How Long Does It Take To Drive From Austin, Texas to Riverside, California?

Are you planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Riverside, California? If so, you may be wondering how long it will take to drive there. The total distance between these two locations is approximately 1,220 miles, which can take anywhere from 17 hours to 23 hours depending on the route you choose and traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Austin to Riverside is via I-10 W, which covers a distance of about 1180 miles, and can take around 17 to 20 hours to drive. This route is the quickest, but be prepared for traffic in larger cities like San Antonio, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

The slowest route is via US-90 W and US-54 W, which covers around 1,335 miles, and takes 22 to 23 hours to reach your destination. The route passes through smaller cities and towns, which can be scenic, but add to the overall travel time.

Travel Time Based on Traffic Patterns

The total time to cover the distance depends significantly on factors like time of day and traffic patterns. During peak hours, the drive time on both routes may be longer, and it's wise to avoid large cities' rush hours. If you're traveling during the daytime, it can take longer to complete the journey, especially around Phoenix or San Bernardino.

If you don't mind driving through the night and are comfortable driving on highways, leaving early morning/late night, i.e., between 2 AM - 5 AM is the best time to avoid traffic. Though it's always good to plan for rest stops, especially on longer routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the drive time from Austin to Riverside can vary depending on the route you choose and the traffic you encounter. The I-10 W route is the fastest and covers a distance of around 1180 miles, while the US-90 W and US-54 W routes are about 1335 miles long and take longer. It's wise to leave at off-peak hours or early morning/late night hours, especially in larger cities. With this traffic and route information, you should now have a better idea of how to plan your travel time and enjoy the journey.