Medina County Northbound Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Austin, TX to Devine, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 6m
Distance
112.9 mi
182 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 57m
★
6 AM
2h 6m
8 AM
2h 24m
10 AM
2h 12m
12 PM
2h 11m
3 PM
2h 13m
5 PM
2h 23m
8 PM
2h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Devine, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Austin to Devine is 112.9 miles and takes about 2h 6m via Purple Heart Trail, North Pan Am Expressway, and South Pan Am Expressway, with a fuel budget near $17 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Texas, traversing familiar Great Plains landscapes. Expect a local, turn-heavy experience rather than a straightforward highway cruise. Given its manageable length and duration, it’s a straightforward same-day trip, ideal for a quick journey between these two points.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
56.5 miles from Austin, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 2m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Heart Trail | 79.7 mi | 1h 24m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 18.5 mi | 22m |
| South Pan Am Expressway | 10.4 mi | 12m |
| Interstate Highway 35 | 1.7 mi | 1m |
| East Hondo Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East 5th Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| North Interstate 35 | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Interstate 35 North | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Purple Heart Trail
— 79.7 mi, about 1h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Austin, TX and Devine, 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 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 straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on I 35
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 35
10.0 mi
·
11 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Use the slight left lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87
10 mi
·
12 min
·
South Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo Street
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 35
21 mi
·
21 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
Toward Texas 173: Devine, Jourdanton
13
Continue on Interstate 35 North
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Interstate 35 North
Toward Texas 173: Devine, Jourdanton
14
Turn right onto TX 173
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Hondo Avenue
15
Arrive at destination
TX 173
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 2h 6m drive, flexibility is key. You can easily depart Austin at your leisure, but be mindful that the route includes numerous turns, so staying alert is important. With a fuel cost estimated at $17, you won't need to worry about extensive refueling stops, though it's always wise to top off before leaving Austin. The longest stretch of 79.7 miles on the Purple Heart Trail means you can settle in for a good while before needing to make a significant course correction.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 56.5 miles from Austin, TX, or about 1h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.7 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 25 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 56.5 miles or 1h 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 1h 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Devine, 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 112.9 miles and 2h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Austin, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Purple Heart Trail for about 79.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
56 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 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 56.5 miles from Austin, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Purple Heart Trail if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 79.7 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.
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Medina County Southbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Marlstone Retail Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2.3 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
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 websiteThe Sophienburg Museum & Archives
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Halfway reset
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
New Braunfels, Texas
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+18306291572
Visit websiteRoosevelt Park
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.4 mi from route
~4 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 5 am–11 pm
+12102077275
Visit websiteHemisfair
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 5 am–12 pm
+12107094750
Visit websiteSpanish Governor's Palace
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+12102077527
Visit websiteGO RIO San Antonio River Cruises
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.8 mi from route
~4 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
+12102274746
Visit websiteTube Chute
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
New Braunfels, Texas
+18302214000
Visit websiteSan Antonio | The Saga
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.6 mi from route
~4 min detour
San Antonio, Texas
Hours: 9–9:30 pm
+12102259800
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 95 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 79.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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 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 straight / slight right lanes.
7
71.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35 South
8
77.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 35 South: Lower Level, Laredo
8
79.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 29m in
|
I 10; US 87 / South Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10; US 87 / South Pan Am Expressway toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Houston, South Alamo Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 10 East, US 87 South, Spur 536: Housto...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.06 one way
$34.12 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
40 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $18.67 | $37.35 |
| premium | $4.54 | $20.16 | $40.32 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $24.93 | $49.85 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 33.9 | 0 | $11.85 | $5.42 |
| Efficient EV | 28.2 | 0 | $9.88 | $4.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 45.2 | 0 | $15.81 | $7.23 |
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% 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.
Origin
Austin, TX
Late night in Austin on Tuesday
Local time
5:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Devine, TX
Late night in Devine on Tuesday
Local time
5:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
69°F
Universal City, TX
56 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
2 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
2h 6m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 81.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as a "Turn-heavy local drive," with only 28% of the journey on highways. You'll navigate a mix of roads, including the Purple Heart Trail, North Pan Am Expressway, and South Pan Am Expressway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 79.7 miles on the Purple Heart Trail, offering a significant segment of consistent driving before potential turns. The profile suggests a less predictable, more engaging experience with frequent changes in direction.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.7 mi on Purple Heart Trail.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near North Interstate 35.
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 9 significant decision points across 112.9 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 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 71.1 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Austin, TX and Devine, TX, road signs point toward Laredo and Spur 536: Houston.
Laredo
77.5 mi in
|
~1h 26m
|
via I 35
Spur 536: Houston
79.6 mi in
|
~1h 29m
|
via I 10; US 87
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 Devine, TX
Full guide →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 2h 6m. Total distance: 112.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.7 miles on Purple Heart Trail. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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 Devine, 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 71.1 miles (I 35 / North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Devine, TX before heading back.
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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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