Buc-ee's
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Austin, TX to Kountze, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 50m
Distance
246.7 mi
397 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 37m
★
6 AM
4h 51m
8 AM
5h 18m
10 AM
5h 0m
12 PM
4h 57m
3 PM
5h 1m
5 PM
5h 16m
8 PM
4h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Kountze, TX
Thomas balabaud
Trip Overview
Austin, TX to Kountze, TX is 246.7 miles and takes about 4h 50m via North Grand Parkway West and US Highway 290, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward drive across Texas. With a high percentage of highway driving, it's a route that prioritizes efficiency. You'll find it's a practical choice if you need to get from the Austin area to Kountze without much fuss, making it ideal for a single-day transit.
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
123.3 miles from Austin, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North Grand Parkway West | 56.2 mi | 59m |
| US Highway 290 West | 41.8 mi | 47m |
| East US Highway 290 | 41.5 mi | 48m |
| West Austin Street | 32.9 mi | 36m |
| TX 326 | 24.4 mi | 36m |
| US Highway 90 | 19.5 mi | 22m |
| United States Highway 90 West | 10 mi | 11m |
| Manor Expressway | 6.2 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
North Grand Parkway West
— 56.2 mi, about 59m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,271 veh/hr typical
Quietest
3 AM
~982 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 101 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 Austin, TX and Kountze, TX.
1
Start on East 5th Street
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
·
East 5th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn left onto Red River Street
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Red River Street
Use the left lane.
3
Turn right onto East 7th Street
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East 7th Street
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left onto North Interstate 35
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
North Interstate 35
Use the left lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 35 North, US 290 East
6
Merge onto I 35; US 290
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
Purple Heart Trail
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 35; US 290
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit onto US 290
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
US 290
Exit 238B
Toward US 290 East: Houston
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on 290 Toll
6.2 mi
·
6 min
·
Manor Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on US 290
42 mi
·
48 min
·
East US Highway 290
11
Continue on US 290
33 mi
·
36 min
·
West Austin Street
12
Take the exit onto US 290
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
US 290
Toward US 290 East, TX 36 South: Houston, Bellville
13
Merge onto US 290; TX 36
42 mi
·
47 min
·
US Highway 290 West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 Toll South: Grand Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway
Use the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto TX 99 Toll
56 mi
·
59 min
·
North Grand Parkway West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward FM 1960: Dayton, Humble
18
Turn left onto FM 1960
5.1 mi
·
6 min
·
FM 1960
19
Turn right onto TX 321
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
North Cleveland Street
20
Turn left onto US 90; TX 146
10 mi
·
11 min
·
United States Highway 90 West
21
Continue on US 90
19 mi
·
22 min
·
US Highway 90
22
Turn left onto TX 326
24 mi
·
36 min
·
TX 326
Use the left lane.
23
At end of road, turn sharp left onto US 69; US 287
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 69; US 287
24
Turn right onto East Brown Street
258 ft
·
12 sec
·
East Brown Street
25
Turn left onto South Cherry Street
98 ft
·
4 sec
·
South Cherry Street
26
Arrive at destination
South Cherry Street
Trip Plan
For this roughly 4 hour and 50 minute drive, leaving Austin in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight. The route is manageable in a single day, so you have flexibility in your timing. While there's one recommended stop, you can easily adjust if you feel the need for a break sooner or later, especially given the longest stretch on North Grand Parkway West is over 50 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $36, and plan your last fill-up before hitting the more rural stretches of US Highway 290.
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 123.3 miles from Austin, TX, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.2 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 54 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.3 miles or 2h 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 3h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kountze, 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 246.7 miles and 4h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 North Grand Parkway West for about 56.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
123 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 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 123.3 miles from Austin, 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.
Elgin Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
290 Travel Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 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 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
Dennis Johnston Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Final third
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Spring, Texas
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17132740930
Visit websiteHouston Area Live Steamers
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
3.3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Hockley, Texas
Visit websiteZube Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Halfway reset
3.9 mi from route
~10 min detour
Hockley, Texas
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+12813538100
Visit websiteBarton Creek Greenbelt
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, ~11 min detour
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 215 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 130.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Red River Street
Turn left onto Red River Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
East 7th Street
Turn right onto East 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
4.4 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
US 290
Take the exit onto US 290 toward US 290 East: Houston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 238B
Toward US 290 East: Houston
7
129.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m in
Take the exit toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 Toll South: Grand Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward TX 99 Toll North, TX 99 Toll South: Gran...
7
130.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward TX 99 Toll North: Grand Parkway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.03 one way
$74.07 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $40.98 | $81.95 |
| premium | $4.57 | $44.34 | $88.68 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $60.96 | $121.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 74 | 0 | $25.90 | $11.84 |
| Efficient EV | 61.7 | 0 | $21.59 | $9.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.7 | 1 | $34.54 | $15.79 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 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
Austin, TX
Morning in Austin on Friday
Local time
6:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Mostly Sunny
ENE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Kountze, TX
Morning in Kountze on Friday
Local time
6:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 50m 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?
This route is predominantly highway, with 84% of the drive on major roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on North Grand Parkway West, including a stretch of 56.2 miles, before transitioning to US Highway 290. Expect a mostly highway experience with fewer surface street interruptions until closer to your destination. The high highway share means you'll likely encounter consistent speeds and merging traffic common to major roadways.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.2 mi on North Grand Parkway West.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on North Grand Parkway West and US Highway 290 West. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near Red River Street.
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 21 significant decision points across 246.7 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 0.3 miles (Red River Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.5 miles (East 7th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles (US 290): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
552 ft
28 ft
Total Climb
178 ft
Total Descent
582 ft
Highest Point
552 ft
~35.2 mi in
Elevation Range
524 ft
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 Kountze, TX, road signs point toward Bellville, Fm 1960: Dayton and Humble.
Bellville
87.6 mi in
|
~1h 41m
|
via US 290
Fm 1960: Dayton
186.9 mi in
|
~3h 31m
Humble
186.9 mi in
|
~3h 31m
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 Kountze, TX
Full guide →Founded 1881
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 50m. Total distance: 246.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 56.2 miles on North Grand Parkway West. 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 Kountze, 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 0.3 miles (Red River Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.5 miles (East 7th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.4 miles (US 290): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Kountze, 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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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