Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Austin, TX to Marfa, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 32m
Distance
429.5 mi
691 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$64
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 22m
★
6 AM
7h 32m
8 AM
7h 52m
10 AM
7h 39m
12 PM
7h 37m
3 PM
7h 40m
5 PM
7h 51m
8 PM
7h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Marfa, TX
Thomas balabaud
Trip Overview
Austin to Marfa is 429.5 miles and takes about 7h 32m via I 10 and US Highway 290, with a fuel budget near $63 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive crosses the Great Plains region of Texas, transitioning from the rolling hills and more populated areas around Austin to the wide-open, sparsely populated landscapes as you head west. Given its length and mostly highway profile, it's a straightforward trip, but be prepared for long stretches with fewer services. It's a route well-suited for a single-day push if you're comfortable with extended driving.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
214.7 miles from Austin, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 54m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 10 | 228.8 mi | 3h 34m |
| West US Highway 290 | 96.7 mi | 1h 50m |
| South US Higway 67 | 25.7 mi | 29m |
| West US Highway 90 | 24.9 mi | 26m |
| South US Highway 67 | 21.6 mi | 24m |
| East US Highway 90 | 7.6 mi | 8m |
| South US Highway 281 | 5.4 mi | 6m |
| East Main Street | 4.6 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
I 10
— 228.8 mi, about 3h 34m
Traffic on I-10
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~482 veh/hr typical · worst 894
Quietest
3 AM
~89 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 96 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 Marfa, 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
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
US 290; TX 71
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on West US Highway 290 Frontage Rd
447 ft
·
6 sec
·
West US Highway 290 Frontage Rd
11
Continue on West US 290 Frontage Rd
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
West US 290 Frontage Rd
12
Turn straight onto West US 290 Bypass Lanes
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
·
West US 290 Bypass Lanes
13
Continue on US 290
378 ft
·
4 sec
·
West US Highway 290
14
Continue on US 290
30 mi
·
37 min
·
West US Highway 290
Use the left lane.
15
Merge onto US 281; US 290
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
South US Highway 281
16
Turn left onto US 290
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Street
Toward Fredericksburg
17
Continue on US 290
27 mi
·
30 min
·
West US Highway 290
18
Continue on US 290
3.5 mi
·
7 min
·
East Main Street
19
Continue on US 290
39 mi
·
42 min
·
West US Highway 290
20
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 10 West: Fort Stockton
21
Merge onto I 10
229 mi
·
3 hr 34 min
·
I 10
22
Take the exit onto La Entrada al Pacifico Corridor
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
La Entrada al Pacifico Corridor
Exit 246
Toward US 67 south, FM 1776: Alpine, Sul Ross State University
23
Continue on US 67
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
Interstate 10 West
24
Turn left onto US 67
26 mi
·
29 min
·
South US Higway 67
25
Continue on US 67
22 mi
·
24 min
·
South US Highway 67
26
Continue on US 67; US 90
7.6 mi
·
8 min
·
East US Highway 90
27
Continue on US 67; US 90
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
East Avenue E
28
Continue on US 67; US 90
25 mi
·
26 min
·
West US Highway 90
29
Continue on US 67; US 90
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East San Antonio Street
30
Turn right onto TX 17
183 ft
·
10 sec
·
South Highland Street
31
Turn left
190 ft
·
14 sec
32
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 7.5-hour drive, leaving Austin early in the morning, around 7 AM, will give you ample daylight to reach Marfa. With only two recommended stops, plan your breaks strategically, especially for fuel, as services can be spread out on I 10. The longest stretch without a major town is over 200 miles, so ensure your tank is full before entering these sections. While it's a single-day trip, consider that the drive is mostly highway, meaning fewer opportunities for spontaneous stops, so pack snacks and drinks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially after exiting I 10.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 214.7 miles from Austin, TX, or about 3h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 228.8 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 94 miles or 1h 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 214.7 miles or 3h 54m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Marfa, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Austin, TX
This is one driving day of about 429.5 miles and 7h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 94 miles from Austin, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 10 for about 228.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
215 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 94 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 214.7 miles from Austin, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 10 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 228.8 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
Gillespie County US 290 Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
East Pecos County Sheffield Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
East Pecos County Sheffield Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Sutton County Westbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Sutton County Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.1 mi from route
Parking Area
0.1 mi from route
Parking Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Gillespie County Ranch Road 1 Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.2 mi from route
Parking Area
0.2 mi from route
Parking Area
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.3 mi from route
Picnic Area
0.4 mi from route
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Stonewall, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm
+18306442252
Visit websiteAustin 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 websitePaisano Pete
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Fort Stockton, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18003362166
Fort Stockton Visitor Center
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Fort Stockton, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+14323362264
Visit websiteJames Rooney Memorial Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.8 mi from route
~4 min detour
Fort Stockton, Texas
Hours: 6 am–10 pm
+14323365085
Visit websiteAnnie Riggs Memorial Museum
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Fort Stockton, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+14323362167
Visit websiteHistoric Fort Stockton
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Fort Stockton, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+14323362400
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
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 347.4 — 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.
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
6
347.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 59m in
|
La Entrada al Pacifico Corridor
Take the exit onto La Entrada al Pacifico Corridor toward US 67 south, FM 1776: Alpine, Sul Ross State University
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 246
Toward US 67 south, FM 1776: Alpine, Sul Ross S...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$64.48 one way
$128.95 round trip
$3.81/gal
25.4 MPG avg
150 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.22 | $71.34 | $142.68 |
| premium | $4.57 | $77.19 | $154.38 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $106.12 | $212.25 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$64
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 150.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $45 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 128.9 | 1 | $45.10 | $20.62 |
| Efficient EV | 107.4 | 1 | $37.58 | $17.18 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 171.8 | 2 | $60.13 | $27.49 |
Gas CO2
150 kg
EV CO2
50 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 Thursday
Local time
12:57 PM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Marfa, TX
Afternoon in Marfa on Thursday
Local time
12:57 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Mostly Clear
NE 0 to 5 mph
1% 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
7h 32m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 59.2
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?
This trip is overwhelmingly highway driving, with 92% of the 429.5 miles on major roads like I 10 and US Highway 290. You'll experience a longest stretch of 228.8 miles on I 10 before transitioning to surface roads. Expect prolonged periods of rural cruising on this route. The highway portions offer efficient travel, but be ready for fewer exits and services as you cover significant distances.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 228.8 mi on I 10.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 10 and West US Highway 290. 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
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 16 significant decision points across 429.5 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 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
4,693 ft
487 ft
Total Climb
4,592 ft
Total Descent
386 ft
Highest Point
4,693 ft
~429.5 mi in
Elevation Range
4,206 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 Marfa, TX, road signs point toward Fredericksburg, Fm 1776: Alpine and Sul Ross State University.
Fredericksburg
47.3 mi in
|
~1h
|
via US 290
Fm 1776: Alpine
347.4 mi in
|
~5h 59m
|
via La Entrada al Pacifico Corridor
Sul Ross State University
347.4 mi in
|
~5h 59m
|
via La Entrada al Pacifico Corridor
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 Marfa, TX
Full guide →Marfa is a town of 1,600 people (2019) in the Big Bend Country region of Texas. It's known for two things: innovative art and mysterious lights.
Top landmarks
- • Chinati Foundation — contemporary art museum in Marfa, Texas
- • Presidio County Courthouse — historic place in Marfa, Presidio County, Texas
- • El Paisano Hotel — historic place in Marfa, Presidio 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 7h 32m. Total distance: 429.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 32m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 228.8 miles on I 10. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 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 Marfa, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 21 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 6.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 7.5 hours each way, a round trip means 15.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Marfa, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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