Driving Time between Austin, Texas and Charlottesville, Virginia

A picture depicting driving

Road-Tripping from Austin to Charlottesville: Which Route Should You Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Charlottesville, Virginia but unsure which route to take? Look no further! This post will give you all the information you need to pick the best route for you.

The Routes:

There are a few different routes to choose from when driving from Austin to Charlottesville, but the main two are:

  • The Southern Route: This route takes you through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia before arriving in Virginia. This route is the shortest, but it can also be the most congested especially around the big cities.
  • The Northern Route: This route takes you through Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. It's a little longer than the southern route but generally has less traffic and more scenic views.

The Distances and Times:

If you're using GPS, it's likely that the southern route will be your default route. However, it can be beneficial to double-check your options depending on your preferences for travel time and scenery.

  • The Southern Route is approximately 1,360 miles and takes around 20 hours of drive time. During peak rush hours, it can take longer than the anticipated time. Plan ahead for heavy traffic in major cities along the way such as: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Charlotte.

  • The Northern Route is approximately 1,550 miles and takes around 23 hours of drive time. While it takes longer than the southern route, there is generally less traffic and more scenic views. Peak rush hours in areas such as St. Louis and Indianapolis can add some extra time to the journey.

The Bottom Line:

In the end, it all depends on your priorities: do you want to arrive the fastest or are you willing to sacrifice some time for a scenic drive? Consider the time you have available for your journey, and what you hope to experience along the way. Better yet, plan to stop at some of the country's magnificent national and state parks, rivers, and other attractions along the route such as the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Mammoth Cave National Park. Remember to stay hydrated, take breaks every few hours, and enjoy the journey. Safe travels!