Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Stamford, 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
4h 54m
Distance
260.1 mi
419 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 41m
★
6 AM
4h 55m
8 AM
5h 22m
10 AM
5h 4m
12 PM
5h 1m
3 PM
5h 5m
5 PM
5h 20m
8 PM
4h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Stamford, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Stamford to Austin covers 256 miles and takes approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes of driving time. Since the entire journey stays within the Great Plains region of Texas, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. You should budget about $38 for fuel to make the trek. Navigating this route involves a mix of West McHarg Street, US 277, and Commercial Avenue. Because the total duration is manageable, it works best as a direct drive, though factoring in at least one stop will keep you refreshed. It is a straightforward trip that links two distinct Texas communities without requiring an overnight stay.
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
130.1 miles from Stamford, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 27m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 183 | 44.5 mi | 49m |
| US 83 | 42.2 mi | 47m |
| 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 |
| US 277 | 14.2 mi | 16m |
Longest stretch:
US 183
— 44.5 mi, about 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Stamford, TX and Austin, TX.
1
Start on TX 6
60 ft
·
3 sec
·
East McHarg Avenue
2
Continue on US 277 Business
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West McHarg Street
3
Turn left onto US 277 Frontage Road
335 ft
·
6 sec
·
US 277 Frontage Road
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
5
Merge onto US 277
14 mi
·
16 min
·
US 277
6
Turn slight right onto US 83; US 277
32 mi
·
35 min
·
Commercial Avenue
7
Continue on US 83; US 84
42 mi
·
47 min
·
US 83; US 84
8
Continue on US 84; US 283; TX 206
0.6 mi
·
46 sec
·
US 84; US 283; TX 206
9
Turn left onto US 84; US 283
11 mi
·
12 min
·
US 84; US 283
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 67; US 84
21 mi
·
24 min
·
US 67; US 84
11
Turn right onto US 84; US 183
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Garmon Drive
12
Continue on US 84; US 183
29 mi
·
33 min
·
US Highway 84 East
13
Turn right onto US 183; TX 16
22 mi
·
25 min
·
US 183; TX 16
14
Continue on US 183; US 190
15 mi
·
15 min
·
US 183; US 190
15
Merge onto US 183; US 190; US 281
260 ft
·
4 sec
·
North US Highway 281
16
Continue on US 183; US 190; US 281
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
North Key Avenue
17
Continue on US 183
35 mi
·
38 min
·
South US Highway 183
18
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
29 sec
·
this road
19
Keep slight left at fork onto 183A Toll
14 mi
·
14 min
·
183A Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on US 183
7.5 mi
·
8 min
·
US 183
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Toward Loop 1: Mopac Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward Loop 1 South: Mopac Boulevard South
Use the slight right lane.
23
Merge onto Loop 1
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Mopac Expressway
24
Take the exit
423 ft
·
10 sec
Toward Express 1 Toll
Use the slight left lane.
25
Merge onto Express 1 Toll
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Express 1 Toll
26
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward West 5th Street
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
28
Turn straight onto West 5th Street
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
West 5th Street
Use the straight lane.
29
Arrive at destination
East 5th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a 4-hour and 21-minute trip, departing early in the morning allows you to arrive in Austin with plenty of time to spare. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the drive, as the turn-heavy nature of the roads requires more focus than a typical highway route. Keep your fuel budget of $38 in mind and top off before leaving Stamford to avoid unnecessary detours. Given the lack of high-speed highway segments, remain patient with your pace and enjoy the local character of the roads. If you find the drive tiring, remember that you have the flexibility to pull over whenever needed since you aren't constrained by a rigid interstate schedule.
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 130.1 miles from Stamford, TX, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 44.5 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 57 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 130.1 miles or 2h 27m 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
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 Stamford, 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 Stamford, TX
This is one driving day of about 260.1 miles and 4h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Stamford, 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 183 for about 44.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
130 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 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 130.1 miles from Stamford, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Rest Area US-84 US-283
0 mi from route
San Saba Picnic Area
0 mi from route
QuikTrip
0.9 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 websiteLakeline Park
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.8 mi from route
~2 min detour
Cedar Park, Texas
+15124015500
Visit websiteParamount Theatre
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Abilene, Texas
+13256769620
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
Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Visit website12th Armored Division Memorial
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Near the start, short detour
First break
2.9 mi from route
~7 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+13256776515
Visit websiteThe Discovery Center & Truth Bookstore
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the start, short detour
First break
3.2 mi from route
~8 min detour
Abilene, Texas
Hours: 1–5 pm
+13256735050
Visit websiteBarton 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 228.7 and 258.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
228.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 17m 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
250.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 40m 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
250.9 mi into trip
|
~4h 41m 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
253.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 45m 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
258.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 50m 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
$35.63 one way
$71.25 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
91 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $39.79 | $79.59 |
| premium | $4.23 | $43.26 | $86.53 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $49.11 | $98.22 |
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
$36
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 91 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 78 | 0 | $27.31 | $12.48 |
| Efficient EV | 65 | 0 | $22.76 | $10.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 104 | 1 | $36.41 | $16.65 |
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Stamford, TX
Late night in Stamford on Monday
Local time
2:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
SSE 5 to 10 mph
15% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:19AM CDT until July 22 at 7:46AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:19AM CDT until July 21 at 3:48AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Destination
Austin, TX
Late night in Austin on Monday
Local time
2:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Mostly Cloudy
S 5 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:19AM CDT until July 22 at 7:46AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 18 at 3:19AM CDT until July 21 at 3:48AM CDT by NWS Corpus Christi 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
5 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
4h 54m 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?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise on this journey. Because the route features zero highway miles, you will spend the entire 256-mile duration navigating surface roads and local connectors. You will not find any long, uninterrupted stretches of highway; the longest stretch on West McHarg Street is effectively 0 miles, keeping your hands busy at the wheel. This experience is defined by constant transitions rather than high-speed cruising. Prepare for a more engaged driving style as you make your way through the local infrastructure connecting these two points.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 44.5 mi on US 183.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 183 and US 83. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 228.7 miles in near 183A Toll / 183A Toll Road.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 260.1 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 228.7 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 250.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 250.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,987 ft
487 ft
Total Climb
515 ft
Total Descent
1,641 ft
Highest Point
1,987 ft
~55.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,500 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Stamford, TX
Full guide →Stamford is in the North Central Plains region 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 4h 54m. Total distance: 260.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 44.5 miles on US 183. 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.
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 228.7 miles (183A Toll / 183A Toll Road): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 250.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 250.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Austin, TX, but most travelers stay overnight.
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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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