Origin
Palmview, TX
Late night in Palmview on Sunday
Local time
2:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Palmview, TX to Austin, TX
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 56m
Distance
321.1 mi
517 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$49
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 43m
★
6 AM
5h 56m
8 AM
6h 23m
10 AM
6h 6m
12 PM
6h 3m
3 PM
6h 7m
5 PM
6h 21m
8 PM
5h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Palmview, TX
Engin Akyurt
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Palmview, TX to Austin, TX is 321.1 miles and takes about 5h 56m via US 281 and I 69C, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily traverses the Great Plains region of Texas, offering a highway-focused experience. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on major roadways, making it a straightforward, efficient trip. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. Consider this if you're looking for a direct path between South Texas and the Austin area.
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
160.6 miles from Palmview, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 281 | 118.2 mi | 2h 3m |
| I 69C | 92 mi | 1h 43m |
| Purple Heart Trail | 58.6 mi | 1h 3m |
| Nueces Street | 14.7 mi | 18m |
| I 2 | 10.8 mi | 12m |
| Connally Loop | 10.6 mi | 12m |
| North Pan Am Expressway | 10.2 mi | 11m |
| Interstate Highway 35 | 1.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 281
— 118.2 mi, about 2h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palmview, TX and Austin, TX.
1
Start on Expressway 83
103 ft
·
4 sec
·
Expressway 83
2
Turn right
39 ft
·
4 sec
3
Turn right
215 ft
·
17 sec
4
At end of road, turn right
71 ft
·
7 sec
5
Turn right onto North Bentsen Palm Drive
399 ft
·
20 sec
·
North Bentsen Palm Drive
6
Turn left onto Expressway 83
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Expressway 83
7
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 83 East
8
Merge onto I 2; US 83
11 mi
·
12 min
·
I 2; US 83
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.0 mi
·
1 min
Exit 416B
Toward I 69C North, US 281: Edinburg
10
Continue on I 69C
22 mi
·
23 min
·
I 69C
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on US 281
57 mi
·
1 hr
·
US 281
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 69C; US 281
70 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
I 69C; US 281
13
Keep slight left at fork onto US 281
15 mi
·
18 min
·
Nueces Street
14
Continue on US 281
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
US 281
15
Take the exit onto US 281
61 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
US 281
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 133
Toward I 410, TX 130, US 281 South
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
Toward I 410 North, TX 130 North
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 410; TX 130
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Connally Loop
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 35; I 410
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto North Pan Am Expressway
7.4 mi
·
8 min
·
North Pan Am Expressway
Toward I 35: Austin
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 35
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 35
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Interstate Highway 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 35
47 mi
·
50 min
·
Purple Heart Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 234C
Toward 6th - 12th Streets
Use the slight right lane.
25
Turn left onto East 6th Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East 6th Street
26
Turn left onto Congress Avenue
357 ft
·
17 sec
·
Congress Avenue
27
Turn left onto East 5th Street
28 ft
·
0 sec
·
East 5th Street
Use the left lane.
28
Arrive at destination
East 5th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 56m drive, aim for an early morning departure from Palmview, TX, to maximize daylight and minimize traffic as you approach Austin. With a fuel cost estimated around $49, plan for at least one fuel stop, potentially during the longest stretch on US 281. While the drive is manageable in one day, don't hesitate to pull over for short breaks to stay alert. The relatively low number of recommended stops suggests a focus on reaching your destination efficiently, so pack snacks and drinks to limit the need for lengthy detours. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading into less populated sections of US 281.
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 160.6 miles from Palmview, TX, or about 2h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.2 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 71 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 160.6 miles or 2h 59m 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 52m
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 Palmview, 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 Palmview, TX
This is one driving day of about 321.1 miles and 5h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Palmview, 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 281 for about 118.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
161 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 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 160.6 miles from Palmview, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 281 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.2 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 205 decision points cluster between mile 238.5 and 321.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
238.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 410, TX 130, US 281 South
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 133
Toward I 410, TX 130, US 281 South
8
238.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 23m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 410 North, TX 130 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 410 North, TX 130 North
7
252.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 40m in
|
North Pan Am Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto North Pan Am Expressway toward I 35: Austin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35: Austin
7
320.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 54m in
Take the exit toward 6th - 12th Streets
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 234C
Toward 6th - 12th Streets
7
321.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 56m in
|
East 5th Street
Turn left onto East 5th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.52 one way
$97.04 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
112 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $53.11 | $106.22 |
| premium | $4.54 | $57.33 | $114.66 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $70.89 | $141.79 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 112.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 96.3 | 1 | $33.72 | $15.41 |
| Efficient EV | 80.3 | 0 | $28.10 | $12.84 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 128.4 | 1 | $44.95 | $20.55 |
Gas CO2
112 kg
EV CO2
38 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.
Destination
Austin, TX
Late night in Austin on Sunday
Local time
2:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°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
29 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
5h 56m 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.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Welcome to San Antonio Missions, a National Park Service site and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Each mission in the park is a center of community and has been since the early 1700s. Th...
5 mi from route
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 232.5
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 73% of the route utilizing major roads like US 281 and I 69C. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 118.2 miles on US 281, so be prepared for extended periods on this main artery. The character of the drive is defined by its efficiency and focus on covering ground. While it emphasizes highway travel, the inclusion of roads like the Purple Heart Trail suggests moments where the journey might feel more connected to the landscape, even within a predominantly fast-paced route. Expect a consistent driving experience as you progress north.
73% 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: 118.2 mi on US 281.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 281 and I 69C. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 238.5 miles in.
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 20 significant decision points across 321.1 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 238.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 252.5 miles (North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Starting in Palmview, TX
Full guide →Founded 1978
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 56m. Total distance: 321.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 118.2 miles on US 281. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 238.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 252.5 miles (North Pan Am Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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