	$5.61	$45.90	$91.80

Estimated Tolls: $0.84

Dallas North Tollway (10.5 mi) $0.84

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	62.4	0	$21.83	$9.98
Efficient EV	52	0	$18.19	$8.32
EV Truck/SUV	83.2	1	$29.11	$13.31

Gas CO2

73 kg

EV CO2

24 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Addison, TX

Late night in Addison on Wednesday

Local time

2:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Austin, TX

Late night in Austin on Wednesday

Local time

2:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

3h 42m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Addison, TX to Austin, TX covers 207.9 miles and takes about 3h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are South R L Thornton Freeway, I 35, Purple Heart Trail. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 104 miles from Addison, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.41 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

On the drive from Addison, TX to Austin, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Dallas Zoo along the way.

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Trip from Addison, TX to Austin, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Austin, TX

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Addison, TX

Austin, TX

Same local time

Very similar conditions

3h 42m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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