Road Trip from Austin to Long Beach: Time It Takes To Get There

Are you planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Long Beach, California? Maybe it's for work, or maybe you just want to explore the beauty of the West Coast. Regardless of your reason for the trip, it's important to know how long it will take you to get there. Keep reading for a breakdown of the time it takes to drive from Austin to Long Beach, depending on the route you take and the traffic patterns you encounter.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Austin to Long Beach is through major highways, including I-10 W and I-8 W, which will take you 1,385 miles away from Austin and straight to Long Beach. Driving non-stop, you can expect to reach Long Beach in about 21.5 hours. However, you'll have to factor in gas stops, bathroom breaks, and meals along the way.

Peak Traffic Times

If you're traveling during the holidays or during the summer, expect a lot more traffic than usual. This can add a good couple of hours to your travel time. To be safe, plan for a travel time of up to 24 hours.

Low Traffic Times

Traffic is usually much lighter from October to April. If you're able to leave during this time, you might shave off a couple of hours from your travel time. Keep in mind, though, that the weather conditions can be quite unpredictable.

Slowest Route

If you're not in a rush or want to enjoy scenic views along the way, you might consider taking the 2,000-mile-long route from Austin to Long Beach via Route 66. You'll have to take I-40 W and then make your way through Route 66. While this route is exciting, it's also much longer than the fastest route and can take around 33 hours to reach Long Beach, not factoring in pit stops and detours.

Peak Traffic Times

Traffic is not as big of an issue on this route. However, you might have to deal with road detours or roadblocks, depending on the time of year.

Low Traffic Times

The peak time to travel for this route is from April to September. If your road trip is during this time, you might experience more traffic and closed roads.

Conclusion

The driving time it takes from Austin to Long Beach depends on several factors, including the time of year you're traveling, the route you take, traffic patterns and road conditions. Whether you choose the fastest or slowest route, the journey promises to be thrilling and breathtaking. However, be sure to plan your trip accordingly so that you can enjoy every moment of it to the fullest. Safe travels!