Road Trip Chronicles: Austin to Downtown Kansas City

Looking for a road trip that takes you away from your routine and into the heart of the Midwest? Look no further than the drive from Austin, Texas to Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. This adventurous route is a journey through beautiful stretches of countryside and bustling urban centers. But how long does it take to get there? Let's explore the different routes and the time it takes to complete each one.

The Fastest Route

If speed is your top priority, then your best bet is to take the fastest route from Austin to Kansas City. This takes you from I-35 N, straight through Dallas and up to Kansas City. The distance of this route is around 570 miles and the driving time varies depending on traffic patterns. On off-peak hours, the journey takes around 8 hours. However, during high-traffic hours, particularly the morning and evening rush, the driving time can take up to 11 hours.

The Slowest Route

If you have time to kill, you might consider taking a detour and adding some scenic routes to your trip. The slowest route takes you through I-35 and then up to Oklahoma City before driving through Kansas towards Kansas City. This route covers around 742 miles, taking around 11-12 hours.

The Middle Route

Want to balance your travel time and take a different route? Consider taking the middle route that runs through I-35 and I-44 by driving through Tulsa and then up to Kansas City. This route covers just over 678 miles and usually takes around 9-10 hours. However, if you choose to take this route during heavy traffic hours, you can expect the travel time to increase by around an hour or so.

Some Tips

When planning a road trip, it's best to factor in the unforeseen. Never commit to a strict timetable on the road. Things happen; you might come across a stretch of road traffic, a few pit stops or some unplanned sightseeing. Additionally, no two trips along this route are the same, there can be road closures or construction work on the road, so it’s always a good idea to have a Plan B in mind.

A trip to Kansas City from Austin is a great way to explore the Midwest region on your own terms. Whatever route you choose, be sure to take breaks along the way to avoid fatigue. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the road on your way to one of the most exciting cities in the Midwest. Safe travels!