San Saba Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Albany, TX to Austin, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 36m
Distance
218.1 mi
351 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 23m
★
6 AM
4h 36m
8 AM
5h 3m
10 AM
4h 46m
12 PM
4h 43m
3 PM
4h 47m
5 PM
5h 2m
8 PM
4h 28m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Albany, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 218.1-mile journey from Albany, TX to Austin, TX will take approximately 4 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. It's a straightforward drive, primarily on US Highway 183, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. You can expect a fuel cost of around $33 for this route. The drive is predominantly highway-focused, offering a consistent pace as you travel through the Great Plains region of Texas. With only one recommended stop and a longest uninterrupted stretch of 45.4 miles, this route is designed for efficient travel.
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
109.1 miles from Albany, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US Highway 183 | 45.4 mi | 1h 7m |
| US 183 | 44.5 mi | 49m |
| South US Highway 183 | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| State Highway 6 South | 33.2 mi | 49m |
| US Highway 84 East | 29.2 mi | 33m |
| 183A Toll Road | 14.3 mi | 14m |
| Express 1 Toll | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| North Mopac Expressway | 2.4 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US Highway 183
— 45.4 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Albany, TX and Austin, TX.
1
Start on TX 6
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
South 2nd Street
2
Continue on TX 6
33 mi
·
49 min
·
State Highway 6 South
3
Continue on TX 6
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Conrad Hilton Boulevard
4
Continue on US 183
45 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
US Highway 183
5
Turn left onto US 67; US 84; US 183; US 377
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Early Boulevard
6
Turn right onto US 84; US 183
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Garmon Drive
7
Continue on US 84; US 183
29 mi
·
33 min
·
US Highway 84 East
8
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
22 mi
·
25 min
·
US 183; TX 16
9
Continue on US 183; US 190
15 mi
·
15 min
·
US 183; US 190
10
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281
260 ft
·
4 sec
·
North US Highway 281
11
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
North Key Avenue
12
Continue on US 183
35 mi
·
38 min
·
South US Highway 183
13
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
this road
14
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi
·
14 min
·
183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 183
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
US 183
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South
Use the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto Loop 1
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Mopac Expressway
19
Take the exit
423 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Express 1 Toll
Use the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto Express 1 Toll
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Express 1 Toll
21
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward West 5th Street
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
23
Turn straight onto West 5th Street
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
West 5th Street
Use the straight lane.
24
Arrive at destination
East 5th Street
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4-hour 36-minute duration, this trip works well as a single-day adventure. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your time in Austin. With only one stop recommended and long stretches on US Highway 183, you can easily plan your fuel and rest breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you pass through less populated areas between larger towns. The flexibility of a shorter drive means you can adjust your pace as needed.
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 109.1 miles from Albany, TX, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 45.4 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 48 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.1 miles or 2h 32m 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 50m
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 Albany, 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 Albany, TX
This is one driving day of about 218.1 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Albany, 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 US Highway 183 for about 45.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
109 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 109.1 miles from Albany, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
2 mi from route
Austin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteBotanical Gates of Paradise
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Lakeline Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Cedar Park, Texas
+15124015500
Visit websiteBrown County Museum of History
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Early stretch
3.4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Brownwood, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13256411926
Visit websiteThe Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Early stretch
3.8 mi from route
~9 min detour
Brownwood, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+13256436376
Visit websiteBarton Creek Greenbelt
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Home stretch
4.4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 5 am–10 pm
+15129746700
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 186.7 and 216.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
186.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 59m in
|
183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
208.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 22m in
Take the exit toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard
7
208.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South
6
211.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 26m in
Take the exit toward Express 1 Toll
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Express 1 Toll
7
216.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward West 5th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward West 5th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.87 one way
$59.75 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $33.37 | $66.74 |
| premium | $4.23 | $36.28 | $72.56 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $41.18 | $82.36 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.00
183A Toll Road
(14.3 mi)
$1.00
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
$30
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.4 | 0 | $22.90 | $10.47 |
| Efficient EV | 54.5 | 0 | $19.08 | $8.72 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.2 | 1 | $30.53 | $13.96 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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.
Origin
Albany, TX
Late night in Albany on Monday
Local time
2:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
8% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:46PM CDT until July 18 at 5:30PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:38PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
Destination
Austin, TX
Late night in Austin on Monday
Local time
2:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 4:46PM CDT until July 18 at 5:30PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 4:38PM CDT until July 18 at 6:45PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX
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
4 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 36m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
The majority of this drive, 87% to be exact, is on highways, giving it a consistent, focused feel. You'll be spending most of your time on US Highway 183, which forms the backbone of this route. Expect a smooth, largely uninterrupted experience, with the longest stretch measuring 45.4 miles on US Highway 183. While primarily highway, the route offers a practical and direct connection between Albany and Austin, without significant deviations into more complex local roads.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 45.4 mi on US Highway 183.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US Highway 183 and US 183. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 186.7 miles in near 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 218.1 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 186.7 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 208.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 208.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,635 ft
487 ft
Total Climb
391 ft
Total Descent
1,319 ft
Highest Point
1,635 ft
~62.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,148 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Albany, TX
Full guide →Founded 1874
Top landmarks
- • Shackelford County Courthouse Historic District — historic district in Albany, Shackelford County, Texas
Arriving in Austin, TX
Full guide →“City of the Violet Crown” · Founded 1835
Austin is a city of about 1,054,000 (2026) surpassing Fort Worth to become the 4th most populous city in Texas. It is on the southeast edge of the Hill Country region of Texas, making it the fourth-largest city in the state and the 11th-largest in the country. It is the capital of Texas and a college town, and also a center of an alternative culture away from the major cities on the US coasts, though the city is rapidly gentrifying with its rising popularity. Austin's attitude is commonly emblazoned about town on T-shirts and bumper stickers that read: "Keep Austin Weird." Austin is also marketed as the Live Music Capital of the World due to the large number of venues.
Top landmarks
- • Texas State Capitol — capitol and seat of government of the U.S. state of Texas
- • Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum — presidential library and museum for U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson in Austin,...
- • Texas State Cemetery — historic cemetery in Austin, Texas, USA
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 218.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 45.4 miles on US Highway 183. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.00 in tolls one way, starting with 183A Toll Road. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 3 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Austin, TX before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 3 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 186.7 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 208.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 208.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Austin, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Austin, TX
More trips to Austin, TX
Explore more options from Albany, TX or browse trips ending in Austin, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.