Origin
Seymour, TX
Late night in Seymour on Sunday
Local time
2:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Seymour, 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 57m
Distance
292.2 mi
470 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 44m
★
6 AM
5h 57m
8 AM
6h 23m
10 AM
6h 7m
12 PM
6h 4m
3 PM
6h 8m
5 PM
6h 22m
8 PM
5h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Seymour, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Seymour, TX to Austin, TX is 292.2 miles and takes about 5h 57m via South US Highway 281 and US Highway 183, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily sticks to highways, making it a straightforward trip from the Great Plains region of North Texas down to its counterpart near Austin. Expect an 88% highway experience, so if you're looking for a quick, efficient transit between these two points, this route delivers. It's a good choice for a single-day journey, allowing you to arrive in Austin with time to spare.
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
146.1 miles from Seymour, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South US Highway 281 | 61.1 mi | 1h 9m |
| US Highway 281 | 39.9 mi | 44m |
| South US Highway 183 | 35.3 mi | 38m |
| State Highway 114 | 31.8 mi | 47m |
| State Highway 337 | 21.1 mi | 21m |
| North US Highway 281 | 19 mi | 20m |
| 183A Toll Road | 14.3 mi | 14m |
| State Highway 16 South | 14.2 mi | 20m |
Longest stretch:
South US Highway 281
— 61.1 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Seymour, TX and Austin, TX.
1
Start on US 183 Business; US 277 Business; US 283 Business; TX 114
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Main Street
2
Turn left onto TX 114
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Ingram Street
3
Continue on TX 114
32 mi
·
47 min
·
State Highway 114
4
Continue on TX 114
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
5
Continue on TX 114
9.8 mi
·
14 min
·
State Highway 114 East
6
Turn right onto FM 1769
8.0 mi
·
14 min
·
FM 1769
7
At end of road, turn left onto US Highway 380 West
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
US Highway 380 West
8
Continue on US 380; TX 16
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Elm Street
9
Continue on TX 16
14 mi
·
20 min
·
State Highway 16 South
10
Continue on TX 337
21 mi
·
21 min
·
State Highway 337
11
At end of road, turn left onto US 180; BH
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
US Highway 180 West
12
Continue on US 180; BH
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Southwest 1st Street
13
Turn right onto US 281
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
South Oak Avenue
14
Continue on US 281
40 mi
·
44 min
·
US Highway 281
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on US 281
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Continue on US 281
18 mi
·
20 min
·
South US Highway 281
17
Continue on US 281; TX 6
0.4 mi
·
28 sec
·
North 2nd Street
18
Turn right onto US 281
0.6 mi
·
38 sec
·
North Walnut Street
Use the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto US 281
19 mi
·
20 min
·
North US Highway 281
20
Continue on US 281
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
North Rice Street
21
Continue on US 281
43 mi
·
49 min
·
South US Highway 281
22
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
North Key Avenue
23
Continue on US 183
35 mi
·
38 min
·
South US Highway 183
24
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
this road
25
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi
·
14 min
·
183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on US 183
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
US 183
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South
Use the slight right lane.
29
Merge onto Loop 1
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Mopac Expressway
30
Take the exit
423 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Express 1 Toll
Use the slight left lane.
31
Merge onto Express 1 Toll
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Express 1 Toll
32
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward West 5th Street
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
34
Turn straight onto West 5th Street
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
West 5th Street
Use the straight lane.
35
Arrive at destination
East 5th Street
Trip Plan
Given this is a single-day trip of under 6 hours, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will allow you to reach Austin well before evening. While there's only one recommended stop, consider breaking up the longest stretch of 61.1 miles for a quick stretch and to check your fuel. With 88% of the drive on highways, pay attention to speed limit changes as you approach towns. Your estimated fuel cost is around $44, so plan accordingly before you set off.
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 146.1 miles from Seymour, TX, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.1 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 64 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.1 miles or 3h 10m 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 57m
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 Seymour, 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 Seymour, TX
This is one driving day of about 292.2 miles and 5h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Seymour, 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 South US Highway 281 for about 61.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
146 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 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.1 miles from Seymour, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before South US Highway 281 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.1 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 155 decision points cluster between mile 260.8 and 290.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
260.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m 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
282.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 43m 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
283 mi into trip
|
~5h 44m 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
285.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 47m 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
290.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 53m 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
$44.15 one way
$88.30 round trip
$3.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
102 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.20 | $48.33 | $96.66 |
| premium | $4.54 | $52.17 | $104.34 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $64.51 | $129.03 |
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
$44
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.7 | 1 | $30.68 | $14.03 |
| Efficient EV | 73.1 | 0 | $25.57 | $11.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 116.9 | 1 | $40.91 | $18.70 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Destination
Austin, TX
Late night in Austin on Sunday
Local time
2:30 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
6 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 57m 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 predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 88% of your journey on major roadways. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including one segment of 61.1 miles on South US Highway 281. The character of the road is consistent, designed for steady progress rather than winding exploration. Expect a straightforward driving experience that prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.1 mi on South US Highway 281.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on South US Highway 281 and US Highway 281. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 260.8 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 15 significant decision points across 292.2 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 260.8 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 282.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 283 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 5h 57m. Total distance: 292.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.1 miles on South US Highway 281. 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 260.8 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 282.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 283 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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