Concho County Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Austin, TX to Big Spring, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 42m
Distance
291.3 mi
469 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 29m
★
6 AM
5h 42m
8 AM
6h 9m
10 AM
5h 51m
12 PM
5h 49m
3 PM
5h 53m
5 PM
6h 7m
8 PM
5h 34m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Big Spring, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on the 291.3-mile journey from Austin to Big Spring is a commitment to a full day on the road, typically requiring about 5 hours and 42 minutes of travel time. Because this route relies on local streets like Brazos, East 6th, and Atlanta rather than major interstates, it functions best as a single-day push rather than a multi-day excursion. You should budget approximately $45 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Great Plains locations. Since the route involves a heavy concentration of turns, you will want to stay alert and manage your energy levels carefully. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, knowing that this is a non-highway intensive trip helps you set realistic expectations for your arrival time.
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
145.6 miles from Austin, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United States Highway 87 | 71.2 mi | 1h 16m |
| US Highway 87 North | 60.9 mi | 1h 1m |
| TX 71 | 48.7 mi | 53m |
| East State Highway 71 | 42 mi | 56m |
| West Highway 71 | 22.4 mi | 31m |
| US 87 | 18.6 mi | 20m |
| North Bryant Boulevard | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| South Bryant Boulevard | 4.1 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
United States Highway 87
— 71.2 mi, about 1h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Austin, TX and Big Spring, TX.
1
Start on East 5th Street
417 ft
·
15 sec
·
East 5th Street
2
Turn left onto Brazos Street
357 ft
·
23 sec
·
Brazos Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left onto East 6th Street
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East 6th Street
Use the straight lane.
4
Turn left onto Atlanta Street
233 ft
·
6 sec
·
Atlanta Street
Use the left lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward Loop 1 South
6
Merge onto Loop 1
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
South Mopac Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 290 West, TX 71 West: Johnson City, Llano
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
319 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 290 West, TX 71 West
9
Merge onto US 290; TX 71
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
US 290; TX 71
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Turn slight right onto West Highway 71
22 mi
·
31 min
·
West Highway 71
11
Continue on TX 71
42 mi
·
56 min
·
East State Highway 71
Use the right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto TX 71
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
TX 71
13
Turn left onto TX 29; TX 71
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
West Young Street
14
Continue on TX 71
47 mi
·
50 min
·
TX 71
15
Turn right onto US 87; US 377
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
US 87; US 377
16
At end of road, turn left onto US 87; US 190; US 377
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
·
Commerce Street
17
Turn straight onto US 87
71 mi
·
1 hr 16 min
·
United States Highway 87
18
Continue on US 87; Loop 306
4.1 mi
·
5 min
·
South Bryant Boulevard
19
Continue on US 87; US 277
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Koenigheim Street
20
Continue on US 87; US 277; US 67 Bus
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
North Bryant Boulevard
21
Continue on US 87
23 mi
·
23 min
·
US Highway 87 North
22
Continue on US 87
16 mi
·
16 min
·
US 87
23
Turn straight onto US 87; TX 158; TX 163
38 mi
·
37 min
·
US Highway 87 North
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward US 87 Business North: Big Spring
25
Continue on US 87 Bus
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
South US Highway 87
26
Continue on US 87 Bus
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
South Gregg Street
27
Turn left onto West 5th Street
385 ft
·
19 sec
·
West 5th Street
28
Turn right onto South Lancaster Street
378 ft
·
18 sec
·
South Lancaster Street
29
Turn right onto I 20 Bus
301 ft
·
6 sec
·
West 4th Street
30
Arrive at destination
I 20 Bus
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is essential for a route that requires nearly six hours of local-road driving. Aim to hit the road early in the morning to avoid fatigue and make the most of daylight, especially since navigating turns is significantly easier when you have clear visibility. With only one recommended stop, try to time your break near the midway point to recharge before tackling the remainder of the 291.3-mile journey. Since you are relying on local streets like Brazos and East 6th, keep your GPS updated to ensure you don't miss any critical turns in the downtown or local sections. Setting aside that $45 fuel budget in advance keeps your trip logistics simple and stress-free.
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 145.6 miles from Austin, TX, or about 3h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.2 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 64 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.6 miles or 3h 2m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Big Spring, 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 291.3 miles and 5h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 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 United States Highway 87 for about 71.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
146 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 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 145.6 miles from Austin, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before United States Highway 87 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.2 miles.
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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Coke County Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.1 mi from route
TA
1.3 mi from route
TXB Market
2.4 mi from route
Austin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteKirby Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13256574279
Visit websiteDead Man's Hole Historical Landmark
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.9 mi from route
~5 min detour
Marble Falls, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18306932815
Visit websiteHeart of Texas Country Music Museum
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Brady, Texas
Hours: Closed
+13255971895
Visit websiteBotanical Gates of Paradise
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
International Waterlily Collection
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18322743377
Visit websiteSan Angelo State Park
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
+13259494757
Visit websiteThink In A Box - Escape Room
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, ~9 min detour
Final third
3.6 mi from route
~9 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+13256501755
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 6.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Brazos Street
Turn left onto Brazos Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
East 6th Street
Turn left onto East 6th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
2 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
Atlanta Street
Turn left onto Atlanta Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
6.2 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the exit toward US 290 West, TX 71 West: Johnson City, Llano
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.
Toward US 290 West, TX 71 West: Johnson City, L...
6
6.8 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 290 West, TX 71 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 290 West, TX 71 West
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.90 one way
$79.80 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
102 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $44.57 | $89.13 |
| premium | $4.23 | $48.45 | $96.91 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $55.00 | $110.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.4 | 1 | $30.59 | $13.98 |
| Efficient EV | 72.8 | 0 | $25.49 | $11.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 116.5 | 1 | $40.78 | $18.64 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Austin, TX
Afternoon in Austin on Sunday
Local time
12:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Cloudy
SSE 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 6:27PM CDT until July 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:23PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
Big Spring, TX
Afternoon in Big Spring on Sunday
Local time
12:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
S 5 to 15 mph
45% chance
Live forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 6:27PM CDT until July 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 6:23PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
95°F
Mason, TX
146 mi in
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
9 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 42m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 50.2
Park Closure: Texas White House Complex Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a very different experience than a standard interstate cruise, as this route is defined by a turn-heavy local road profile with a 0% highway share. You will navigate through various local stretches, demanding more focused attention than a high-speed freeway trek. Because the path relies on local roads rather than major expressways, the ride is rhythmic and requires frequent adjustments to your speed. The character of the road remains consistent in its local focus throughout the 5-hour-plus duration. Be prepared for a more hands-on driving experience where your navigation skills will be just as important as your stamina behind the wheel.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.2 mi on United States Highway 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on United States Highway 87 and US Highway 87 North. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Brazos Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
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 291.3 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 0.1 miles (Brazos Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (East 6th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles (Atlanta Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,549 ft
487 ft
Total Climb
2,426 ft
Total Descent
478 ft
Highest Point
2,549 ft
~270.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,063 ft
About the Cities
Starting 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
Arriving in Big Spring, TX
Full guide →Big Spring is a city on the Edwards Plateau in Texas.
Top landmarks
- • Settles Hotel — historic place in Big Spring, Howard County, Texas
- • Hangar 25 Air Museum — air museum in Big Spring, Texas, U.S.
- • Potton-Hayden House — historic place in Big Spring, Howard County, Texas
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 5h 42m. Total distance: 291.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71.2 miles on United States Highway 87. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 6 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 Big Spring, 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 6 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Brazos Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.1 miles (East 6th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2 miles (Atlanta Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Big Spring, TX before the return drive.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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