Concho County Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Austin, TX to San Angelo, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 8m
Distance
205.2 mi
330 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 56m
★
6 AM
4h 9m
8 AM
4h 35m
10 AM
4h 18m
12 PM
4h 15m
3 PM
4h 19m
5 PM
4h 34m
8 PM
4h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
San Angelo, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Austin to San Angelo covers 205.2 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 8 minutes of drive time. Because this route relies on local roads rather than major interstate highways, it functions best as a focused, one-day trip. Budgeting approximately $31 for fuel will get you across these Great Plains landscapes comfortably. While the journey is manageable in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the route means you should stay alert behind the wheel. It is a straightforward trek that connects two distinct Texas hubs without the monotony of high-speed 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
102.6 miles from Austin, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 15m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United States Highway 87 | 71.2 mi | 1h 16m |
| TX 71 | 48.7 mi | 53m |
| East State Highway 71 | 42 mi | 56m |
| West Highway 71 | 22.4 mi | 31m |
| South Bryant Boulevard | 4.1 mi | 5m |
| South Mopac Expressway | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| US 87 | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| West Young Street | 2.7 mi | 3m |
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 San Angelo, 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
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South Koenigheim Street
20
Turn right onto West Beauregard Avenue
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
West Beauregard Avenue
21
Turn left onto South Chadbourne Street
496 ft
·
14 sec
·
South Chadbourne Street
22
Turn right onto East Harris Avenue
73 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Harris Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
East Harris Avenue
Trip Plan
Since the trip takes just over 4 hours, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure time based on your own schedule. Keep in mind that with only one recommended stop, you should plan your break strategically to maximize your comfort during the 205.2-mile trek. Given the local road focus, avoid peak traffic hours on city streets to ensure you maintain a steady pace toward San Angelo. Because your fuel costs are estimated at $31, checking your tank before leaving Austin is a smart way to avoid unnecessary stops. Staying mindful of the frequent turns will help you stay refreshed and ready for your arrival.
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 102.6 miles from Austin, TX, or about 2h 15m 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 45 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.6 miles or 2h 15m 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 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Angelo, 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 205.2 miles and 4h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.6 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.
TXB Market
2.4 mi from route
Think In A Box - Escape Room
5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+13256501755
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 websitePop Art Museum
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13256552345
Visit websiteSan Angelo City Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm
+13256574450
Visit websiteSan Angelo Convention & Visitors Bureau
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm
+13256554136
Visit websiteThe Bosque along the Concho River
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
+13255000035
Visit websiteRiver Walk
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+13254812727
Visit websiteFort Concho National Historic Landmark
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+13254812646
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 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
$28.11 one way
$56.21 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $31.39 | $62.79 |
| premium | $4.23 | $34.13 | $68.27 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $38.75 | $77.49 |
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: 71.8 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 | 61.6 | 0 | $21.55 | $9.85 |
| Efficient EV | 51.3 | 0 | $17.96 | $8.21 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.1 | 1 | $28.73 | $13.13 |
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.
Origin
Austin, TX
Late night in Austin on Monday
Local time
3:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:46PM CDT until July 19 at 9:01AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:45PM CDT until July 18 at 11:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
Destination
San Angelo, TX
Late night in San Angelo on Monday
Local time
3:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Mostly Clear
SSE 0 to 5 mph
9% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:46PM CDT until July 19 at 9:01AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 18 at 8:45PM CDT until July 18 at 11:45PM CDT by NWS Midland/Odessa 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
6 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 8m 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 49.5
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 hands-on driving experience, as this route is defined by a turn-heavy local profile rather than an interstate grind. With a 0% highway share, you will be navigating through local corridors like Brazos Street, East 6th Street, and Atlanta Street. This setup creates a more intimate, winding journey that keeps you engaged with the road surface throughout the entire 205.2-mile stretch. Unlike a straight-line sprint, the path demands consistent attention to turns and transitions. You will find that the character of the drive remains consistently technical from start to finish.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 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 TX 71. 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 14 significant decision points across 205.2 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
2,057 ft
487 ft
Total Climb
1,791 ft
Total Descent
434 ft
Highest Point
2,057 ft
~161.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,571 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 San Angelo, TX
Full guide →San Angelo (pronounced "Snangelo" by locals) is a city in the Northern Edwards Plateau of Texas, on the Concho River. It is the home of Goodfellow Air Force Base, Angelo State University, and the Producer's Livestock Auction, the country's largest sheep and lamb market.
Top landmarks
- • Fort Concho — important US Army installation during the late American Indian Wars
- • Freeze Building — building in San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas
- • Tom Green County Courthouse — building in San Angelo, Tom Green 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 4h 8m. Total distance: 205.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 8m 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 2 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 San Angelo, 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 2 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at San Angelo, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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