Best Routes for Driving from Birmingham, Alabama to Austin, Texas

Driving from Birmingham, Alabama to Austin, Texas can be a long trip, but it’s not impossible. The distance between these two cities is approximately 800 miles. With the right route, driving from Birmingham to Austin can be an enjoyable journey. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring different routes to get from Birmingham to Austin, the distance of that route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Route

The fastest route to get from Birmingham, Alabama to Austin, Texas is via I-20 W and I-35 S. This route is approximately 850 miles long and takes approximately 13 hours to drive non-stop. However, it’s important to note that this time can increase with traffic, rest stops and other unforeseen circumstances.

During peak traffic times, it can take up to 15 hours to traverse this route. Rush hour traffic varies depending on location. For example, rush hour traffic in Atlanta can be quite heavy around 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM. This can add hours to your drive time. In contrast, during low traffic times, the same route can take as little as 12 hours.

Slowest Route

The slowest route to get from Birmingham to Austin is via US-82 W and US-287 S. This route is approximately 1,100 miles long and can take up to 19 hours to drive non-stop. This route will take you through Louisiana, which is home to world-famous seafood and music and cultural events. During peak traffic times, this route can take up to 22 hours to traverse. Low traffic times will also reduce this travel time to 17 hours.

Alternative Routes

There are a few additional routes you could take to get from Birmingham, Alabama to Austin, Texas. Depending on your preferences, you may decide to take these routes for a memorable journey. For instance, you could take I-20 W through Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Jackson to reach Dallas, Texas. Then you can get to Austin by taking I-35 S, Austin's major north-south running highway. You can expect to travel around 1,000 miles via this route, and it can take up to 15 hours during peak traffic hours. Low traffic times will take roughly 12 hours.

Another alternative route is through Arkansas via I-30 W and I-35 S. This route is around 900 miles long and takes approximately 15 hours to drive without rest stops and traffic. It’s worth noting that while this route is shorter than the slowest one, it can have high traffic around Little Rock.

Conclusion

In conclusion, driving from Birmingham, Alabama to Austin, Texas is an exciting journey with many routes to choose from. The fastest route is via I-20 W and I-35 S, which takes 13-15 hours to drive during peak and low traffic times, respectively. While the slowest route is via US-82 W and US-287 S that takes around 19-22 hours depending on the traffic. However, taking scenic routes via Arkansas and Louisiana offers more memorable experiences for any travelers. Please ensure to take enough rest stops at regular intervals, especially stretched during long drives, and adequate breaks to enjoy the sights.