The Quick Drive to Bee Cave: How Long Will It Take from Austin?

If you're planning a trip from Austin, Texas to Bee Cave, Texas, it's good to know the distances and travel times of different routes. Bee Cave is a lively town just southwest of Austin, and the drive can be both quick and scenic. We’ve examined the fastest and slowest routes, some considerations for traffic patterns, and estimated travel times for peak and low traffic times.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route to Bee Cave from downtown Austin is to take the TX-1 Loop S until you hit the Capital of Texas Highway/ Loop 360 exit. Keep on 360 until you get to Bee Cave Parkway, then make a left and you’re there! This 18 mile drive should take around 25 minutes in average traffic conditions.

Taking the Scenic Route

For a longer, more scenic route, take TX-1 S to Highway 290 W, then head south on Nutty Brown Road to FM 1826, where you will find yourself in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Continue to The Shops at the Galleria, make a left at the traffic light onto Bee Cave Rd, and proceed until you reach Westlake Drive. From there, you can proceed to Highway 2244 and then into the heart of Bee Cave. While this route is around 28 miles, it's well worth the added scenery. It will take around 40-45 minutes in average traffic conditions.

Traffic Considerations

You’ll want to avoid the peak hours for the best travel times, which are weekdays during mornings and evenings in and out of Austin. This means that the fastest route to Bee Cave can take up to 45 minutes during rush hour in the city. In low traffic, however, the same route takes less than 25 minutes. The scenic route can take the same time, depending on traffic volumes.

Conclusion

It's always best to consider the time of day you’re making the drive from downtown Austin to Bee Cave, and selecting the best path that is the quickest. Whether you choose the fastest or the most picturesque route, the pleasant country atmosphere and friendly people in Bee Cave are all well worth the trip!