Drive Time
2h 45m
Distance
177.5 mi
Route Type
Turn-heavy local drive
Same-day tripThe drive from Midlothian, TX to Austin, TX covers 177.5 miles and takes about 2h 45m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on West Main Street, North Midlothian Parkway, US 287 South for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. At current regular gas prices, budget about $26.41 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
88.7 miles from Midlothian, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 22m into the drive .
Expect a 2h 45m drive with frequent turns across 177.5 miles of local and secondary roads.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| West Main Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| North Midlothian Parkway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| US 287 South | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Highway 287 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| US 287 | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Ovilla Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 35E South | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| North Jack Kultgen Expressway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Step-by-step road directions between Midlothian, TX and Austin, TX.
Start on North 8th Street
Turn left onto West Main Street
Turn right onto North Midlothian Parkway
Take the ramp left toward US 287 South
Continue on East US Highway 287
Continue on West US Highway 287
Take the exit slight right toward US 287 Business
Continue on West US Highway 287 Business
Continue on West US 287 Business
Turn left onto Ovilla Road
Take the ramp slight right toward I 35E South
Merge slight left
Continue on North Jack Kultgen Expressway
Continue on Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left
Keep slight left to continue on Purple Heart Trail
Take the exit slight right toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson University
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
Turn right onto East 6th Street
Turn left onto Congress Avenue
Turn left onto East 5th Street
Arrive at your destination
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.7 miles or 1h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Austin, TX than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Midlothian, 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 Midlothian, TX
This is one driving day of about 177.5 miles and 2h 45m.
These towns line up with the pace of this drive and give you clearer places to stop with a purpose.
Late stop town
Meal stop
89 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.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 88.7 mi from Midlothian, TX
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 88.7 miles from Midlothian, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions for the drive, so the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| regular | $3.78 | $26.41 | $52.82 |
| midgrade | $4.25 | $29.71 | $59.43 |
| premium | $4.59 | $32.08 | $64.17 |
| diesel | $3.99 | $27.90 | $55.81 |
Based on 25.4 MPG average. Estimated CO2 emission: 62.1 kg one way.
Travel Intel
Compare the departure city with the arrival city before you leave so the route feels predictable, not reactive.
Origin
Late night in Midlothian on Saturday
Local time
2:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Late night in Austin on Saturday
Local time
2:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Explore more options from Midlothian, TX or browse trips ending in Austin, TX .
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips .
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