Drive Time: Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas

Are you planning a road trip from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas? Driving a long distance can be exhausting, but with proper planning, it can be a fun and memorable experience. One of the most important factors to consider when planning your trip is how long it will take to get there. In this blog post, we will take a look at the different routes to get from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas and how long each one will take.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas is via I-35 S, which is approximately 940 miles long. It will take you around 14-16 hours to get there, depending on traffic patterns. If you leave early in the morning or late at night when there's less traffic, you can expect to arrive in Austin in 14 hours. However, if you leave during the peak traffic hours, it may take you up to 16 hours. Keep in mind that this route requires driving through several cities like Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Dallas, which can cause traffic congestion during peak hours.

The Scenic Route

If you're not in a hurry, you can take the scenic route from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas. This route takes you through several state highways and provides stunning views of the countryside. You can take US-69 S to KS-7 S, then continue on KS-47 S to I-35 S. This route is approximately 1,000 miles long and will take you around 17-19 hours to get to Austin. However, keep in mind that this route may have longer driving times and mileage than the fastest route, but it has better scenic views along the way.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas is via US-69 S, which is approximately 1,200 miles long. This route will take you around 20-22 hours to get there, depending on traffic patterns. The upside to taking this route is that you'll cross several states, including Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, which can present different road and dining choices. This route can also provide some scenic views like Red Rocks State Park, Clinton Lake, and others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the drive time from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas differs depending on the route you choose to take and the traffic patterns you encounter along the way. Be sure to plan ahead, figure out which route suits your preferences best, and give yourself plenty of time to make the trip. With beautiful countryside vistas, occasional historic landmarks, and worthwhile attractions along the way, you're sure to have a great time getting there. Safe travels, and enjoy the ride!