Origin
Hempstead, TX
Morning in Hempstead on Tuesday
Local time
6:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hempstead, TX to Austin, 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 9m
Distance
111.3 mi
179 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 0m
★
6 AM
2h 9m
8 AM
2h 28m
10 AM
2h 16m
12 PM
2h 14m
3 PM
2h 17m
5 PM
2h 27m
8 PM
2h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hempstead, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 111.3-mile drive from Hempstead to Austin, Texas, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 9 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 290, the Manor Expressway, and Purple Heart Trail, this trip is almost entirely on highways, making it a quick and efficient option for a day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of around $17, it's an economical choice for travelers within the Great Plains region of Texas. The focused highway profile means you'll spend most of your time covering ground rather than navigating complex local roads, allowing for a predictable and smooth transit.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
55.7 miles from Hempstead, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 3m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 290 | 99.3 mi | 1h 53m |
| Manor Expressway | 6.1 mi | 6m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 3.4 mi | 4m |
| US 290 Business | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| East 6th Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| North Interstate 35 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Congress Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Austin Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 290
— 99.3 mi, about 1h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hempstead, TX and Austin, TX.
1
Start on US 290 Bus
63 ft
·
6 sec
·
Austin Street
2
Turn right onto US 290 Business
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 290 Business
3
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward US 290 West
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on US 290
22 mi
·
24 min
·
US 290
5
Take the exit onto US 290
53 mi
·
59 min
·
US 290
Toward US 290 West: Austin
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 290
21 mi
·
25 min
·
US 290
7
Continue on 290 Toll
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Manor Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Continue on US 290
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 290
9
Take the exit onto US 290
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 290
Toward I 35 South, US 290 West
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 35; US 290
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Use the slight left lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 234B
Toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson University
Use the slight right lane.
13
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
North Interstate 35
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn right onto East 6th Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East 6th Street
Use the right lane.
15
Turn left onto Congress Avenue
357 ft
·
17 sec
·
Congress Avenue
16
Turn left onto East 5th Street
28 ft
·
0 sec
·
East 5th Street
Use the left lane.
17
Arrive at destination
East 5th Street
Trip Plan
Given its manageable 2-hour duration, this trip from Hempstead to Austin is perfect for a spontaneous day excursion. You'll want to start your drive with a full tank of gas, as the longest stretch without a significant change in major road is nearly 100 miles. While there are no explicitly recommended stops in the data, consider leaving Hempstead in the morning to maximize your time in Austin. The highway-centric nature of this route means you can maintain a steady pace, but always be aware of posted speed limits and potential traffic, especially as you approach the Austin area.
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 55.7 miles from Hempstead, TX, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.3 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 24 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.7 miles or 1h 3m 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 Austin, TX than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hempstead, 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 Hempstead, TX
This is one driving day of about 111.3 miles and 2h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Hempstead, TX.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 290 for about 99.3 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 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 55.7 miles from Hempstead, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 290 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 99.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 111.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.3 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Turn left toward US 290 West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 290 West
7
105.9 mi into trip
|
~2h in
|
US 290
Take the exit onto US 290 toward I 35 South, US 290 West
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 I 35 South, US 290 West
8
108 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m in
|
I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward 32nd Street, Dean Keeton Street
8
110.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 7m in
Take the exit toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson University
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 234B
Toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson Univer...
7
111.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 9m in
|
East 5th Street
Turn left onto East 5th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.82 one way
$33.64 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
39 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $18.41 | $36.82 |
| premium | $4.54 | $19.87 | $39.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $24.57 | $49.15 |
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: 38.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.69 | $5.34 |
| Efficient EV | 27.8 | 0 | $9.74 | $4.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 44.5 | 0 | $15.58 | $7.12 |
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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.
Destination
Austin, TX
Morning in Austin on Tuesday
Local time
6:42 AM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Unavailable
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
19 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 9m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for 96% of this 111.3-mile route. The majority of your time behind the wheel will be spent on US 290, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch of the journey at 99.3 miles. This segment offers a consistent driving pace, allowing you to make good time. While the roads are predominantly highway, the inclusion of the Manor Expressway and Purple Heart Trail suggests a slight variation in the latter part of the drive, though the overall character remains that of efficient travel between these two Texas cities.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.3 mi on US 290.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 290 and Manor Expressway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 111.3 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 105.9 miles (US 290): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 108 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Arriving 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
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 9m. Total distance: 111.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.3 miles on US 290. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Austin, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 105.9 miles (US 290): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 108 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Austin, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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