Origin
Austin, TX
Afternoon in Austin on Sunday
Local time
2:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Austin, TX to Del Rio, TX
Drive Time
4h 25m
Distance
231.3 mi
372 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 12m
★
6 AM
4h 26m
8 AM
4h 52m
10 AM
4h 35m
12 PM
4h 32m
3 PM
4h 36m
5 PM
4h 51m
8 PM
4h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Del Rio, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Trip Overview
Traveling from Austin to Del Rio covers 231.3 miles and takes approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes of driving time. Since this trek is easily manageable within a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. You should budget around $34 for fuel to complete the journey. The route primarily utilizes Interstate 35 and the Purple Heart Trail as you transition across the Texas landscape. Because both cities are located within the Great Plains region, you will experience a consistent geographical feel throughout your time on the road. It is a straightforward trip that serves as a practical connection between these two Texas hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
115.7 miles from Austin, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate haul on this 231.3-mile journey. While you start by navigating sections of I-35 South, the route transitions into more technical local roads that demand your full attention behind the wheel. You will notice a shift in the road's personality as you move away from the major highway corridors and onto the Purple Heart Trail. There is no significant highway percentage to lean on here, as the route favors local navigation. Keep in mind that this is a hands-on driving experience where the road conditions change frequently, making it feel less like a standard highway cruise and more like a focused transit.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
West US Highway 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 62.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near North Interstate 35.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 231.3 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (North Interstate 35): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 68 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
North Interstate 35
At end of road, turn right onto North Interstate 35
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Merge onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
68 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
Take the exit toward I 410 West, Loop 368 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 166
Toward I 410 West, Loop 368 South
7
68.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 15m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 410 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 410 West
7
88 mi into trip
|
~1h 38m in
Take the exit toward US 90 West: Del Rio
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6A
Toward US 90 West: Del Rio
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Austin, TX to Del Rio, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 368 South along the way.
Loop 368 South
68 mi in
|
~1h 15m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| West US Highway 90 | 62.8 mi | 1h 11m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 58.3 mi | 1h 3m |
| US Highway 90 West | 37.7 mi | 43m |
| East Military Highway | 24.6 mi | 28m |
| Connally Loop | 19.3 mi | 22m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 6.9 mi | 7m |
| US Highway 90 East | 5.3 mi | 6m |
| East Main Street | 4.9 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
West US Highway 90
— 62.8 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Austin, TX and Del Rio, TX.
1
Start on East 5th Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East 5th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
At end of road, turn right onto North Interstate 35
0.4 mi
·
39 sec
·
North Interstate 35
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward I 35 South
4
Merge onto I 35; US 290
46 mi
·
50 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the none lane.
5
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the none lane.
7
Continue on I 35
6.9 mi
·
7 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 166
Toward I 410 West, Loop 368 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 410 West
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 410
19 mi
·
22 min
·
Connally Loop
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit
1.4 mi
·
2 min
Exit 6A
Toward US 90 West: Del Rio
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto US 90
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Cleto Rodriguez Freeway
Use the none lane.
13
Continue on US 90
25 mi
·
28 min
·
West US Highway 90
Use the none lane.
14
Continue on US 90
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
19th Street
15
Continue on US 90
38 mi
·
43 min
·
US Highway 90 West
16
Continue on US 90
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
East Main Street
17
Continue on US 90
37 mi
·
42 min
·
West US Highway 90
18
Continue on US 90
25 mi
·
28 min
·
East Military Highway
19
Continue on US 90
5.3 mi
·
6 min
·
US Highway 90 East
20
Continue on US 90
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Gibbs Street
21
Turn left onto Spur 297
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
Spur 297
22
Turn left onto US 277 Spur
377 ft
·
30 sec
·
East Garfield Street
23
Turn left onto Spur 297
107 ft
·
2 sec
·
Spur 297
24
Arrive at destination
Spur 297
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 25-minute trip, aim to depart Austin early to avoid peak traffic congestion when exiting the city. Plan for at least one dedicated stop along the way to stretch your legs, as the turn-heavy nature of the drive can be more taxing than a straight interstate stretch. Since your estimated fuel cost is $34, it is wise to keep an eye on your tank levels before leaving the more populated areas near Austin. Flexibility is your biggest advantage on a route of this length, allowing you to adjust your pace based on local traffic or weather. Because the drive is under five hours, you have plenty of time to reach Del Rio by the late afternoon without feeling rushed.
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 115.7 miles from Austin, TX, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.8 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 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.7 miles or 2h 11m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Del Rio, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Austin, 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 Austin, TX
This is one driving day of about 231.3 miles and 4h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Austin, 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 West US Highway 90 for about 62.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 115.7 mi from Austin, TX · 2h 11m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
116 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 115.7 miles from Austin, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before West US Highway 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.8 miles.
Arriving in Del Rio, TX
The final approach into Del Rio, 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 Del Rio, 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
$35.33 one way
$70.66 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
81 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $38.72 | $77.44 |
| premium | $4.59 | $41.81 | $83.61 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $51.39 | $102.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.4 | 0 | $24.29 | $11.10 |
| Efficient EV | 57.8 | 0 | $20.24 | $9.25 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92.5 | 1 | $32.38 | $14.80 |
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Del Rio, TX
Afternoon in Del Rio on Sunday
Local time
2:54 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°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
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 25m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Austin, TX to Del Rio, TX covers 231.3 miles and takes about 4h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are West US Highway 90, Purple Heart Trail, US Highway 90 West. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 115.7 miles from Austin, TX. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.33 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 231.3 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (North Interstate 35): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 68 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Austin, TX to Del Rio, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Loop 368 South along the way.
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