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Trip from Paducah, TX to Austin, TX

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 50m

Distance

343.6 mi

553 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
6h 39m ★
6 AM
6h 51m
8 AM
7h 14m
10 AM
6h 59m
12 PM
6h 57m
3 PM
7h 0m
5 PM
7h 13m
8 PM
6h 44m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town in and county seat of Cottle County, Texas, United States

Paducah, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Austin, TX, TX

Austin, TX

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 339.4-mile drive from Paducah, TX to Austin, TX is estimated to take about 5 hours and 40 minutes, making it a feasible one-day trip. You'll navigate through local roads for the entirety of this journey, with no highway share, so expect a turn-heavy experience. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $52. This drive stays within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape throughout. With one recommended stop, you can break up the drive comfortably, making it a straightforward journey from one Texas point to another.

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

171.8 miles from Paducah, TX

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 83 81.3 mi 1h 45m
9th Street 59.4 mi 1h 16m
US 183 44.5 mi 49m
South US Highway 183 35.3 mi 38m
Commercial Avenue 32.5 mi 35m
US Highway 84 East 29.2 mi 33m
US 67 21.5 mi 24m
183A Toll Road 14.3 mi 14m
Longest stretch: US 83 — 81.3 mi, about 1h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Paducah, TX and Austin, TX.

1

Start on US 83

59 mi · 1 hr 16 min · 9th Street
2

Turn right onto US 83

98 ft · 3 sec · US 83
3

Turn left onto US 83; US 380

39 mi · 57 min · US 83; US 380
4

Continue on US 83; US 277

0.1 mi · 7 sec · West Court Plaza
5

Turn slight right onto US 83; US 277

32 mi · 35 min · Commercial Avenue
6

Continue on US 83; US 84

42 mi · 47 min · US 83; US 84
7

Continue on US 84; US 283; TX 206

0.6 mi · 46 sec · US 84; US 283; TX 206
8

Turn left onto US 84; US 283

11 mi · 12 min · US 84; US 283
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on US 67; US 84

21 mi · 24 min · US 67; US 84
10

Turn right onto US 84; US 183

1.3 mi · 1 min · Garmon Drive
11

Continue on US 84; US 183

29 mi · 33 min · US Highway 84 East
12

Turn right onto US 183; TX 16

22 mi · 25 min · US 183; TX 16
13

Continue on US 183; US 190

15 mi · 15 min · US 183; US 190
14

Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281

260 ft · 4 sec · North US Highway 281
15

Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281

2.3 mi · 4 min · North Key Avenue
16

Continue on US 183

35 mi · 38 min · South US Highway 183
17

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 29 sec · this road
18

Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll

14 mi · 14 min · 183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on US 183

7.5 mi · 8 min · US 183
20

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
21

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South Use the slight right lane.
22

Merge onto Loop 1

2.4 mi · 2 min · North Mopac Expressway
23

Take the exit

423 ft · 10 sec
Toward Express 1 Toll Use the slight left lane.
24

Merge onto Express 1 Toll

3.9 mi · 4 min · Express 1 Toll
25

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward West 5th Street Use the slight left / straight lanes.
27

Turn straight onto West 5th Street

1.5 mi · 3 min · West 5th Street
Use the straight lane.
28

Arrive at destination

East 5th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 40-minute duration and the turn-heavy local road profile, it's best to start your journey from Paducah, TX, in the morning to maximize daylight hours. Plan for your single recommended stop about halfway through the drive to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as local roads can sometimes have longer stretches between services than major highways. The estimated fuel cost is $52, so ensure you have sufficient funds or a full tank before departing. This route is manageable in one day, so you have the flexibility to adjust your pace as needed.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 171.8 miles from Paducah, TX, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81.3 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 76 miles or 1h 40m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 171.8 miles or 3h 35m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 43m

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 Paducah, 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 Paducah, TX

This is one driving day of about 343.6 miles and 6h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Paducah, 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 83 for about 81.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Texas, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Brownwood, TX

172 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

Hamlin, TX

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 76 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cleveland, TX

Meal break

The midpoint is around 171.8 miles from Paducah, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 83 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 81.3 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.

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 website

Botanical 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

Paramount Theatre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Abilene, Texas

+13256769620

Visit website

12th Armored Division Memorial

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Abilene, Texas

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13256776515

Visit website

Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Abilene, Texas

Visit website

The Discovery Center & Truth Bookstore

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Abilene, Texas

Hours: 1–5 pm

+13256735050

Visit website

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 website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 312.3 and 341.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
312.3 mi into trip | ~6h 14m in | 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road

Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
334 mi into trip | ~6h 37m in

Take the exit toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard
7
334.4 mi into trip | ~6h 37m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South
6
337.3 mi into trip | ~6h 41m in

Take the exit toward Express 1 Toll

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward Express 1 Toll
7
341.9 mi into trip | ~6h 46m in

Keep slight left at fork toward West 5th Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward West 5th Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.92 one way

$103.84 round trip

$3.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 120 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.20 $56.83 $113.66
premium $4.54 $61.35 $122.69
diesel $5.61 $75.86 $151.73

Estimated Tolls: $1.00

183A Toll Road (14.3 mi) $1.00

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$52

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$78–$103

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 120.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 103.1 1 $36.08 $16.49
Efficient EV 85.9 0 $30.07 $13.74
EV Truck/SUV 137.4 1 $48.10 $21.99

Gas CO2

120 kg

EV CO2

40 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Paducah, TX

Morning in Paducah on Tuesday

Local time

7:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Austin, TX

Morning in Austin on Tuesday

Local time

7:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

89°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

83°F

Brownwood, TX

172 mi in

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 warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

6h 50m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, as indicated by the 0% highway share. The entire 339.4 miles will be on local roads, meaning you'll be navigating through towns and making frequent turns rather than cruising on high-speed highways. While there isn't a specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the nature of local driving suggests constant engagement with your surroundings and the road. This drive will likely feel more intimate and connected to the Texas landscape, offering a different pace than a typical interstate journey.

66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 81.3 mi on US 83.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 83 and 9th Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 312.3 miles in near 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 343.6 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 312.3 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 334 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 334.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Paducah, TX

Full guide →

Paducah is a small town in the North Central Plains of Texas.

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 6h 50m. Total distance: 343.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 50m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 81.3 miles on US 83. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.00 in tolls one way, starting with 183A Toll Road. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 312.3 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 334 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 334.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.7 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Austin, TX to Paducah, TX

Plan the drive back the other way.

344.6 mi 6h 52m

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