Elgin Travel Center
0 mi from route
Trip from Kirbyville, TX to Austin, 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
5h 21m
Distance
277.8 mi
447 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 9m
★
6 AM
5h 22m
8 AM
5h 49m
10 AM
5h 31m
12 PM
5h 29m
3 PM
5h 33m
5 PM
5h 47m
8 PM
5h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Kirbyville, TX
Jeff Stapleton
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Kirbyville, TX to Austin, TX is 277.8 miles and takes about 5h 21m via US 190, West State Highway 21, and State Highway 30 West, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within the Great Plains region, offering a straightforward journey across Texas. With a high percentage of highway driving, it's a practical option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. Plan for a single-day trip, keeping in mind the estimated fuel costs for budgeting.
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
138.9 miles from Kirbyville, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 190 | 102.3 mi | 1h 56m |
| West State Highway 21 | 58.8 mi | 1h 4m |
| State Highway 30 West | 46.6 mi | 54m |
| US 290 | 31.8 mi | 37m |
| Margaret Avenue | 18.6 mi | 20m |
| Manor Expressway | 6.1 mi | 6m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 3.4 mi | 4m |
| Boonville Road | 3.3 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
US 190
— 102.3 mi, about 1h 56m
Traffic on I-35
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
7 AM
~5,290 veh/hr typical
Quietest
3 AM
~977 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Kirbyville, TX and Austin, TX.
1
Start on FM 1013
71 ft
·
9 sec
·
South Elizabeth Avenue
2
Turn left onto FM 1013
353 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Main Street
3
Turn right onto US 96
19 mi
·
20 min
·
Margaret Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 190; TX 63
102 mi
·
1 hr 56 min
·
US 190; TX 63
5
Continue on US 190; TX 30
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
11th Street
6
Continue on TX 30
47 mi
·
54 min
·
State Highway 30 West
7
Continue on FM 158
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Farm-to-Market Road 158
8
Continue on FM 158
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Boonville Road
9
Continue on FM 158
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
East William J Bryan Parkway
10
Continue on FM 158
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West William J Bryan Parkway
11
Turn left onto TX 21
59 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
West State Highway 21
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
13
Merge onto US 290
7.7 mi
·
8 min
·
US 290
14
Continue on US 290
21 mi
·
25 min
·
US 290
15
Continue on 290 Toll
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Manor Expressway
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 290
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
US 290
17
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.
18
Merge onto I 35; US 290
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
19
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.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 234B
Toward 8th–3rd Streets, Huston-Tillotson University
Use the slight right lane.
21
Turn straight onto North Interstate 35
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
North Interstate 35
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Turn right onto East 6th Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East 6th Street
Use the right lane.
23
Turn left onto Congress Avenue
357 ft
·
17 sec
·
Congress Avenue
24
Turn left onto East 5th Street
28 ft
·
0 sec
·
East 5th Street
Use the left lane.
25
Arrive at destination
East 5th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 21m estimated duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Kirbyville in the morning to maximize daylight hours and take advantage of the estimated $42 fuel cost. While there's only one recommended stop, consider breaking up the longest stretch of 102.3 miles on US 190 for a brief rest. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during that longer segment, to ensure a smooth arrival in Austin.
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 138.9 miles from Kirbyville, TX, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.3 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 61 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.9 miles or 2h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 22m
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 Kirbyville, 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 Kirbyville, TX
This is one driving day of about 277.8 miles and 5h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Kirbyville, 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 US 190 for about 102.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
139 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 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 138.9 miles from Kirbyville, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 190 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102.3 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.
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.5 mi from route
TA Express
1.5 mi from route
Austin Bat Tours
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–10 pm
Visit websiteBotanical Gates of Paradise
4.1
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
Austin, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Barton Creek Greenbelt
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Home stretch
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 135 decision points cluster between mile 272.3 and 277.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
272.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 12m 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
274.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 16m 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
276.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 19m 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...
6
277.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m in
|
East 6th Street
Turn right onto East 6th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
277.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 21m in
|
East 5th Street
Turn left onto East 5th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.05 one way
$76.10 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
97 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $42.50 | $85.00 |
| premium | $4.23 | $46.21 | $92.42 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $52.45 | $104.91 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 83.3 | 1 | $29.17 | $13.33 |
| Efficient EV | 69.5 | 0 | $24.31 | $11.11 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 111.1 | 1 | $38.89 | $17.78 |
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (66% 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
Kirbyville, TX
Late night in Kirbyville on Monday
Local time
2:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 0 to 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Austin, TX
Late night in Austin on Monday
Local time
2:38 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Cloudy
SSE 5 to 10 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 6:17PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:59PM CDT until July 19 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio 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
3 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
5h 21m 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 heavily focused on highway driving, with 90% of the journey utilizing major roads. You'll experience a predominantly highway-focused drive, characterized by stretches of US 190, West State Highway 21, and State Highway 30 West. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 102.3 miles on US 190, offering extended periods of consistent travel. Expect a relatively smooth and direct experience as you navigate through Texas.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.3 mi on US 190.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 190 and West State Highway 21. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 272.3 miles in near US 290.
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 13 significant decision points across 277.8 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 272.3 miles (US 290): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 274.4 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
530 ft
120 ft
Total Climb
677 ft
Total Descent
310 ft
Highest Point
530 ft
~238.1 mi in
Elevation Range
410 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Kirbyville, TX
Full guide →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 5h 21m. Total distance: 277.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 102.3 miles on US 190. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 4 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 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 272.3 miles (US 290): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 274.4 miles (I 35; US 290 / Purple Heart Trail): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Austin, 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, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Austin, TX
More from Kirbyville, TX
More trips to Austin, TX
Explore more options from Kirbyville, TX or browse trips ending in Austin, TX.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse TX road trips.