Trip from Annetta, TX to Austin, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 42m

Distance

206.9 mi

333 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 29m ★

6 AM

3h 42m

8 AM

4h 7m

10 AM

3h 51m

12 PM

3h 48m

3 PM

3h 52m

5 PM

4h 6m

8 PM

3h 34m

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

Best Time

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Annetta, TX

Action Construction Equipment Ltd. - ACE

Austin, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Annetta to Austin is 206.9 miles and takes about 3h 42m via South Freeway and I 35, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a relatively straightforward path south. With most of the route on main highways, it's a practical choice for a quick trip. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, making it an efficient way to get from point A to point B. Consider this if you need to cover ground without extensive detours.

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

103.5 miles from Annetta, TX

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

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
South Freeway	78 mi	1h 20m
I 35	55.8 mi	58m
Purple Heart Trail	40.3 mi	42m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway	15.7 mi	16m
North Jack Kultgen Expressway	6.6 mi	7m
I 20	5.4 mi	5m
West FM 5	1.4 mi	2m
Annetta Road	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: South Freeway — 78 mi, about 1h 20m

Traffic on I-35

Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 80 FHWA count stations on your route.

Peak

5 PM

~3,325 veh/hr typical · worst 3,935

Quietest

2 AM

~565 veh/hr

Peak-to-quiet ratio

5.9×

busier at peak than in the quiet hours

12a 6a noon 6p 11p

Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on FM 5

0.6 mi · 1 min · North O'Neal Avenue

Continue on FM 5

1.4 mi · 2 min · West FM 5

Continue on FM 5

0.7 mi · 1 min · Annetta Road

Turn right

0.1 mi · 30 sec

At end of road, turn right onto East Interstate 20

241 ft · 4 sec · East Interstate 20

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Toward I 20 East: Fort Worth

Merge onto I 20

5.4 mi · 5 min · I 20

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 20

16 mi · 16 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway

Toward I 20 East: Dallas, Shreveport Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec

Exit 437 Toward I 35W: Denton, Waco Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 35W South: Waco Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 35W

78 mi · 1 hr 20 min · South Freeway

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

Aim to depart Annetta in the morning to make the most of the 3h 42m drive time and arrive in Austin with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a short overall duration, you have flexibility in your timing. Budget around $30 for fuel, but check current prices as you get closer to your departure. Given the mostly highway profile, be aware of potential traffic as you approach the Austin metropolitan area. The 78-mile stretch on South Freeway means you can cover significant distance before needing to plan for a break.

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 103.5 miles from Annetta, TX, or about 1h 51m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78 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 46 miles or 52m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 103.5 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 Annetta, 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 Annetta, TX

This is one driving day of about 206.9 miles and 3h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Annetta, 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 Freeway for about 78 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waco, TX

103 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

Keene, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waco, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 103.5 miles from Annetta, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

0.4 mi from route

Service Plaza

2.1 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 website

Bicentennial Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Crowley, Texas

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18172972201

Visit website

Doris D Miller Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Waco, Texas

Hours: Open 24 hours

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Georgetown, Texas

+15129305253

Visit website

Cultural Activities Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Final third 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

Temple, Texas

Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm

+12547739926

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.5 and 206 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8.5 mi into trip | ~11m in | I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway toward I 20 East: Dallas, Shreveport

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 20 East: Dallas, Shreveport

24.2 mi into trip | ~28m in

Take the exit toward I 35W: Denton, Waco

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 437 Toward I 35W: Denton, Waco

24.6 mi into trip | ~29m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 35W South: Waco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 35W South: Waco

203.6 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

206 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...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.34 one way

$56.68 round trip

$3.48/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.89	$31.65	$63.31
premium	$4.23	$34.42	$68.83
diesel	$4.80	$39.07	$78.13

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 72.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	62.1	0	$21.72	$9.93
Efficient EV	51.7	0	$18.10	$8.28
EV Truck/SUV	82.8	1	$28.97	$13.24

Gas CO2

72 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 as of Jul 19, 2026

Origin

Annetta, TX

Evening in Annetta on Monday

Local time

7:07 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Partly Cloudy

S 5 to 10 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:11PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:05PM CDT until July 18 at 8:15PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

Destination

Austin, TX

Evening in Austin on Monday

Local time

7:07 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Mostly Cloudy

S 5 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 8:11PM CDT by NWS Lubbock TX

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:05PM CDT until July 18 at 8:15PM 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

Very similar conditions

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

Road read

3h 42m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

National Monument

Standing as tall as 14 feet and weighing 20,000 pounds, Columbian mammoths roamed across what is present-day Texas thousands of years ago. Today, the fossil specimens represent the nation's first and...

5 mi from route ~13 min detour Free near mile 99.9

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

You'll be on the highway for about 71% of this 206.9-mile trip. The longest continuous stretch on a main highway is 78 miles on South Freeway. After the highway segments, expect to transition to other roads for the remainder of the drive. Keep an eye out for the numerous exits and merges characteristic of interstate travel.

71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 78 mi on South Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South Freeway and I 35. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.5 miles in near I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 206.9 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 8.5 miles (I 20 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

872 ft 417 ft

Total Climb

676 ft

Total Descent

1,062 ft

Highest Point

872 ft

Elevation Range

455 ft

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 Annetta, TX to Austin, TX, road signs begin pointing toward Waco along the way.

Waco

24.2 mi in | ~28m

About the Cities

Starting in Annetta, TX

Full guide →

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 3h 42m. Total distance: 206.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 78 miles on South Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 20 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

Yes — Waco Mammoth National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Annetta, TX or browse trips ending in Austin, TX.

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Trip from Annetta, TX to Austin, TX

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Traffic on I-35

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Bell County Northbound Rest Area

Hill County Northbound Rest Area

Flying J Travel Center

Walburg Travel Center & Food Court

Buc-ee's

QuikTrip

QuikTrip

Love's Travel Stop

Flying J Travel Plaza

Pilot Travel Center

Hill County Southbound Rest Area

QuikTrip

Road Ranger

Love's Travel Stop

Love's Travel Stop

Buc-ee's

TA

Service Plaza

Bell County Southbound Rest Area

Service Plaza

Austin Bat Tours

Bicentennial Park

Doris D Miller Park

Botanical Gates of Paradise

Play Street Museum - Fort Worth

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Jim Hogg Park

Cultural Activities Center

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Annetta, TX

Austin, TX

Same local time

Very similar conditions

3h 42m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Waco Mammoth National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Elevation Profile

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Annetta, TX

Arriving in Austin, TX

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Austin, TX

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