Concho County Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Stanton, TX to Austin, TX
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 57m
Distance
307.2 mi
494 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 44m
★
6 AM
5h 57m
8 AM
6h 23m
10 AM
6h 6m
12 PM
6h 4m
3 PM
6h 7m
5 PM
6h 22m
8 PM
5h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Stanton, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Austin, TX
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Stanton, TX to Austin, TX is 307.2 miles and takes about 5h 57m via US 87 and TX 71, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you from the western edge of the Great Plains into the heart of Texas, primarily sticking to major roadways. It's a straightforward trip, well-suited for a single day of driving if you get an early start. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two Texas points without extensive planning.
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
153.6 miles from Stanton, TX
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 87 | 104.4 mi | 1h 55m |
| TX 71 | 58 mi | 1h 18m |
| State Highway 71 | 47.2 mi | 50m |
| William B Crooker Memorial Highway | 44.3 mi | 44m |
| US Highway 87 South | 14.6 mi | 14m |
| I 20 | 13.6 mi | 13m |
| Bee Caves Road | 10.3 mi | 15m |
| TX 29 | 2.8 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
US 87
— 104.4 mi, about 1h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Stanton, TX and Austin, TX.
1
Start on South Saint Mary Street
85 ft
·
5 sec
·
South Saint Mary Street
2
Turn right onto I 20 Bus
0.7 mi
·
58 sec
·
East Front Street
3
Continue on I 20 Bus
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Business I-20
4
Turn straight onto I 20 Bus
389 ft
·
14 sec
·
I 20 Bus
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward I 20 East: Abilene
6
Merge onto I 20
14 mi
·
13 min
·
I 20
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Exit 173
Toward US 87 South: San Angelo
8
Turn straight onto West Interstate 20
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
West Interstate 20
9
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
10
Merge onto US 87
44 mi
·
44 min
·
William B Crooker Memorial Highway
11
Continue on US 87; TX 158; TX 163
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
4th Street
12
Continue on US 87
15 mi
·
14 min
·
US Highway 87 South
13
Continue on US 87
104 mi
·
1 hr 55 min
·
US 87
14
Turn right onto US 87; US 190; US 377
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Bridge Street
15
Turn left onto TX 71
47 mi
·
50 min
·
State Highway 71
16
Turn left onto TX 29; TX 71
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
TX 29; TX 71
17
Turn right onto TX 16; TX 71
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Bessemer Avenue
18
Continue on TX 16; TX 71
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Ford Street
19
Turn left onto TX 71
58 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
TX 71
20
Turn left onto RM 2244
8.0 mi
·
11 min
·
Bee Caves Road
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on RM 2244
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Bee Cave Road
22
Continue on RM 2244
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Bee Caves Road
23
Turn left onto South Mopac Service Road
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
South Mopac Service Road
Use the left lane.
24
Take the ramp
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward Loop 1 North
25
Merge onto Loop 1
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
South Mopac Expressway
26
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
Toward 5th Street, Lake Austin Boulevard, Cesar Chavez Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward West 5th Street, Lake Austin Boulevard
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork
120 ft
·
2 sec
Toward 5th Street
Use the slight right lane.
29
Turn straight onto West 5th Street
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
West 5th Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Arrive at destination
East 5th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 57m drive, aim to leave Stanton before 8:00 AM to avoid midday heat and traffic. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically around the halfway point for fuel and a quick break. Watch for the shift from highway to more local roads as you get closer to Austin; this transition is where you'll need to be most attentive. The $45 fuel cost is an estimate, so topping off before leaving Stanton is a good idea, especially if you plan on any detours or extensive idling.
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 153.6 miles from Stanton, TX, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 104.4 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 68 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 153.6 miles or 2h 45m 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 38m
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 Stanton, 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 Stanton, TX
This is one driving day of about 307.2 miles and 5h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Stanton, 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 87 for about 104.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
154 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 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 153.6 miles from Stanton, TX, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 87 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 104.4 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.
Picnic Area
0 mi from route
Coke County Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
TXB Market
2.4 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 websiteDead Man's Hole Historical Landmark
4.4
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Near the end, ~11 min detour
Home stretch
4.2 mi from route
~11 min detour
Marble Falls, Texas
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18306932815
Visit websiteUnidad Park
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Early stretch
4.5 mi from route
~11 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+13256574279
Visit websiteFort Concho National Historic Landmark
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Early stretch
4.6 mi from route
~12 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+13254812646
Visit websiteSan Angelo Convention & Visitors Bureau
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Early stretch
4.8 mi from route
~12 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm
+13256554136
Visit websiteRailway Museum of San Angelo
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Early stretch
4.6 mi from route
~11 min detour
San Angelo, Texas
Hours: Closed
+13254862140
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 15.5 and 305.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
15.5 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Take the exit toward US 87 South: San Angelo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 173
Toward US 87 South: San Angelo
6
304.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 51m in
|
South Mopac Service Road
Turn left onto South Mopac Service Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
305.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 52m in
Take the exit toward 5th Street, Lake Austin Boulevard, Cesar Chavez Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward 5th Street, Lake Austin Boulevard, Cesar...
9
305.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward West 5th Street, Lake Austin Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward West 5th Street, Lake Austin Boulevard
8
305.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 53m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 5th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 5th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.08 one way
$84.15 round trip
$3.48/gal
25.4 MPG avg
108 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.89 | $47.00 | $94.00 |
| premium | $4.23 | $51.10 | $102.20 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $58.01 | $116.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 107.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 92.2 | 1 | $32.26 | $14.75 |
| Efficient EV | 76.8 | 0 | $26.88 | $12.29 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 122.9 | 1 | $43.01 | $19.66 |
Gas CO2
107 kg
EV CO2
36 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
Stanton, TX
Morning in Stanton on Sunday
Local time
10:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 15 mph
45% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:31PM CDT until July 19 at 1:30PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:31PM CDT until July 19 at 6:30AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Destination
Austin, TX
Morning in Austin on Sunday
Local time
10:17 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Mostly Sunny
S 10 mph
2% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:31PM CDT until July 19 at 1:30PM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 2:31PM CDT until July 19 at 6:30AM CDT by NWS Austin/San Antonio TX
95°F
Mason, TX
154 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
10 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells the story of our 36th president beginning with his ancestors until his final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. This entire "circle of life" gives...
23 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 254.2
Park Closure: Texas White House Complex Closure
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is predominantly highway driving, with 79% of the route on major roads. You'll experience a continuous stretch of 104.4 miles on US 87, offering a solid period of open road cruising. The drive transitions to surface roads as you approach your destination, introducing more local traffic and intersections. Expect a consistent pace for most of the drive.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 104.4 mi on US 87.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 87 and TX 71. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.5 miles in.
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 19 significant decision points across 307.2 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 15.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 304.4 miles (South Mopac Service Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 305.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,697 ft
487 ft
Total Climb
224 ft
Total Descent
2,404 ft
Highest Point
2,697 ft
~21.9 mi in
Elevation Range
2,211 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Stanton, 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 57m. Total distance: 307.2 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 (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 104.4 miles on US 87. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 5 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 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 15.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 304.4 miles (South Mopac Service Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 305.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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